If you’re looking for a high-quality gas grill, you already know that Weber makes some of the best gas grills on the market. In fact, they have gas grills in almost every price range and category you could imagine, which can sometimes make it difficult to narrow down your choices and identify the right grill for you. Today we’re looking at Weber Spirit and Genesis II grills, to identify their key features and figure out which is the best.

Spirit vs. Genesis: The Overview

Broadly speaking, Weber’s Genesis II series of gas grills are their standard, backyard barbecue grills, with a few upgrades. Genesis II grills have Weber’s GS4 Grilling System and are compatible with the Weber iGrill smart grilling system.

The Weber Spirit series grills are more compact. They are designed for smaller outdoor spaces, like balconies, patios, and porches, where every square inch counts. The Spirit II gas grills also have the GS4 system and iGrill compatibility, which the basic Spirit grills do not.

What is the GS4 Grilling System?

Weber’s GS4 was first launched in 2017 and is being introduced into many model upgrades. The GS4 system has 4 components:

• Upgraded igniters. Infinity ignition lights the first time, every time. Guaranteed
• Upgraded burners. GS4 burners have a unique, tapered shape that delivers a consistent flow of gas from the front to the back of the burner. This creates a more even heat distribution for the entire length of the burner, making your food more consistent
• Upgraded Flavorizer bars. The stainless steel GS4 Flavorizer bars are angled to catch drippings, adding smoke, sizzle, and flavor to your food
• Grease management system. The GS4 system works with the Flavorizer bars to catch and funnel grease and drippings into a disposable, easy to access, easy to remove drip tray. This system reduces flareups and makes cleaning easy.

What is the iGrill system?

Weber’s iGrill is a smart grilling system accessory for Genesis II and Spirit II grills. Although these grills are compatible with iGrill, it is an additional purchase and doesn’t come with the grill.

The iGrill system is essentially a grilling hub, where meat thermometers are attached to a digital device, which then allows you to use your phone or tablet to monitor your food.

The iGrill mini has a single meat probe, while the iGrill 2 and 3 have a 4 probe capacity, so you can monitor multiple thermometers. You can use the app on your phone to monitor the probes, set an alert when a certain temperature is reached,  or use preset or customized food doneness settings so you always know what is happening on the grill, no matter where you are.

The iGrill 3 can be permanently mounted to a Spirit II or Genesis II grill, has a 250 hour battery life, and the probes are heat resistant up to 716 ̊F

About Weber Model Numbers and Names

A quick explanation of Weber model numbers and names may help to clarify some of the differences between their grills.

• Weber model names start with an E, S, SE, or SP
• E: porcelain-enameled lids and cooking grates
• S: stainless steel lids and cooking grates
• SE/SP: porcelain grates with steel lids or vice versa
• Weber model numbers end in 0 or 5
• 0: the base model grill with an open cart design
• 5: the same grill with a closed cabinet cart design

Understanding the differences in model names and numbers will, hopefully, save you some time in comparing features. A Weber E-330 is the porcelain-enameled version; an S-330 is the same grill in stainless steel, and an E-335 is the same grill with a closed cabinet cart.

Weber Genesis II Series Gas Grills

Weber Genesis II gas grills are available in propane tanks or natural gas versions, in a wide range of colors. Here is a brief overview of the Genesis II grill models and features.

All Genesis II models have:

• Visible fuel gauge
• GS4 Grilling system
• A tuck-away warming rack
• Side tables
• Durable all weather wheels with 2 locking casters
• iGrill compatibility
• Lid thermometer
• Stainless steel lid deflectors
• Genesis II E-310 (also available in stainless steel, and with natural gas)
• Size (lid closed): 47”H x 59”W x 29”D
• Main burner BTU per hour input: 39,000
• Total cooking area: Primary area of 513 square inches, warming rack 156, total 669 square inches cooking space
• 3 stainless steel burners
• 6 tool hooks

Genesis II E-330 (also available in natural gas)

