Buying guide for best Weber grills
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Weber grills are practically synonymous with backyard grilling. Their reputation for quality and performance is well-deserved. But with so many Weber models available, choosing the right one for your grilling needs can feel overwhelming.
After doing the legwork, analyzing hundreds of reviews, listening to consumers and leveraging our grilling expertise, we hand-picked nine of our favorite Weber grills, including our top choice, the durable and versatile Weber Genesis 325s.
In our search, we focused on size, quality features and cooking performance. Browse our vetted selections to find your ideal Weber grill. And, if you want to understand what makes each Weber grill stand out, read more about their strengths after our top picks.
Editors' picks for 2025
Cooking Capacity: 641 square inches + an extra-large sear zone and additional warming rack | Control Type: Front-mounted control knobs with electronic ignition | Construction Material: Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, stainless steel burners, and cold-rolled steel frame
The Weber Genesis E-325 is a powerhouse propane grill built for backyard cooks who want both performance and versatility. Its standout feature is the PureBlu burner system, which delivers impressively even heat across the grates thanks to its tapered burner design and raised flame ports that minimize clogging. The sear zone is large enough to fire up a batch of steaks or burgers at once without crowding the grill. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain heat exceptionally well, while the Flavorizer bars help enhance taste and reduce flare-ups by vaporizing drippings and channeling grease away.
Cleanup is straightforward with the pull-out grease tray, and the built-in side tables and warming rack make prep and multitasking smooth. While some find the price steep, many owners say the build quality and cooking performance justify the investment. If you’re looking for a grill that feels premium, cooks evenly, and offers room to grow with accessories like pizza stones and griddles, the E-325 is a reliable option worth considering.
Cooking Capacity: 189 square inches | Control Type: Push-button ignition with analog dial | Construction Material: Cast aluminum body and lid, porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
The Weber Q1000 is a compact gas grill built for portability without sacrificing performance. Its cast-iron grates retain heat impressively well, delivering seared burgers and perfectly grilled vegetables on a reasonably-sized 189-square-inch cooking surface. Despite its small size, the grill heats quickly and maintains even temperatures thanks to its single stainless steel burner and precise control valve. The push-button ignition is reliable, and the grill comes fully assembled right out of the box, making it incredibly easy to get started.
Customers love it for camping, tailgating, or small patios where space is limited. The lightweight cast aluminum body adds durability while keeping it manageable to move and store. Though it runs on disposable propane cylinders by default, an optional hose lets you hook it up to a standard tank for more permanent setups. With thoughtful design details like the removable catch pan and optional griddle compatibility, the Q1000 proves you don't need much space for a solid grilling experience.
Cooking Surface Area: 189 square inches | Control Type: Infinite control burner valve with lid-mounted thermometer | Construction Material: Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, cast aluminum lid and body
The brightly-colored Weber Q1200 brings vibrant personality and reliable grilling performance to patios, balconies, and tailgate parties alike. With its compact size and sturdy build, this grill feels anything but flimsy. It heats up fast and evenly thanks to its porcelain-coated cast iron grates and single 8500 BTU burner, making quick work of steaks, brats, or even a whole chicken.
We appreciate how simple the electronic ignition is and how intuitive the temperature control feels. The folding side tables are a practical touch, giving just enough prep space without bulking up the grill’s footprint. Overall, it’s a clever design that’s easy to transport, easy to use, and built to last. It’s the kind of companion you want on your next grilling adventure.
Cooking Surface Area: 320 square inches | Control Type: Push-button ignition with analog dial | Construction Material: Porcelain-coated cast iron grates, aluminum frame, powder-coated finish
The Weber Traveler is a thoughtfully designed portable grill that makes outdoor cooking easy whether you're tailgating, camping, or just grilling out back. It folds down quickly and fits in tight spots, like a car trunk or garage corner, without fuss. What stands out is the grilling space. It’s surprisingly large for a portable model, easily handling dinner for a group without playing the rotation game.
It doesn’t blaze as hot as a full-size backyard grill, but it gets the job done with that classic Weber consistency. With its sturdy cart, smooth lid action, and solid grate construction, this grill feels like a step up from your average portable cooker. If you're craving grilled flavor without the bulk, this one is built to travel.
