May 7th, 2025 | 11 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect grilling products with our BBQ Buying Guide
Weber has dominated the $500 to $2,000 grill market for decades, and for good reason.
Their grills are built to last far beyond the typical 1 to 3 years, offering solid performance and reliability year after year.
I said that last year.
2025 is different.
With tariffs increasing and new competition gaining ground, Weber’s position is being tested. That does not mean they are out of the running. Far from it.
But it does mean you need to be smarter about which model you choose.
📌Skip Ahead
- What's Changing in 2025
- Weber's Grill Lineup
- Entry-Level Grills: Weber Spirit
- Best Value Grills: Weber Genesis
- Premium Grills: Weber Summit
- How Napoleon Compares
- What to Buy
Why Weber's Position Is Being Challenged in 2025
Weber is facing new pressure in 2025, both from rising costs and stronger competition.
Many Weber grills, while assembled in the U.S., still rely on parts manufactured overseas, especially in China.
With new tariffs in place, prices are rising across the board, and availability could be tight as import volumes shrink.
📌Note: A recent Wall Street Journal article reported a sharp drop in Chinese imports. It’s too early to say how this will affect Weber long term, but it’s something to watch.
And then there’s Napoleon.
For the first time in a long time, Weber has a real challenger.
Napoleon’s new Prestige series is packed with performance features, including infrared burners, stainless steel throughout, and a lifetime warranty.
We’ll compare Weber and Napoleon later in this article.
But first, let’s break down Weber’s three core gas grill series - Spirit, Genesis, and Summit - to help you decide which grill makes the most sense in 2025.
Let’s dive in and find the right model for your backyard, and see why Genesis is likely the best value this year.
Overview: Weber Grill Series and Key Differences
Weber offers a range of gas grills to suit different needs and budgets, but it really boils down to three core series:
- Spirit: Compact, budget-friendly grills with essential features.
- Genesis: Mid-size grills with more power, performance, and versatility.
- Summit: Full-featured, luxury-level grills designed for serious outdoor chefs.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Fuel Type | Best For | Key Features | Starting Price | |
| Weber Spirit Series | Propane & Natural Gas | Budget-conscious grillers | Basic burners, porcelain grates, optional sear | $449+ |
| Weber Genesis Series | Propane & Natural Gas | Everyday grilling, more features | Sear zone stainless construction, smart technology | $899+ |
| Weber Summit Series | Natural Gas | Outdoor kitchens, larger meals | Rotisserie, infrared burner, smoker box | $3,899+ |
The Spirit series is ideal for smaller households or casual use. Genesis adds more power, space, and premium touches without jumping to Summit pricing.
Summit is Weber’s luxury line, with expanded cooking features and tech, but it comes at a premium.
Fun fact: The four-burner Genesis is nearly the same size as a Summit at about $2,500 less. That’s why Genesis is often the smarter choice for most buyers.
Weber Spirit Grill Series: Reliable, No-Frills Grilling
The Weber Spirit series is designed for smaller households, first-time grill buyers, or anyone who wants a reliable gas grill without premium features.
It’s available in two- and three-burner models, with optional upgrades like side burners and enhanced sear zones.
Key Features:
- Snap-Jet Ignition: Push-button ignition creates a small pilot flame to light the burners
- Flavorizer Bars: Weber’s angled bars sit below the grates to vaporize drippings, reducing flare-ups and boosting flavor.
- Sear Zone Option: Select models feature dual sear burners delivering up to 40% more heat, but note, this is not infrared, so it’s not as intense or direct.
- Weber Crafted (O.G.S.) Frame Kit: Introduced in 2022, this optional kit replaces the right grate with a modular system for accessories like griddles, baskets, and stones.
Add-ons like side shelves, utensil hooks, bottle holders, and grill lights help keep things tidy without complicating the grill.
Compatible Accessories:
- Flattop Griddle: Great for breakfast or smash burgers, though not as even as a dedicated griddle.
- Roasting Basket: Solves the classic veggie-drop-through-the-grates issue.
- Baking Stone: Pizza, flatbreads, and crusty artisan-style breads.
- Dual-Sided Sear Grate: Heavy meats on one side, veggies or fruit on the other.
- Rotisserie Skewer Set + Crisping Basket: Kabobs or fries, done right.
Smart Grill Options
Select Spirit models now include Wi-Fi-connected smart technology that sends real-time doneness alerts via the Weber app. You’ll see this in models like:
- EX-325 (Natural Gas)
- SX-315 (Propane, Stainless)
These are solid for casual grillers who want tech without stepping up to Genesis.
Notable Spirit Models
Bottom Line
If you want a reliable, easy-to-use grill without breaking the bank, Spirit delivers. It’s well built and outperforms most grills in its price class.
