I have a Weber E-420. When the lid is closed and it rains, I find the dripping collection pan full of water and overflowing, resulting in a real mess of water and drippings all over the inside of the bottom cabinet. Seems that this should not happen when the lid is closed. I cannot find any obvious ways the water can enter and drain into the collection pan. Is this a design flaw?

I have had probably 10 grills in my life and I have never had one that allows water into the grill area (thus draining into the drip pan) then the lid is closed. To me, it seems like a design flaw, especially since it does not happen just in "blowing" but happens in any type of rain. I have not had a chance to identify the exact loaction of water entry, but I do not think its the back vents because the collection plate (that funnels the water to the drip pan) is probably at least 3 inches from those vents. I need to run a hose over the grill to see where the water is entering. That said, I do have a high quality Weber grill cover, but sometime one forgets to cover a grill after a late night of grilling and it rains the next day. It just seems odd that the most expensive grill I have purchased has this problem, when literally every other Weber I have had did not. To me, this is a design flaw. Are you with Weber or just an expereinced griller that answers questions? I have had probably 10 grills in my life and I have never had one that allows water into the grill area (thus draining into the drip pan) then the lid is closed. To me, it seems like a design flaw, especially since it does not happen just in "blowing" but happens in any type of rain. I have not had a chance to identify the exact loaction of water entry, but I do not think its the back vents because the collection plate (that funnels the water to the drip pan) is probably at least 3 inches from those vents. I need to run a hose over the grill to see where the water is entering. That said, I do have a high quality Weber grill cover, but sometime one forgets to cover a grill after a late night of grilling and it rains the next day. It just seems odd that the most expensive grill I have purchased has this problem, when literally every other Weber I have had did not. To me, this is a design flaw. Are you with Weber or just an expereinced griller that answers questions?

I'm in the Hearth and Home retail business and sell Weber, Sterling Forge, and Broilmaster Grills. In addition to, gas logs Gas fireplaces, gas log stove and Outdoor Kitchens We also install and service what we sell. Plus, I'm an experienced griller, that does grilling shows and teaches classes to inexperienced grillers. Without a suitable cover, water will enter even the most expensive grills, like Sterling Forge. By the way, Weber is our entry level grill. None the less, you pretty much summed up the solution when you said, "but sometime one forgets to cover a grill after a late night of grilling and it rains the next day.." Things happen. If you really feel there's a design flaw, why not contact Weber? http://help.weber.com/contact.aspx I'm sure they would be happy to listen to any suggestions that you have. And perhaps, make a design change. It can't hurt, can it? I'm in the Hearth and Home retail business and sell Weber, Sterling Forge, and Broilmaster Grills. In addition to, gas logs Gas fireplaces, gas log stove and Outdoor Kitchens We also install and service what we sell. Plus, I'm an experienced griller, that does grilling shows and teaches classes to inexperienced grillers. Without a suitable cover, water will enter even the most expensive grills, like Sterling Forge. By the way, Weber is our entry level grill. None the less, you pretty much summed up the solution when you said, "but sometime one forgets to cover a grill after a late night of grilling and it rains the next day.." Things happen. If you really feel there's a design flaw, why not contact Weber? http://help.weber.com/contact.aspx I'm sure they would be happy to listen to any suggestions that you have. And perhaps, make a design change. It can't hurt, can it?

So water getting in is totally normal and should be expected (unless covered)? I need to figure out exactly where the water enters. I will also call Weber to see if others have the same problem and if there is any other retrofit solution. Its just frustrating to me as I've never had this problem before and even a short rain makes a complete mess unless its covered. Thanks So water getting in is totally normal and should be expected (unless covered)? I need to figure out exactly where the water enters. I will also call Weber to see if others have the same problem and if there is any other retrofit solution. Its just frustrating to me as I've never had this problem before and even a short rain makes a complete mess unless its covered. Thanks