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Weber Spirit vs Spirit II

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Spread the loveWith it getting sunnier by the day, BBQ enthusiasts are firing up their grills and setting up their grilling gear. If you’re familiar with the grilling game, the name ‘Weber’ rings a sound bell. For those of you who are relatively new, I would like to take some …

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Spirit vs Spirit II

With it getting sunnier by the day, BBQ enthusiasts are firing up their grills and setting up their grilling gear. If you’re familiar with the grilling game, the name ‘Weber’ rings a sound bell. For those of you who are relatively new, I would like to take some time to tell you how and why Weber produces some of the best grills out there.

A product that is built tough, Weber grills have turned to become a popular favorite among enthusiasts, with over thousands of people agreeing Weber makes 5-Star grills. Weber’s are known for their durability, thoughtful design, and user-friendly nature. Today, we’re looking at a comparison between 2 variants of the Spirit series by Weber: Weber Spirit vs Weber Spirit II.

Weber recently launched a Smart Grill in their Spirit line, which we reviewed as well.

At A Glance…

IMAGE MODEL FEATURES
byb2-table__imageWeber Spirit E-210
  • 10 year limited warranty
  • Standard, battery ignition
  • 360 square inches, Closed cabinet design
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageWeber Spirit II E-210
  • 10 year comprehensive warranty
  • Infinity ignition
  • 360 square inches, IGrill 3
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageWeber Spirit E-310
  • 10 year limited warranty
  • Electric crossover ignition
  • 529 square inches, Closed cabinet design
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageWeber Spirit II E-310
  • 10 year comprehensive warranty
  • Infintiy ignition
  • 529 square inches, IGrill 3
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageSmart GrillSmart GrillWeber Spirit SX-315
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • 32,000 BTU
  • 529 square inches
CHECK PRICE

Weber Grills- A Brief History

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. Over the coming years, Weber introduced a line of charcoal, gas, and even portable grills.

Spirit Series

An introductory line of offering, the grills under this series comes with the iconic GS4 grilling, ignition, 10-year warranty, and flavorizer bars that prevent flare-ups. The characteristic feature of these grills is their affordability, intelligent design and size options.

Weber-Spirit-II-E-310

Genesis

More than 30 years later, the Genesis line of gas grills was built based on Spirit grills. With a revolutionary cooking system aimed to reduce flare-ups and messy residue and evenly distribute heat. Also, these grills come with larger grilling surfaces with side tables and warming racks. We recently compared the Genesis to the Spirit Series.

Weber Genesis E-335

Summit

Available in both gas and charcoal options, this is the premium line of offering. These models are as feature-rich as it gets, with one-touch ignition, endless stainless steel materials, lighting, rotisserie, double-walled lids, and much more- all this with a 10-year Weber back-up.

weber summit 670

Weber Spirit Vs Spirit II- An Overview


Weber Spirit

Weber Spirit models were first introduced in the 1990’s. The Spirit series of gas grills was created to address a couple major issues that many grillers faced- the issue of space and a budget. A large group of grill enthusiasts reported that fitting the larger grills into compact spaces was a challenge. The answer to this: the Spirit series of gas grills. 

The Spirit line up was introduced, and it featured compact grills with foldable shelves that came intact with the high-quality performance Weber is known for.

The larger models of this series come with a spacious grilling area supported by a side burner, while the smaller models feature foldable shelves and wheels that make them easy to store and move.

The Spirit excellently combined innovation and performance to get the best grilling results in a smaller footprint. One of the interesting drawbacks is the difference in warranty the Spirit has vs the Spirit II. More on this later.


Weber Spirit II

The Spirit 2 was introduced in 2018 and came to be an enhanced version of the Spirit grills. Spirit II features models that improved on the popular models of the Spirit and addressed any flaws in the earlier version.

While maintaining a few of the better features like an expansive grilling area, the Spirit II came out with an upgrade in a few features. The Spirit II models, for instance, come in a lighter design and use only 2 sturdy wheels, where their predecessors used to use 4. On top of this, these grills came with a few color options for the lid. 

These grills are backed by a longer warranty than the Spirit grills but have fewer models available. Another limitation with the Spirit II is models in this series do not come with side burners.


