Weber Spirit vs Genesis: Entry Level VS Mid-Range Gas Grills

Choosing between the Weber Spirit and Weber Genesis is not as straightforward as it used to be.

What used to be a pretty basic entry-level vs premium decision has gotten a lot more interesting. The latest Spirit models have closed the gap, with better features and a more polished design than the old Spirit II grills.

Now the real question is whether stepping up to a Genesis is actually worth the extra money.

Read on for more in-depth comparisons between these two grill lines.

Weber Spirit vs. Genesis: What’s the main difference?

The Spirit is Weber’s more approachable gas grill range, aimed at buyers who want Weber build quality and reliability in a simpler, more affordable package.

Step up to a Genesis, and you are getting a bigger, sturdier grill with more cooking space and better storage.

But because Weber builds both lines out across multiple price points, a base Genesis will not always offer more features than a higher-spec Spirit.

So Genesis is the better platform overall, but Spirit can still make more sense for the money. The Spirit topped our list of the best gas grill under $500.

You can head over to our full review of the latest Weber Genesis.

Key differences between Spirit and Genesis grills:

• Spirit is the smaller, more compact range
• Genesis is the larger, more premium platform
• Spirit now offers sear zones, smart options, and 4-burner models
• Genesis generally gives you more space, storage, and upgrade options
• Higher-end Genesis grills add features like side burners, grill lockers, and Weber Crafted accessories

The Spirit comes with a 10-year warranty on the cookbox, lid, and burner tubes, but the cooking grates and Flavorizer bars are covered for 5 years. Genesis steps that up, with 12 years on the cookbox and lid, and 10 years on the burner tubes, grates, and Flavorizer bars.

Now let’s dig into both ranges and the specific models that make the most sense for most people.

Weber Spirit Lineup Explained

The Spirit range is Weber’s more accessible full-size gas grill line, aimed at people who want Weber‘s build quality and reliability in a simpler, more affordable package.

That does not mean every Spirit is basic. The range now covers multiple sizes and trim levels, with features stepping up as the price goes up.

Depending on the model, that can mean more cooking space, a sear zone, smart controls, a side burner, or upgraded finishes.

As you move up the Spirit range, you are usually paying for one of four things: more space, more burners, better searing performance, or extra convenience features.

Weber has this lineup dialed in so that the next model up always seems to have the one thing you wish the cheaper one included. Most of the time, that is the sear zone, and it is the feature that makes the new Spirit grills feel like a real upgrade over the old Spirit II models.

Most models are also available in either liquid propane or natural gas, so it’s worth checking which fuel type makes the most sense for your setup before you buy.

The rest comes down to how you cook. More room is always useful if you cook for a family or like to spread food out across the grill. A side burner can be handy, but it is not essential. Smart features are nice if you like app-connected cooking, but easy to skip if you already use a good wireless thermometer.

You can watch our full review of the Spirit E-325 below.

Weber Genesis Overview

If Spirit is Weber’s more approachable full-size gas grill range, Genesis is where the lineup starts to feel like a true outdoor cooking station. You get a bigger platform, better storage, more prep space, and a wider range of feature-rich models.

As you move up the Genesis range, you are mostly paying for three things: more cooking space, stronger searing and burner setups, and extra convenience features like a side burner, grill locker, or smart controls.

The nice part is that even the base Genesis models get you onto Weber’s better platform, with a sturdier cart and more substantial overall build than Spirit.  

The individual grill names within the lineup can get confusing, so here is how the naming convention works:

• E – Enamel (usually black)
• S – Stainless steel (for the hood, cabinet doors and cooking grate)
• X – Smart Grill (with Weber Connect smart grilling technology)

Most models are available in natural gas or liquid propane.

The first number following the letter tells you how many burners there are, while the second number refers to features.

We will discuss the main differences as you go through the lineup.

Genesis E-315 – Basic model

The E-315 is the most basic model in the new Genesis lineup.

You get three burners with 39,000 BTU input but no dedicated sear-zone burner.

For grill real estate, you have 513 square inches of primary cooking area with 127.5 extra via the top grate.

