When you’re in the market for a new grill, there’s one name that you’ll see over and over again: Weber. They’re one of the most well-known grilling brands in the world and have been in business since 1952 when their founder, George Stephen, created the kettle grill after being inspired by a buoy.
Pros:
- Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Cooking Grates
- Good Heat Distribution
- Perfect Size for A Smaller Deck or Patio
Pros:
- Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Cooking Grates
- Heats Up Fast and High
- Assembly Direction is Easy To Follow
Over the years, several new product lines developed. In 1985, they introduced the first Genesis model. The Spirit followed in the early 90’s. Each line has continued to grow and evolve and, today, the second generation of both the Genesis and the Spirit are some of the best gas-powered grills around.
To help you decide between these two lines, we put together a comparisonso you can learn about what makes each one unique. Then, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top models to show you how they stack up so you can pick the one for you.
The Spirit vs The Genesis
The main difference between these two products is that the Spirit was designed as a starter grill, while the Genesis is a little more sophisticated.
In other words, if you cook out with your family once a week, the former is a great design that’s friendly to your budget. If you’re ready to take grilling a little more seriously, go for the latter.
Since both of these designs have been around for more than 20 years, we should note that the grills in this review are actually the Spirit II and the Genesis II. Both have been upgraded with the newest technology.
Useful Information
There are a few things that come standard with each of these models. One is the impressive 10-year 100% Weber guarantee.
The G4S Grilling Systemis something that Weber developed and now includes on most models. It consists of four upgrades.
- Infinity ignition uses heavy-duty wire coatings for improved heat resistance, easy to replace batteries, a protected ignition module, and improved electrodes so you don’t have to deal with the frustration of not being able to light up your grill because of a dead ignition.
- Upgraded burner tubeswere designed in response to customer complaints about uneven heating. Now, heat is consistent from one end to the other thanks in part to the tapered, reversible cooking grates.
- Triangular Flavorizer bars were added under the cooking surface. When grease falls, they deflect it away from the burner to keep flare-ups from happening. They also add flavor by catching the drippings and allowing the smoke and sizzle to addflavor back into your food.
- The last part of the system is grease management. Whatever isn’t vaporized by the flavorizer bars continues to roll down into a centralized collection pan. It’s easy to clean and makes cooking a little safer.
Weber also uses iGrill 3, a simple but brilliant way to monitor what you’re cooking. iGrill 3 is a thermometer that mounts to the side of your grill that communicates with an app on your Smartphone. You can monitor the internal temperature of up to four different pieces of meat and get a notification on your phone when they’re ready to eat.
Each of the models we included in our review is available in natural gas or propane compatible setups.
Finally, each of these Weber products is available in four different colors: crimson, smoke, copper, and black.
Find your favorite Weber grills here.
Top Weber Spirit & Genesis Reviews
1. Weber Spirit II E-210
Why you’ll love this:
This model may be a smaller version product, but it’s still large enough to feed up to six people. It’s the perfect size for a smaller group, too.
It shares a lot of features with the previously reviewed model, including the porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates, with the main difference being that it has 450 square inches of cooking space including the main cooking surface and warming rack. It also has only two burners and a total of 26,500 BTUs.
Although this is a smaller model, it’s still compatible with the high-tech iGrill 3 system. This model also features the GS4 Grilling system mentioned in the previous review. It cooks reliably, evenly, and safely and it produces even tastier food.
An open cart design adds more space for storage and also features six integrated hooks where you can hang your grilling tools while you cook. There are two side tables that provide additional work space and the left one can fold down just in case your space is limited to a small porch or balcony.
One more thing, two all-weather tires make it easy to move around to yard or into storage.
If you are interested for a comparison, here is Traeger vs Weber and see which is our winner!
2. Weber Spirit II E-310
Why you’ll love this:
With three stainless steel burners and a 30,000 BTU output, the E-310 is large enough to serve five to seven people. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates provide 529 square inches of cooking space between the main cooking area and a warming rack.
