At a Glance
- How to Interpret Weber Grill Codes
- Weber Genesis Series Differences
- Weber Genesis GS4 Signature Features
- New Weber Genesis Features
- The Best Weber Genesis Series Grills
- Why You Should Buy a Weber Genesis Grill
- Why You Shouldn't Buy a Weber Genesis Grill
- How Do Weber Genesis Grills Compare to
Other Popular BBQ Grills? - Should You Buy a Weber Genesis Grill?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Weber Genesis is Weber's most popular grill series.
This series has decent sizes in three or four burners, has good burner output, and is built to last longer than other competitive grills.
Buying a Genesis is not easy. There are fewer choices, limited availability, and the model numbers can be confusing. Weber discontinued some of their models earlier this year due to component issues.
First, you will learn all about the features and differences between available Genesis grills. Then we'll show you the main benefits of buying a Weber Genesis grill. We'll also show you how to interpret Weber grill codes, so you will understand what you are buying plus the improvements made in 2022.
Then you can read a list of the available grills in separate videos. No series of grills are best for every type of grilling, so you will also see a comparison between Genesis and other grill types like charcoal, pellet, and professional grills.
By the end of the article, you will have complete information on how to decide if the Weber Genesis or another grill is right for you.
Let's get started.
How to Interpret Weber Grill Codes
You shop online or in-store and see a row of similar Weber Genesis grills with different model numbers. You almost need a Rosetta Stone or decoder ring to understand the Weber model numbers.
Here’s how to crack the code:
- If a model begins with E - you have a porcelain enamel (colored) hood, porcelain grates, and stainless Flavorizer Bars.
- If the model begins with an S, then the grill has a stainless body, Flavorizer Bars, and stainless grates instead of porcelain. Stainless wears better than porcelain and holds heat for a better sear.
- The number 3 or 4 indicates the burners on the grill. For Genesis series grills, you can choose between 3 or 4 burners. The exception to the ruling is the SE model. It is a special edition for specific dealers. I wouldn't worry about colors. You won't see many in 2022
- SE features stainless grates with colored hoods and a handle light and 9 MM grates as opposed to the 7 MM grates of the S models.
- SPE is also stainless with 9-millimeter grates and light in the hood so you can see
- SL is a new code for this year with stainless steel and 9-millimeter grates and light in the hood. "L" stands for limited. You won't see this grill in many stores. Thicker grates hold heat better and theoretically cook faster.
The better grills have the Weber Outdoor Grilling System or "OGS" for short. You will learn about the available OGS accessories later in the article.
Weber Genesis Grill Codes:
- S - Stands for stainless grates and cover
- SE - Stands for a color (there are five), and stainless grates
- SPE - Stands for stainless with the better 9-millimeter grates and light in the hood
- E - Enamel color hoods and porcelain grates
- 4 - Stands for four burners. The Genesis is now available with 3 or 4 burners.
- 3 – Stands for side burners and a sear station (1 has no side burner or sear station)
- 5 - Full cabinet doors (0 is an open cart, however, all of Weber's grills this year are closed carts)
- SX - Weber's Smart Grill with Bluetooth meat probes and temperature reading on the front of the grill
- SL - 4 burners with 9-millimeter grates and light in the hoods
Look at this model number: S-435. "S" means it is stainless. "4" is the number of burners it has. "35" means it has a sear station, stainless grates, and a stainless cover.
What would the model number be if you want a three burner with side burners, stainless cover, a sear zone, and stainless grates? It would be an S-335.
Weber Genesis Series Differences
The first significant difference is its size, three or four burners, and 9,000 BTU (British Thermal Unit). After size, in a normal year, you would have a choice of side burners, cabinet fronts, a sear station, and stainless or porcelain grates in either series.
Genesis Grill Sizes and Output
Burner output differs by size.
Weber Genesis 3-burner Output
- BTU Output: 39,000
- Size: 513 - 787 square inches, 156 inches in the upper rack
Weber Genesis 4-burner Output
- BTU Output: 48,000
- Size: 946 square inches, 198 in the upper rack
- Sear Station: 9,000-13,000 BTU
- Side burners: 12,000 on both with applicable models
Weber Genesis GS4 Signature Features
A few years ago, Weber redesigned their grills to light faster, have fewer flare-ups, and more consistent flame. Grease management was also engineered into the grill.
