Weber Spirit VS Genesis - What’s The Difference?

Whether you’re thinking of an upgrade, or looking to buy a grill for the first time, you’ve probably considered a Weber. This is a brand that’s associated with quality, innovation, and some big and bold flavors. If you’re after a long-lasting, high-powered, versatile grill, then you have to try a Weber.

But Weber makes so many fantastic grills that the choice can become overwhelming. The Spirit and the Genesis are two of the top ranges produced by Weber, and grill enthusiasts will find a lot to love from either range. How do you find the right one for you?

In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at both the Spirit and the Genesis range, to help you find the grill for your needs. We’ll also be reviewing comparative models, to see how they stack up. No matter which model you choose, with Weber, you know you’re getting a quality grill.

Weber Spirit VS Genesis: The Basics

Weber has been one of the top names in grills since they first started releasing kettle grills in 1952. The Spirit and the Genesis range haven’t been on the market for quite so long, but these are still grills with an impressive history. The Genesis was first produced in 1985, while the Spirit line came along in the 90s.

But that doesn’t mean these grills are only as good as they were in the 80s. Weber has been constantly reworking and reinventing their grills, adding new technology and streamlining the designs. Both the Spirit and the Genesis have adapted and changed over the decades to remain some of the top grills on the market.

Before we go any further, it should be clear that both the Genesis and Spirit labels refer to a family of grills, rather than a single product. We could really go into the details of every difference in all the models, but we’ll begin by covering the basics.

The Weber Spirit range produces basic, beginner’s grills. They are designed with simplicity in mind, and typically sell at a lower price point. The Spirit is ideal for the casual grill user, who breaks the grill out only on the occasional sunny weekend.

The Weber Genesis range is more advanced, with extra features, and a stronger build. This is the grill for those who like to experiment, and who enjoy playing around with features.

Overall, the Spirit is the grill for beginner’s and the Genesis is the grill for the enthusiast.

However, they are both still quality grills, with versatile uses. The Spirit is a fantastic grill that even an advanced user will respect. And although the Genesis comes with the extra features, it can still be used by beginner’s who are eager to learn.

The Spirit line includes both the Spirit and the Spirit II. The original Spirit line is still good quality, but the Spirit II is definitely a major upgrade. We highly recommend considering the Spirit II, as this advanced grill should last you for many years.

So, let's cover the similarities and differences.

What Can You Expect From A Weber Grill?

As both grills are created by Weber, you can expect to find a few similarities in quality, build, and design.

Both the Spirit line and the Genesis line are covered by the exceptional Weber 10-year warranty. The warranty details vary depending on the quality of the grill, but it’s a remarkable offer either way. It shows that Weber has real trust and belief in the standard of their grills, so you can feel reassured with your purchase.

Many of the Weber grills feature Weber’s GS4 grilling system, and this includes much of the Genesis and Spirit range. However, GS4 is only included in the Spirit II range, which is why we recommend making the upgrade.

GS4 is a grilling system with 4 components: Infinity Ignition, Grease Management System, stainless steel burners, and porcelain enameled Flavorizer Bars. These 4 components come together to ensure your grill works better.

The Infinity Ignition is standard with the GS4, and a real boost for those who are new to grills. Quick and easy, the Infinity Ignition ensures you can light your grill no matter the weather. Beginner’s using the Spirit II should love this feature.

Stainless Steel burners provide an even heat across the cooking surface, ensuring all your food is cooked to perfection.

The Flavorizer Bars are an impressively simple component that provide a surprising feature. The triangular bars sit under the cooking surface, and catch grease before it can drip into the flames.

As the grease lands on the bars, it smokes, and adds layers of flavor to your food. So, the Flavorizer Bars reduce flare, and increase flavor.

Finally, the Grease Management System. This directs grease drippings into a pan for easy removal, and a quick clean up. Beginner and advanced users will understand the appeal of that.

Another similarity you can expect from the Spirit II and the Genesis line is the iGrill technology. This allows you to connect to the grill via an app, using tech that’s embedded in the grill itself.

From your phone, you can control and monitor how the grill is functioning. iGrill is an extra, but it is compatible with Spirit II and Genesis II grills.

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.

Comparative Weber Model Reviews

Weber Spirit II E-210 Grill

We really love the Weber Spirit II E-210, and it’s not just because of the relatively low price point. Although, this is a bargain for a fantastic grill. The Spirit II E-210 is a two burner grill with some impressive features, and the powerful GS4 system backing it up.