• Size (lid closed): 47”H x 59”W x 29”D
• Main burner BTU per hour input: 39,000
• Sear station BTU input: 9,000
• Side burner BTU input: 12,000
• Total cooking area: Primary area of 513 square inches, warming rack 156, total 669 square inches cooking space
• 3 stainless steel burners
• 6 tool hooks
• Genesis II E-410 (also available in natural gas)
• Size (lid closed): 47”H x 65”W x 29”D
• Main burner BTU per hour input: 48,000
• Total cooking area: Primary area of 646 square inches, warming rack 198, total 844 square inches cooking space
• 4 stainless steel burners
• 6 tool hooks

Genesis II E-435 (also available in stainless steel, and with natural gas)

• Size (lid closed): 47”H x 65”W x 29”D
• Main burner BTU per hour input: 48,000
• Sear station BTU input: 9,000
• Side burner BTU input: 12,000
• Total cooking area: Primary area of 646 square inches, warming rack 198, total 844 square inches cooking space
• 4 stainless steel burners
• 6 tool hooks

Weber Spirit Series Gas Grills

Weber Spirit grills are smaller than the Genesis IIs. They are available in propane tank and natural gas versions but have fewer color and surface options. Weber Spirit II gas grills have the GS4 grilling system, and are compatible with the Weber iGrill system, while the base Weber Spirit grills are not.

• All Spirit models have:
• Built-in lid thermometer
• Infinite control burner valves
• A front-access grease tray with catch pan
• Wheels with two swivel caster and two locking casters
• Tool hooks
• Spirit E-210
• Size (lid closed): 45.5”H x 50”W x 24”D
• Fuel gauge
• Main burner BTU input: 26,500
• Total cooking area: 360 primary cooking area, 90 warming area, total of 450 square inches
• 2 stainless steel burners
• 2 stainless steel fold-down side tables
• Spirit E-310 (also available in a natural gas version)
• Size (lid closed): 45.5”H x 52”W x 24”D
• Fuel gauge
• Main burner BTU input: 32,000
• Total cooking area: 424 primary cooking area, 105 warming area, total of 529 square inches
• 3 stainless steel burners
• 2 stainless steel side tables

Spirit E-330

• Size (lid closed): 45.5”H x 52”W x 24”D
• Dedicated high-heat searing station
• Side burner can also be used as a table surface
• Fuel gauge
• Main burner BTU input: 32,000
• Sear station BTU input: 7,500
• Side burner BTU input: 12,000
• Total cooking area: 424 primary cooking area, 105 warming area, total of 529 square inches
• 3 stainless steel burners
• 2 stainless steel side tables
• Spirit SP-335
• Made of: 7mm solid stainless steel cooking grates, stainless steel lid and lid handle, stainless steel Flavorizer bars, stainless steel door
• Size (lid closed): 45.5”H x 52”W x 24”D
• Dedicated high-heat searing station
• Side burner can also be used as a table surface
• Main burner BTU input: 32,000
• Sear station BTU input: 7,500
• Side burner BTU input: 12,000
• Total cooking area: 424 primary cooking area, 105 warming area, total of 529 square inches
• 3 stainless steel burners
• 2 stainless steel side tables

Spirit II E-210

• Size (lid closed): 44.5”H x 48”W x 27”D
• GS4 Grilling System
• Fuel gauge
• Infinity ignition
• Main burner BTU input: 26,500
• Total cooking area: 360 primary cooking area, 90 warming area, total of 450 square inches
• 2 stainless steel burners
• 2 Stainless steel side tables, one folds down
• Spirit II E-310 (also available in a natural gas version)
• Size (lid closed): 44.5”H x 52”W x 27”D
• GS4 Grilling System
• Fuel gauge
• Infinity ignition
• Front access grease tray with catch pan
• Main burner BTU input: 30,000
• Total cooking area: 424 primary cooking area, 105 warming area, total of 529 square inches
• 3 stainless steel burners
• 2 Stainless steel side tables, one folds down

If you compare model numbers across the grill series, they are remarkably similar. In other words, the Spirit II E-310 is extremely similar to the Genesis II E-310, and so on.