It was dubbed their "GS4." Let's briefly look at the improvements.
- Igniters - Weber's igniters allow your grill to start on the first strike. The electrode is protected from the elements with a ceramic coating to capture the gas and ignite consistently without the worry of spills or weather.
- Burners - Their high-performance burners have large exit ports for a better flame. The burners are made of high-grade 304 stainless steel possessing a high chromium content and nickel to help prevent them from rusting.
- Flavorizer Bars - Weber also has introduced patented Flavorizer Bars, vaporizing drippings for easier cleaning. At the same time, it protects the burners from grease and flare-ups. The GS4 has a second row of burners, whereas the regular Spirit and Summit have just one.
- Grease Management - Their new management system allows for easy removal and a taller tray to trap more grease, making your clean up faster. The grease is centered with a better angle to allow a better flow, unlike the other two series.
New Weber Genesis Features for 2022
Sear Zone
The burner specifications of the Genesis have also remained the same at 13,000 BTU burners for a total of 39,000 BTU or 48,000 BTU for the four burners. The side burner if you like to boil corn or lobsters while grilling is the same as last year at 12,000 BTU.
They did increase the sear zone in the middle from 9,000 BTU to 13,000 BTU. It's more powerful, but it's just another row of burners, not an infrared like the better yet more expensive grill types.
Square Footage
The cooking square footage has increased to 787 square inches, but most of the extra space is from a larger top grate. Weber also added better side tables to fit larger plates and a tank monitor. Now you don't have to guess how much gas is left in the tank.
Weber Outdoor Grilling System OGS
The Weber OGS system is a frame kit fitting new accessories. You could like some of them as it allows you to cook differently.
- Flattop - You can cook anything on a grill, but now you can cook breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, pancakes, and grilled cheese.
- Roasting Basket - Ever try to grill vegetables? You can't do it effectively; bits of veg always seem to slide off the grill to the fire below. The new basket allows you to cook veggies easily.
- Baking Stone - The baking stone is designed to cook crusts, specifically pizza.
- Sear Grate - You can sear a steak on one side and more delicate items like fruits and veggies on the other.
- Rotisserie Skewer Set + Crisping Basket - You can make kabobs or crisp French fries with these two accessories.
The Best Weber Genesis Grills for 2022
For 2022, the "Most Popular" should also be synonymous with "the most available." Finding a Weber (or any other appliance) will be challenging this year.
Most Popular: Weber S-325 ($1,129) and Weber SP-E-325 ($1,029)
We have both on order. Of the two, the SP-E-325 is slightly better with the thicker grates and lights under the hood, so you see it at night when you cook.
S-325 Features:
- 787 sq. inches total cooking area
- Three Burners
- 39,000 BTU
- 13,000 BTU Sear Zone
- 7 mm stainless steel grates
SP-E-325s Features:
- 787 sq. inches total cooking area (Large enough to fit 20 burgers)
- Three Burners
- 39,000 BTU
- 13,000 BTU Sear Zone
- 9 mm stainless steel grates
- LED Lid Handle Lights
Weber SP-E-335 - $1,429
The SP-E-335 is enamel with porcelain grates. The 335s have a side burner allowing you to cook as you grill. The 335 series is fitted with the grates for the OGS accessories, so you can do more with this grill like a griddle, stir fry, and rotisserie.
Features:
- 513 Total Cooking Area
- Three Burners
- 9 mm Stainless Steel Grates
- LED Lid Handle Lights
- Built-In Weber Crafted Frame
Weber S-335 - $1,429
Because of availability issues, we bought both the S-335 and the SP-E-335 (featured above). The difference is the stainless exterior, better grates, and stainless Flavorizer bars. The difference between the S and SP-E is thicker grates and lighting under the hood of the cover.