But for better searing, more flexibility, and real cooking power, Genesis is the smarter upgrade, especially with prices tightening in 2025.
Weber Genesis Grill Series: The Best Weber Grill for Your Money
If you’re looking for the best all-around gas grill in 2025, the Genesis is it.
With more power, premium materials, smarter features, and greater cooking flexibility, Genesis hits the sweet spot for most homeowners.
It’s the series we recommend most often.
What Makes Genesis Different?
- Three- and Four-Burner Models: More capacity than Spirit, nearly equal to Summit without the price tag.
- Sear Zone Upgrade: Now delivering 13,000 BTU of focused heat for real caramelization.
- Battery-Powered Electronic Ignition: Faster and more reliable than Spirit’s pilot ignition.
- Larger Cooking Surfaces: Up to 994 square inches including the top grate.
- Upgraded Construction: Stainless steel body, grates, and burners - more durable and easier to clean.
- Weber Crafted (O.G.S.) System: Compatible with the full range of modular accessories.
The Genesis is also available in smart grill versions, adding app-based temperature monitoring, cooking notifications, and real-time doneness alerts.
Notable 2025 Upgrades:
- Expanded Sear Zone: Now 13,000 BTU for a more even, restaurant-style crust
- Night Vision: Integrated lighting across the grill surface with illuminated knobs on select models
- Tank Monitor: A front-facing digital gauge shows how much propane is left
- Extra-Large Prep Table: Roomier side shelves for platters, trays, and utensils
- Expandable Top Grate: Handy for indirect cooking or warming (note: no heat source in the back)
Most Popular Genesis Models:
Bottom Line
Your best choices are the Genesis S-335 and the S-435.
With the Genesis S-335, you get full stainless construction, a 3-burner core with a powerful sear zone, a side burner, and full compatibility with Weber's Crafted accessories. It’s the most balanced grill in the lineup.
The Genesis S-435 is the grill we recommend most in 2025.
You get four burners, all-stainless construction, Weber’s upgraded Sear Zone, a side burner, a large cooking area, expanded prep space, and integrated grill lighting.
It’s the best combination of performance, durability, and value before stepping up to Summit pricing.
In short, it’s everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Weber Summit Grill Series: Serious Heat, Serious Budget
The Weber Summit is the company’s top-tier gas grill, designed for outdoor kitchens, frequent entertainers, or anyone who wants every bell and whistle.
It was updated in 2024 with more power, a new infrared burner, and smarter control options.
But at over $4,000, it’s a significant investment and one that may overlap with the better pro-style grills from brands like Hestan Aspire, DCS 7 Series, and Lynx for a few thousand more.
What’s New in the Summit?
- 5 burners at 13,000 BTU each: previously 6 burners at 10,000 BTU
- 16,000 BTU infrared top burner: great for searing or finishing food on the rotisserie
- Built-in rotisserie and smoker box: both come standard, unlike Genesis
- Larger cooking area: 681 square inches plus top grate
- Smart Control (on FS38X model): high-def touchscreen, app control, and guided cooking
Infrared burners are a big deal for searing. Unlike standard burners, they produce intense, focused heat that is ideal for steaks, crispy skin, and rotisserie browning.
Now, let's dive into the various models within the Weber Summit series.
Most Popular Summit Models:
Summit Smart FS38X S ($5,299)
Key Features: Adds HD touchscreen, smart cooking features, remote control via app
Bottom Line
Summit makes sense if you want premium features like infrared searing, a rotisserie finish, or a built-in option for your outdoor kitchen.
It’s also a great fit if you regularly grill large meals and need the extra space and flexibility.
But for most homeowners, the Genesis SL-S-435 offers nearly the same performance at less than half the price, and with a more compact design.
Unless you’ll use the extra features often, Genesis is the better value.
Weber Genesis vs. Summit: Which Is Right for You?
Comparing Weber’s Genesis and Summit grills isn’t a direct comparison. They’re designed for different types of grillers.
The Genesis SL-S-435 is a fully loaded, high-performance grill priced under $1,600. The Summit starts at $3,899 and includes advanced features that you may or may not use often.
Key Differences
- Infrared Heat: Available only on the Summit for more intense searing and rotisserie cooking.
- Built-In Rotisserie: Integrated on the Summit, optional on the Genesis. A great add-on—if you’ll use it.
- Smoker Box: A bonus on the Summit, but not essential for most homeowners.
