Weber Spirit vs Genesis

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Weber is one of the most iconic grills brands in the industry. The company’s kettle grills are synonymous with charcoal grills and you can find a Weber gas grill in a backyard near you. Whether you’re looking to replace a gas grill or maybe add a new one, you will want a full rundown on…

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Weber Spirit vs Genesis Comparison

Weber is one of the most iconic grills brands in the industry. The company’s kettle grills are synonymous with charcoal grills and you can find a Weber gas grill in a backyard near you. Whether you’re looking to replace a gas grill or maybe add a new one, you will want a full rundown on Weber’s Spirit and the new Genesis line that came out in 2022. 

Whether you’re looking for simplicity, a new luxury gas grill, or perhaps even a smart gas grill, we have you covered with Weber’s options. Read on to see our thoughts on these grills!

Introductory:

IMAGE MODEL FEATURES
byb2-table__imageWeber Spirit E310
  • Reversible grates
  • 529 square inches of cooking space / 30,000 BTU's
  • Fold down side table
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageWeber Genesis E-325s
  • Caster Wheels
  • 513 square inches of cooking space / 37,500 BTU's
  • 12-year warranty
CHECK PRICE

Mid Range Grills:

IMAGE MODEL FEATURES
byb2-table__imageWeber Spirit E-330
  • Internal sear burner
  • 529 square inches of cooking space / 32,000 BTU's
  • Side burner
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageWeber Genesis E-335
  • High heat sear station
  • 787 square inches of cooking space
  • Weber CRAFTED Frame
CHECK PRICE


Luxury:

IMAGE MODEL FEATURES
byb2-table__imageWeber Genesis SPX-435
  • 994 sq/inches
  • Grill Lighting
  • Weber CONNECT App
CHECK PRICE


Smart Gas Grills:

IMAGE MODEL FEATURES
byb2-table__imageWeber Spirit SX-315
  • Smart Grill Controller
  • Weber CONNECT App
  • 529 sq/inches
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageWeber Genesis EX-325s
  • Smart Grill Controller
  • Weber CONNECT App
  • Sear Station
CHECK PRICE


Weber Spirit vs Genesis Overview

Weber rolled out their “biggest gas grilling innovation in 15 years” with the 2022 Genesis line, incorporating more technology and features than ever before. While the Spirit line is full of modern features, Weber has stepped up their game with the new Genesis models. While previously the Spirit and Genesis featured compatibility with Weber’s iGrill technology, the Spirit and Genesis smart grills now have the Weber Connect system built-in that allows for remote monitoring through the Weber Connect app.

Weber also took the sear station that has been available on previous Genesis models and made it even larger, addressing concerns about how many steaks you could sear at one time.

Weber also upped the versatility factor on the new grills. While versatility may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of gas grills, the new Genesis line is built with the new CRAFTED Outdoor Collection in mind. This allows you to swap standard grill grates out for special sear grates, a baking stone, a flat-top griddle, or even more.

Another update of these new grills is upgraded storage, better casters for moving the grill around, optional LED lighting in the handles, a bigger gap for the rotisserie bracket, and they even doubled the size of the warming rack.

Weber Spirit Smart Grill SX-315
Spirit with Smart Grill Capabilities
Weber Genesis II EX-335 Smart Grill
Genesis with Smart Grill Capabilities

Design and Manufacturing

While Weber products for a long time, carried the moniker “Made in the USA”, there has been some controversy about the way they have handled their product manufacturing and assembly in the past. A discovery that many Weber grills used components and parts manufactured in Taiwan and China led to a class-action lawsuit in 2011 about the use of the “Made in the USA” label.

Weber settled the case and changed the product label to “Made in the USA, incorporating globally sourced component parts”. Indeed, the products have always been designed and developed in the USA and continue to be that way, incorporating rigorous testing and a generous warranty to substantiate their belief in the quality of their products.

However, except for the Weber Smokefire, all other Weber models are no longer made in the USA entirely. While several models are assembled locally, both the Spirit and Genesis lines are now made and assembled entirely in Taiwan or China.

Important Similarities and Differences

While the Spirit and Genesis series of grills are some of the most popular Weber products, there are certain similarities and differences that you need to be aware of. The Spirit series of grills are the more simple, and value-oriented line that can be a great choice for beginner grillers. The Genesis line, on the other hand, has more premium offerings that bundle in extra features with greater quality and durability. If you are looking to use your grill more often or consider yourself a lifestyle griller, a Genesis model might be for you.

The Spirit and Genesis series of grills now feature modern updates with new features being added every couple years. Both lines now offer the Smart Grill Weber CONNECT system that allows you to set a temperature digitally, or control the grill from your smart phone app.

