Buying guide for best Weber grills
Weber grills are practically synonymous with backyard grilling. Their reputation for quality and performance is well-deserved. But with so many Weber models available, choosing the right one for your grilling needs can feel overwhelming.
After doing the legwork, analyzing hundreds of reviews, listening to consumers and leveraging our grilling expertise, we hand-picked nine of our favorite Weber grills, including our top choice, the durable and versatile Weber Genesis 325s.
In our search, we focused on size, quality features and cooking performance. Browse our vetted selections to find your ideal Weber grill. And, if you want to understand what makes each Weber grill stand out, read more about their strengths after our top picks.
Which Weber grill is right for grilling season?
Weber Genesis 325s
Best Weber grill
Product Specifications
Cooking Area: 787 sq in | Grill Type: Cast iron | Fuel Type: Natural gas | Construction Material: Steel | Heat Output: 39,000 Btu per hour
The Genesis offers unmatched versatility, allowing you to sear steaks, bake pizzas, steam vegetables or stir-fry your favorite dishes, all on the same grill. This grill boasts an extra-large sear zone where you can achieve those coveted sear marks on your steaks. The extra-large side shelf provides ample workspace for prepping ingredients and keeping your grilling tools close at hand. The enclosed bottom compartment adds a finishing touch to the grill's sleek design, keeping your outdoor space tidy.
The Weber Genesis 325s is a stylish gas grill that looks just as sharp as it operates. User-friendly features like its upgraded pull-out grease tray ensure a nearly effortless cleanup. Overall, this model delivers exceptional performance and an impressive range of cooking styles, making it our top choice for Weber grills.
Weber Q1000
Portable convenience
Product Specifications
Cooking Area: 189 sq in | Grill Type: Cast iron | Fuel Type: Propane | Construction Material: Stainless steel | Heat Output: 8,500 Btu per hour
The Weber Q1000 is a portable grill designed for outdoor adventures. Measuring just over 2 feet wide, it's compact and easy to transport for tailgating or camping. Despite its size, the Q1000 offers enough space to grill up to six burgers at once. Durable cast-iron cooking grates heat evenly and preheat in just 10 to 15 minutes, so you can be grilling in no time.
For extra convenience, a one-touch, push-button ignition instantly sparks its durable stainless steel burner. The split-grate design offers ultimate flexibility: You can sear steaks on the grate while simultaneously sizzling onions on the griddle side. Three conveniently placed handles make portability a breeze, and the removable grease pan makes it a cinch to clean.
Weber SmokeFire EX4 Wood-Fired Pellet Grill
Best pellet grill
Product Specifications
Cooking Area: 672 sq in | Grill Type: Plated steel | Fuel Type: Wood pellet | Construction Material: Stainless steel | Heat Output: 200 to 600 degrees
This versatile grill can cook almost anything, any way you like it, with that smoky flavor you crave. This grill offers precision control similar to a gas grill, allowing you to set the temperature and spend time with your loved ones without the need to watch the grill like a hawk. This wood-pellet grill works efficiently, leaving minimal ash behind for a hassle-free cleaning experience.
Weber's offering can cook low and slow or high and fast, allowing you to barbecue and sear. The porcelain-enamel finish helps keep your grill looking new longer, while the 672 square inches of primary cooking surface can meet the needs of a family of four.
Early models required users to manually feed the pellets, but the second-generation SmokeFire features a jam-proof design for a smooth and efficient cooking experience. If you’ve been considering trying a wood-pellet grill, this is an excellent way to get started.
Weber Spirit II E-310
Best for everyday use
Product Specifications
Cooking Area: 529 sq in | Grill Type: Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Fuel Type: Natural gas | Construction Material: Stainless steel | Heat Output: 30,000 Btu per hour
Weber's Spirit line is a grilling legacy. For more than 30 years, families have chosen Spirit grills for their outstanding blend of versatility and convenience. Take the Spirit 300 series, for example. Its triple-burner system unlocks a world of grilling possibilities, while the open-cart design with a folding side table maximizes space and functionality. It's everything you need to create delicious meals and make memories in a single, reliable package.
As far as cooking convenience goes, you get push-start ignition, even heating, and the company's signature flavorizer bars. These bars not only protect the grill's burners from drippings but also turn them into yummy smoke that infuses food with additional flavor. The grease-management system helps reduce flare-ups while also facilitating cleanup.
The Weber Spirit II E-310 is a perfect choice for families looking for a grill that won't break the bank. While not the biggest grill on the market, it offers excellent value thanks to its size and versatility. The Spirit II E-310 has enough space to cook for a crowd while remaining budget-friendly.