- Smart Tech: Summit smart models have a touchscreen interface. Genesis SX models use the Weber app and meat probes.
| Genesis S-435 | Summit FS38S | |
| Burners | 4 x 12,000 BTU | 5 x 13,000 BTU |
| Sear Zone | Yes (13,000 BTU) | Yes (16,000 BTU) |
| Side Burner | Yes (12,000 BTU) | Yes |
| Smoker Box | Optional (Kit sold separately) | Included + infrared top burner |
| Grill Lighting | Yes (Knob & Surface lights) | Yes |
| Cooking Area (sq. in.) | 994 sq. in. | 1,053 sq. in. |
| Weber Crafted OGS | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Technology | Yes (on SX and SPX smart models) | Yes (on FS38X smart models)) |
| Price Range | $1,799 | $3,899-$5,299 |
Our Take
If you’re cooking for a crowd often or building a full outdoor kitchen, the Summit is worth considering.
Its infrared burner, rotisserie, and smoker box enhance what you can do on the grill.
For most homeowners, though, the Genesis SL-S-435 is the smarter buy. It’s:
- Easier to clean
- Far more affordable
- Just as capable for steaks, burgers, and weekend grilling
Unless you’re using those premium features regularly, you won’t miss the Summit. Genesis delivers about 90% of the performance at just 60% of the price.
How Napoleon Compares to Weber’s Grill Series
I don’t have much experience selling Napoleon grills, so I took a closer look at the specs.
The Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB is one of the few grills under $2,000 that competes directly with Weber.
What immediately stood out: it uses infrared burners for both the rotisserie and the side burner. I’ve never seen an infrared side burner before—not even on Weber’s higher-end models.
You’ll get strong searing performance, solid heat distribution, and thick stainless steel grates.
The firebox is rust-proof cast aluminum, and Napoleon backs the main components with a lifetime warranty.
That said, there are trade-offs. It’s harder to clean, slower to respond to temperature changes, and the natural gas version doesn’t get as hot.
Customer service can also be hit or miss.
Quick Comparison: Weber Genesis S-435 vs. Napoleon Prestige 500
| Napoleon Prestige 500 | Weber Genesis S-435 | |
| Burners | 4 Main + Infrared Side + Infrared Rear (Rotisserie) | 4 Main + Sear Zone + Side Burner |
| Total BTUs | 80,000 | 69,000 |
| Grates | 7.5mm Stainless Steel Rods | 7mm Stainless Steel Rods |
| Rotisserie Burner | Yes – 18,000 BTU Infrared Rear | No (rotisserie kit sold separately, no rear burner) |
| Sear Zone | Infrared Side “Sizzle Zone” (900°F+) | Standard Tube-Burner Sear Zone |
| Side Burner | Yes – Infrared | Yes – 12,000 BTU (standard) |
| Smart Features | None | No smart tech (unless upgraded to SX model) |
| Firebox Material | Cast Aluminum | Cast Aluminum |
| Lid & Body | 304 & 430 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel Lid, Powder-Coated Cabinet |
| Ignition | Jetfire Ignition (each burner) | Snap-Jet Individual Burner Ignition |
| Warranty | Lifetime (on main components) | 12 Years (cookbox, burners, lid, grates) |
| Made In | Canada | China |
| Price Range | $1,499-$1,699 | $1,499-$1,699 |
Bottom Line
Choose Napoleon if you want:
- Better searing and high-heat performance
- Built-in rotisserie functionality
- A grill designed for enthusiasts
Choose Weber if you want:
- Easier cleanup and maintenance
- More user-friendly controls
- Hassle-free, everyday grilling
Final Verdict: Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit
Choosing the right grill in 2025 isn’t just about features.
It comes down to what’s available, what’s built to last, and what fits the way you actually cook.
So, here’s the short version:
Which Grill Is Right for You?
Best for |
|
| Spirit | An affordable grill for casual use or smaller households |
| Genesis S-435 | The best overall balance of performance, durability, space, and price |
| Summit | Built-in rotisserie, infrared searing, and a smoker box—at nearly double the cost |
| Napoleon Prestige 500 | Stronger searing and rotisserie features, but with more upkeep and less support |
Why We Recommend the Genesis S-435
For most homeowners, Genesis is the smart choice. It delivers a professional-grade experience without the cost, complexity, or maintenance of a luxury grill.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Four powerful burners, large sear zone, and side burner
- All-stainless body, grates, and prep space with integrated lighting
- Compatible with Weber’s full accessory system
- Easier to maintain than Napoleon
- Delivers 90% of the Summit’s performance at a much lower price
A Final Note: 2025 Is a Tough Year for Grill Buyers
With tariffs, higher costs, and fewer imports, Weber inventory is already tightening. If you find a Genesis S-435 in stock and in your preferred fuel type, don’t wait.
Delays and stock-outs are becoming more common.
Additional Resources
Want to know the latest information on all the best grills? Download the Yale BBQ Grill Buying Guide with features, BTU outputs of all the grills, and detailed profiles of all the best brands. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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