There are also two versions of the Spirit series. In 2018 Weber released the Spirit II series with some modern updates. An in depth comparison of the Spirit and Spirit II can be found here.

Weber Spirit and Genesis Comparison Table

FeatureGenesisSpirit
Warranty10-year10-year Limited
Ignition/Burner SystemPUREBLU SystemStainless Steel Burners
Grill GratesStainless or Porcelain Enameled Cast IronPorcelain Enameled Cast Iron
New Smart Grill Tech.AvailableAvailable
SizesMedium/LargeSmall/Medium
Sear StationStandardSpirit E-330 Only
Exterior FinishStainless or Porcelain EnameledPorcelain Enameled

The GS4 PUREBLU Grilling System – Genesis

The updated PUREBLUE (originally called GS4) grilling system is one of the main features of the Genesis and Spirit II lines but not the Spirit line we are discussing today. This upgrade aims to improve grilling performance, allow for better management of grease and flare-ups, and promise better-tasting food overall.

The upgrades include:

  • A better, more reliable ignition process that incorporates improved electrodes, a protected ignition module, stronger wire coatings, and easily replaceable batteries.
  • Upgraded burner tubes that allow even dispersal of heat across the cooking surface. This is courtesy of the reversible and tapered nature of the tubes, which correct issues with uneven heating that Weber grills have sometimes suffered from previously.
  • The use of triangular bars below the cooking surface that deflect grease off the burner, thereby reducing flare-ups. At the same time, the grease drips can sizzle and create smoke that can impart additional flavor to the food.
  • A dedicated collection pan for catching grease droplets that can be easy to clean after cooking.

Weber Gas Grill Warranty

This is where things get quite different from the two model lines. The Spirit grill line offers a 10-year limited warranty while the Genesis offers a 10-year full warranty. Here is a breakdown of the differences.

Weber Spirit Warranty Overview

  • Cookbox – 10 years, no rust through/burn through (2 years paint excluding fading or discoloration)
  • Burner tubes – 10 years, no rust through/burn through
  • Stainless steel cooking grates, flavorizer bars, porcelain-enameled cast iron grates – 5 years, no rust through/burn through
  • Lid – 10 years, no rust through/burn through (2 years paint excluding fading or discoloration)
  • Remaining Parts/Items – 2 years

Weber Genesis Warranty Overview

  • Cookbox and lid assembly – 12 years, no rust-through/burn-through (2 years on paint excluding fading or discoloration
  • Burner tubes, stainless steel cooking grates, Flavorizer bars, and porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates – 10 years, no rust-through/burn-through
  • Electrical components (Weber Connect Controller) – Three years
  • All remaining parts – Five years

Check out their warranty page for more information.

BTU Output

The Spirit line serves as a more introductory line and the grills feature 32,000 BTUs per hour as their normal operating specs. The Genesis line feature the PureBlu burners to ensure even and efficient heating throughout the cooking space. These burners put out 39,000 BTUs per hour. The Genesis line also has models with an upgraded 13,000 BTUs per hour sear station, larger than before for searing more steaks at once.

Smart Grill TechnologyWeber CONNECT

With the new Genesis line comes the new Weber CONNECT system. This allows you to monitor temperatures and fuel levels at the grill with a display and from your smartphone via the Weber CONNECT app. Not all grills have this included, but all the Genesis grills are compatible.

The lone Spirit grill that has this functionality is the new Spirit SX-315 smart grill.

Weber Connect App Smart Grill


Introductory Models : Weber Spirit E-310 vs Genesis E-325S


Weber Spirit E-310 Review

What We Like

  • Reversible grates allow for versatile cooking options
  • Offers large cooking space for a small grill
  • Grates can be handled and cleaned easily
  • Fold-down side table

What Makes us Angry

  • Wheels are not lockable
  • Difficult to reach high temperatures
  • Heat deflector has sharp edges
  • Difficult to move due to collapsible tray

One of the smaller models, the Spirit E-310 can still be enough to serve up to seven people. Using three stainless steel burners, this workhorse can provide an output of 30,000 BTU over 529 square inches of total cooking area, separated between the main cooking area and an additional warming rack. The fuel tank is mounted outside with a large, easy-to-read fuel gauge.

The sturdy construction makes use of an open cart design that provides a lot of storage space under the unit. Mobility is provided thanks to a couple of all-weather wheels. The grill also has six hooks integrated into the main unit that can make it easy to organize your tools. A workspace to prepare your meats is provided in the form of two side tables of which the left one can be folded down.

