Best Weber Gas Grill Reviews
A Good For / Not Good For
Weber Gas Grills Are Good For:
When it comes to grilling equipment, no brand is as well-known as Weber. Founded more than half a century ago, the company is now an industry leader. It is renowned for an extensive range of BBQs, ranging from compact to all-in-one models. Currently, the company has three popular ranges on offer – Weber Charcoal, Weber Q, and Weber Premium Gas.
When it comes to gas grills, the lineup is split into three series – Summit, Genesis, and Spirit. Each of these is further divided into numerous models, such as, for example, Weber Genesis II E-310. The “Spirit” series is the most affordable one, while the “Summit” one represents the company’s flagship gas-powered grills.
No matter the series, all of these products are collectively known as the best gas grills on the market. Every grilling enthusiast who knows a thing or two about these appliances also knows about Weber. The name is synonymous with quality, and for a couple of good reasons.
First of all, Weber gas grills sport the best build quality on the market. Coming with stainless-steel constructions and porcelain-enameled grills, they last forever. With a Weber gas grill, durability and reliability are not something to worry about.
The performance of their gas grills is just as impressive. They come equipped with cast-iron hotplates and powerful burners, so it’s pretty easy to quickly and easily cook anything you like. Once we combine this with the usual 10-year warranty, we get a brand whose dependability is simply unmatched.
The Bad Things about Weber Gas Grills:
The most significant downside of these grills is quite obvious – the high price. Due to their unmatched construction quality and excellent performance, Weber gas grills are significantly pricier than the other similar models on the market. This puts them out of the reach of many grilling enthusiasts.
However, it is worth mentioning that investing in one of their models is always the wiser decision. Although more expensive, a quality Weber gas grill will provide you with better performance and last much longer than your typical budget model. The 10-year warranty that accompanies Weber grills is a pretty good proof of this.
A notable downside of Weber gas grills is that they usually take a lot of space, especially when compared to charcoal models. In other words, they’re only ideal for outdoor grilling. Moreover, they should never be placed near anything that easily catches fire.
Another disadvantage is the cost of running, i.e. the fact that you’ll need to buy gas. A typical refill costs around $20 and doesn’t last for more than just a couple of grilling sessions. This also affects portability. Those who plan to take their Weber gas grill into the countryside should know that the gas bottles typically weigh more than charcoal.
Lastly, there’s also the taste, although this is highly subjective. With a gas grill, you simply can’t achieve that authentic, smokey BBQ taste. If you really want that great tasting char, you should opt for a charcoal grill instead.
review of the products
review of the products
Weber Genesis II E-310
Pitmaster Rating: 4.1
Weber Genesis II E-310 is the smallest model in the Genesis range. However, it is still as sturdy and durable as the rest of the grills in this lineup. Even though there are some plastic elements, the unit still easily withstands daily wear and tear.
The most essential feature of this gas grill is its GS4 grilling system. It is Weber’s exclusive feature and something that gives this model an excellent performance. There are three propane burners in Genesis II E-310. All of them use the “Infinity Ignition” ignition module, which is powered by AA batteries.
However, one of this grill’s primary selling points is its compatibility with the iGrill 3 thermometers. These are accurate wireless thermometers produced by a company that’s owned by Weber. Genesis II E-310 comes with a special socket for them, just like all other Weber grills that support iGrill devices.
The model comes with 513 square inches of cooking surface. This number increases to 669 square inches once we add the heated rack. The unit’s cooking grates are made out of porcelain-enameled cast iron. They are reversible, easy to clean and hold the heat exceptionally well.
Due to these and other features, Genesis II E-310 is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment. Well-built and loaded with useful features, it’s a bestseller for a good reason.
PROS
- Solid construction quality
- Exceptional performance
- Three powerful burners
- Cast-iron cooking grates
- Support for iGrill thermometers
- Useful grease management system
- Easy to keep clean
- Portable – caster wheels
CONS
- Complicated assembly
- High price
- DESIGN 78%
- FUNCTIONALITY 82%
- PRICE 82%
Summit S-470 Stainless Steel
Pitmaster Rating: 4.1
As a member of Weber’s flagship series, this gas grill has a lot to offer. Like the name suggests, it was constructed from stainless steel. This guarantees reliability, dependability, and durability. If properly maintained and regularly cleaned, Summit S-470 can last forever. Moreover, the model’s exterior looks very attractive, but that’s something we’re used to with Weber’s products.
One of the best things about it is the quality of its grilling grates. They are made of thick stainless steel rods. In other words, they transfer the heat to the food exceptionally well. The cooking surface is 580 square inches large. Once we include the unit’s warming rack, this number rises to 638 square inches. Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you say?
One thing we particularly liked is the Snap-Jet ignition system. As the name suggests, it’s something that makes firing up the grill quick and easy. There is also a fuel gauge that allows easy monitoring of the remaining fuel. S-470 even sports a temperature gauge, as well as the convenient handle lights and caster wheels.
Although very expensive, this premium gas grill certainly makes up for the price with its design and performance. It’s one of the best Weber gas grills yet, and an ideal choice for serious grilling enthusiasts.
