Quick Overview: Spirit and Genesis Series
If you are shopping for a gas grill, you inevitably end up at Weber. They are the gold standard. But within their lineup, the confusion usually starts here: What is the actual difference between the Spirit and the Genesis?
Think of it like cars. The Weber Spirit is the reliable sedan (Honda Civic). It gets the job done efficiently, fits in smaller spaces, and is budget-friendly. It is perfect for weeknight dinners and small families.
The Weber Genesis is the luxury SUV (BMW X5). It is bigger, more powerful, built with heavier materials, and packed with features like sear stations and smart tech integration. It is designed for enthusiasts who host parties and want to cook the perfect steak every time.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Weber Spirit II E-310 | Weber Genesis E-325s |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Entry-Level / Small Family | Enthusiast / Entertainer |
| Cart Design | Open Cart | Enclosed Cabinet (Mostly) |
| Sear Station | No (Standard Models) | Yes (Standard) |
| Cooking Area | 529 sq. in. | 787 sq. in. |
| Weber Crafted Ready | No (Requires Upgrade) | Yes (Built-in Frame) |
| Price | $$ ($500-$900) | $$$ ($1,000+) |
Design and Build Quality
Both grills are built to last, but the Genesis feels significantly more substantial. The lid is taller and heavier, allowing for larger roasts (like a whole turkey). The Genesis usually features an enclosed cabinet design with doors, which hides the propane tank and provides dry storage for tools.
The Spirit series (specifically the popular Spirit II) uses an “Open Cart” design. The propane tank is exposed on the side. While functional, it doesn’t look as premium. The materials on the Spirit are slightly thinner, though still far superior to big-box store brands.
Regardless of which model you choose, maintenance is key. Learn how to clean barbecue grates to keep your investment lasting for decades.
Best Value: Weber Spirit II E-310
The perfect grill for most families. 3 burners, GS4 grilling system, and a 10-year warranty on all parts.
Check PriceCooking Power & Burners
Both series use Weber’s GS4 High Performance Grilling System, which includes Infinity Ignition, high-performance burners, and flavorizer bars. However, the output differs.
The Genesis burners are rectangular and tapered, providing a more consistent gas flow from front to back. They also output more BTUs (British Thermal Units). A standard 3-burner Genesis puts out 39,000 BTUs compared to the Spirit’s 30,000 BTUs.
Crucially, most new Genesis models come with a “Sear Zone.” This is an extra “half-burner” squeezed between the main burners. When turned on, it creates a super-heated zone perfect for getting restaurant-quality sear marks on steaks. The Spirit generally lacks this feature unless you buy specific premium models.
Heat Distribution and Grill Performance
The Genesis excels here due to its larger mass and better burners. It holds heat incredibly well, making it better for winter grilling. The heat is dead even across the entire surface.
The Spirit is still excellent but can have slight hot spots near the back. Because the lid is shallower, it doesn’t circulate heat for convection cooking (like roasting a chicken) quite as efficiently as the cavernous Genesis.
Wondering how these compare to other brands? Check out our battle of Weber vs Napoleon to see how the competition stacks up.
Size, Cooking Area & Capacity
This is a major deciding factor.
Spirit (3-Burner): Approx 424 sq. in. main area + 105 sq. in. warming rack. Fits about 15-20 burgers. Good for families of 2-4.
Genesis (3-Burner): Approx 513 sq. in. main area + 274 sq. in. warming rack (the warming rack is huge and expandable). Fits 20-25 burgers. Good for parties and large families.
The Genesis also has a larger side shelf area for prep work.
Features & Upgrades
The new Genesis line is designed to be a full outdoor kitchen. It is compatible with the Weber Crafted Outdoor Kitchen Collection. This allows you to swap the grates for a pizza stone, wok, or flat-top griddle (sold separately). The frame kit comes built-in on the Genesis.
The Spirit can use some of these accessories (like the Gourmet BBQ System), but it requires buying a separate grate insert, and the smaller firebox limits the size of accessories you can use.
Weber is constantly innovating. See our review of the Weber Searwood to see their latest hybrid pellet technology.
Top Tier: Weber Genesis E-325s
The entertainer’s dream. Extra large sear zone, expandable top cooking grate, and Weber Crafted frame compatible.
Check PricePrice and Value
The Spirit is the value king. For under $600 (often on sale), you get a grill that will last 10+ years. It offers the best “bang for your buck” in the entire BBQ industry.
The Genesis starts around $1,000 and goes up to $1,500+ for stainless steel smart models. You are paying for the size, the enclosed cabinet, the sear zone, and the “Made in USA” (with global components) prestige. If you grill 3+ times a week, the extra space and power are worth the investment.
If you are looking for the absolute top-rated options, browse our curated list of the best barbecue grills of the year.
Weber Spirit vs Genesis: Pros and Cons
- Excellent value for money.
- Compact footprint (great for small patios).
- Same 10-year warranty on core parts.
- Reliable GS4 ignition system.
- Open cart design exposes propane tank.
- No built-in Sear Zone (usually).
- Lighter lid holds less heat.
- Smaller warming rack.
- Massive cooking area + expandable warming rack.
- Standard Sear Zone for steakhouse results.
- Heavy-duty lid and enclosed cabinet.
- Weber Crafted accessory ready.
- Expensive (nearly double the price).
- Heavy and hard to move.
- Takes up significantly more deck space.
Both grills are fantastic, but they serve different masters.
Choose the Weber Spirit If:
- You are budget-conscious but want quality.
- You have a small patio or balcony.
- You are a casual griller (burgers/dogs/chicken).
- You are a family of 4 or fewer.
Choose the Weber Genesis If:
- You want the absolute best performance.
- You regularly host parties for 6+ people.
- You are serious about searing steaks (Sear Zone).
- You want a grill that doubles as an outdoor kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, mostly. Weber offers a 10-year warranty on the cookbox, lid, and burner tubes for both Spirit and Genesis models. However, the Genesis often has longer warranties on the flavorizer bars and grates compared to the entry-level Spirit models.
No. Weber does not sell conversion kits. You must buy the specific Natural Gas (NG) version of the grill from the start. Both Spirit and Genesis come in Propane (LP) and Natural Gas (NG) versions.
If you grill year-round or for large groups, yes. The heat retention, sear zone, and enclosed storage justify the price. If you only grill occasionally in the summer, the Spirit is a smarter financial choice.
Yes! Weber sells rotisserie kits for both Spirit and Genesis. However, the taller lid of the Genesis makes it easier to rotisserie larger birds like turkeys without them hitting the burners.
No. The Genesis is significantly wider and deeper than the Spirit. You need to buy the specific cover designed for your model series.
