And with each new version of the models we’re familiar with, the most important characteristics—such as quality of materials and construction—are the same. We spoke again with Joe Salvaggio of Big Apple BBQ about the newest models, and we examined our main contenders in person at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Bering’s in Houston. This two-burner grill is great for grilling novices or folks with limited space. However, it lacks some of the versatility—and heat output—of our other picks. I may have been using grills for practically my whole life, but I will be the first one to admit that I absolutely hate cleaning up after a cookout. Therefore, I was interested to see just how easy it would be to clean and maintain the Weber Spirit II E 310 gas grill.
Our journalists combine independent research with 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 . To keep your grill in working order, take time to do some simple cleaning tasks, as well as the occasional deep scrub-down, every time you cook.
Compared with our pick, the Spirit II E-310, the entire Genesis E-325s is almost a foot longer, and its cooking area is about 20% larger, easily accommodating 15 burger patties at a time. Instead of having porcelainized cast-iron grates , the grates on the Genesis E-325s are made from thick, stainless steel rods. The stainless steel grates could create slightly lighter sear marks on your food than cast iron would deliver, but the difference should hardly be noticeable. The Genesis E-325s also has a foldable upper rack that extends the length of the main cooking grate and expands to be 11 inches deep.
After 45 minutes, we flipped the chicken parts, slathered on a coating of barbecue sauce, and closed the lid for another 15 minutes. Throughout, we monitored the grills’ temperatures according to their built-in thermometers; the goal was a steady hold at 375 °F with little or no burner adjustment. For our 2022 update, we relied mostly on research and reporting, as well as our rigorous testing from years prior. We combed big-box home-improvement stores—including Home Depot and Lowe’s—and Big Apple BBQ in New York to view anything new. And we again chatted with Joe Salvaggio at Big Apple BBQ to get his expert opinion of the gas grills available for 2022. Overall, we found that the core function and design of grills we’ve covered in the $400 to $900 price range hasn’t changed.
The Wi-Fi module alone uses six D batteries, but there is an option to power that part with a power bank. We assume the four other batteries power the igniter, LED lights, and fuel gauge. Though the smart features might be useful in some cases, we think that for most people, the functionality isn’t quite useful enough to warrant the several-hundred-dollar price hike . 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.
Some models have a conversion kit that requires some modification to a propane grill in order to use it with natural gas. If you’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with these modifications, you may need to hire a professional to do the job your retailer should be able to help with arrangements. From Bluetooth speakers to patio furniture to gas and charcoal grills, here’s what we think you need for backyard entertaining and cooking. The Weber Spirit SX-315 Smart Grill is the smart version of our pick, the Weber Spirit II E-310.
The Spirit E-310 comes with 3 stainless steel burners and heat output of 32,000 BTUs. While most models of the Spirit II series are designed to be an upgrade of the Spirit, some common features define the Spirit line up of Weber grills. These grills are backed by a longer warranty than the Spirit grills but have fewer models available. Another limitation with the char broil performance Spirit II is models in this series do not come with side burners. Started in 1893, with over 60 years in the field of barbeque design and innovation, Weber grills are known for their convenient features, versatile design and consistent performance. With its roots in George Stephen’s famous “Barbeque kettle” designed in 1952, Weber grills have evolved in leaps.
If you want to splurge on a grill with exceptional temperature control and a dedicated searing zone, go for our upgrade pick, the Weber Genesis II E-325s, instead. The Genesis E-325s is the only one of our picks that we haven’t physically tested, but we did check it out in person at a few different stores. 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 perform at least as well as its predecessors.
The warranty speaks for itself and the look is slightly more modern. They both contain the GS4 grilling system which is a game changer for Weber. The only areas where you might prefer the Spirit over the Spirit II is the cabinet door for storage and the larger Spirit E-330 which includes a side burner. 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. More importantly, these wheels can be locked to keep your grill in place.
The iGrill feature is generally paired with your smartphone and gives you the real-time temperature inside the grill, making it easier to monitor your meat from start to finish. The iGrill is nice but there are better options on the street that we have reviewed. The cooking space in both grill series measure up to be the weber spirit 2 same- what you notice, however, is that Spirit II comes in a bulkier design. The durability of these grills is also standard, as they are made using good quality materials that last for years. Many gas grills also come in a natural-gas version, usually with a different model number that includes an “N” for natural gas.