are the model numbers the same for the '14 model vs the '15 model? Mine is being delivered by Friday and now I'm curious which one I'll be receiving.... I just assumed it would be a '15 model....
No, model numbers are different. 2015 model number is 16401001. You will definitely be receiving the '15 model. The '14 models are no longer made or sold. I had to go to great lengths to find one of the last few remaining NIB '14 models still available.
What makes the '14 that much better to go to those lengths?
Weber moved the vent in the lid for 2015. This was a change for the worse IMO. When the vent was in the old position you could smoke food with the charcoal in back near the lid bale and the food in the front near the pull handle on the outside of the bowl, so when you walk up to the grill and open the lid, the fire is on the left and the food is on the right giving you a left/right configuration.
Now with the vents moved, you have to either reach over the fire to tend to the food on the other side or reach over the food to tend to the fire on the other side or continually have to keep walking around the grill every time. Also, with the vent and thermometer now being opposite of each other, you can't adjust the top vent and read the thermometer at the same time. You now have to walk around the grill to get access to the other side or have to constantly keep spinning the lid?
The other thing is the new ash bucket has been changed. Now, it is too difficult to put it on and take it off. I am 50 years old and have arthritis in my hands. The last thing I want to have to do is squeeeeeze the handle super tight in order to get the bucket on and off. Personally, I think the ash bucket should slide in and out effortlessly just like the little compartment cup that holds the coffee filter in an automatic coffee maker.