PROS
- Versatile & multi-functional grill
- Constructed from stainless steel
- Excellent performance
- Ample storage options
- Tuck-away rotisserie system
- Snap-Jet ignition system
- Thick stainless steel rods in cooking grates
- Portable – caster wheels included
- Outstanding warranty deal
CONS
- Very expensive
- DESIGN 85%
- FUNCTIONALITY 69%
- PRICE 77%
Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill
Pitmaster Rating: 4.3
First introduced in January 2018, the Spirit II E-310 is a replacement for the original Spirit grill. Weighing 110 pounds and having the dimensions of 63″ x 52″ x 32″, it’s a somewhat heavy and bulky model. Assembling it can be complicated to those who never owned a gas grill before, and Weber’s decision not to use higher-grade stainless steel makes the unit prone to dents.
Fortunately, that’s about it when it comes to disadvantages. Above all, Spirit II E-310 is a grill with an attractive design and impressive performance. One of the most interesting things about its design is that its lid can be purchased in several different colors. These colors include black, ivory, blue, and red.
Performance wise, Spirit II operates on Weber’s signature GS4 grilling system. The unit’s three powerful steel burners have an output of 30,000 BTUs per hour. Each of them is controlled individually, but they all use the same ignition system. Once we consider its size, the model is undoubtedly an impressive performer.
Other notable features include a fuel tank scale and compatibility with the iGrill 3. While the tank scale allows easy monitoring of the remaining fuel, the iGrill 3 compatibility enables one to use this grill with Weber’s innovative wireless thermometers.
PROS
- Large cooking surface
- Cast-iron cooking grates
- Quick and easy ignition system
- Compatible with the iGrill 3 thermometer
- Customizable look
- Works on the GS4 grilling system
- Propane tank scale
- 10-year warranty
CONS
- Easily damaged
- Difficult assembly
- DESIGN 63%
- FUNCTIONALITY 89%
- PRICE 86%
Weber Q 1000
Pitmaster Rating: 3.9
Attractive, lightweight, and portable, Q 1000 is one of the most popular devices in Weber’s Q lineup for a good reason. The fact that it’s so small turns it into an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings. However, its size is not the only good thing about it.
The unit operates on a single 8,500 BTU burner that heats a cooking surface of 189 square inches. This is more than enough space for smaller tailgate parties. Its dimensions of 14.5” x 27” x 16.5” make it very easy to transport the appliance from one place to another.
To get the flame ignited, the user only has to press a single button. There’s also a simple knob for controlling the flame intensity. These easy-to-use controls make Q 1000 suitable for amateurs. However, even the experienced grilling enthusiasts are bound to appreciate the unit’s simplicity.
Even though its power output can’t really be compared with larger grills, Q 1000 is still an excellent performer. For someone who often grills steaks and burgers for smaller friend & family gatherings, this model is a fantastic choice.
The unit is also exceptionally easy to keep clean and has a sturdy construction. It is accompanied by a 5-year warranty and there’s an abundance of Weber accessories available for it.
PROS
- Impressive performance
- Attractive & modern design
- Durable construction
- 5-year warranty
- Plenty of accessories available
- Portable & ideal for outdoors
- Easy to use
- Easy to keep clean
CONS
- Low heat limits the unit’s usability
- Comes without a thermometer
- DESIGN 85%
- FUNCTIONALITY 92%
- PRICE 77%
Weber Q 2000
Pitmaster Rating: 4.0
Capable of putting out 12,000 BTU per hour, this model is an excellent performer for its size. It is also very fast, reaching a temperature of 600°F in just ten minutes. It has a cooking surface of 280 square inches, which makes it ideal for smaller family cookouts.
However, one of the best things about Q 2000 is how well-made and usable its cooking grates are. Made out of porcelain-coated cast iron, they are split, allowing the user to choose between grate and griddle cooking. We also liked the fact that the body and the lid were made out of cast aluminum. This makes the unit very lightweight and allows it to efficiently preserve the heat and quickly cool down.
Starting Q 2000 is as easy as pushing the button. The unit also has two side tables. These are foldable and let the user keep his cooking equipment close at hand. We also liked that there’s no assembly – Weber Q 2000 is ready for use straight out of the box.
Because of these qualities, it’s pretty easy to see why this model is among the most popular portable grills. As it is exceptionally convenient, Q 2000 is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment for all those who love cooking outdoors.
PROS
- Highly portable
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- More cooking options with separate grates
- Cast-aluminum body and lid
- Infinite control burner
- Compact size
- Easy to clean
- Electric ignition
CONS
- No integrated thermometer
- Easier to use with a cart, which is sold separately
- DESIGN 90%
- FUNCTIONALITY 79%
- PRICE 90%
Weber Gas Grills – 2019 Buyer’s Guide
In case you’ve decided to buy a Weber gas grill, congratulations! You’ve already made your first step towards selecting a dependable, versatile, and a high-quality gas grill. Models manufactured and sold by this company are considered to be the best of the best by hobbyists and professional grillers alike.