Despite being a smaller grill, the portable Spirit II E-210 is versatile. Porcelain-enameled and with cast-iron cooking grates, the build quality is long-lasting and durable. And as it comes with the standard Weber 10-year guarantee, you can trust in the quality of the materials.

The basic design of the Spirit II E-210 is simple and easy to learn. The open cart design and fold-down left side table are intuitive to use, so beginner’s can get grilling straight away. A built-in lid thermometer and fuel gauge ensure that even though the Spirit II E-210 isn’t overwhelmed with features, it has everything you might need.

The Spirit II E-210 is designed for families, but with up to 450 square inches of cooking space, you can cater to larger groups. All-weather tires make the grill portable, and the Weber name makes it reliable.

If you’re after a grill that gets the job done, and won’t break the bank, we highly recommend the Weber Spirit II E-210.

Pros

• Portable - All-weather tires make movement easy.
• Large cooking surface - Despite being a small grill, there’s still 360 sq in of cooking area, and 90 sq in of warming rack.
• Price - A low-cost option for investing in a Weber.

Cons

• Simple - The features are basic.

Also available to purchase at Weber.com.

Weber Genesis II E-310 Grill

The Weber Genesis II E-310 is a compact grill, but with more room on the inside than you might expect. With 3 burners, it can serve up to 20 people, but the overall dimensions make it still a portable option.

513 square inches of cooking space allow the user to cook up to 20 burgers at once, with the GS4 grilling system keeping heat even across the surface. With the tuck away warming rack expanded, the Genesis II E-310 has 669 sq in of cooking surface, to satisfy large appetites.

A porcelain lid helps the Genesis II E-310 to keep the heat in, although the 3 burners can achieve roughly 550 degrees Fahrenheit. If you enjoy perfectly cooked steak, then the Genesis II E-310 can give you that sear.

The Genesis II E-310 is an in-between grill. It’s smaller and simpler than much of the Genesis range, but not quite as basic as you’d expect from the Spirit. This puts it in a bit of an odd position. The Genesis II E-310 is the grill for someone who wants to experiment with the grill, but perhaps lacks the space (or budget) for a premium model.

Pros

• Cooking space vs overall size - Serve 20 with the Genesis II E-310, and it still doesn’t take up much space in the backyard.
• Locking wheels - Easy portability.
• Impressive heat output - Can be used to sear steak.

Cons

• High cost for a small size - Perhaps slightly overpriced for what you get. 

Also available to purchase at Walmart.com.

Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill

As much as we like the Spirit II E-210, the Weber Spirit II E-310 has that little something extra. It may be a step-up in price, but it’s also a step-up in design. And as a 3 burner grill, it has a wealth of uses.

As you’d expect from a Spirit II series, the E-310 comes with the GS4 grilling system. This gives the larger cooking surface an even distribution of heat, and makes it intuitive to use. The Spirit II E-310 is also compatible with the iGrill system. If you’re just starting out, but want the option to take your grilling to the next level, this is a handy feature.

Perhaps the biggest step-up between the E-210 and the E-310 is the amount of cooking surface available. With the E-310, there’s a total of 529 square inches of surface, with 424 square inches to the primary cooking area. The Spirit II E-310 allows you to sear and grill, as the 3 burners accommodate a roomy, well-heated surface.

The Spirit II E-310 has made some noticeable changes to the E-210, but it’s kept everything that we loved in the smaller design. The open cart, all-weather wheels, and ample storage, make the Spirit II E-310 a truly useful design.

Pros

• 3 burners - Extra cooking space, allows for searing and grilling at once.
• Open cart design - Keep utensils handy with the storage and rack design.
• Price - A quality build at a lower price point.

Cons

• Not much difference from E-210 - The major difference is the size, with few other improvements.

Also available to purchase at Weber.com.

Weber Genesis II E-335

With the Weber Genesis II E-335, we can really start to see how this grill series differentiates itself from the Spirit line. The Genesis II E-335 is a 3 burner grill with world-class features, allowing enthusiasts to really take their skills to the next level.

As well as including the standard GS4 grilling system, the E-335 has a Sear Station and side burners, giving a real versatility to the grill. The Sear Station burner has 9000 BTU of heat, giving you those prominent grill marks and a strong sear.

A 12,000 BTU side burner adds a space for extra cooking, keeping things warm, or creating sauces. Meanwhile, the main burners have a total of 39,000 BTU. More than enough for the 669 square inch total cooking area.

The design of the Genesis II E-335 is exceptional. The enclosed cabinet area provides storage space, while the tool hooks aid usability. And while the Genesis II E-335 might not be the simplest of grills, it’s intuitive to use.