As a rule, the Genesis II grills will be larger, more expensive, and have more BTUs, but will have almost the exact same materials, technologies, design, and features as its Spirit counterpart.

If you’re looking for value for the money, you may be wondering if it’s worth spending more for a Spirit II or a Genesis II. The GS4 system is here to stay, and will be introduced to more and more models, so if you want to save some money and get an older model without it, your opportunity is narrowing. Let’s take a closer look while we can.

Is the GS4 System Worth It?

Bottom line, yes, the GS4 system is worth it. Unreliable ignition and uneven burner heat are two of the most common problems with gas grills, and Weber’s updated design resolves those issues.

The GS4 burners are also made of upgraded 304 stainless steel, for greater corrosion resistance, and have larger openings that are more resistant to clogging. Flavorizer bars are a distinctive part of Weber grilling and having the grease tray centrally located and easy to access is convenient.

The GS4 system is designed to make Weber gas grills more reliable, more durable, and easier to use. It’s a good system, worth paying for.

Is the iGrill System Worth It?

Bottom line, no. Thank goodness iGrill is still an optional accessory, and you don’t have to pay for it. Weber is working on their next generation of smart, connected grills, and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store.

But so far, their smart devices have not been as useful or reliable as they should be and aren’t worth paying extra for. There are dozens of affordable third-party Wi-Fi enabled meat thermometers available, that cost half the price of the iGrill, and perform better and more accurately.

Weber Spirit vs Weber Genesis: The Bottom Line

Across the board, both the Spirit and Genesis lines are great Weber grills. They are made for durability and quality, with thoughtful design that makes them easy, reliable, and a pleasure to cook on.

If you are looking for a more affordable grill, or have a small space, then the Spirit grills give you excellent quality and reliability in a compact package. Choose a Spirit II to take advantage of the GS4 system, or the Spirit E-330 for a whole world of features at a more affordable price.

If you want more cooking space and more BTUs, and are willing to spend extra for them, then the Genesis II line is the right choice. The luxury details and color choices will satisfy the gourmet and designer in all of us. The Genesis II E-330 is a grill that is virtually a kitchen in itself, and it comes in a huge range of colors and finishes to suit any taste.

Everyone knows some neighborhood barbecue legend who is still using the same Weber kettle grill that they got in the 1990s, but are newer Webers that reliable? Weber grills have an excellent warranty, and most of their grill components are guaranteed to last for 5-10 years, so that’s a good place to start. How long do they really last? Let’s take a closer look.

How Long Do Weber Grill Parts Last?

The specific details of the Weber warranty vary depending on the specific model, but as a general rule:

• Weber bowls and lids are guaranteed to last for 10 years with no rust through or burn through
• Weber cook boxes are guaranteed to last for 5-10 years depending on model
• Weber stainless steel cooking grates and Flavorizer bars are guaranteed to last for 5 years with no rust through or burn through
• Plastic parts are guaranteed to last for 5 or more years (but not guaranteed against fading or discoloring)
• All other parts are guaranteed to last for 2 or more years

One of the reasons that people love Weber grills is that they are incredibly easy to repair. Even when a part is no longer under warranty, it’s incredibly simple to view schematics and order replacement parts. The ease of repairing or updating Weber parts is one of the reasons people claim that these grills “last forever.”

Risks to a Weber Grill

Of course, the lifespan of any grill depends to a large degree on how often it is used. Some people use a grill only a few times a year, for special occasions. Others grill much more often, and for more people. This accounts for a wide range of different wear-and-tear on a grill, but there are a lot of other factors that can damage a grill and shorten its lifespan.

Weather

While Weber grills are durable and designed to live outdoors, weather can take a toll on a grill. Stainless steel is rust-resistant, but rain can shorten the life span of a grill over time, especially if a wet grill repeatedly freezes and thaws. If a grill has any grease or food residue, they can trap moisture and lead to corrosion.

