Whenever we test grills, Weber often comes out on top. This iconic brand's grills are well-made, sturdy, easy to use, and come with a generous warranty. Although perhaps best-known for its ubiquitous Original Kettle charcoal grill, Weber makes grills in every category, including gas grills, wheeled and tabletop portable grills (both charcoal and propane), charcoal-fueled smokers, and kamado-style cookers.
Most Webers have efficient features that make grilling approachable for beginners, as well as satisfying for the more advanced crew: their hinged grates make it easy to add fuel while grilling, and the adjustable dampers allow for simple temperature control. If you want to spend more, you can take home models with more luxe features, like extra-large “sear zones” and smart connectivity that syncs the grill with an app on your phone.
While we believe you can’t go wrong with many a Weber, we’ve collected the best of their catalog here so you can comparison-shop. Each of the following Webers has been rigorously tested and approved by Serious Eats: now all you have to do is find the right one for your specific grilling needs.
The Winners, at a Glance
- The Best Overall Charcoal Grill: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22” Grill
- The Best Beginner-Friendly Charcoal Grill: Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill 22”
- The Best Overall Gas Grill: Weber Spirit II E-310
- The Best Two-Burner Gas Grill: Weber Spirit II E-210
- The Best Upgrade Gas Grill: Weber Genesis E325S
- The Best Splurge Gas Grill: Weber Genesis EX-325S Smart Grill
- The Best Budget-Friendly Weber Portable Charcoal Grill: Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
- The Best Pellet Grill: Weber Smokefire EX4 (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet Grill
- The Best Tabletop Portable Gas Grill: Weber Q1200 Gas Grill
- The Best Wheeled Portable Gas Grill: Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
- The Best Kamado Style Smoker: Weber 18201001 Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill
- The Best Traditional Charcoal Smoker: Weber 18-Inch Smokey Mountain Cooker
Things to Consider
Gas vs. Charcoal Grills
We’ve long recommended Weber’s charcoal kettle grill to anyone looking for a phenomenal cooker at a reasonable price point. But our recent gas grill testing proved Weber is a powerhouse in that department, too (four out of six of our winners in our gas grill test were Webers). If you're looking to buy on a budget, and/or favor a smoky flavor and scent while grilling, consider Weber’s charcoal grill options. If efficiency is on your list of grilling must-haves, consider a gas grill, which takes less time to heat up. They also offer a less-messy cleanup due to the lack of ash.
Size and Cooking Surface Area
Stationary grills have larger cooking areas than portable grills (no surprise there). Removing the portable grills from the equation, Weber’s gas grills generally offer a larger cooking surface area than their charcoal models; some gas grills have two levels of grates, or can be expanded. For a quick comparison: our top pick for a charcoal model, the Weber Original Kettle, has 363 square inches of usable cook space (that’s a baker’s dozen burgers). The best gas Weber, the Weber Spirit II E-310, has 529 square inches of cooking area.
Portability
If you’ll be grilling in your backyard or at-home outdoor area, and have enough space to store the grill when it’s not in use, we recommend a stationary model from Weber; they have larger cooking areas, and are generally better at maintaining efficient heat. They’re also slightly portable: with at least two wheels, you can easily move Weber’s “stationary” models around your yard or patio. But if you plan on doing most of your grilling while camping, tailgating, or at the beach, check out Weber’s portable models. Weber makes portable grills with or without wheels, fueled by charcoal and gas.
The Criteria: What to Look for in a Weber Grill
Whether they were charcoal or propane, stationary or portable, all of our favorite Weber grills had some things in common. High-quality Weber grills are easy to assemble (although as with most other brands, the charcoal grills have fewer parts and are simpler to put together than gas models). The best grills are intuitive to use, without confusing bells and whistles. The heat source is consistent, as well as simple to adjust and add to while cooking. We favor Weber grills for their efficiency in managing multi-zone cooking, and for their generous warranties that stand out from their competition. In fact, most of the grills below have warranties beginning at 10 years for the cook box (additional parts, like gas tubes and grates, have warranties ranging from three to 10 years).
What we liked: Weber’s flagship charcoal model heats up quickly and is highly consistent—there are no hot or cold spots to babysit while grilling. The lid is rotational, and the damper is easy to adjust. We also liked its hinged grate design, which made it easy to add fuel while cooking. It’s easy to put together, too (we were able to assemble it in under 15 minutes). Ultimately, this is a solid grill that’s good for both beginners and more experienced cooks. It’s long been our recommendation—you won’t find a better charcoal grill at this price.
What we didn’t like: The ash catch could be easier to clean and it could have better stability (although it is more stable than Weber’s portable models).
Price at time of publish: $233.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 127 square inches
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches
- Weight: 32.3 pounds
- Features: Hinged grates
- Warranty: 10 years
What we liked: Although this grill is powered by charcoal, it has an automatic propane start. That makes it incredibly easy (and quick) to turn on. It has four wheels for easy transport around your yard, and they lock into place for added stability. Cleaning it is as easy as pushing a button that releases ash into a catch below the grill. There’s even a weather-protected built-in bin to hold charcoal so it’s right at hand when you’re ready to grill.