What is Common to Both Spirit And Spirit 2?

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.

Both Spirit and Spirit II grills are priced at the higher end of the spectrum (when compared to other grills in the market. Among themselves, Spirit II is more affordable). Needless to say, both grills deliver your money’s worth.

The cooking space in both grill series measure up to be the 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.

What is the Difference Between The Weber Spirit & Spirit II?

Though the Spirit II is an improved version of the Spirit grills, that isn’t the only reason one might want to invest in it. Both versions have advantages over the other, and choosing one that is more suited for you is the point of this comparison.

Here are some key factors of difference between the two series.

Heat Output

The cooking performance of a gas grill is measure by the BTU rating per hour and is a core element to cooking on a grill.

For the E-210 models of both series, the BTU rating is the same at 26,500 as they both have a grilling area of the same size, meaning that it takes about the same amount of fuel to produce heat across the surface. With the E-310 models, however, the Spirit II has a lower BTU of 30,000 as against the 32,000 of the Spirit series. This difference is insignificant and does not affect the performance of both grills though.

iGrill 3

A feature that is absent in the Spirit Series, is the iGrill option available in Spirit II. This is sold separately but uses technology to make your grilling more efficient. 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.

igrill3

Color Options

For many, aesthetics is as important an element as functionality in a grill. An aesthetically pleasing grill comes with an elegant design, manages space well, and blends in well with its surroundings.

While the Spirit series grills are available in black with portions of stainless steel, Spirit II (depending on Weber availability) comes in a range of lid colors in addition to the standard black: such as red, sapphire, mocha and ivory.  

Cart Design

One of the most distinct differences between the Spirit and Spirit II is in its cart design. While the Spirit comes in a cabinet design, the Spirit II is of an open-cart style.

The good thing about the Spirit’s closed cabinet design is that it helps tuck away your propane tank quite neatly, and allows for much-needed storage space to put away your grilling accessories, even when not in use. 

The open-cart style of Spirit II leaves your propane tank exposed but still provides easier access for refueling and tank change.

Weber Spirit II
Weber Spirit E-210
Weber Spirit

Drop-Down Side Tables

Side tables are quite an underrated feature when it comes to grills. Those who have worked without them would truly appreciate the importance of a little extra space in cooking. Side tables help in holding spices and prep material, keeping everything you need ready at our fingertips.

Weber Spirit E-210 grills come with durable stainless steel foldable side shelves on both sides that can be folded when not in use, or when space is limited. In Spirit II grills, only the left side tables are drop-down but are just as efficient as their older version.

Wheels for Movement

Common to both Spirit and Spirit II, Weber grills come with some excellent wheels that make the movement of the grills smoother.

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 Spirit II comes in an improved design, with 2 wheels that are bigger and thicker. These wheels are specifically designed to make movement easier on rougher terrains.

Cost and Warranty

Interestingly enough, Weber’s Spirit series of older models cost more than the newer Spirit II series. While there is no compromise in quality with the Spirit II, they are comparatively less expensive than their original counterparts.

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.

Comparison Table

 Weber SpiritWeber Spirit II
Heat Output32,000 BTU30,000 BTU
iGrill 3Not availableAvailable
Colour OptionsOnly BlackBlack, Optional: Red, Mocha, Sapphire, Ivory
Cart StyleClosed cabinetOpen cart
Drop-Down Side TablesBoth left and right (E-210 Only)Only on the left
Wheels42
Warranty10-year Limited10-year Comprehensive


Is The Spirit II Better Than The Spirit?

Even as we say choosing a grill is about personal preferences, one cannot help but compare the two of these.

To answer the question quite clearly, I believe the Spirit II would be the better grill to buy. 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. A side burner is not available on any Spirit II grills.

Weber’s Smart Grills

The Spirit series just seems to be an entry point into the realm of technology-driven grills. The latest offering of internet-connected grills, complete with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity helps in tracking the temperature of your food.