Pests

A dirty grill can have grease and food residue that attracts pests. Rodents, in particular, are known to make homes in unused grills, and can cause damage. In addition, grill covers with soft felt or cotton linings are occasionally attractive to birds, who pull at the lining for nesting material.

Mold and Mildew

The bits of food and grease inside a dirty grill are also a great environment for mold, and any damp space with little air circulation can invite mildew. Mold and mildew aren’t usually harmful outdoors, when there is less chance of breathing the spores, but they certainly aren’t appetizing.

How to Make a Weber Grill Last Longer

Keep it Clean

As you can tell, keeping a grill clean is one of the most important factors in preventing problems and prolonging its life span. Many Webers have a OneTouch cleaning system that makes cleaning even easier. The OneTouch system moves the vents back and forth, sweeping ash into the removable ash bucket for you. Keeping the inside of your grill free of grease and ash helps it cook more efficiently, and, of course, reduces the risk of fire and flare-ups.

Clean the exterior of a grill with a mild glass cleaner, using a sponge to wipe it clean. If necessary, use a scouring pad to remove excess dirt. Clean the inside of the lid with a scrubbing brush and warm soapy water.

Clean the cooking grate with a steel brush and more warm soapy water. If your grill has a OneTouch cleaning system, it’s easy to clean out ash, grease, and debris after every use.

While you can effectively clean your grill with mild glass cleaner, warm soapy water, a sponge, a scrubbing brush, and a soft microfiber cloth, Weber does also sell cleaning kits to make it easier.

Keep it Covered

Some Weber grill models come with a cover. If your model doesn’t have one, it needs to be purchased separately. Always purchase a cover designed for your specific grill model, so that it fits correctly.

If you live in a mild climate, a simple grill cover will be fine, to protect from moisture, pests, debris, and the occasional bad weather. If you live in a harsher climate, choose a premium cover that will also provide some thermal protection and be more resistant to rough weather.

Do an Inventory.

It’s always a good idea to deep-clean your grill before storing it for the winter and again before using it in the summer. During these deep cleanings, or twice a year if you use your grill year-round, take an inventory of your grill.

Thoroughly inspect all the parts for wear, dirt, or damage. You may need to order replacement parts, and it’s best to catch and solve problems early, rather than waiting for parts to completely fail.

Conclusion

With proper care and maintenance, a good Weber grill will last 10-15 years, and sometimes even more. Thanks to the excellent Weber warranty, and the easy availability of schematics and replacement parts, if you are willing to invest some time and energy, you can keep repairing and upgrading a Weber grill almost indefinitely.

In fact, many people make a business out of buying old Weber grills that they find at yard sales and online marketplaces, and polishing them up to look and work just like new. For this reason, classic Weber models remain in demand for decades, and someone can always breathe new life into them.

Weber grills were originally invented in Palatine, Illinois, when George Stephen Sr., working at Weber Bros. Metal Works, made a new kind of grill. He was trying to improve the brazier he had been using at home and was inspired by the buoys built in the shop at work.

His new grill had a distinctive domed shape, and his neighbors called it the “Sputnik,” but loved the food he made. He launched “George’s Barbecue Kettle” in 1952, and a legend was born.

Eventually barbecues, and George himself, became the driving force behind Weber, and the company has continued to refine, innovate, and dominate the home grill market ever since.

Although Weber has always been an Illinois company, they experienced some controversy a few years ago, when their “Made in USA” labels were challenged in court. Although the company is still headquartered in Illinois, as it has been for over a century, where are Weber grills actually made?

The Weber ‘Made in the USA’ Lawsuit

Many consumers look for products made in the USA. They often feel that these products are of a higher quality, or they are motivated by a desire to support American businesses and their local economies. Marketers understand these consumers, and often actively promote products as being made domestically, knowing that this kind of label can boost sales, as well as promoting a company’s image to American buyers.

In 2011, Weber faced a class-action lawsuit after consumers discovered that grills sold under the “made in the USA” label included parts and components made in China and Taiwan. Some of Weber’s customers felt deceived by the “made in the USA” label, and took their grievance to court.