What we didn’t like: The price point is a little high for those looking to invest in their first charcoal grill. It’s cumbersome to put together without a second pair of hands. The two sets of grates (for coal and cooking) are not adjustable, but that could also be a mark in the “Pro” column for beginners who don’t want to make a lot of decisions when grilling.
Price at time of publish: $598.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 363 square inches
- Dimensions: 43.5 x 48 x 30 square inches
- Weight: 91 pounds
- Features: Automatic propane start; attached work table
- Warranty: 10 years
What we liked: This three-burner grill has a very reasonable price tag; it’s not much more expensive than two-burner grills, but boasts a larger cooking surface. Transport around your outdoor space is easy, thanks to two large wheels that, we found, glided smoothly across various surfaces. It hits the mark between “beginner-friendly” and high-end, and with plenty of hanging hooks for tools, it’s the “it has pockets!” equivalent of an attractive sundress. If you’re looking for an iconic backyard grill look and feel, you really can’t beat the Spirit II.
What we didn’t like: The center of the grill gets slightly hotter than the perimeter and there were some flare-ups during testing (though nothing unreasonable).
Price at time of publish: $569.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 529 square inches
- Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 44.5 inches
- Weight: 109 pounds
- Features: Two attached work tables; ample tool hooks
- Warranty: 10 years
What we liked: This Weber is prized among customers (and our testers) for easy assembly, thanks to its very clear instructions. It can handle just about any common grilled food, and gets hot enough to sear meat and impart attractive grill marks. It’s all-around a solid performer, and very reliable. All that, and it is priced fairly, at under $500. Although its footprint is small, with 450 square inches of usable cooking space, our tests found it punches above its weight in regards to its performance and usability.
What we didn’t like: If you’re cooking for a crowd, or simply have a larger family, this grill will likely feel too small. (We think this grill is best for two-person households.)
Price at time of publish: $449.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 450 square inches
- Dimensions: 44.5 x. 48 x 26 inches
- Weight: 103 pounds
- Features: Two attached work tables; easy to read fuel gauge
- Warranty: 10 years
What we liked: This three-burner has a stupendously XL grill space that's expandable up to 787 square inches. There is a large sear zone with 13,000 BTU-per-hour input, which is ideal for getting nice color on large cuts of meat (or many steaks at once). There were minimal flare-ups while testing, and the grill was consistent, with strong heat retention. The construction of this model is extremely solid, and we believe it will last a decade or more.
What we didn’t like: It’s on the pricier side. The price tag may not be justified for small families or individuals who don’t need a lot of cooking space. If you’re a first-time gas grill owner, you may be just as happy with the less flashy Weber Spirit II E-310.
Price at time of publish: $999.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 787 square inches
- Dimensions: 48.5 x 62 x 27 inches
- Weight: 188 pounds
- Features: Expandable top cooking grate; locking wheels
- Warranty: 12 years (for cookbox and lid)
What we liked: This techy grill can do everything the Genesis E325 can…but with technology. The super hot sear zone is Weber’s largest (it’s the same size and BTU capacity as the E325S). You can monitor the food’s temperature on your phone as it cooks, and set alerts for when it reaches doneness or needs to be flipped. The app is refreshingly simple and intuitive to use, and it’s not so gadgety that it takes the hands-on fun out of the equation.
What we didn’t like: It is one of the most expensive grills we’ve tested. The technology requires WiFi, which could be frustrating if you lose connectivity mid-grill session.
Price at time of publish: $1,079.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 787 square inches
- Dimensions: 48.5 x 62 x 27 inches
- Weight: 188 pounds
- Features: WiFi enabled smart connectivity that monitors food and sends alerts to your phone; sear zone; large attached work table
- Warranty: 12 years (for cookbox and lid)
What we liked: This grill is extremely well-priced at under $50. It’s a no-brainer to assemble, and there are no potentially confusing features, like hinged grates or multiple dampers. It’s lightweight and easy to transport.
What we didn’t like: There’s (obviously) not a lot of cookspace, and it doesn’t get as hot as standard grills—which means food doesn’t acquire much attractive char or grill marks. In our portable charcoal grills tests, we found food looked baked rather than grilled.
Price at time of publish: $46.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 147 square inches
- Dimensions: 17 x 14.2 x 14.5 inches
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
- Features: Highly portable
- Warranty: 10 years
What we liked: In our pellet grills review, this grill was a standout in maintaining consistent, steady temperature over a 10-hour smoking session. It got pretty dang hot for searing, too. The pellet grill also has the option to add extra flavor with a “smoke boost” feature, though we found it overall imparted a balanced, medium-smokey flavor. The Smokefire definitely has enough added features to make grilling and smoking aficionados happy, including two included probes and app connectivity.
What we didn’t like: At over $1,000, it’s definitely an investment.