The smart grilling technology used in Weber’s Smart Grills keeps you connected with your food whether you’re at the store or busy in another part of your home. With your smartphone displaying the temperature and status of your food, grilling becomes a more relaxing experience. This feature is connected through the Weber Connect app. The new smart grills will also hold the exact temperature that you want to set your grill to. This is very similar to the PID controller systems found on Pellet Grills.

Let’s now have a look at how specific Weber Spirit grills fare in comparison to their Spirit II counterparts.

Weber Spirit E-210 Vs Weber Spirit II E-210


Weber Spirit E-210

Typical to grills in the Spirit series, the Spirit E-210 is a perfect entry point to the grilling game for newbies. With a compact frame, and simply excellent features that are easy to work with, this grill is excellent value for money. Let’s take a closer look at its features.

Weber Spirit E-210
Weber Spirit E-210

  • With 360 sq. in. of cooking surface with an additional 90 sq. in. of warming rack, this grill is perfect for cooking in smaller groups. This comes with a side-folding table that makes the grill easy to store.
  • The Spirit E-210 is backed by the popular Weber warranty of up to 10 years against its parts.
  • Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates are easy to clean and help spread heat evenly across the cooking surface.
  • 2 stainless steel burners are connected to the front panel and allow for temperature control even during indirect cooking and battery-powered ignition system.
  • Total heat output of 26,500 BTUs is what you get with this grill. Of an enclosed cabinet design with a single door, the Spirit E-210 offers protection to your gas or propane tank and some useful storage space for your grilling accessories.
  • A stainless steel work surface is made of cast aluminum that is rust-resistant and durable fitted with built-in hooks for tools.
  • Flavorizer bars, an effective grease management system and the entire unit resting on 4 casters (of which 2 are locking) are some other features of this grill.

Weber Spirit II E-210

The Spirit II E-210 is also compact like its predecessor and comes in an upgraded design and accessories.

Weber spirit II E-210
Weber Spirit II E-210

  • With a total cooking area of 450 sq. in. spaced over 2 burners, this grill caters for about 3-4 people. A drop-down side table is very useful for sauces and preparation.
  • Backed by a 10-year guarantee, and porcelain enamelled cast iron cooking grates this grill comes with an improved infinity ignition that gives you ultimate control over your food temperature.
  • Featuring the Weber GS4 grilling system, the Spirit E-210 holds a grease management system with flavorizer bars that provide the smoky barbeque flavor.
  • A feature that is not present in the Spirit E-210 is the iGrill 3 compatibility, which helps you monitor your food through your phone. This is sold separately.
  • This grill blasts away at 26,500 BTUs and features an open cart design with 6 tool hooks for your grilling tools.
  • With a glossy, porcelain-coated lid heat retention becomes easier, and a built-in lid thermometer mounted on the lid displays the temperature inside the grill. The entire unit is mounted on 2 sturdy wheels.

Comparison Table

 Spirit E-210Spirit II E-210
Grilling area360 sq. in. + 90 sq.in.360 sq. in.+ 90 sq. in.
Warrant10-year Limited10-year Comprehensive
Grill gratesPorcelain-coated cast ironPorcelain-coated cast iron
Burners/Ignitors2, standard battery ignition2, Infinity ignition
TechnologyNoneiGrill 3
Heat Output26,500 BTUs26,500 BTUs
StorageYes, with a closed cabinet designYes, with open cart style
ConstructionCast aluminum with lid Cast aluminum with lid

Weber Spirit E-310 Vs Weber Spirit II E-310


Weber Spirit E-310

With a generous grilling space and features consistent and superior temperature control and is designed to be roomy and self-sufficient at the same time. Here are the specs for this grill.

Weber Spirit E-310
Weber Spirit E-310

  • This grill comes with a 424 sq. in. primary cooking area along with a 105 sq. in. warming rack (a total of 529 sq. in. grilling space).
  • The porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates make cleaning easier and the porcelain enameled flavorizer bars help vaporize the drippings to create a flavorful smoke.
  • The Spirit E-310 comes with 3 stainless steel burners and heat output of 32,000 BTUs.
  • An electronic crossover ignition helps light the burners with the push of a button.
  • The body of the grill comes in porcelain-coated, stainless steel and is made of cast aluminum. A thermometer is fitted on the lid that provides accurate temperature readings
  • An enclosed cabinet keeps the tank safe from external elements and provides storage space for grilling accessories.
  • The cook box of this grill comes with a Weber warranty of 10 years.


