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The Spruce Eats
There's a reason Weber is nearly synonymous with classic, quality grills. The brand has been around since the '50s when the founder first invented the kettle grill. Since then, the company has kept the iconic bowl-shaped charcoal grill but also introduced gas grills, electric grills, wood pellet grills, and more—not to mention a range of grilling accessories, from grill thermometers to briquettes.
After extensive testing, the top spot in the best overall gas grill was awarded to the Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill. This grill has impressive performance, ample space for grilling, and numerous features. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the Weber Jumbo Joe 18-Inch Charcoal Grill.
To help find the right Weber grill for you, we tested top products from the brand and rated each one on setup, heat retention, heat control, size, versatility, and overall value. Many steaks, burgers, veggies, and more were grilled to make sure these Weber grills are truly the best.
Whether you're in the market for a spacious stationary grill to cook for a crowd or a lightweight, portable, option fit for camping or tailgating, here are the best Weber grills.
Best Overall, Gas: Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
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Weber
Even heating surface and few flare-ups
Compatible with Weber’s iGrill 3
Easy-to-read fuel scale
Grease management system makes it easy to clean
Price tag is steep for three burners
No side burner
Hood isn’t as deep as other models
If you’re looking for a well-built gas grill to sizzle your steaks and serve up perfectly charred hamburgers, the Weber Spirit II E-310 is our top pick for a gas grill.
The Weber Spirit II E-310 offers three burners with an output of 30,000 BTUs per hour, and it features the brand's GS4 grilling system, which includes improved ignition, porcelain-enameled "Flavorizer" bars, and an efficient grease management system. The grill has 529 square inches of cooking space across its enameled cast iron cooking grates, providing plenty of room for all your burgers, steaks, and veggies, and there are tables on each side of the grill area, one of which can be folded down.
This grill's open cart design provides additional storage space for your favorite tools, and it has integrated hooks on the side tables, as well. The grill is available in several colors, and it has an easy-to-read fuel gauge next to the propane tank to let you know how much fuel you have remaining. Our tester said its performance, advanced design features, and warranty make this "worth the splurge."
Dimensions: 45.5 x 52 x 24 inches | Total Cooking Area: 529 square inches | Type: Gas
"This grill lit right up for us with no hassle and got extremely hot extremely quickly. We’re talking just a few minutes to get up to 500 degrees." — Angelica Leicht, Product Tester
Best Overall, Electric: Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill
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Weber
Durable and easy to transport
Quick assembly
Cast iron cooking grates help retain heat
Doesn't display temperature
Long preheat time
For an electric grill that performs great wherever there is a power outlet, choose the Q 1400 from Weber. This compact but mighty electric grill delivers great flavor and doesn’t require propane or charcoal. Instead, plug the unit into an electrical outlet, adjust the temperature setting, and then get ready to grill.
The key to using the Q 1400 successfully is to wait a sufficient amount of time for the grill to come to temperature. Once you do, the 189 square inches of cooking space can handle the grilling needs of anywhere from one person to four or more—depending on what you’re cooking up. This is the smaller of Weber’s two electric grill models, but if you don’t absolutely need the extra space, the smaller Q 1400 has been found to have faster heat recovery.
With porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, you’ll get excellent heat retention and easy cleanup. The Weber Q 1400 is a great choice if you live in a condo or other small space where the use of gas and charcoal grills may be restricted or if you want an easy-to-use unit that only needs to be plugged in.
Our tester was really impressed with the meal she created using this grill and raved about the quality sear marks it left on veggie shish kebabs, hanger steak, and marinated chicken breast, though she did miss the true smoky flavor that can only come from a charcoal grill.
Dimensions: 14.5 x 27 x 16.5 inches | Total Cooking Area: 189 square inches | Type: Electric
"We were super pleased with these grates, as they gave us drool-worthy sear marks during different grill sessions." — Michelle Piccolo, Product Tester
Best Overall, Charcoal: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
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Classic, compact design
Tried-and-true cooker makes amazing food
A cost-conscious option
Ash catcher makes cleanup a breeze
Charcoal fuel takes more effort than gas or pellets
Small to medium cooking space
Wheels are small
The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a classic option for anyone who loves grilling with charcoal, and you can't beat the reasonable price for such a well-made product.