Weber Kettle
Customer favorite
Product Specifications
Cooking Area: 363 sq in | Grill Type: Plated steel | Fuel Type: Charcoal | Construction Material: Aluminum | Heat Output: 8,000 Btu per hour
Kettle grills are simple to use, easy to transport, and bursting with flavor. They are a great choice for grilling newbies and seasoned pros alike. The no-fuss design requires minimal expertise to operate, and the enclosed cooking chamber helps trap moisture, infusing food with delicious flavor in every bite.
What makes Weber's Kettle grill stand out is its superior heat retention, which creates an ideal environment for even, thorough cooking. The circular design lets you cook up to 13 burgers at once, while the hinged grate makes it easy to add charcoal, even after you've started cooking.
This model's one-touch cleaning makes it a snap to use — just remove the ash catcher and dump it after cooling. If you are looking for a low-priced entry into backyard grilling, the Weber Kettle provides a high-quality option that produces enviable results.
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
Most convenient
Product Specifications
Cooking Area: 189 sq in | Grill Type: Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Fuel Type: Electric | Construction Material: Aluminum | Heat Output: 1,560 watts
Weber brings the beloved portability of the Q line while adding the convenience of electric grilling. You can enjoy all the Weber hallmarks: porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates for even heat and a removable grease pan for easy cleanup, all without the fuss and mess of gas.
As long as you have access to an outdoor power source, this model is a wonderful, user-friendly option that has no additional fuel costs except for the electricity it takes to run — which is only pennies per burger. If you want something easy to use that closely mimics indoor-cooking appliances, the Q1400 Electric Grill is a solid option.
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Best Cooking Station
Product Specifications
Cooking Area: 363 sq in | Grill Type: Stainless steel | Fuel Type: Charcoal | Construction Material: Aluminum | Heat Output: 18,000 Btu per hour
This isn't a grill; it's an entire portable cooking station. It's loaded with bells and whistles that make it a must-have for backyard grilling enthusiasts.
First, it's a charcoal grill that has an electronic Touch-N-Go gas-ignition system. What this means is you simply press a button, and the charcoal ignites. No more struggles with getting the briquettes to catch fire. The grill is built into a large cart so you have room for everything you need, from food prep to storage. It even comes with a bin to keep your charcoal.
Like the Weber Kettle grills, this model features the convenient one-touch removable ash catcher for near-effortless cleanup. If you are serious about your backyard charcoal grilling, this impressive conversation starter will make you the talk of the neighborhood.
Weber Spirit E-210
Best for small patios
Product Specifications
Cooking Area: 450 sq in | Grill Type: Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Fuel Type: Propane | Construction Material: Stainless steel | Heat Output: 26,500 Btu per hour
The Weber Spirit E-210 provides a full yet exceptionally compact stand-alone grilling experience. This series features two burners and a space-saving design that makes it ideal for a small patio or an urban environment.
It has porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, flavorizer bars, a built-in lid thermometer and two stainless steel fold-down side tables for food prep. The unit has six tool hooks so you can easily hang your favorite grilling accessories within reach, and the grill cabinet lets you stash away the fuel tank for a clean look.
There are only two burners, so you do not have quite as much cooking flexibility as the Spirit II E-310 we previously mentioned. However, it does have a rack to keep food warm while you cook additional burgers or sides. We love its compact size and streamlined features, which make it manageable even for first-time users.
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
Best for camping
Product Specifications
Cooking Area: 320 sq in | Grill Type: Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Fuel Type: Propane | Construction Material: Aluminum | Heat Output: 13,000 Btu per hour
Unlike many portable grills, the Weber Traveler doesn't force you to sacrifice performance for convenience. The propane grill is attached to a unique built-in cart that folds down for easy transport and pops up for stable grilling. And because it rolls smoothly on its wheels, you can bring it anywhere with minimal effort.
When it is time to cook, you can lift and lock the grill using just one hand. After screwing in a 16-ounce propane tank, you're ready to cook in seconds. It offers a generous 320 square inches of cooking space — enough for 15 burgers — and its burner packs a punch with 13,000 Btu, delivering impressive heat for searing steaks and grilling burgers.
The Traveler is user-friendly, heats up quickly and delivers delicious results practically anywhere. While its weight makes it less portable than some options, the innovative cart design makes it worthwhile for nomads.
Types of Weber grills
The right Weber grill for you depends on the flavor you’re looking for, the kinds of meals you plan to prepare and where you plan to use it.
- Charcoal: Charcoal grills offer a traditional experience. They’re the best way to infuse your food with a robust, smoky flavor. But lighting the charcoal and cleaning up after grilling takes a little extra effort. While charcoal grills are more affordable to buy, they’re more expensive to operate.
