Weber also guarantees major parts on its 2022 Genesis grills—including the grates, hoods, burner tubes, lid assembly, and cookbox—for at least 10 years. Charcoal grills are much cheaper, however, and they can burn hotter than gas grills, for a better sear. Charcoal also imparts a pleasantly smoky flavor to your food, which is something you can’t get from a gas flame. But charcoal takes time to light, and you have to be comfortable with moving around coals and fiddling with vents to control the grill’s heat.
One of the interesting drawbacks is the difference in warranty the Spirit has vs the Spirit II. Due to fluctuation of our in-store inventory, we are not currently selling this grill model online. Please contact us directly about the availability of this product. Most grills have a mechanical igniter of either the push-button or rotary design. More convenient is a battery-operated electronic igniter, which usually ignites the gas on the first try. Some grills also have lighting holes, on the side of or beneath the grill, that can be used with a match should the igniter fail.
The temperature gauge is easy to use and is great for ensuring that you choose as precise of a setting as you desire. What I am impressed about here is the GS4 grilling system, of which, the infinity ignition system is a major function. Essentially, it ensures that the grill lights up faster and I have to say, this feature works like a charm.
A good one costs $400 to $900, but it will serve you well for years. That’s more than twice the price of a quality charcoal grill, but if you prioritize speed and convenience, the higher price is worth it. The Weber Spirit SX-315 Smart Grill is the smart version of our pick, the Weber Spirit II E-310.
As it is all battery operated, the effort is taken out of your hands. I know this is something that newer users are going to like about this grill. The side shelves are definitely char broil performance a great feature and practically a must at this price point. Despite this, you would be surprised to see how many other brands don’t bother with such an important function.
With a generous grilling space and features consistent and superior temperature control and is designed to be roomy and self-sufficient at the same time. These grills are backed by a longer warranty than the Spirit grills but have fewer models available. Another limitation with the Spirit II is models in this series do not come with side burners. We cooked a grillfull of pre-made one-third pound hamburgers on high with the lid down.
The Spirit II E-310’s overall compact size (helped by a fold-down side table) suits almost any patio or deck. And yet its grilling surface is big enough to cook a complete meal for a family or a dozen burgers for a party. With a thick cast-aluminum firebox, this model will last Blackstone Adventure for years. (Weber’s warranty covers all parts for a full decade—among the best coverage in the industry.) For decades, the company has refined the Spirit’s design, too. This version includes an easily accessible externally mounted propane tank and an under-grill shelf.
There is also the fact that you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel again. This is great for larger cookouts – you always know when to keep a reserve on hand. Especially with larger cuts of meat, you can simply insert the probe and occassionally check your app to see how fast the meat is cooking. Speaking of thermometers, this grill can be hooked up to the Weber’s app connected thermometer. This accessory isn’t available with the grill and is sold separately.
When we visited Bering’s in Houston, we took measurements and got a thorough rundown of the grill’s features from a helpful staff member with a wealth of grilling knowledge. This model’s core design components—firebox, burners, control panel—are all the same as those of the Genesis II E-310, which we tested in 2017 and 2018. Knowing this, we’re confident that the new Genesis will weber spirit 2 perform at least as well as its predecessors. Our tests were designed and run by Wirecutter senior staff writer Lesley Stockton, who has a decade of experience in professional kitchens, much of it spent on the grill station. Senior staff writer Tim Heffernan, who wrote the original version of this guide, helped with testing, along with senior staff writer Michael Sullivan.