This kettle grill has a 22-inch diameter, and it can hold up to 13 burgers at a time on its 363 square inches of cooking space. The lid and bowl of the grill are porcelain-enameled for superior heat retention, and the lid has a built-in thermometer and aluminum dampers. When cooking, the grate has a hinged design that makes it quick and easy to add more charcoal, and the angled lid hook allows you to conveniently hang the lid on the side of the grill, saving you from having to place it on the ground.
Another feature that makes the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill great is its one-touch cleaning system, which sweeps ash into a removable high-capacity container for easy disposal. The grill also has integrated hooks on its outer handles, as well as durable wheels for better mobility.
After a short-and-sweet 15 minute setup, it took our tester 10 minutes to light the grill and another 10 for it to get warm. From there, it turned out pork, burgers, steaks, chicken, veggies, and even pineapple with fabulous results. While some foods call for direct heat right over the coals, you can also position the fuel to the side to cook indirectly. You can even use the Weber to slowly smoke more traditional barbecue by adding a little wood to the fire.
Dimensions: 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches | Total Cooking Area: 363 square inches | Type: Charcoal
"Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial, and the Weber does this better than any other in its price range." — Nicholas McClelland, Product Tester
Best Portable: Weber Q 2200 Gas Grill
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Amazon
Extremely easy to set up and operate
Spacious cooking area
Heavy-duty porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
Large folding side tables
Somewhat heavy for a portable grill
Catch pan didn’t fit properly
The Weber Q 2200 Propane Gas Grill is our top pick for portable grills by any brand. Though a bit of an investment, the gas grill pays off with its convenience. It's easy to start, easy to use, and heats up quickly and powerfully, delivering 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour. The 280-square-inch cooking area consists of porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, which should be enough to serve three to four people (pretty good for a portable model).
There are two tables so you can prep on the go, and they fold up easily when it's time to pack up. The handle is ergonomic, and it's lightweight enough to carry to a campsite or tailgate. Our tester called it "pricey, but worth it" for anyone who regularly grills on the go.
Dimensions: 15.5 x 51.4 x 19.5 inches | Total Cooking Area: 280 square inches | Type: Gas
"The meat was cooked to perfection in around 10 minutes, and I was really impressed at the heat put out by the grill’s 12,000 BTU burner." — Camryn Rabideau, Product Tester
Best Budget: Weber 18-Inch Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill
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Courtesy of Amazon
Affordable
Compact and lightweight
Convenient lid lock
Surprisingly spacious cooking area
Not enough room for large items, such as a whole chicken
Handle can get hot
The Jumbo Joe 18-inch is compact and inexpensive, making it a smart selection for small spaces and travel. The charcoal grill features a metal bracket that keeps the lid locked in place during transit—and holds it in place during cooking, as well. It has stainless steel cooking grates and a 240-square-inch surface area.
Grillers love the quality construction and ventilation available on the Jumbo Joe Portable Grill, especially for the low price. You’ll have ample room for grilling for yourself and several friends. The only thing to keep in mind is that there is plenty of clearance under the lid for items like burgers and hot dogs, but not as much room to cook bone-in turkey breast or whole chickens. Chances are pretty good, though, that this portable grill is capable of handling anything you have in mind for a cheap park adventure or game day cookout.
Dimensions: 19.7 x 19.7 x 20.5 inches | Total Cooking Area: 240 square inches | Type: Charcoal
Best Pellet Grill: Weber Smokefire EX4 Wood Fired Pellet Grill
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Courtesy of Weber
Simple operation
Lots of automation
App is easy to use
App doesn't always allow customization
Only two probes included
Weber finally released its very first pellet grill—the SmokeFire EX4—and while the first generation of the wood pellet grill had a few problems that needed to be addressed, the second iteration of the product is a worthwhile splurge. This grill boasts 672 square inches of grilling space across two levels of grates, and it offers an impressive temperature range of 200 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to be used for both grilling and smoking.
The SmokeFire EX4 has a 20-pound pellet hopper, as well as a DC-powered engine designed to prevent auger jams. The grill is also equipped with a number of smart features that will appeal to many home chefs—it comes with two meat probes that let you keep an eye on the doneness of your food, and it's Wi-Fi-enabled, allowing you to control and monitor the grill from your smartphone. It can even walk you through the grilling process, letting you know when it's time to flip food—a handy option for novice grillers.
