How to Use the Weber Summit GC38 S Grill Center: From Rotisserie to Smoker Box

Imagine a lazy Sunday afternoon: the sun is dipping low, the neighbours have wandered into the yard with a cold drink, mouth-watering aromas are wafting, and you’re standing at the controls of your grill, ready to shine. You load up a beautifully seasoned leg of lamb on the rotisserie, light up the smoker box with wood chips, and after a couple of hours deliver a smoky, juicy masterpiece. That scenario? Totally possible — and today I’ll walk you step‑by‑step through how to use the Weber Summit GC38 S Grill Center to make it happen.

You’ll learn how to switch between rotisserie cooking, smoking food in the smoker box, and using this versatile beast like a pro. Plus I’ll answer the main questions people ask, so you don’t get stuck.

Let’s fire it up.

Introduction

The Weber Summit GC38 S Grill Center is not your ordinary grill. It’s a full‑blown outdoor cooking station with a side burner, integrated rotisserie, and a dedicated smoker box built in. One minute you’re searing steaks with top‑down infrared heat, the next you’re slow‑smoking brisket for hours. (Yes, really.)

In this post, you’ll find:

• How to set it up and get ready to grill

• How to use the rotisserie function

• How to use the smoker box for wood‑smoked flavour

• Tips and tricks (so you look like you know what you’re doing)

• Answers to the most common questions people ask
  
  

Let’s get started.

Getting Set Up — First Steps

Before you dive into rotisserie chicken or smoked ribs, you’ll want to get the grill station ready.

When your Weber Summit GC38 S arrives, you’ll notice it’s large: around 83½" wide and 27" deep when the lid is closed. BBQ Grills. It’s heavy too — around 370 lbs. Weber, so give yourself room, level ground, and help for unloading and assembly.

Fuel type

This unit comes both in liquid propane (LP) and natural gas versions..

Pre‑use check

• Remove packaging and protective film
  
  

• Check burners, knobs, connections
  
  

• Place the grill in a safe outdoor area away from anything flammable
  
  

• Connect your propane tank or natural‑gas line
  
  

• For the first use, run the burners on HIGH for 15 minutes with lid open to burn off manufacturing residues
  
  

Using the Rotisserie Function

One of the most fun features of the Summit GC38 S is the heavy‑duty integrated rotisserie.

How to set it up

1. Install the rotisserie motor and spit as directed in the manual. BBQ island’s description notes it “fits multiple chickens and large cuts of meat such as prime rib and leg of lamb.”
   
   

2. Secure the meat onto the spit, tightening the forks firmly so it won’t wobble.
   
   

3. Place the spit into the motor brackets and plug in the motor (if electric) or set it in place (if manual).
   
   

4. Lower the lid, set the burners under the meat to your desired setting. If you want to use the top‑down infrared broiler (for browning the top of the roast) you’ll need that burner engaged.
   
   

Cooking with the rotisserie

• Because the meat spins, it self‑bastes and stays juicy.
  
  

• For a turkey or chicken: set the main burners to medium/low heat, engage the spit and let it rotate until internal temperature reaches safe levels (e.g., 165 °F for poultry).
  
  

• For a leg of lamb or small roast: use medium heat, rotate until internal temperature is around 125‑130 °F for medium rare, then let it rest.
  
  

• Use the lid closed, which keeps the heat and smoke inside for better flavour.
  
  

Why use the rotisserie?

It gives a professional‑style result — meats that are evenly browned, juicy, and infused with flavour. The Summit’s rotisserie is one of its standout features.

Success story scenario

Picture this: a gathering of friends. You load up the rotisserie with two chickens and a pork loin at once (yes, there’s room). The motor hums. The lid closes. You wander off to greet guests while the grill does the work. An hour later you bring out golden‑spun chickens, the skin crisp, the meat tender. That’s the kind of moment the Summit GC38 S is built for.

Using the Smoker Box for Wood‑Flavoured Goodness

Smoking is becoming ever more popular — and the Summit GC38 S has a built‑in smoker box to make it easy.

What is the smoker box and why it matters

The smoker box is a stainless‑steel box that you fill with wood chips, then place inside the grill over a burner. The wood smokes and infuses flavour into your food. The Summit’s large size means you can use it without sacrificing other cooking space.

How to use it (step‑by‑step)

1. Choose your wood chips (hickory, apple, mesquite – your choice).
   
   

2. Measure about 2 cups of wood chips and spread them evenly across the bottom of the smoker box.
   
   

3. Close the lid of the smoker box, place it on the grill grates aligned over burner #1 (or whichever burner you choose).
   
   

4. Ignite the designated burner on HIGH until you see smoke starting. Then reduce that burner to LOW and adjust the others to your desired cooking settings.
   
   

5. Close the grill lid so the smoke penetrates the food.
   
   

6. When done, turn off burners, and leave the lid closed until the wood chips have extinguished. Remove the smoker box when not in use.
   