At the time, Weber claimed that their “made in the USA” labeling was not deceptive marketing, issuing the following statement:

“Weber believes that because all Weber grills and the disputed accessories are designed and engineered in the USA, and all grills save for one line are manufactured and assembled in the USA using component parts primarily made in the USA, it did nothing wrong.”

(source: https://www.hbsdealer.com/news/weber-deals-made-usa-fallout/)

In a certain sense, if the products are designed in the United States, and contractors in other countries make them to the same standards and quality, perhaps it doesn’t matter where they are actually made. But there’s no doubt that such practices to make a “made in the USA” claim ambiguous at best.

Weber settled the lawsuit in 2012, and now claims that their grills are “Made in USA, incorporating globally sourced component parts.”

If your Weber grill does not say “made in USA, incorporating globally sourced component parts,” then it is one of the models that is entirely manufactured in another country.

Which Weber Grill Models are Made in the US?

While, according to Weber’s 2012 statement, all but one line of their grills was manufactured and assembled in the USA, that is no longer true. As of 2020, hardly any Weber grills are made entirely in the US.  The Weber Smokefire is the exception that is made in the US.

Why Weber Grills are No Longer Made in the USA – The Issue of Outsourcing

There is of course a good reason why Weber grills are no longer made in the USA, or at least why many of the components are manufactured outside of the USA. The issue of outsourcing the manufacturing of goods has been a highly contested subject ever since the dawn of globalization.

So, why would Weber choose to follow this method out manufacturing abroad and assembling at home?

• Companies often choose to outsource the manufacturing of goods to third world countries, also known as the global south, due to taxation issues. Large conglomerates often pay far lower taxes abroad, in these various countries, than at home in the USA. It allows companies like Weber to pay far lower taxes.
• Labor and manufacturing costs in general tend to be quite lower overseas, particularly in these global south countries where the laws concerning labor and wages are often far more relaxed. Simply put, people working in China and other such countries where manufacturing is often outsourced to, are not paid as much, therefore allowing these companies to save money.
• Outsourcing also allows the home company to focus far more on their own goals. It allows for much easier plan and goal development. These companies, like Weber, no longer have to keep oversight over manufacturing. They hire outside companies to do the heavy lifting.
• At the end of the day, all of this comes together to provide the consumer with products that are much more affordable, thus increasing sales and profit margins at the same time.

Some Problems with Outsourcing Manufacturing

Yes, there are some perceived problems and issues that come with the outsourcing of manufacturing to countries other than the USA.

• Products often suffer from quality issues due to lower standard and an overall lack of quality control during the manufacturing process. Although, Weber claims that the quality of their products is not affected by this.
• There are also human rights to think about. Is it fair to outsource labor and manufacturing to other countries, when companies in those countries often do not treat their employees fairly? Longer working hours and lower compensation are both issues which foreign workers in these countries often have to deal with.
• There are also environmental issues to think about. Outsourcing relies on shipping goods back and forth using freighters and other major transportation methods. This can be very taxing on the environment.

Which Weber Models are Assembled in the US From International Parts?

The following Weber grill models are assembled in the United States from parts sourced around the world:

• Weber Summit
• Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
• Q Series
• Smokey Joe
• Jumbo Joe
• Go-Anywhere

Which Weber Models are Made and Assembled Outside of the US?

The following Weber grills are both made and assembled in China or Taiwan:

• Spirit Series
• Genesis II series

Weber holds true to their American roots, and rigorously designs and engineers all their products in the USA. Their products are repeatedly subjected to “torture testing” meant to simulate decades of use, and their warranty shows that they are proud of their products and have faith in their manufacturing process, no matter where in the world it is.

In a day and age where many products of all kinds are made outside of the US, these practices are not unusual. But it is unfortunate that this iconic American company no longer makes their grills in the USA.

If you are thinking of Weber as one of the great American success stories, you aren’t wrong. George Stephen created the outdoor American barbecue as we know it and pioneered a company that sells some of the best grills you can buy, in countries around the world.