Features:
- 787 sq. inches total cooking area
- Three Burners
- 39,000 BTU
- 13,000 BTU Sear Zone
- Side Burner
- 7 mm stainless steel grates
- Weber Crafted Frame Kit
Most Powerful: Weber SL-435 - $1,799
In theory, you can buy any of the three-burner grills as a four-burner. However, you will have a problem finding one. The SL-435 is available, at least for now. Availability does vary, so check in your area. It is like the SP-E-335, except it's larger and adds a burner for 48,000 BTU output.
Features:
- 994 sq. inches total cooking area (Large enough to fit 28 burgers)
- 48,000 BTU
- 13,000 BTU Sear Zone
- Side Burner
- 7 mm stainless steel grates
- LED Lid Handle Lights
- Weber Craft Frame Kit
Best Smart Grill – Weber SX-335 - $1,599
First, any grill can be a Smart grill using the Weber iGrill App. And accessory The iGrill uses wireless meat probes to sense the inside temperature of your food.
Weber is at the forefront of Smart technology, and it is "smart." You can receive alerts to flip that burger or remove the food from your grill right off your phone and have access to recipes.
For the smart grills, the iGrill is built-in, and you can see the temperature on the grill. You can't change the temperature if you just buy the accessory.
Features:
- 787 sq. inches total cooking area
- Three Burners
- 39,000 BTU
- 13,000 BTU Sear Zone
- Side Burner
- 7 mm stainless steel grates
- Weber Craft Frame Kit
Why You Should Buy a Weber Genesis Grill
You shop at Yale for brand selection. For example, you can choose between 14 different dishwasher brands and see 100 wall ovens in our three stores. However, we only sell one grill brand in this price range
We have tried the most competitive brands. Since we use these grills in demonstrations and leave them outside, many cannot handle a New England winter. Others do not perform as their specifications and marketing indicate.
Our chef once placed her hand in the middle of a competitive operating grill to show the cold spot. That is not a grill you would want in your house. Most stores would not even let you return it.
Weber is designed well on the outside with stainless steel, durable plastic, and enameled finishes to survive a New England winter for many years. Be careful what you buy. Most grills aren't designed to last.
Why You Shouldn't Buy a Weber Genesis Grill
Weber has the Sear Zone. It's just another row of burners delivering 13,000 BTU. It doesn't have infrared burners for searing like professional outdoor grills. Without a top burner to provide even heat, you have no rotisserie capability on the Genesis.
Smoking or the ability to add wood flavor is not built into the Genesis grill either. Most of these capabilities are only available in grills starting at $2,500 or higher.
Natural Gas vs. Liquid Propane Weber Genesis Grills
You can buy many Genesis grills in natural or LP gas. However, they are designed to be one or the other and should not be field converted. Most Genesis series grills are available in natural gas, but the colors may vary.
You cannot place an LP (Liquid Propane) grill or wood pellet grill on your roof deck or balcony by code for Bostonians. When you think about it, carrying a liquid propane tank up five flights are a bad idea (I live in the South End). You can run a gas line and have a natural gas grill.
How Do Weber Genesis Grills Compare to Other Popular BBQ Grills?
Weber Genesis vs. Weber Spirit Grills
Weber Spirit Series BBQ Grill
Spirit is the least expensive Weber grill. It is less powerful at 2-3 burners versus 3-4 for Genesis. Only three Spirit grills have the GS4. It is an older but still reliable line of grills.
Spirits will be tough to find this year, as many of Genesis. The Weber Spirit series is the most competitive to Genesis for features yet only has the GS4 grilling system in their Spirit II series models.
It has the same side burner output, but the grill and sear station are slightly underpowered compared to the Genesis at 32,000 versus 39,000 BTU and 7500 Versus 13,000 BTU for the sear station.
The Genesis is the larger version of the Spirit with better BTU output, even with the same three burners. The grates and burners are a bit better as well. Genesis also has the OGS and new improvements.
Read More: Weber Spirit vs. Genesis BBQ Grills
Weber Genesis vs. Weber Summit Grills
Weber Summit Series BBQ Grill
Summit is the largest Weber grill available in 4 and the largest size of 6 burners. Like the Spirit, the Summit does not have the latest GS4 improvements. With the six burners, you have 6 10,000 BTU burners, 10,000 BTU sear, 10,600 BTU infrared rotisserie burner, and 6,000 BTU smoker boxes.
