The Best Weber Grills for Grilling, Smoking, and Searing, According to Our Tests

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, portable grills, smokers, kamado grills, and flat-top grills.

Most Webers have efficient features that make grilling approachable for beginners, as well as satisfying for the advanced crew. For example, their hinged grates make it easy to add fuel while grilling, and their 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.

While we believe you can’t go wrong with many a Weber, we’ve collected the best of their catalog here so you can compare them all. Each of the following grills 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.

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 gas grill testing proves Weber is a powerhouse in that department, too (most of our winners are 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, buy a gas grill, which takes less time to heat up. They're also easier to clean thanks 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 larger cooking surfaces 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 E-310, has 450 square inches.

Portability

If you’ll be grilling in your own backyard 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 heat. They’re also slightly portable: with at least two wheels, you can 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 or 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 and heat evenly. We favor Weber grills for their efficiency in managing multi-zone cooking and for their generous warranties that stand out from the competition. In fact, most of the grills below have 10-year warranties.

Our Favorite Weber Grills

The Best Weber Gas Grill

Weber Spirit E-310 Gas Grill

$449 at Amazon $450 at Target View on Weber.com

What we liked: We’ve recommended the Weber Spirit II E-310 for a long time. This year, Weber discontinued it and released the new Spirit E-310. With three responsive burners and even heat distribution, this grill is versatile, but still compact and unintimidating for those new to grilling. Like its predecessor, it features two spacious side tables, numerous tool hooks, and two wheels for maneuvering the grill wherever you need it to go. 

What we didn’t like: This really is a great grill. Its cooking surface is smaller than the previous E-310 (450 square inches instead of 529). However, this new version is also priced well under $500, making it an affordable choice for many backyards.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 450 square inches
• Dimensions: 46.2 x 48.3 x 26.6 inches
• Weight: 90 pounds
• Features: Includes 4 tool hooks; compatible with this cover
• Warranty: 10 years

Another Great Weber Gas Grill

Weber Spirit EP-435 Gas Grill

$799 at Home Depot View on Weber.com $799 at Ace Hardware

What we liked: Another new Weber offering, this is the grill to get if you want something bigger than the E-310. The EP-435 has a 533-square-inch cooking surface and features two added “Sear Zones.” We found these zones delivered the blast of heat needed for supremely browned burgers and steak. With a side burner, two side tables, four wheels, a digital display, and a door for concealing its propane tank, the EP-435 packs a lot into its $800 price. It’s also compatible with Weber’s accessories, including a griddle insert.

What we didn’t like: The four wheels are small and lockable, but they felt rickety when moving the grill.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 533 square inches
• Dimensions: 46.3 x 51.8 x 25.5 inches
• Weight: 103 pounds
• Features: Includes 4 tool hooks; compatible with this cover
• Warranty: 10 years

The Best Smart Weber Grill

Weber Spirit EX-325s Smart Grill

$1,122 at Amazon View on Weber.com

What we liked: With a digital control panel and app-compatible capabilities, this is our smart grill recommendation. The screen brightly and clearly displayed the grill's internal temperature (and cooking temperature, if the wired probe was in use), and the proprietary app was intuitive. Everything we grilled turned out great, with distinctive grill marks and great browning.

What we didn't like: Its built-in thermometer isn't the most accurate, but this is common for almost any grill, and why we recommend investing in a separate thermometer anyway.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 529 square inches
• Dimensions: 50.1 x 25.8 x 45.8 inches 
• Weight: 122 pounds
• Features: Two attached work tables; ample tool hooks; app-compatible
• Warranty: 10 years

The Best Two-Burner Weber Grill

Weber Spirit E-210 Gas Grill

View on Weber.com View on Tractor Supply Co. $399 at Lowe's

What we liked: If you can, go with a three-burner gas grill for its added cooking zone versatility. If you can’t—or if you seldom grill or have a tiny backyard—the E-210 is here for you. Like the E-310, this grill was redesigned this year. Its dual burners easily clicked on and created the proper blaze and temperatures needed for burgers, steaks, and fish. Of course, the E-210 comes with Weber’s great customer service and build quality. 

What we didn’t like: This grill is best for two-person households. If yours is larger, go with a bigger Weber.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 450 square inches
• Dimensions: 46.2 x 48.3 x 26.6 inches
• Weight: 90 pounds
• Features: Includes 4 tool hooks; compatible with this cover
• Warranty: 10 years

The Most Versatile Weber Gas Grill

Weber Genesis E-325s 3-Burner Gas Grill

$799 at Amazon $836 at Walmart $899 at Home Depot

What we liked: This three-burner has a stupendously large cooking space that's expandable up to 787 square inches. There is a large sear zone, which is ideal for getting nice color on a handful of steaks. 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 E-310.

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)

The Best Splurge Weber Gas Grill

Weber Genesis E-335 Gas Grill

$1,049 at Amazon View on Weber.com View on Ace Hardware

What we liked: With a sear zone and a spacious cooking surface, frequent grillers will like the Genesis E-335. Its extra-large side tables are great for holding sheet pans of food, and it even has a side burner. While we don't think a side burner is totally necessary, it's all about what you'll use.