Although most Weber grills can no longer claim to be “Made in the USA,” they remain an essential part of the American experience and are still some of the best grills in the marketplace.

If you want the best grilling experience, you probably want a Weber. But Webers can cost quite a lot more than other grills, and Weber pricing policy holds all authorized dealers to the same price. It’s important to buy a Weber from an authorized dealer, so you can take advantage of the warranty. This means paying full price, unless you can find a bargain. So, when do Weber grills go on sale?

About Weber Pricing

Weber’s MAP pricing refers to advertised prices, and means that when you search for a grill, you will find uniform pricing from every authorized retailer. However, stores are still allowed to offer in-store sales, discounts, and reward programs.

If you are attempting to negotiate with a store employee who says that Weber’s pricing forbids discounts, they are incorrect: Weber’s pricing prohibits advertising any discounts. This makes Weber discounts and sales hard to find, even when they exist, but they are out there if you are vigilant.

Weber Sale Tip 1: Seasonal Sales

It’s no surprise that summer is peak barbecue season, and grills are in high demand from Father’s Day through Labor Day. This means that many retailers have discounts and sales in early spring, to make room for new inventory.

Big box stores and showrooms, in particular, may be eager to get rid of older floor models, and may be open to negotiating a discount. This typically means visiting retailers in person, looking for floor and demo models, rather than shopping online.

Weber Sale Tip 2: New Model Introductions

Weber typically introduces new models every year or every other year. This almost always means that the previous model becomes discounted, and is easier to find on sale. New models are typically announced by press release and on the Weber website at the end of the prior year, and available for sale in February or March of the model year.

Other Ways to Get a Deal on a Weber Grill

Unlike other manufacturers, Weber extends their warranty and customer service to retailers as well. That means that they replace products that may have been damaged in shipping, and means that there are virtually no discount Weber grills available as customer returns, slightly damaged models, or other cosmetic defects that may get you discounts on other products.

Inventory Clearance

One option for a discount on a Weber grill is, again, with retailers and big box stores, who clear out summer inventory at the end of the year to make room for holiday merchandise. This transition is often accompanied by sales and discounts on summer items, and September is the prime month for these deals.

Promo Codes

Another option is to use promo codes with online retailers, if you can find them. Amazon and many brick-and-mortar retailers offers rebates for signing up for their rewards cards, which can give you a rebate on your Weber grill.

Set an Alert

Google Shopping as well as a number of shopping apps like Slickdeals will monitor product prices for you and send you an alert when the product goes on sale.

Occupational Discount

Some retailers offer special promo codes and discounts for certain occupations, like first responders, law enforcement, and military personnel.

Devoted Fans

Weber grills have an active and passionate following. Participating in online forums and discussion groups may give you insight into discounts, upcoming sales, new product launches, and other insider tips that will help you get the best price on a new grill.

Personal Resellers

You may be able to pick up an affordable Weber grill from online resale sites like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and sites like that. In almost all cases, buying a Weber grill from that kind of reseller will mean that you won’t be able to get the famous Weber warranty, but you would still have a high-quality Weber grill

Buy a Rehabbed Grill, or Do It Yourself

Rehabbing Weber grills is incredibly popular, because the bodies of these grills are so durable, and replacement parts are so easy to get.

If you can find a Weber grill that isn’t rusted, can perform basic repairs and troubleshooting, and are prepared to spend a long time cleaning, scraping, polishing, and perhaps painting, you can get a high quality grill that looks and cooks like new. These grills won’t have a warranty, of course, but can still provide years of quality and enjoyment, at an affordable price.

Conclusion

As a general rule, prior model Webers will go on sale every year or two, when a new model launches. And big box stores, home improvement stores, and other retailers may offer sales and discounts in order to make the most of their floor space and seasonal inventory. Get to know the seasonal patterns at your local home improvement stores, hardware stores, and other retailers and be ready to pounce when the moment is right. You can get a great deal on a Weber, but it pays to be prepared and move fast.