However, our picks are also sold in natural-gas versions, which are gaining in popularity. But they require that you have a natural-gas hookup on your deck or patio. If you have natural gas in your home but don’t have an outdoor connection, you’ll need to hire a technician to install one, and this may involve cutting into walls.
The Spirit II E-210’s smaller grate (measuring 360 square inches, compared with the Spirit II E-310’s 424 square inches) might make grilling for a crowd a challenging endeavor. However, this grill can still accommodate a whole cut-up chicken or six to eight burger patties at a time. And it performs on a par with the three-burner version, the Spirit II E-310.
And just like the Genesis models, both Spirit models have the same bones—burners, side tables, and overall dimensions. The Spirit Smart Grill connects to Wi-Fi, and it lets you monitor the meat probe through the app. But unlike the Genesis Smart Grill, the Spirit Smart Grill doesn’t monitor the fuel level. Wirecutter editor Signe Brewster bought the Weber Spirit II E-310 in 2019. It’s her first grill, and she’s loved using it in the summertime.
Even when closed, you can still see smoke coming out of the holes in between. I suspect that the main purpose of this system is to act as a shield for wind, which is very useful during the competition . The Weber box was wrapped in plastic, and the whole thing was wrapped in styrofoam that was held together with thick, heavy-duty plastic bands.
Our main complaint for just about every grill is the obligatory bi-metal dial thermometer in the hood that gives you a ballpark reading of what the temperature is high above the meat. Since we cook down on the grates, it’s always better to use your own digital thermometer and place a probe at the cooking surface. With their acquisition of iGrill digital weber spirit 2 thermometers, Weber is addressing this issue. Spirit II is “iGrill3 Ready” with a mounting place on the right side shelf for an optional iGrill 3 digital thermometer. This Bluetooth device enables you to place one digital probe at the cooking surface to dial up the correct oven temp, and one probe in your food to monitor internal meat temp.
Attention to detail such as this is one reason the Weber name commands higher prices than many mass market brands. Weber’s price tag also includes quality construction and the best customer service from a manufacturer in the business, on call seven days a week from 7am to 9pm CST. Also, when you buy with links on our site we may earn a finder’s fee. Here is a simple demonstration of how you can light up the burners using the small circular igniters as well.
And if you want to easily move your natural-gas grill into and out of storage, you’ll also need to buy a quick-disconnect system, which can add another $150 or so. The benefits of natural gas include not having to wrestle propane tanks on and off your grill, always-available fuel , and lower fuel costs . As the char broil performance family sits down for dinner, or a couple of friends come over for a bite – this three burner grill will do its magic. With the spacious cooking area you can sear steaks on one side while grilling an appetizer on the other, and the convenient open-cart allows you to keep your tools and equipment within reach.
We also roasted whole chickens indirectly on both low and high heat to see whether the grills could create browned skin and perfectly cooked meat without charring. In 2018 we repeated these tests, with the then-new Weber Spirit II E-310 and our upgrade pick at the time, the Weber Genesis II E-310 . When comparing the two materials—without taking anything else into consideration—cast iron holds more heat, so it will leave darker sear marks on your food than stainless steel.
Like our top pick, the two-burner Spirit comes with a cast-aluminum firebox, an enameled steel lid and open cart, two side tables, and a 10-year warranty. When fresh air and the sear on a juicy grilled burger combine, it’s pure warm-weather delight. To help you keep the good vibes going, we’ve hunted for gas grills that are durable, easy to clean, and simple to control. After cooking burgers, barbecue, and chicken on seven top-rated grills—and researching dozens more—we recommend the Weber Spirit II E-310. No grill matches its combination of exceptional performance, usability, durability, and value.
If you review Weber grills, such as this Spirit Line or the Weber Genesis II, you’ll find similar power output. Consider the Blackstone 36 Stainless Steel Griddle if you want something more powerful. Along with all its other upgrades, the Spirit II allows for a better warranty than the Spirit. While the Spirit series grills are backed by a 10-year warranty, the Spirit II covers its grills with a whopping 10-year comprehensive warranty and wins hands-down in this department. Wheels in the Spirit series come in a set of 4 that allows the grills to move both back and front, and side to side.