Size category for the grill, based on CR’s measurement of the main cooking grid area. Portable grills are grouped together regardless of cooking area, though typically these are small grills. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).
The one difference that makes any difference at all between these grills is that the Flavorizer bars on the E215 are stainless steel while the ones on the E210 are porcelain enameled steel. The stainless steel parts will outlast the porcelain enameled parts by about two years. I have been cooking on Weber grills for about 20 years now and currently own the Q3200, Traveler, Genesis 335 and a Weber Smokey Mountain. I suspect the only people who have “kicked the tires” on the different models of Weber grills more than me are the engineers that actually design these things. We cooked a grillfull of pre-made one-third pound hamburgers on high with the lid down.
If you’re looking for a big grill that has a larger cooking area and more power, consider the Weber Genesis E-325s. Our reader survey revealed high satisfaction with Weber grills’ performance and reliability. Of the 1,000-plus Wirecutter readers we surveyed, over 60% said they owned Weber grills.
Spirit II continues to be a solid, dependable tool for aspiring backyard pitmasters and pitmistresses. With the multitude of $300 gas grills invading the BBQ market every year, a big challenge Weber always faces is price. Although Spirit II is Weber’s entry level full-sized gas grill line, it is still more expensive than many popular low cost brands. However, most Spirit owners feel that Weber’s quality, durability, performance and customer service are worth it.
On paper, the Rogue 425 has a lot going for it, but we were disappointed in its performance. Despite showing heat at 650 °F on our burger test, it failed to achieve a good sear; the grill also struggled to hold a steady temperature on our barbecue-chicken test. Napoleon’s signature is its wavy grates, and they do look cool, but they’re harder to clean than straight grates. Reversible cooking grates aren’t unusual, but Spirit II grates are a little different than most. Spirit II reversible grates have a thin side which Weber believes is “ideal for food such as shrimp and fish”, and flat side which “creates a thick sear mark”.
We brought the grills to temperature with their two outer burners lit and the middle burner unlit. Then we placed a chicken weighing 3 to 4 pounds in the center of the grate and closed the lid. We monitored the grills’ temperature for the hour-long cook, and we noted the depth and evenness of browning at the end. Grates come in a range of materials, and the differences in performance char broil performance are small. These materials include plain cast iron, the more rust-resistant porcelain-coated cast iron, and stainless steel rods, which are sometimes as thick as a stick of chalk or even a thumb. A firebox—the lower half of the grill body, where the burners and grates are mounted—made from cast aluminum is rustproof and highly durable, likely to offer a decade or more of service.
You and the family are sure to enjoy cookouts with the convenience and efficiency this grill offers. Spirit II has four legs, two wheels and a lower open-air storage rack. When choosing a gas grill, first decide what size you need. We’ve determined that a three-burner grill is large enough for most needs, with plenty of space to cook for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue. Grills with more burners are usually overkill, and two-burner grills can feel cramped.
But, you should be able to clean it with a scraper easily. If you don’t have a lot of experience using grills, you might have to spend some time trying to figure it out. The setup manual should really come in handy here.
This test measures the surface temperature of the grill after the first ten minutes of cooking. It helps to show how long the grill will need to heat before it hits the highest temperature. This Weber grill aced our test, but with a slightly above average score. This specific feature gives grill users extra space to store and easily access their grilling tools on the grill. The main cooking area of the grill rounded to the nearest 5 sq.