You can do more with the Summit. It is larger, plus you can effectively roast your meat because there is an infrared burner behind the rotisserie. It's an important distinction. As we said, you can buy the rotisserie accessory with Genesis, but there is no burner behind it for even cooking.
The Genesis is 40% cheaper than the better Summit series. However, you can do more with the Summit. It has a rotisserie, smoker basket, and rotisserie burner. The smoker basket allows you to infuse your meat with wood or other flavors.
That said, Genesis is the better grill for grilling only, plus it has the OGS and other improvements not available in a Summit.
If you want a larger grill with better rotisserie and smoking capability, then Summit is better for you. However, if you want a technically more improved grill, Weber 4 series Genesis is the better choice.
Weber Genesis vs. Professional Outdoor Grills
Hestan Professional BBQ Grill
So, how much better is a pro grill? Professional grills have higher BTU output at 23,000 -25,000 BTUs per burner, so you cook much faster than Genesis at 12,000-13,000 BTU output per burner. There is a much better sear as well. Pro grills use infrared technology, a hotter, more direct heat for much faster searing.
The Aspire by Hestan has a rotisserie that can fit up to 50 pounds of food with a much hotter 14,000 BTU infrared burner. Even the Weber Summit can only hold 20 pounds with a 10,600 BTU rotisserie burner. Sounds good? It should. However, a good pro grill will cost about $6,000 to start.
Read More: Best Professional Outdoor BBQ Grills
Weber Genesis vs. Pellet Grills
Weber SmokeFire Pellet Grill
I do not know why they call pellet types of grills. They cannot reach the high temperatures of gas. It's an electric convection fan in a smoker. Pellets are a different type of cooking based on even indirect heat.
You can cook a brisket for a few hours with customized flavor pellets. However, you cannot cook that burger quickly. Its flavor is compared to speed.
Bostonians, as we said, you cannot place propane, wood pellet, or charcoal grill on your balcony. It's against the code.
Read More: New Weber SmokeFire Pellet Grill Series
Weber Genesis vs. Charcoal BBQ Grills
Weber Charcoal Grill
Charcoal has heat and adds texture that gas cannot. Gas grills are more precise, consistent, and easy to clean than charcoal. You also do not have to add charcoal every time using the grill.
Gas is the easiest and the most precise way to grill, while charcoal will give you a better flavor with more prep and clean-up.
Read More: Differences Between Charcoal, Gas, Professional Gas, and Pellet Grills
Should You Buy a Weber Genesis Grill?
It depends. For professionals or more seasoned chefs or grill aficionados, Lynx, DCS, and Hestan offer a much better grill with higher BTU, infrared sears, and better construction. You will have to pay a lot more for those features, usually over $3,799-$10,000.
Genesis, however, is the most popular grill for a reason. It is far more durable than a competitive brand. You also have the right size, options, output, and features for the price.
The basic Genesis is not expensive at $1,129. You can also buy a large grill with good features for under $1,300. It will light up quickly, maintain temperature, and you now have flexibility with the OGS accessories.
Weber is also built better than its competitors (we have carried most of them). It will last longer with better reliability. Genesis should be considered if you are looking for a great, dependable larger grill without frills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weber Grills
1. Are Weber Genesis grills made in the US?
No, not all Weber grills are made in the US. Most are now made in China.
2. What is Weber's Smart Grill Hub, and why is it useful?
Weber's Smart Grilling Hub is a connectivity accessory that mounts to the side of your grill. The way to "connect" the accessory piece is by downloading the Smart Grilling Hub app on your phone.
The app is Bluetooth connected and will send alerts to your phone, such as temperature readings for four different meat types. This includes alarming you when it reaches a minimum or maximum temperature.
You will know when your food is done cooking without cutting into the meat, checking the color, or standing by the grill. All this functionality is now built into the Smart grills.
3. Can you buy a Weber Genesis grill in natural gas?
Yes, most Genesis is available in natural gas.
Additional Resources
Want to know the latest information on all the best grills? Download the YaAle 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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