The warming rack can be tucked away and extended depending on your cooking needs, which is a bit of versatility we really like.

The cooking grates are porcelain-enameled and cast-iron for good heat diffusion and durability.

The price isn’t that far off the Spirit, and for a few hundred extra, you get better build quality, a nicer cart, and access to the Weber Crafted system of accessories. Although it’s a bit of a false economy, because I’m pretty sure you’re going to want to spend even more to go up to the next model in the lineup…

Genesis E-325 – Adds Sear Zone

Weber knew that the sear zone was a killer feature, so they make you pay for it by stepping up to the E-325.

Like the E-315, this is still classified as a 3-burner grill, although you can now activate an extra sear zone burner.

Like the 315, this grill is also available in stainless steel for a small price bump.

Genesis E-330 – Adds a storage locker

Continuing in the “3” series, and this is one of the smallest feature bumps.

The E-330 is identical to the E-325 in every way except now you get the grill locker, which is an extra storage area to the side for storing your grilling tools.

If you plan on picking up a few Weber CRAFTED accessories, then it’s nice to have, but it’s not a huge step up.

Genesis E-335 – Adds a side burner

The E-335 is the last number increase in this series, but it’s still not the top of the range. You get a side burner added to the left side table.

You access the burner by lifting a metal flap that seamlessly covers the burner, so you can still use it as a side table when not in use.

The burner has 12,000 BTUs and is perfectly capable of warming sauces or preparing side dishes like boiled corn or veggies.

It’s another ‘nice to have’ feature that will come down to your personal preference on whether it’s worth paying extra for.

Genesis EX-335 – Adds smart grill features

The tip top of the 3* range is the EX-335. If you remember from earlier the “X” refers to the fact this is part of Weber‘s Smart range.

This is all part of the Weber Connect system, a series of smart technology that gives you real-time food temperature alerts.

The built in thermometer is a nice touch, but there’s a little bit of marketing exaggerating involved.

You can get a similar experience with accessories like the Meater 2 Pro. Some would also argue that the smart features take away some of the fun of grilling.

Genesis E-415 – Adds a fourth burner

In previous generations of Genesis, stepping up to the four-burner model meant you automatically got features like the side burner, storage cupboard and searzone included, but that’s not the case anymore.

You lose all of those features that we just went through, so you’re gaining an extra burner and bumping up to a combined grilling area of 820 square inches (646 primary and 174 warming).

To make the choice really difficult, the base model 4 burner will cost you the same as the E-335, and it’s actually less money than the smart EX-335. You’re going to have to really decide what is more important to you.

Unless you want to start stepping up in budget even more…

Genesis E-435 – Top of the line

Excluding the smart and stainless version, the E-435 is the top of the Genesis line of grills. Weber mercifully decided not to go through all of the individual upgrades and model numbers that they did with the 3 burners.

It’s basically identical to the E-335 in that you now get the side burner, the sear burner and the extra storage locker.

If it were me, this is the grill I would save for, and I don’t think I’m the only one. At the time of writing the E-435 has more eviews on the Weber website than any other model.

Alternative Option – Weber Summit

The Summit is Weber‘s high-end grill line that is aimed at people who want even more quality and versatility.

These grills start at $3,899.00, so if you’re trying to decide between a Spirit and a Genesis they are likely way outside your (and my) budget.

There are some very cool features like a top-down infrared broiler for steakhouse style searing, a smoker box, integrated rotisserie plus 5 burners.

Should you buy the Weber Spirit or Genesis?

If you want Weber quality without spending too much, the Spirit is the better fit. It is the more compact, more affordable range, but the latest models offer a lot more than the old Spirit II grills did, including stronger searing, smarter options, and even 4-burner versions depending on the model.  

If you want a bigger, more premium grill with more storage, more prep space, and a higher feature ceiling, Genesis is the better platform. That is especially true if you cook for a crowd, grill often enough to appreciate the extras, or just want a setup that feels closer to a full outdoor cooking station.  

For most people, this really comes down to budget and how much grill you actually need. Spirit gives you the better value, Genesis gives you the better overall setup.