However, if you’ve never owned one of these appliances before, you probably don’t know what features to look for. For that matter, we’ve put together a helpful buying guide that will assist you in finding and choosing an ideal Weber gas grill for your needs.
PortabilityWhen in the market for a gas grill, one of the points you need to consider is portability. This is especially important if you’re someone who often grills meat during outdoor adventures. These include events such as picnics, camping, tailgate parties, etc. For such occasions, smaller, portable models are always the best choice. Weber’s Q 1000, Q 2000, and Q3200 models should be among your top contenders. However, this doesn’t mean you should forget about portability if you decide to go for a full-sized Weber gas grill. Models like Summit S-470 come with caster wheels, making it easy to relocate the unit from one place to another. |
CostAnother vital point to consider is the cost. As one of the world’s best manufacturers of grilling equipment, Weber sells its products at a pretty high price. However, their grills easily make up for this high cost with their efficiency, durability, and many convenient features. If you’re on a tight budget and want to save some money, we advise going for one of Weber’s portable sub-$300 models, such as Q 1000 or Q 2000. If money is not a problem, consider purchasing one of the models from the Summit lineup. This is Weber’s flagship series and one consisting of well-constructed grills that are loaded with features. |
Grill materialQuality of parts and the thickness of metal play a significant role in how long a particular gas grill will last. When it comes to Weber gas grills, they’re typically made out of stainless steel or cast aluminum. Models made out of cast-aluminum may be prone to dents, but they come with their own set of advantages. These include resistance to rust and lower weight while sacrificing some efficiency. Grills made out stainless steel, on the other hand, are more durable and hold the heat very well. Moreover, models manufactured from 304-grade stainless steel can also withstand higher temperatures. |
Grill capacityWhen buying a gas grill, one needs to know how many square inches of cooking space he’ll need. An average gas grill with three burners will have 400-500 square inches of cooking space. This is more than enough for any average-sized family. People who want to purchase a gas grill with 5-6 burners should go for at least 500-600 square inches of cooking surface. One of the best Weber models in this regard is the Summit S-470. It has 638 square inches of cooking surface with its warming rack. This turns it into an ideal cooking station for large outdoor gatherings. |
Expert Tips and Tricks
Just like most forms of cooking, grilling is more of an art than science. Once we push aside the basic rules, it’s easy to see that it’s all up to skill and style. Here are a couple of simple tips and tricks that will help you avoid the most common gas grill-related problems.
#1 – Prepare the Meat Ahead of Time
Sometimes, marinades make the barbecue. Use intense flavors and don’t be afraid to experiment with various rub recipes. After all, you want your friends to tell you how delicious those steaks and burgers were.
Some of the most delightful tastes come from Worcestershire sauce, garlic-infused olive oil, soy sauce, and chili sauce. No matter which kind of marinade you decide to go with, try to get your meat inside the mixture at least one day (24 hours) before the grilling. Moreover, give your meat 10-15 minutes of sitting at room temperature before placing it on your Weber gas grill.
#2 – Oil the Grates
Oiling is the best way to keep the meat from sticking to the grates. Take a paper towel, fold it into a pad shape, dip it into cooking oil, and then just rub it against the heated grate by using your tongs. Apply five to six coats.
#3 – Cook at the Right Temperature
Even though your model might have a “high” setting, that doesn’t mean you should use it for every type of food. Thin cuts of beef, pork, and lamb need to be cooked fast and hot. Delicate items like chicken, fish, and vegetables, on the other hand, are best cooked at medium. Substantial cuts of meat, whole chickens, and roasts require cooking at lower temperatures.
#4 – Keep your Grill Clean
Incessant smoke and flare-ups can have a very negative effect on the food. They impart a bad flavor by burning the outside of your favorite meals. To reduce the chances of continuous smoke and flare-ups, one has to maintain a clean grill.
The quickest way to do this is to simply turn your model on “high” and see the grease getting burnt by the heat. After that, you can simply take a grill brush and scrape off the residue. However, doing this also pushes the debris deeper into the appliance itself.
Conclusion
It is no wonder that the gas grills made by Weber are so popular with the users. Unlike many other brands, Weber equips their units with many convenient features and gives them a construction that’s sturdy and durable. Moreover, many grilling enthusiasts agree that Weber’s customer service is simply unmatched.
For that matter, we’ve rounded up the company’s most popular gas grills and analyzed them in detail. We carefully went over the advantages and flaws of each model. While doing this, we tried to determine each model’s value for the money and help our readers in finding out which Weber gas grill is ideal for their needs.
As it turns out, it all boils down to user preferences. If you’re someone who needs a small, portable model, the compact units from the Q series are your best bet. Weber’s Spirit II and Genesis II models, on the other hand, combine versatility and efficiency to bring the best possible gas-grilling experience at a reasonable price. The company’s flagship series, the Summit, is an entirely different story. Models from this lineup, such as S-470, pack a serious punch and are loaded with features that are guaranteed to leave you speechless.
We hope we’ve been helpful – choose your ideal Weber gas grill and enjoy preparing the meat in the most efficient and convenient way possible.