We tested the smart and more basic model, and while both gave us an impressive performance, the addition of the app gave us a more modern experience. If you’re looking for a well-built gas grill to sizzle your steaks, the Weber Spirit II E-310 is our top pick for a gas grill. There’s also an improved ignition that we thoroughly enjoyed. Once you’ve picked out the best gas grill for you, don’t forget accessories.
With the days getting longer and the nights getting warmer, backyard BBQ season is back in full swing. And if you want your burgers, steaks and ribs cooked to perfection, then you’ll want to invest in a proper grill. There are tons of different kinds to choose from, including pellet grills, portable grills and traditional charcoal grills. As we tested this over the course of two weeks, it rarely had any faults.
Though we did miss the true smoky flavor that can only come from wood and charcoal. The size of the Denali is impressive, giving you room to easily cook for an entire party of guests. I especially weber portable grill like the little slots for hanging your drumsticks to let them cook evenly. All the food I tested was tender, and the probes did a good job of pinpointing the right temperature.
Of the 1,000-plus Wirecutter readers we surveyed, over 60% said they owned Weber grills. And of those Weber grill owners, 69% reported that they were extremely satisfied, and another 29% reported that they were moderately satisfied. We assembled the grills alone and in teams of two, noting poor instructions, needlessly complicated screw or bolt sizes, or safety hazards such as sharp edges. For this amount, you can get a great grill without overpaying for unneeded capacity, deluxe materials, or seldom-used add-ons such as rotisseries, side burners, and infrared burners.
For that reason, Weber offers generous warranties; 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. Charcoal grills are much cheaper, however, and they can burn hotter than gas grills, creating a better sear. But charcoal takes time to light, and you have to be comfortable with moving around coals and fiddling with vents to control the grill’s heat. It offers the same quality as our top pick, but it’s more compact. The E-210 has a cast-aluminum firebox, an enameled steel lid and open cart, and two side tables.
Both times we’ve tested it, the assembly has been short-and-sweet, and moving it into place was a breeze. From there, it turned out pork, burgers, steaks, chicken, veggies, and even grilled pineapple with fabulous results. With different grill sizes, cooking weber bbq grates and BTU levels, a difference in performance is expected in each individual outdoor gas grill. If you’re willing to spend a little more for extra features than the Weber Genesis EPX-335 is what you seek, and it’s $100 off the usual price right now.
The smart features may be helpful for some people, but we didn’t find them worth the price increase. The gas tank mounts externally (see the top photo in this section) instead of in a cabinet underneath the grill, so replacing the tank is easier here than on other models. A sturdy shelf under the grill and a side table, which folds down for storage, give you some outdoor “counter space” while you’re cooking. To some extent, all grills run cooler toward the front of the grate, but in our tests the Spirit II E-310 offered the most consistent heating across the entire grate surface. After 10 minutes, the burgers at the rear, the hottest part of the grill, were medium-well, and those at the front were medium-rare to medium. (If your diners have various preferences, this difference might even come in handy.) In contrast, lesser grills produced nearly raw burgers in the front and well-done patties in the back.
Also participating in our testing was Sam Sifton, then the food editor of The New York Times. This grill’s overall compact size suits almost any patio or deck, yet its three-burner grilling surface is big enough to cook a complete meal for a family or a dozen burgers for a party. 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.