Should You Buy A Weber Spirit Genesis Or Summit Grill
Weber BBQ Grill
It’s hard to know. This year is the year of component issues, so you have two questions to ask.
The Spirit is the smallest, and Summit is the largest with infrared and smoking capabilities. Both are great grills. However, Genesis may be the best pick in 2022. It’s updated with tons of accessories.
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Weber Crafted System & Extra Side Storage Cabinet
We touched on the Crafted System earlier in this article so we wont go into more depth about what the system is in this particular section. Whats important to know are the models that come with the Crafted Frame Kit included. While the extra side storage cabinet is not a Crafted-branded accessory, it is related to the Crafted System. The cabinet is designed to store Crafted accessories.
You cannot purchase the extra side storage as an add-on later. This is a decision you have to make before purchasing a Genesis Grill. If you do not care about the having the Crafted System but want the extra side storage cabinet, you will have to purchase a model that comes with the Crafted Frame Kit.
Models with the Weber Crafted Frame Kit and Extra Side Storage Cabinet
- SI-E-330
- EPX-335
- SPX-435
Two-thirds of the Genesis models listed above come with the mentioned features included. Do not confuse having to make a decision on the extra side storage cabinet before purchasing a model with doing the same on the Crafted Frame Kit. You can purchase the frame kit separately. It is only the extra side storage cabinet that is not sold separately.
What Is Common To Both Spirit And Spirit 2
While most models of the Spirit II series are designed to be an upgrade of the Spirit, some common features define the Spirit line up of Weber grills.
Both Spirit and Spirit II grills are priced at the higher end of the spectrum . Needless to say, both grills deliver your moneys worth.
The cooking space in both grill series measure up to be the same- what you notice, however, is that Spirit II comes in a bulkier design. The durability of these grills is also standard, as they are made using good quality materials that last for years.
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Whats The Best Weber Genesis For 2022
Finding the best Weber Genesis model for 2022 is not necessarily a hard task. However, it can be confusing which is why we put this article and video together. The simple and easy answer would be to tell you the Genesis SPX-435 is the best model. It has the most features and is the largest grill in the Genesis lineup for 2022. That clearly makes it the best.
But that doesnt mean its the best model for everyone reading this. In this article well dissect key features that differentiate between the 15 models in the 2022 Genesis line which will allow you to answer the question: whats the best Weber Genesis for 2022? At the bottom of this article we will provide three recommendations of models that the team at Just Grillin Outdoor Living prefers in the 2022 lineup.
Weber Gs4 Grilling System
Weber GS4 Grilling System With High Performance Ignition
Three years ago, Weber changed their internal components with their new “GS4” grilling system.
Weber’s GS4 grilling system includes improvements to the ignition system, burners, grease management system, and their Flavorizer bars, along with the additional accessory, the iGrill app.
However, Weber only added the GS4 grilling system to the Genesis II series and the Spirit II series. Oddly enough, Weber did not include the new GS4 system for their best models like their brand-new Smart grill.
Besides the ignition system, Weber added a second row of bars on the Spirit II series models to decrease flare-ups. Weber also centered the grease collection so it flows more evenly.
The older series has only one row of bars with the grease collection on the side. It uses an older but still effective crossover ignition design.
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What Is The Difference Between The Weber Spirit & Spirit Ii
Though the Spirit II is an improved version of the Spirit grills, that isnt the only reason one might want to invest in it. Both versions have advantages over the other, and choosing one that is more suited for you is the point of this comparison.
Here are some key factors of difference between the two series.
Which Weber Spirit Is The Best
Choosing a grill depends on your requirement, specifically the cooking area, convenience, and construction material, but the Weber Spirit II E-310 is the best option from the Weber Spirit series. It will offer top-class grilling performance, durable, high-quality burners, and most importantly the price is very affordable.
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Is The Spirit Ii Better Than The Spirit
Even as we say choosing a grill is about personal preferences, one cannot help but compare the two of these.
To answer the question quite clearly, I believe the Spirit II would be the better grill to buy. The warranty speaks for itself and the look is slightly more modern. They both contain the GS4 grilling system which is a game changer for Weber. The only areas where you might prefer the Spirit over the Spirit II is the cabinet door for storage and the larger Spirit E-330 which includes a side burner. A side burner is not available on any Spirit II grills.
The Spirit Vs The Genesis
The main difference between these two products is that the Spirit was designed as a starter grill, while the Genesis is a little more sophisticated.
In other words, if you cook out with your family once a week, the former is a great design thats friendly to your budget. If youre ready to take grilling a little more seriously, go for the latter.
Since both of these designs have been around for more than 20 years, we should note that the grills in this review are actually the Spirit II and the Genesis II. Both have been upgraded with the newest technology.
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First Generation Spirit E
As I said before, Weber discontinued the first-gen Spirit series in 2017 but there are still some inventory available on Amazon and other online stores. You can even check at your Local Home Appliances store.