Our tester thought the grill was really easy to use, as it's easy to light, has immaculate temperature regulation, and practically operates itself. She successfully cooked a smoky half chicken using the bone-in chicken program as well as perfectly melty cheeseburgers using the cheeseburger program (just note that this only allows you to cook them well-done, so if you like yours less cooked, you can grill them without selecting the program).
Dimensions: 47 x 43 x 33 inches | Total Cooking Area: 672 square inches | Type: Wood pellet
"Thanks to Wi-Fi, it’s possible to monitor the grill temperature, recipe progress, and temperature probes from a distance, so there’s no need to hover over the grill to see what’s going on." — Donna Currie, Product Tester
Best Basic: Weber Original Kettle 18-Inch Charcoal Grill
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Weber
Affordable
High-quality construction
One-touch cleaning system
Convenient lid hook
No hinge on grate
Cooking grates are steel, not cast iron
For a no-frills, classic grilling experience, the Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is a popular choice. Also available in 22- and 26-inch models, this familiar charcoal grill has been a fixture in backyards and patios for decades. With a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid for heat retention, the 18-inch version offers 240 square inches of cooking space; you can make everything from brats and burgers to chicken and steaks—just maybe not all at once. The cooking grate is plated steel instead of cast iron, and it lacks a hinge for tending to the coals while food is on the grate.
Even still, this grill is a favorite of casual grillers and charcoal enthusiasts thanks to its straightforward operation and affordable price. People find that it’s the perfect size when grilling for two to four people, and it keeps coals hot for hours. So if a basic charcoal grill is what you’re looking for and you’re not cooking for a crowd, the Weber Original 18-inch Kettle is the way to go.
Dimensions: 36 x 18.5 x 23 inches | Total Cooking Area: 240 square inches | Type: Charcoal
Best for Grill Kings: Weber Summit S-470 4-Burner Natural Gas Grill
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Courtesy of the Home Depot
Attractive stainless steel design
Available in propane and natural gas models
Includes side burner, sear station, rotisserie burner, and smoker burner
LED tank scale for propane
Very expensive
Grates are hard to clean
If you’re a self-proclaimed grill king, you need the crown jewel of gas grills—like the Summit S-470 from Weber.
This stunner of a gas grill gleams in stainless steel or looks elegant in black porcelain. It’s available in both propane and natural gas configurations, and each burner features individual Snap-Jet ignition. The S-470 model is perfect for the needs of most grill gurus. It has 4 burners that produce 48,800 BTUs per hour, and a primary cooking area of 468 square inches with an additional 112 square inch warming rack. The cooking grates are made of heavy-duty stainless steel. Additionally, the grill has a dedicated sear station that will turn out beautiful steaks finished to perfection.
The Summit also includes the versatile components that true grilling enthusiasts will enjoy experimenting with, including a tuck-away rotisserie and an integrated smoker box. Smart features like LED-illuminated burner knobs and a handle with built-in light make it easy to grill at night, according to users. This grill is a splurge, but it receives praise and rave reviews thanks to its functionality, high-quality construction, and superior grilling abilities. If you’re serious about grilling, you seriously need to purchase the Summit S-470 4-Burner Gas Grill.
Dimensions: 51 x 66 x 27 inches | Total Cooking Area: 580 square inches | Type: Gas
Best for a Party: Weber Genesis II S-435 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
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Courtesy of the Home Depot
A total of 844 square inches of cooking area
Available in propane and natural gas models
Four burners, as well as a side burner and searing station
Unbeatable heat output
Expensive
Propane tank is on the exterior
If cooking for a crowd is the name of your grill game, then you need a supersized gas grill like the Genesis II S-435 model from Weber.
This gas grill is available in both propane and natural gas configurations. With the ability to produce 48,000 BTUs on the main burner, 9,000 on the sear station burner, and 12,000 on the side burner, and 844 square inches of cooking area under the hood, there is more than enough room on this four-burner gas grill to feed a crowd. The primary cooking area measures 646 square inches, while the warming rack adds an additional 198 square inches. All grates are made of durable and long-lasting stainless steel.
This grill is a real crowd-pleaser, and you can cook up to 28 burger patties at once. Will you need to cook that quantity every weekend? Probably not. But as one grill master pointed out, the ability to have such a large work area makes it easier to cook up a variety of tasty dishes.