- Gas: Weber gas grills give you precise control over cooking temperature, but they cost significantly more than charcoal grills. These models are easy to operate and clean, but they don't add flavor. To do that, you need a smoker box that holds wood chips.
- Wood pellets: Wood-pellet stoves offer a great compromise. While expensive, they are easy to operate (just set and forget) and clean, and they give you a wood-infused flavor. The right model offers a broad range of cooking options, from low and slow to high and fast.
- Electric: Weber electric grills are the safest options because there is no open fire. They are helpful for beginners because of their intuitive operation, but size is limited. Also, you cannot operate an electric grill without access to an outlet.
- Griddle: If you prefer breakfast foods, such as eggs, or you want to prepare other items that cannot be cooked on a traditional grill, a griddle is the type of grill you need. While griddles cook with gas, if you want something a little different, it is possible to buy tools and inserts that turn your regular grill into a griddle.
- Portable: A portable grill is great for people who like camping and tailgates. Although the fuel type may vary, these models all offer portability and features, such as built-in handles and wheels, that make it easy to take your grill wherever you go.
Weber grill features to consider
Size
The size of a Weber grill is important for two primary reasons. First, if you want something portable — a grill you can take to picnics, camping and tailgates — you need something small enough (and light enough) to transport. We have found that once you go beyond 50 pounds, lugging a grill from place to place is not a simple task.
You also need a grill that physically fits in your vehicle. If you don't have a truck or camper and the grill doesn't fit in your vehicle's trunk, it won’t be easy to take it with you.
Second, you need to purchase a Weber grill that best accomplishes the desired task. If you’re only making hamburgers for you and a friend, that is a different grill than you would need to cook for a large backyard affair.
Choosing the right size
Choosing the right grill size starts with understanding how much cooking space you need. The size is measured in square inches, and generally, the more square inches you have, the more food you can cook at once.
200 square inches: For casual grilling for one or two people, a grill with around 200 square inches of cooking space should suffice. This will allow you to comfortably cook burgers, hot dogs and other favorites.
400 square inches: If you're feeding a family of four, you'll want a bit more space. Aim for a grill with at least 400 square inches of cooking space in that case. This will ensure you can grill a variety of foods at once and keep everyone satisfied.
500 square inches or more: If you’re grilling for a crowd, you'll need an appliance that can feed extra mouths. Look for a grill that offers over 500 square inches of cooking space. This guarantees ample room to grill a feast and keep your guests coming back for more.
Make sure the grill is large enough for your needs. When you look at Weber grill specs, note that secondary cooking areas, such as side burners and warming trays, are included in the total cooking space calculation. But you can't always cook efficiently on these lower-temperature surfaces, and as such, the total cooking surface measurements quoted by the manufacturer can be misleading. Before buying, clarify that the primary cooking space on the grill is large enough for your needs.
Freestanding vs. built-in
Weber gas grills come in freestanding and built-in models.
- Freestanding grills have wheels so you can easily move them around your yard, deck or patio.
- Built-in grills have a base that’s usually made of stone or stainless steel. It’s permanently anchored in place and can’t be moved.
Cooking surfaces
Weber grill cooking grates are made of stainless steel, porcelain-enameled steel or porcelain-enameled cast iron. Weber does not offer every type of grate for every grill.
- Stainless steel cooking grates heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They can last for years when properly maintained. They are lighter than cast iron, and we think they are an excellent choice for the modern backyard chef.
- Porcelain-enameled steel grates last a long time and can be easier to clean than stainless steel grates. However, they require greater care when handling because the coating can chip.
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates are durable and easy to clean. These grates are heavy and, like coated steel grates, can chip if mishandled. The biggest benefit is that they retain heat exceptionally well. If flawless sear marks are your priority, these are a top choice.
Burners and warming racks
The more burners you have on your Weber griddle, gas grill or electric grill, the greater your cooking flexibility. This is because you can have different areas set at different temperatures and cook with direct or indirect heat.
The more burners you have, the larger and more expensive your grill will be. For example, a single-burner grill like the Weber Q1000 is designed for portability and costs roughly $230. The Summit S-670 is a six-burner unit with 769 square inches of cooking space, and it costs over $3,000.
If you primarily use your grill for small family meals, we recommend a three-burner model because it is a good compromise for size and flexibility.
Side burners: Weber grills with side burners offer an enticing extra. These burners are essentially small grills built into the side table of your main grill. They allow you to multitask while grilling, letting you whip up a delicious sauce or perfectly grilled vegetables without interrupting the main course. In our experience, these side burners become well-loved additions, especially if you have the budget and space for them. They add versatility and convenience to your grilling experience.