The cast-iron grates are porcelain-enameled for better heat transfer and service life. Some of them are also reversible, providing you a thin side and a wide side. Large cuts and steaks can cook well on the wide side while the thin side can be used for more delicate cuts and fish.

The units come with the standard 10-year limited warranty.


Weber Genesis E-325S Review

What we Like

  • Larger sear zone to get more steaks seared at the same time
  • Prep table has plenty of room for cutting boards and dishes
  • Porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grates are great for both heat and clean-up
  • Expandable upper cooking grate adds more cooking and warming space

What Makes Us Angry

  • Expensive to add the Weber CONNECT Smart Grilling hub
  • None of the new Genesis lighting upgrades

The Weber Genesis E-325s gives a boost to the entry-level Genesis from years past. While it still has 513 square inches of primary cooking space, the included expandable upper rack means the grill maxes out at 787 total square inches of cooking space. The grill is powered by three burners that output 39,000 BTUs per hour

The E-325s also adds a large sear zone putting out 13,000 BTUs per hour to the entry-level space. While Weber’s sear zone has been smaller in the past, this time they upped the size so you can get multiple steaks seared at once so everyone can eat at the same time.

One underrated move by Weber with the redesign of the Genesis grills was the switch in wheels. Gone are the two large wheels. Now the grill rolls on four swivel casters, two of which lock to keep your grill in place. Now you can move your grill around more easily while also locking it into place for grilling.

To help make your life easier when cleaning the grill, Weber has also introduced a new pull-out grease tray. Now you can remove the tray completely and clean it outside of the grill, then slide it back in when you’re done.

While this model does not have the new Weber CONNECT smart system included, you can purchase the hub system to add that functionality. You can also purchase the Weber CRAFTED frame and accessories for added versatility, including the ability to bake cookies or pizza right on your grill.

The grill comes with a 12-year warranty on the cookbox and lid assembly and 10-year warranty on the burners, grates, and Flavorizer bars.


Mid-Range Models: Weber Spirit E-330 vs Genesis E-335

What We Like…

  • Sear burner allows for focused heat for quick searing
  • Side burner provides cooking versatility and warming
  • Easy temperature control with a lid thermometer
  • Locking casters for stability

What Makes Us Angry…

  • Expensive for its size, heat output, and feature set
  • Material quality can be slightly inferior to competing models
  • Low heat output for a three-burner grill

The Spirit E-330 brings to the table some interesting features. It is a three-burner unit that puts out 32,000 BTU and offers a total of 529 square inches of cooking area. A special feature is an internal sear burner putting out 7,500 BTU that allows for intense, focused heat that can be great for getting a quick and hard sear. There is also a side unit with a flush cover that includes a 12,000 BTU burner that can be used as a separate cooking area or a warming rack. The fuel tank is mounted outside with a standard fuel gauge making monitoring easy.

This model also makes use of the porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates and triangular flavor-enhancing bars that also help with grease management and prevent flare-ups. There is a thermometer built into the lid that allows for easy temperature monitoring. The usual assortment of extras, including two side tables, six hooks for organization, and two all-weather wheels with locking casters are also included.

10-year limited warranty standard.


Weber Genesis E-335 Review

What we like…

  • Expanded cooking area to maximum of 787 square inches, larger than previous models
  • Weber CRAFTED frame comes standard so you can make your grill even more versatile than before
  • Included grill locker helps store large tools and any CRAFTED grill pieces you aren’t currently using

What Makes Us Angry…

  • Price Point

The new Genesis E-335 provides some quality upgrades over the last version of this grill. Gone is the 9,000 BTU sear station and in is the larger 13,000 BTU sear station. Weber has also added extra storage with the grill locker, perfect for storing any unused CRAFTED grill items and larger grill tools. All the wheels are now swivel casters making it easier to move your grill, while two of the casters have locks to keep your grill stationary while grilling.

Weber also made the warming rack expandable leading to a maximum cooking area of 787 square inches. The warming rack itself is over 100 square inches larger than the previous model, making it much more useful for cooking more food. It also comes with a 12,000 BTUs per hour side burner, perfect for warming sauces or cooking side dishes.

This model comes with the frame for the Weber CRAFTED cookware system so you don’t have to spend any extra money on prepping your grill. Instead, you can pick and choose whether you want the pizza stone or any other pieces of cookware.

The grill is also compatible with the new Weber CONNECT smart system that you can purchase for more control over your cooking.