Dimensions: 65 x 29 x 47 inches | Total Cooking Area: 844 square inches | Type: Gas
For a gas-powered grill, the Weber Spirit II E-310 is our top choice thanks to its three burners, compact design, and useful features. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the Weber Jumbo Joe 18-Inch Charcoal Grill.
How We Tested
We sent grills to our expert grillers and home product testers, who tried each out with meats, including steak and burgers, vegetables, and more, to determine which grills are truly the best. Each grill was rated on setup, heat retention, heat control, size, versatility, and overall value. Our testers then offered additional insights on each grill's strengths and weaknesses.
What to Look for in a Weber Grill
Size
Think about how much space you have for your grill as well as your cooking preferences. Will you be cooking for two, or do you like to entertain? Do you prefer a smaller grill that you can move around easily? Consider your needs and pick a grill accordingly.
Fuel
Charcoal and gas fuels each have pros and cons. Charcoal is easy to pick up at just about every grocery store and gas station, so you won’t need to make a special trip. On the other hand, gas is more convenient once you have it—you simply turn a knob to start the fire, and there’s no need to wait for coals to burn down before you begin cooking.
Grill Material
Sun, rain, snow, hail, and wind are bound to take a toll on the outer surface of your grill, so it's important to pick a material that's very durable. While stainless steel can discolor from high heat, it won’t rust or corrode with rain and snow. Enameled steel is durable, but eventually, it can crack or chip, leading to rust underneath.
FAQs
How do you clean a Weber grill?
Clean the grates of your grill with a stainless steel grill brush, being sure to remove all pieces of debris that have gotten stuck. If you want to clean your grill grates before you start grilling to remove any burned-on particles, turn the grill on to high heat, allow it to heat up, and then use the grill brush to scrub away burned food bits before you begin grilling. To clean the outside of your grill, wipe it down with a paper towel and the appropriate type of cleaner for the material of your grill: stainless steel cleaner for steel grills, glass cleaner for porcelain grills.
How do you light a Weber grill?
Start by opening the lid to the grill. This prevents gas from building up inside of it. Then, completely open the propane tank’s valve slowly and pause to allow time for the gas to travel through the gas line. If your model has a “start” knob, turn it to high. Finally, click the ignition for each burner individually. You should hear and see each burner ignite after you’ve done that.
How do you oil Weber grill grates?
Weber grill grates do not require any oiling or seasoning. You can just brush the grates down with a grill brush if they have any debris on them. Additionally, oiling the grates can result in them becoming sticky once the oil has heated beyond its smoking point, which will inevitably happen. If you’re experiencing issues with your food sticking to your Weber grill, oil the food, not the grill grates.
Do you need to season a Weber grill?
You don’t need to season a Weber grill. The grates are made of cast iron, but they are coated in porcelain. The porcelain coating prevents food from sticking, so the grates don’t need seasoning. Only very old models of Weber grills would require seasoning, and because they are very old, that surely happened a long time ago. If you purchase a new Weber grill, you don’t need to worry about seasoning it.
Can a Weber grill get wet?
Weber grills are not waterproof. Therefore, they are able to get wet. You should avoid this if you’re using it, because water entering the cook box will make the fire go out. Weber grills are weatherproof, meaning they can be left out on your patio year-round when not turned on. However, they will last longer and hold up better if you put a cover on them. A cover will protect your grill from getting stained by rain and rusting.
Can you smoke meat on a Weber grill?
Yes, you can smoke meat on a Weber charcoal grill, also known as a kettle grill. The simplest way to use your kettle grill as a smoker is to place all of your charcoal briquettes on one side of the grill and your meat on the other. Adding a few small chips of wood to the charcoal will give your meat a more traditionally smoked flavor. Be sure to soak the wood in water for several hours first. Placing a pan of water underneath the grates where you will be putting your meat will help to catch drippings, keep the meat more moist, and enable the smoke to adhere better to the meat.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Erica Puisis is a writer and interior design expert who has been writing about all things home and lifestyle for The Spruce since 2017.
This article was updated by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats. She's written close to a dozen pieces on all styles of grills and done firsthand testing of smokers and grills featured in her articles.
Ariane Resnick, who also updated this article, is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, and bestselling author. She has more than 20 years experience in the food and writing spaces and believes in a joy-filled approach to health and wellness.
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