Price at time of publish: $1,099.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 672 square inches
- Dimensions: 47 x 43 x 33 inches
- Weight: 176 pounds
- Features: WiFi enabled smart connectivity; “smoke boost” feature for extra flavor; two included cooking probes
- Warranty: 10 years
What we liked: This supremely sturdy grill is portable and solid enough to act as a tabletop grill for apartment dwellers and folks with small outdoor areas. It can be lit with an indicator button or a match, and the nonstick-coated firebox makes it easy to clean up grease. We also appreciated the two small-but-useful hinged work tables, which would be especially handy if grilling while camping or at the beach (and can be folded down for compact storage). It's available in a handful of colors, too.
What we didn’t like: It doesn’t come with a stand, although that can be purchased separately. It’s a little pricey for a portable grill.
Price at time of publish: $259.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 189 square inches
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 40.9 x 24.6inches
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Features: Adaptable to a 20-pound fuel tank with an adapter hose; electronic ignition; folding side tables
- Warranty: 5 years
What we liked: The cooking grate is especially roomy for a portable grill, with over 300 square inches of usable surface area. Its sturdy metal legs collapse, and two are fitted with wheels. The buttons and knobs are minimal, making it straightforward to assemble and use. The BTU-per-hour input is equal to the XL sear zone on the Genesis series, which means it’s very hot for a portable.
What we didn’t like: The fuel tank screws in at an angle, which can be tricky to get right. During testing, the surface lost heat quickly when not packed with food, so it may be too large for individuals or small families.
Price at time of publish: $449.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 320 square inches
- Dimensions: 23 x 43.6 x 37 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Features: Collapsible design; 13,000 BTU-per-hour input
- Warranty: 5 years
What we liked: This unique model from Weber is part kettle, part kamado: you could say it’s the best of both worlds. The cooking grate is adjustable (unlike some of Weber’s traditional kettle models), so you can increase the intensity of the heat source by moving the cooking grate closer to the charcoal grate. It’s equally nimble as a charcoal-fueled smoker and a traditional charcoal grill, making it a smart buy for someone interested in both styles of cooking.
What we didn’t like: It’s expensive, and all the accessories are sold separately.
Price at time of publish: $1,250.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 452 square inches
- Dimensions: 44.9 x 34.8 x 35.8 inches
- Weight: 131.7 pounds
- Features: Adjustable cooking grate; stainless steel diffuser plate for controlled temperature during smoking sessions
- Warranty: 10 years
What we liked: This bullet-style smoker is extremely reliable; it’s been a mainstay of Weber’s lineup for decades. With room for a water pan and two cooking grates, it’s easy to maintain a steady, consistent temperature (we found that the larger size of this model required more monitoring and adjustments). You can technically also use it as a grill if you’re willing to kneel or crouch in order to get closer to the bottom grate.
What we didn’t like: Due to the petite dimensions of this smoker, you may have to portion large cuts of meat into smaller sizes.
Price at time of publish: $419.
Key Specs
- Cooking area: 481 square inches
- Dimensions: 41 x 19 x 21 inches
- Weight: 39.1 pounds
- Features: 4 dampers to adjust and maintain ideal heat; totally removable door for ease of adding fuel
- Warranty: 10 years
FAQs
Where are Weber grills made?
Weber grills are made in the US, and have been since they came on the market in 1952. They source materials for their grills from the US and globally.
How do you clean a Weber grill?
Whether you have a charcoal or gas grill, the best time to clean it is after lighting it, before you add food. Allow the surface to get roaring hot, then use a grill brush to scrub away any crusted-on bits. It may seem counter-intuitive, but avoid cleaning your grill after cooking: keeping that layer of carbonized blackness around the grates protects them from moisture and rust. If you cook with charcoal, you’ll have to empty the ash catch once it has cooled; do this regularly to avoid buildup. Typically, lump charcoal creates less ash and is easier to clean than briquettes.
You can learn more about cleaning your grill here.
Why are Weber grills so expensive?
USA-made Weber grills cost more than many of their competitors (although they’re by no means the priciest girls on the market). This is in part due to the relatively high labor costs for onshore manufacturing. They’re also made from premium materials, guaranteed to last a long time. For that reason, Weber offers generous warranties; 10-12 years for the cookbox on almost all their full-sized models. Other grill parts, like the knobs, grates, and burner tubes have slightly shorter warranties, ranging from three to 10 years. Their portable grills warranties are usually five years.
How long do Weber grills last?
Weber grills will last a long time when cared for properly. For most models, the basic structure will last for upwards of 10 years, and is covered under a large warranty. If other parts of the grill, like the knobs or ash catch, break, they can be replaced. Even if those parts are no longer under warranty, it’s more affordable to replace them than to buy a whole new grill. You can increase the longevity of your grill by keeping it covered when not in use, and storing it inside during harsh weather.
from Serious Eats https://ift.tt/IiTCOXf
Comments
Post a Comment