Smart Grill Models: Weber Spirit SX-315 vs Genesis SX-325s


Weber Spirit SX-315 Smart Grill Review

What We Like

  • Adding smart monitoring functionality to a more reasonably-priced gas grill
  • All four wheels are swivel casters with two locking to make movement control easier than ever

What Makes us Angry

  • No sear station or side burner unlike the mid-range Spirit E-330
  • The CONNECT system can manage two probes but this grill only comes with one included
  • Only two tool hooks for keeping your grill tools close at hand
  • Lack of lid thermometer

The Spirit SX-315 marks the first smart grill in the Spirit line. If you’re grilling a thicker piece of meat or are just getting started on using a gas grill, you can use the included temperature probe and display to monitor whatever you’re cooking. The CONNECT system will help guide you through the timing of when to flip your meat to achieve that perfect doneness. It even has a fuel monitor that you can check at the display on the grill or in the Weber Connect app.

The three burners put out 32,000 BTUs per hour over the 529 total square inches of cooking space. The main cooking are is 424 square inches and the warming rack adds another 105.

The SX-315 does lack a sear station unlike the Spirit E-330 which is a bit of a letdown. Weber also did not put a side burner on this grill.

The other noteworthy omission is a lid thermometer. If you run out of batteries for the display, you have no quick way to check the temperature of the grill.


Weber Genesis SX-325s Review

What we Like

  • Includes the CRAFTED porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grates
  • Comes with the CONNECT system already integrated
  • The larger sear zone for searing multiple steaks at once

What Makes Us Angry

  • No side burner
  • No grill locker for extra storage
  • Does not include the CRAFTED frame kit for further versatility

The Genesis SX-325s utilizes three burners for 39,000 BTUs per hour to cook across the 787 total square inches of cooking space. This includes the expanded warming rack that features 274 square inches of cooking space. The grill also has the 13,000 BTUs per hour sear zone.

The Weber CONNECT smart system is built into this model for increased temperature monitoring whether you are standing at the grill or using the Weber CONNECT app to monitor from afar.

While the SX-325s offers a lot in the way of connectivity, it does have some limits on storage. It still features six tool hooks for your grilling tools, but it does not come with the grill locker that some of the new Genesis models have. It does have the two side shelves, but that required sacrificing a side burner for additional cooking space.

To help make your life easier when cleaning the grill, Weber has also introduced a new pull-out grease tray. Now you can remove the tray completely and clean it outside of the grill, then slide it back in when you’re done.

While this model does not have the new Weber CONNECT smart system included, you can purchase the hub system to add that functionality. You can also purchase the Weber CRAFTED frame and accessories for added versatility, including the ability to bake cookies or pizza right on your grill.

The grill comes with a 12-year warranty on the cookbox and lid assembly and 10-year warranty on the burners, grates, and Flavorizer bars.

Premium Model:

The Spirit line does not offer a grill that competes with their Genesis series in this size of functionality. If you want a large four burner gas grill with sear station, and side burner, you need to consider the Genesis series.


Weber Genesis SPX-435 Smart Grill Review

What we like…

  • Weber CONNECT Digital Controller
  • Large grilling surface
  • The sear station that comes up to temp quickly
  • Stainless Finish
  • Weber Crafted Cookware System

what makes us angry…

  • Getting Expensive for a Gas Grill

As you move into a more premium price point, the Weber Genesis SPX-435 is the top premium option. The Spirit line of grills does not have representative products in the same size category. This model is a larger grill with four stainless steel burners that can deliver a total of 994 square inches of cooking area, divided into various segments.

 The main cooking area provides 52,000 BTU of heat while featuring a generous cooking area of 513 square inches. An additional 274 square inches come in the form of a warming rack that you can tuck away or expand. The side shelf contains another burner that delivers an additional 12,000 BTU of heat.

The 13,000 BTU internal sear station gets up to temperature quickly and can help achieve that hard, restaurant-style sear. The SPX-435 includes 7mm diameter Stainless Cooking Grates. The integrated grease management system makes cleaning up a lot easier. 

The greatest feature set is the Weber CRAFTED Cookware system. Explained in this video.

The model employs a closed cart design that can make storing your pots, pans, and utensils easier. The two side-mounted tables provide much-needed prepping space and the two wheels come with locking casters for easy mobility and stable operation.


The Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a quality introductory gas grill that will provide a long service life, even heat distribution and reliability, the Spirit is a great way to get into the outdoor grilling life.

However, for a more serious grilling enthusiast, I recommend the Genesis. The PureBlu burner system is far superior to the Spirit models’ burner/ignition system. The Genesis line offers more sizes, options, and their expanded warranty covers more, ensuring you will be able to keep grilling for a long time.

AngryBBQ Team

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