With the II E-335, the Genesis line really comes into its own. This grill is both simple enough for the backyard cook, and powerful enough to provide a world-class performance.

Pros

• Sear Station burner - Create an excellent sear with the designated station.
• Side station - Versatile cooking, thanks to the range of burners. 
• Stainless steel rod cooking grates - Retain heat as you cook.

Cons

• Slow to heat.

Also available to purchase at Walmart.com.

Weber Genesis II E-435

When it comes to the Weber Genesis II E-435, the Spirit line has nothing in comparison. This is a premium grill from the Genesis range, and it has a premium price tag to go with it. So, is Genesis II E-435 really that much of an improvement?

First, the size. The Genesis II E-435 is a beast of a grill, with a total cooking area of 844 square inches. That’s 646 square inches of primary cooking area, and an additional 198 square inches from the tuck away warming rack.

What can you cook with that space? Well, pretty much anything you want. The 9000 BTU Sear Station burner brings a quick blast of heat for a hard sear, fast. With the 12,000 BTU side burner, you can mix up a sauce, or even sauté some veggies. And with the 48,000 BTU main burners, you can do everything else.

The Weber Genesis II E-435 is powerful, and with the size and heat, can be intimidating at first. If you’re after your first grill, then the Genesis II E-435 is going to have a lot of extra features sitting unused.

But if you’re ready to take your grilling to the next level, the Genesis II E-435 is tough to beat.

Pros

• Sear station and side burners - Versatile burners, for different types of cooking.
• 4 wheels, including heavy-duty front locking swivel casters - Keep the heavy grill in place, but move with ease when ready.
• Large cooking area - Cater for every event with this sizable grill.

Cons

• Difficult to assemble. 

Also available to purchase at Walmart.com.

Also Consider: Weber Spirit E330

Lacking the features of the Spirit II line, the Spirit E330 is still a classy design with a spacious cooking area. It looks more like a Genesis, with the closed build and door front, but performs like a Spirit. The biggest disadvantage? This early model lacks the GS4 grilling system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is Better; The Weber Spirit Or Genesis?

Overall, grills from the Weber Genesis range are better. They have more heat, space, and a better quality build. The Weber Genesis range is designed for competent and skilled grill masters, who need a product to keep up with them.

However, that isn’t to say the Weber Spirit grills aren’t good — especially if you look at the Weber Spirit II line. These grills are designed to be simple and affordable, while using quality materials for a long-lasting grill.

Although there are differences to the Genesis and Spirit ranges, some of the best features are the same. For example, the GS4 grilling system is utilized across models of both lines (not including earlier products).

This exceptional system ensures that whichever Weber grill you buy, you’re almost certain to end up with an excellent product.

Is The Weber Spirit A Good Grill?

Yes, the grills in the Weber Spirit line are well-made, versatile, and intuitive to use. This is an all-round grill, designed to fit into the average home.

If you’re interested in purchasing your first grill, or you’re a casual grill user, then the Spirit line has many advantages. Even though it’s a budget Weber line, the Spirit II grills still come with GS4 technology, and iGrill compatibility.

But the Weber Spirit line isn't just for those who need an easy grill to start with. Even the most talented members of the grilling community will find the Weber Spirit can mostly keep up with them.

Is The Weber Genesis A Good Grill?

Yes, the grills in the Weber Genesis line are of exceptional quality, and can give a powerful performance. The materials and build used in the Weber Genesis range means these grills are durable, while the innovative design features adapt to different cooking styles.

The Weber Genesis grills are designed for those with experience. The sear stations and side burners can take some time to get used to, but when utilized with the fiery main burners, allow for a real versatility. With the Genesis grills, talented cooks can create something remarkable.

But if you’re new to grilling and hoping to improve, don’t let the complicated features put you off. The Genesis range is built with ease of use in mind.

Final Thoughts

A Weber grill is always going to be good quality. However, choosing between the Spirit and Genesis range of Weber grills can determine how sophisticated a product you get.

The Weber Spirit is fun, easy to use, and fairly powerful. The smaller options are ideal for casual backyard get-togethers.

If you’re hoping to learn about grilling, or only plan on getting the grill out on sunny weekends, then the Spirit is ideal. You still get quality, but you save money on features that won’t be used.

The Weber Genesis ranges from the basic to the advanced, and enthusiasts will find these versatile grills can keep up with complex cooking. Intuitively designed, even the premium features of the Genesis grills can be quick to get to grips with.

We hope this guide has helped you see the differences between the Weber Spirit, and the Weber Genesis. Both impressive products, you’ll love to grill with a Weber.