Something special about this grill are the reversible grates over the main cooking area. They provide a thin side for delicate foods like fish and a wider side for larger slabs of meat.
There are a lot of intuitive design features on it, too. For example, an easy-to-read fuel gauge lets you keep a close eye on how much fuel is left in the tank and, because the tank is mounted to the outside of the grill, it’s really easy to remove and replace when needed.
An open cart design with two large wheels provides extra storage space and ease of movement. Plus, there are six integrated hooks to keep your tools organized and easily accessible. While you’re grilling, use the two side tables for extra work space. The left one even folds down if you have limited room.
3. Weber Genesis IIE-310
Why you’ll love this:
This is one of the smaller models available, but it’s still incredibly impressive.
It features porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates that provide 513 square inches of cooking area as well as a Tuck-Away warming rack.
These cooking grates are as reversible as the ones on the Spirit grills, which allows you to have a thin cooking grate with more delicate cuts of meat.
It has three burners, 37,500 BTU, and has enough cooking area to serve up to nine or ten people. The tank is easy to access and has a gauge so you can keep an eye on your fuel level.
That’s not all: it also features the GS4 Grilling System and is iGrill 3 compatible.
It uses the same open cart design that provides additional storage space. There are six hooks for grilling tools and two work tables that give additional space for seasonings, sauces, and platters while you grill.
If you need to move it from one of the deck to the other or if you have a special place to store it in the winter, you’ll love the two durable, all-weather wheels and locking casters.
4. Weber Genesis II E-410
Why you’ll love it:
Our next model shares a lot of the same design elements as our top pick but on a slightly smaller scale.
For starters, the open cart design has a large storage area as well as two spacious stainless steel work tables for the extra space you need when you’re grilling. Plus, there are six hooks to keep your cooking utensils in arm’s reach.
To help with moving it when necessary, this design features two all-weather wheels plus two locking casters to keep it in place when it’s time to cook.
This model uses the same reversible, porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates that appeared on previous models we looked at. It also has a Tuck-Away warming rack that you can flip up and out of the way when you want to concentrate only on the main cooking area.
With this product, you 646 square inches of cooking space, four burners, and 48,00 BTUs so you can feed upwards of ten people at a time.
Of course, this option is also set up with GS4 Grilling System Technology and is compatible with iGrill 3, too.
5. Weber Genesis II LX E-640
Why you’ll love this:
The main standout model is the LX E-640.
For one thing, it’s huge.
The main cooking area is 770 square inches. Plus, with six stainless steel burners and 72,000 BTUs, it has enough power and space to feed large groups of people.
While other models use porcelain-enameled cast iron, this lovely unit features grates made of premium stainless steel rods that give more even heat distribution and hold onto heat so you get those gorgeous sear marks you’re looking for.
This grill also has a High+ setting that allows you to add a boost of heat anywhere on the main cooking surface. It preheats fast and can get to higher temperatures than other models.
There’s also a Tuck-Away warming rack as well as a side burner to prepare your famous BBQ sauce while the meat is searing.
Side tables and integrated tool hooks help you stay organized while your grill and keep everything you need right at hand. There’s also an integrated LED light so you can see the true color of your food as well as light up control knobs in case you want to do any night time grilling.
FINAL VERDICT
It’s easy to see why Weber has the reputation that it does. All of these products are remarkable. The GS4 Grilling System and iGrill 3 capabilities alone take them to the next level.
That said, if you’re looking for an option that will make grilling enthusiasts jealous, you have to check out the Weber 44030001 Spirit II E-210 LP. With improved infinity ignition, burners, porcelain-enameled Flavorizer Bars, and 450 Square inches of cooking space over two burners, this grill makes cooking out in the backyard into more of a gourmet experience.
For something that’s a little more budget friendly, our pick is the Spirit II E-310. There’s enough grilling space to feed up to seven people and the reversible grates give you a little more control over how your food cooks. The open cart design gives you just the right amount of storage and the collapsible table lets it fit into any space.
Another comparisons here in case you are interested between Weber and Big Green Egg