Weber Spirit II E-310

The Spirit E-310 comes in smart, easy-to-control, features the iconic GS4 grilling system and integrates well with technology. Here are some things to look for in this grill.

Weber Spirit II E-310

  • This gas grill comes with a total grilling surface of 529 sq. in. and 3 stainless steel burners and produces 30,000 BTUs of heat output.
  • This grill features a one-touch infinity ignition system, porcelain-coated flavorizer bars, and an effective grease management system.
  • Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates that are reversible heat quickly and evenly.
  • Unlike the Spirit E-310, the Spirit II E-310 comes in a range of colors like red, ivory, and blue.
  • With an open cart design, your tools are easier to access. The cook box is made of cast aluminum and the lid is porcelain coated and mounted with a digital thermometer.
  • This grill can be used as a propane model too. The storage space has enough space for the tank and your grilling accessories too.
  • Stainless steel side shelves help in prep with 3 hooks on each end for tools.
  • This grill is backed by a 10-year Weber warranty.


Comparison Table

 Spirit E-310Spirit II E-310
Grilling area529 sq. in.529 sq. in.
Warranty10-year Limited10-year Comprehensive
Grill gratesPorcelain-coated cast ironPorcelain-coated cast iron
Burners/Ignitors3, electronic crossover ignition3, Infinity ignition
TechnologyNoneiGrill 3
Heat Output32,000 BTUs30,000 BTUs
StorageYes, with a closed cabinet designYes, with open cart style
ConstructionCast aluminum with lid Cast aluminum with lid

Grilling and Having Fun


New Weber Spirit SX-315 Smart Grill Review

Weber’s Smart Grill revolution may be mostly a Genesis-line upgrade, but they did spread the wealth to the Spirit series with the SX-315. They took the quality of the Spirit line and added their new Weber CONNECT technology so you can monitor how quickly your food is cooking via the included probe thermometer. You can see the readout at the grill itself on the display or check it via the app on your smartphone. It also tracks your propane tank’s fuel level.  Here are the specs for the SX-315.

  • This grill has a primary cooking area of 424 square inches along with a 105 sq. in. warming rack for a total of 529 sq. in. of cooking space. It can hold roughly 15 quarter-pound burger patties, plenty for that weeknight dinner.
  • The Weber CONNECT built-in functionality allows you to monitor food temperatures. It comes with one temperature probe but has the capacity to use two, so you can add your own for even more monitoring. It communicates with the smartphone app as well.
  • The SX-315 has three stainless-steel burners with a total of 32,000 BTUs per hour.
  • Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates make cleaning and maintenance easy while the Flavorizer bars help promote more flavor from the food’s drippings.
  • The battery-powered crossover ignition ensures that all your burners light with a single button push.
  • Front-access grease tray makes clean-up a breeze so you can cut down on flare-ups from old grease and drippings.
  • The enclosed cabinet cart protects your propane tank and offers additional storage for your grilling tools. It also has two tool hooks to hang your spatula or tongs when you aren’t using them but need them close at hand. The two side tables offer you plenty of space to keep seasonings and plates at the ready.
  • The cart rides on four casters that will make moving your grill easy. Two of the casters are locking as well, making sure that your grill stays where you want it.
  • You can rest easy knowing that your cookbox, lid, and burner tubes are protected by a 10-year warranty.

Among the Spirit and Spirit II, the Spirit II emerges a clear winner. For grillers looking for a frills-free, reliable set up the Spirit would work great, but if you’re looking for something more in a lesser price range, the Spirit II is for you.

The Spirit II is an improvement to the Spirit on any levels. With its excellent GS4 grilling system, tech-friendly twist (with the iGrill 3) better warranty options and compact footprint, grilling becomes a lot more versatile. Having said that, regardless of which model you choose, with Weber you can expect nothing less than the best grilling experience. If you’re interested in the Weber Spirits it is probably worth checking out the differences of the Spirit to the Genesis series as well.

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