The last time I checked online, this model was available on a pretty big discount and you can save some big money if you are considering picking it, making it an even better deal.
This model comes with heavy duty cast iron grates and plenty of cooking space to grill and prepare food for up to six people.
Similarities Between Spirit Ii And Genesis Ii
These are the few similarities between the series:
GS4 Grilling System
Both series have the special GS4 grilling system of the brand. This special grilling system includes:
- Upgraded E2i Ignitors: These help to turn on the grill quickly. Adjusting the heat and can tune in the temperature of the entire grill is very easy.
- High-performance burners: The grills second feature is the 3 stainless steel high-performance burners. And these burners are great in consistency and equal heat distribution through the cooking area.
- Flavorizer bars: The third feature is the flavorizer bars in the grills, which add the extra smoky flavor to your meat. And makes it much more flavourful than any other grills.
- Grease management system: Finally, the fourth primary element is the grease management system of the grill. These grills have channels that funnel out the grease into the dispensing tray for easy cleanup.
Warranty
Another very important attraction for the products of both series is the warranty. As the Weber brand offers a 10 year warranty on both the series. And this warranty covers almost all irregular damage or other malfunction.
Also, keep in mind that it does not cover the normal wear and tear of the products.
iGrill3 Compatibility
Basic options
Both the series have grills which come with the same basic options. Both the series have color options of black and stainless. Also, these series have options for natural gas and propane gas.
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How To Pick The Best Weber Genesis For You
Now that we have outlined the new grill design and features for the Weber Genesis 2022 models its time to guide you through the different features. To make things easier, well quickly list out the features that you need to pay attention to and the features you dont need to worry about when choosing a model. After that well dive deeper into each differentiating feature.
What To Pay Attention To
- Cooking Grates
- Expanded Top Warming Rack
- Locking Caster Wheels
The reason you dont need to pay attention to the list of items mentioned above is simple: all of those features are standard on every Genesis grill in the 2022 lineup. Now its time to dive into different features.
The Gs4 Grilling System Genesis Ii
The is one of the main features of the Genesis II and Spirit II lines but not the Spirit line we are discussing today. This upgrade aims to improve grilling performance, allow for better management of grease and flare-ups, and promise better-tasting food overall.
The upgrades include:
- A better, more reliable ignition process that incorporates improved electrodes, a protected ignition module, stronger wire coatings, and easily replaceable batteries.
- Upgraded burner tubes that allow even dispersal of heat across the cooking surface. This is courtesy of the reversible and tapered nature of the tubes, which correct issues with uneven heating that Weber grills have sometimes suffered from previously.
- The use of triangular bars below the cooking surface that deflect grease off the burner, thereby reducing flare-ups. At the same time, the grease drips can sizzle and create smoke that can impart additional flavor to the food.
- A dedicated collection pan for catching grease droplets that can be easy to clean after cooking.
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Gs4 Grilling System And How The Three Lineups Compare
Its Webers Grilling System that complicates things. The GS4 stands for Grilling System 4 and combines different parts and systems, i.e., Infinity ignition system, stainless steel burners, porcelain-enameled Flavorizer bars, and grease management system.
The Weber Spirit models dont come with the GS4. However, the Weber Spirit II and Genesis II grills include the GS4.
Lets compare the grilling systems of the Weber Spirit, Spirit II, and Genesis II.
Cooking grates, flavorizer bars, and grease management system on the Weber Spirit S-315 Gas Grill look like this:
There are no heat deflectors in the Weber Spirit grills. As for the Weber Spirit II and Genesis II, they both have different types of heat deflectors.
Weber Spirit E330 Gas Grill
When it comes to finding the best gas grill between Weber Genesis vs Spirit Grill, the Weber Spirit E330 also makes its presence felt. With some of the best-advanced features and the most popular in terms of value for money.
The Weber Spirit E-330 has a 3-stainless steel burner that produces 32,000 BTUs and a side burner for simmering BBQ sauce or sautéing vegetables.
The Weber Spirit II E-330 comes with 529 square inches of total cooking area. Yes, this is the best gas grill option for all the members of the household to enjoy grilling food.
It includes a sear station between the left and center burner, the flame jet delivers impressive marks on the steak and the sear station provides 7,500 BTU output.
The Weber Spirit II E-330 is equipped with advanced features that last longer, a porcelain-coated lid, and cook boxes that protect against rust or peel over time.
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Weber Genesis Grill Series
Weber Genesis BBQ Grill
The Weber Genesis series is perfect for everyday grilling but big enough to cook for your big party.
Genesis is Weber’s most popular grill series with three and four-burner sizes only versus the two and three-burner models of the Spirit grill or the four and six-burner Summit series.
All Weber Genesis grills have the GS4 system. You choose between a three burner at 39,000 and 513 square inches or a four-burner at 48,000 and 646 Square inches plus the fold-down area.
Genesis grills differ from have a stainless body, stainless grates, a side burner, and sear station, much like the Spirit series grills.