What we didn't like: There's no denying it: This grill is pricey. It has an analog thermometer built into its lid that's not super accurate (which, again, isn't abnormal for a built-in thermometer).

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 787 square inches
• Dimensions: 47 x 33 x 29 inches
• Weight: 186 pounds
• Features: Sear zone; large attached side tables; side burner
• Warranty: 12 years

The Best Weber Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

$233 $219 at Amazon $219 at Home Depot $219 at Ace Hardware

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 simple to put together, too, and we were able to assemble it in under 15 minutes. 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 for the price. 

What we didn’t like: The ash catcher could be easier to clean, and the grill could have better stability (although it is more stable than Weber’s portable models).

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

The Best Beginner-Friendly Weber Charcoal Grill

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill 22-Inch

$549 at Amazon $549 at Home Depot $580 at Crate & Barrel

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. We liked the semi-circular, built-in lid holder and removable grate portion for adding charcoal. There’s even a weather-protected built-in bin to hold charcoal.

What we didn’t like: Obviously, it's pricey. It’s cumbersome to put together without a second pair of hands.

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

The Best Budget-Friendly Portable Weber Charcoal Grill

Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill

$45 at Amazon $46 at Walmart $46 at Target

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. We found food looked baked rather than grilled.

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

The Best Weber Pellet Grill

Weber Smokefire EX4 (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet Grill

$1,082 at Amazon $1,071 at Walmart $999 at Home Depot

What we liked: In our pellet grills review, this grill was a standout in maintaining consistent, steady temperatures 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, smoky flavor. It includes two probes and app connectivity.

What we didn’t like: At over $1,000, it’s an investment.

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

The Best Tabletop Portable Weber Gas Grill

Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill

$255 at Amazon $259 at Walmart $259 at Walmart

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 for grilling while camping or at the beach. 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.

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

The Best Wheeled Portable Weber Gas Grill

Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill

$449 at Amazon $449 at Walmart $449 at Home Depot

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. We found it did a good job at searing—especially for a portable grill.

What we didn’t like: The fuel tank screws in at an angle, which can be tricky to get right. Its temperature retention is so-so.

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

A Great Weber Kamado Grill

Weber 18201001 Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill, Black

$1,249 at Amazon $1,249 at Walmart $1,249 at Home Depot

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 grate closer to the charcoal. It’s equally nimble as a charcoal-fueled kamado 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.

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

The Best Weber Smoker

Weber 18-Inch Smokey Mountain Cooker

$455 $419 at Amazon $419 at Home Depot $419 at Lowe's

What we liked: This 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 steady, consistent temperatures. 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.

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

The Best Weber Flat-Top Grill

Weber 36 Inch Gas Griddle

$748 at Amazon View on Weber.com $579 at Lowe's

What we liked: For the crispiest smashed burgers, beautifully seared steak, and even a full breakfast featuring bacon, pancakes, and eggs, this flat-top grill is the outdoor griddle to get. In our tests, its cooking surface heated evenly, its burners clicked on quickly, and its lid opened smoothly and tucked behind the grill. Its two side tables, shelf underneath the cooking surface, tool hooks, drawer-style drip tray, and four wheels were icing on the proverbial cake. (Or should we say cheese on the burger?)

What we didn’t like: We do wish the side tables were larger, though they could still fit half-sheet pans. 

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 756 square inches
• Dimensions: 37.23 x 61.04 x 25.85 inches
• Weight: 119 pounds
• Features: Includes 4 tool hooks, side tables, shelf, 4 wheels
• Warranty: 5 years

Another Great Weber Outdoor Griddle

Weber Slate 30 Inch Griddle

$799 at Walmart $649 at Walmart $699 at Home Depot

What we liked: While this Weber flat-top grill is slightly smaller, it packs in features. This includes a digital temperature gauge, huge side tables, an extendable table, and storage bins. We still found the cooking surface plenty expansive—and capable of searing, browning, and griddling like a champ. The drawer-style drip tray made cleanup easier, too.

What we didn’t like: It’s pricier, and if you’re regularly throwing smashed burger parties, you might like the more expansive, 36-inch cooking surface of our other pick.

Key Specs

• Cooking area: 540 square inches
• Dimensions: 39.5 x 70.8 x 23.5 inches
• Weight: 155.23 pounds
• Features: Includes 2 tool hooks, side tables, bins, and wheels
• Warranty: 5 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 counterintuitive, 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 grills 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.

Why We're The Experts

• Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the associate editorial director at Serious Eats. She's been with the site since 2021 and previously worked for America's Test Kitchen, EatingWell, and Food52. She's been testing gear professionally for more than six years.
• Rochelle Bilow is an editor at Serious Eats. She has been writing about food professionally for over a decade and reviewing kitchen equipment since 2021.
• When writing this story, we considered every grill test we've ever conducted (that's a lot!).