Warming racks: Weber sells warming racks that fit over the back of the primary cooking surface on its gas grills. While these accessories are not remarkable when compared to other brands, they serve an important purpose and keep cooked food warm while you finish grilling.
Rotisserie
Some Weber gas grills have a rotisserie stake that slowly rotates and uses infrared heat to cook meat slowly. This is a particularly handy feature if you routinely prepare whole chickens.
Built-in thermometer
Most Weber grills come with a lid and a built-in thermometer; the Weber Q 1000 is a rare exception. The thermometer is a valuable tool for monitoring the air temperature inside your grill. It helps you avoid constantly lifting the lid, which lets precious heat escape and disrupts the cooking process.
It's important to understand that the built-in thermometer measures air temperature, not food temperature. While it's a great basic tool, to ensure safe and correctly cooked food, you'll need a separate meat thermometer. A meat thermometer lets you measure the internal temperature of your food, which is crucial for safe consumption of meat, poultry, pork and fish.
Illuminated controls and lights
If you often grill after dark, look for a Weber model with lighted controls. Just like dashboard lights in a car, these controls illuminate at night, making it easy to see them and adjust settings Notably, this feature doesn't light up the entire grilling area. A motion sensor automatically turns the light on and off for convenience to maximize battery life.
For better visibility inside the grill, consider a Weber grill light (sold separately). This handy LED accessory attaches to the handle of most Weber gas grills and provides under 200 lumens of light to illuminate your food. When detached, it doubles as a flashlight.
Weber grill prices
Weber grills range in price based on the type and size of the model. Depending on your needs, you could spend anywhere from $50 to over $4,000 on one. To help you understand what is available in each price bracket, here are some examples of inexpensive, midrange and expensive models.
Inexpensive Weber grills
You could spend up to roughly $500 for an entry-level Weber grill. In this price range, you can find all the portable charcoal grills, the Lumin electric grill, portable gas grills, portable griddles and griddle inserts. You can also find a variety of full-size charcoal grills, such as kettle grills and the Smokey Mountain Cooker.
Mid-range Weber grills
In the $500 to $1,200 price range, you can get Weber's most popular gas grills, such as models from the Genesis and Spirit line, as well as the Pulse 2000 electric grill, the company's line of stand-up griddles and its wood-pellet grills.
Expensive Weber grills
With a more flexible budget, you can get Weber's largest offerings, such as the six-burner Summit gas grills, Kamado charcoal grills and the older pellet grill models. In most instances, the high-end options are for avid grillers who regularly host large outdoor parties. If you will only be cooking occasionally for your family, something in the midrange price bucket is likely to suit you fine.
FAQ
Q. What type of Weber grill is best if I’m new to grilling?
A. Because it offers the easiest operation, a Weber gas grill is usually the best option for beginners. To start the grill, you only have to turn a few dials and press the ignition button, and your grill is ready in minutes. Cleanup is also easy, so you might be inclined to grill more often than if you had a charcoal grill.
Q. Do Weber grills really last longer?
A. As with anything, how you care for a Weber grill ultimately determines its lifespan. What is different about this company's products is the manufacturer has faith and believes so strongly in its grills that some parts, such as the bowl and lid, come with a no rust-through/burn-through promise that lasts anywhere from 5 to 12 years, depending on the model. Other parts, such as the grates, flavorizer bars and lid assembly, typically have a five-year warranty.
It would be misleading to state that Weber grills always last longer than other brands. However, we would be comfortable saying that with proper care, a Weber grill is highly likely to make it beyond the 10-year mark.
Q. Can I use a Weber electric grill in rain or snow?
A. While Weber electric grills are meant for outdoor use, they shouldn’t be used in rain or snow for safety reasons. It’s possible for an electrical malfunction to occur if the grill gets wet, which could lead to electrocution or fire.
How we analyzed
Our Weber grill reviews are written by grill masters, not novices. Our team consists of product specialists who've spent years researching and writing about grills. This deep knowledge lets them uncover insights beyond what a typical user might find. But we don't stop there. We also leverage expert opinions and consumer feedback to ensure our reviews are comprehensive and catch any potential shortcomings. The result? Unbiased evaluations of Weber grills to help you choose the perfect model for your needs. And to keep you informed, we continuously update our recommendations as new Weber grills hit the market.
Our expertise
Allen Foster has researched, tested and evaluated products for BestReviews since 2018. Before that, he sold outdoor equipment at one of the largest home improvement chains in the country. Consequently, he has in-depth knowledge of outdoor products and appliances, with a focus on grills and grill manufacturers, such as Weber. As part of his training, he attended seminars and workshops on outdoor cooking options so he could help customers find exactly what they needed.