This year, Weber introduced the Weber Crafted Outdoor Kitchen Collection, also known as their OGS system. The Weber crafted collection is a frame kit fitting new cooking accessories for several specialty Genesis grills.
Other Weber Genesis grill improvements this year include a larger sear zone, lighting, larger prep table, an expandable top grate, and a tank monitor.
The following are available models:
- SP-E-335 has the same burner profile as the 325 but adds side burners. You can now boil corn or cook lobsters as you grill.
Weber Summit Vs Genesis Bbq Grills
Comparing Genesis vs. Summit is like comparing two different types of grills. The best Genesis before the smart series is the SL-435 at $1,599 with stainless body and grates, 12,000 BTU side burners, and 13,000 Btu sear zone.
You would compare this grill to a four-burner stainless Summit grill at $2,199. Although they are both 48,000 BTU and have the same side burner output at 12,000 BTU and similar sear zones.
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What Is The Difference Between Weber Spirit And Genesis
While there are some similarities to the Spirit and the Genesis, there are also many differences.
The Genesis models typically have more features, a bigger size, and a higher BTU capacity. This enables them to do much more, but it also gives them a higher final price point. When comparing similar sized Spirit and Genesis grills, the Spirit options are always cheaper.
The Spirit II grills typically have an open cart design. This makes them lighter, and provides an easy-to-access area for storage. The Genesis grills are a closed design, with two stainless steel doors.
Genesis grills have four wheels, compared to just two on the Spirit. The overall design makes the Genesis sturdier, and incredibly durable. However, the Spirit grills are more portable.
There are several grills in both the Spirit and the Genesis range, with a different level of features. However, the Genesis is the only range with real premium grills. The Spirit line includes some mid-tier products, but the Genesis has everything from basic to advanced.
First Generation Weber Spirit E
This earlier version of Spirit’s most highly recommended model is a bare-bones version of the one described above. It features two burners with 450 square inches of cooking space, a closed-cart design, and a color choice of either black or stainless steel. If you’re looking for a real bargain and don’t care overmuch about the features, this reasonably priced grill might be just the ticket.
The Weber Genesis II LX S-240 is the top of the line 2-burner grill coming from Weber.
It comes with an upgraded stainless steel cooking grate, heavy duty stainless steel Flavorizer Bars, a side burner, very powerful with high heat burners and an overall stainless steel body.
It comes with a total of 380 square inches of cooking space and with 114 square inch Tuck-Away warming rack overhead, just like the Genesis II 210.
One worth-mentioning feature is the incorporated GS4 High Performance Grilling System from Weber.
The warranty of the grates and Flavorizer Bars is 10 years, twice as long as other models like Genesis II and the Spirit, with 5 years each.
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The Complete Buying Guide To Weber Grills: Every Model Explained
From the Smokey Joe to the brand-new Genesis II, heres everything you need to know about Weber, Americas favorite grill makers.
Welcome to Brand Breakdown, a series of comprehensive yet easy-to-digest guides to your favorite companies, with insights and information you wont find on the average About page.
It was the early 1950s, the brazier grill was king and George Stephen was not impressed. Braziers lacked lids, leaving food exposed to rain and flooding the coalbed with oxygen, creating uncontrollably hot fires. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Stephen, a salesman for Weber Brothers Metal Works, was filling out orders for buoys from the Coast Guard and Chicago Yacht Club when it hit him he needed a lid. He cut a buoy into two half-spheres, added legs and punched holes in the top and bottom for airflow. The Weber Kettle was born.
Webers original kettle remains its most popular grill today, but in the 60-plus years since its invention, the company has expanded. The Weber name is stamped on propane gas grills, smokers, electric grills and portable grills. There are sub-products under each category, each at different price points, and all with different features. Heres everything you need to know about the most famous name in grilling.
The Many Parts Of A Weber Grill
As we take a look at the components of a gas grill, lets start our journey from the outside-in and begin with the first part of the grill you seethe exterior shell. And perhaps the most important part of that exterior is the piece that George Stephen revolutionized when he introduced it all those years agothe lid.
The Gas Grill Lid and Exterior
The highest-quality gas grills feature a lid that perfectly balances all of the features and tasks for which it must be responsible in ensuring a safe, effective and delicious grilling experience. First of all, there must be proper ventilation for safe and quality cooking. The best grills also offer a highly visible thermometer on the lid to ensure proper cooking temperature easily and seamlessly during preparation and cooking. Because cooking can get messy and grills are often exposed to the elements, a stainless steel control panel can be an excellent feature to ensure that the grill controls hold up over time and under pressure.
Beyond the lid, youll want a grill with plenty of exterior surface space for keeping your tools, ingredients and cooking materials handy while grilling. Great grills have wing tables on either side with plenty of surface area for everything you might need, and Weber grill tables can be folded down when not in use. Nearly all Weber grills also feature either an open or closed storage area underneath the grill for additional materials.
Grill Interior
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