   

What you can smoke

• Ribs, brisket, pork shoulder – low‑and‑slow is perfect here

• Vegetables or fish – use milder wood chips and moderate heat

• Even cheeses, nuts or small logs of wood for a finishing smoky touch
  
  

Pro tip

Use a meat thermometer to track internal temperature rather than guessing. The lid temperature is useful but not enough for big cuts. Smoke settings vary widely depending on your wood chips and how tightly you close the lid.

Switching Between Modes — Grill, Sear, Rotisserie, Smoke

The beauty of the Summit GC38 S is its versatility. You’re not locked into one mode. Let’s talk about how to move between them.

Quick scenario

Start with a rotisserie chicken. When that’s done, you want to sear steaks for the guests. You can remove the spit, open the lid, crank the main burners plus the top‑down infrared broiler (the Summit features a 16,000 BTU top‑down infrared broiler) for high‑heat searing. 

The top‑down infrared broiler is ideal for caramelizing steaks edge‑to‑edge. Then after steaks, you might want to slow‑smoke a pork butt. Insert the smoker box, adjust burners, shut the lid, and you’re in low‑and‑slow territory. It’s that flexible.

Tips for seamless transitions

• Make sure the spit and motor are stowed safely when not in use.
  
  

• Use the side burner for side dishes while you grill or smoke the main. The Summit has a 12,000 BTU side burner.
  
  

• Keep your tools nearby: grab tongs, heat‑resistant mitts, meat thermometer.
  
  

• After high‑heat searing, you may want to turn down the main burners and cook indirectly (lid closed) for finishing.
  
  

Cleaning and Maintenance — Keep It Running Smooth

Great performance requires proper care. Here’s how to keep your Summit GC38 S functioning at its best.

After each use

• When grill is cool, wipe down grates to remove burnt food residue.
  
  

• Remove the smoker box and empty any leftover wood chips or ash.
  
  

• Brush off any grease that may have dripped into the drip tray.
  
  

• Check burners for blockages; clear if needed.
  
  

Periodic maintenance

• Every 3‑6 months: deep clean inside the cookbox from top down (as suggested in Weber’s guide).
  
  

• Check igniters and wiring periodically.
  
  

• Replace worn grates or FLAVORIZER bars if rusted or warped. The grill has long warranties: 15 years for the cookbox, 10 years for burners and grates.
  
  

Storage in off‑season

• Cover the grill or store under a weather‑proof cover to protect stainless steel.
  
  

• If natural gas version: shut off gas supply partly and disconnect until next season.
  
  

• Make sure the lid is closed and completely dry before covering.
  
  

FAQs — Your Questions, Answered

Here are some of the most asked questions about using this grill. I’ll answer each in simple, clear language so there’s no confusion.

Q: How many steaks or burgers can this grill cook at once?
A: The Summit GC38 S has a primary cooking area of about 681 square inches (19.25" x 35.75") for the main grates, and a top grate of 372 sq inches. That means you can easily fit 25 steaks or 33 burgers (per Weber’s spec) at once.

Q: Do I keep the lid open or closed when using the infrared broiler?
A: For searing with the top‑down infrared broiler (on high heat), keep the lid open and turn food frequently to get an even sear. When using the infrared with rotisserie or finishing, you can close the lid.

Q: Can I use the smoker box and rotisserie at the same time?
A: Yes — depending on your cooking plan. If you’re roasting on the spit and want mellow wood flavour, you can run the smoker box and let the smoke infuse while the rotisserie turns. Just keep the lid closed and monitor heat and smoke.

Q: How do I know when I’m low on fuel (propane)?
A: If you’re using the propane version, Weber mentions a tank‑scale indicator in the cabinet for checking the standard 20‑lb tank.

Q: What accessories can I use with this grill?
A: The model includes the Weber Crafted cooking grates and frame kit which allow you to drop in accessories (sold separately) like a griddle, pizza stone, wok, etc. 

What Makes This Grill Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether the Summit GC38 S is worth the investment, here are some angle to consider.

• Versatility: Rotisserie, smoker box, side burner, infrared broiler—all in one.
  
  

• Capacity: Big enough for a crowd—burgers, steaks, big cuts of meat.
  
  

• Features for flavour: Smoker box + infrared broiler = premium results.
  
  

• Durability: Strong specs, stainless steel construction, long warranties.
  
  

• All‑in‑one outdoor kitchen feel: More than just “grill.”
  
  

If you care about entertaining outdoors, delivering restaurant‑style results at home, and having a grill that adapts to many cooking modes, then this model delivers.

Final Thoughts & Natural Call to Action

You want to grill, smoke, and rotisserie — and you want it to be easy, repeatable, and fun. The Weber Summit GC38 S Grill Center gives you the tools. From setting up the rotisserie to loading the smoker box, you’ll move smoothly through each mode and come out with delicious results.

And if you want to browse other outdoor cooking gear or accessories, visit the main site: BBQIslandInc.

Start with one mode (maybe slow‑smoking ribs) and then build your confidence to switch into rotisserie and high‑heat searing. This grill center gives you the stage; you bring the flavour.

Happy grilling!