Cooking Surface Area: Fits up to 13 burgers | Control Type: Lid thermometer and dampers for airflow management | Construction Material: Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, glass-reinforced nylon handles
The Weber Original Kettle Grill brings the kind of timeless charm and dependable performance that made backyard grilling a beloved ritual. Its iconic shape isn't just for looks. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl trap heat beautifully for consistent cooking. Small touches like the lid hook and hinged grate show Weber’s attention to real-world use, making it easy to refuel mid-session or keep your lid off the ground.
The One-Touch cleaning system is a game changer for charcoal fans who hate the mess. Whether you're flipping burgers for a crowd or searing a couple of steaks for a quiet evening, this grill gives you full control without complicating the process.
Types of Weber grills
The right Weber grill for you depends on the flavor you’re looking for, the kinds of meals you plan to prepare and where you plan to use it.
- Charcoal: Charcoal grills offer a traditional experience. They’re the best way to infuse your food with a robust, smoky flavor. But lighting the charcoal and cleaning up after grilling takes a little extra effort. While charcoal grills are more affordable to buy, they’re more expensive to operate.
- Gas: Weber gas grills give you precise control over cooking temperature, but they cost significantly more than charcoal grills. These models are easy to operate and clean, but they don't add flavor. To do that, you need a smoker box that holds wood chips.
- Wood pellets: Wood-pellet stoves offer a great compromise. While expensive, they are easy to operate (just set and forget) and clean, and they give you a wood-infused flavor. The right model offers a broad range of cooking options, from low and slow to high and fast.
- Electric: Weber electric grills are the safest options because there is no open fire. They are helpful for beginners because of their intuitive operation, but size is limited. Also, you cannot operate an electric grill without access to an outlet.
- Griddle: If you prefer breakfast foods, such as eggs, or you want to prepare other items that cannot be cooked on a traditional grill, a griddle is the type of grill you need. While griddles cook with gas, if you want something a little different, it is possible to buy tools and inserts that turn your regular grill into a griddle.
- Portable: A portable grill is great for people who like camping and tailgates. Although the fuel type may vary, these models all offer portability and features, such as built-in handles and wheels, that make it easy to take your grill wherever you go.
Weber grill features to consider
Size
The size of a Weber grill is important for two primary reasons. First, if you want something portable — a grill you can take to picnics, camping and tailgates — you need something small enough (and light enough) to transport. We have found that once you go beyond 50 pounds, lugging a grill from place to place is not a simple task.
You also need a grill that physically fits in your vehicle. If you don't have a truck or camper and the grill doesn't fit in your vehicle's trunk, it won’t be easy to take it with you.
Second, you need to purchase a Weber grill that best accomplishes the desired task. If you’re only making hamburgers for you and a friend, that is a different grill than you would need to cook for a large backyard affair.
Choosing the right size
Choosing the right grill size starts with understanding how much cooking space you need. The size is measured in square inches, and generally, the more square inches you have, the more food you can cook at once.
200 square inches: For casual grilling for one or two people, a grill with around 200 square inches of cooking space should suffice. This will allow you to comfortably cook burgers, hot dogs and other favorites.
400 square inches: If you're feeding a family of four, you'll want a bit more space. Aim for a grill with at least 400 square inches of cooking space in that case. This will ensure you can grill a variety of foods at once and keep everyone satisfied.
500 square inches or more: If you’re grilling for a crowd, you'll need an appliance that can feed extra mouths. Look for a grill that offers over 500 square inches of cooking space. This guarantees ample room to grill a feast and keep your guests coming back for more.
Make sure the grill is large enough for your needs. When you look at Weber grill specs, note that secondary cooking areas, such as side burners and warming trays, are included in the total cooking space calculation. But you can't always cook efficiently on these lower-temperature surfaces, and as such, the total cooking surface measurements quoted by the manufacturer can be misleading. Before buying, clarify that the primary cooking space on the grill is large enough for your needs.
Freestanding vs. built-in
Weber gas grills come in freestanding and built-in models.
- Freestanding grills have wheels so you can easily move them around your yard, deck or patio.
- Built-in grills have a base that’s usually made of stone or stainless steel. It’s permanently anchored in place and can’t be moved.
Cooking surfaces
Weber grill cooking grates are made of stainless steel, porcelain-enameled steel or porcelain-enameled cast iron. Weber does not offer every type of grate for every grill.
- Stainless steel cooking grates heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They can last for years when properly maintained. They are lighter than cast iron, and we think they are an excellent choice for the modern backyard chef.
- Porcelain-enameled steel grates last a long time and can be easier to clean than stainless steel grates. However, they require greater care when handling because the coating can chip.
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates are durable and easy to clean. These grates are heavy and, like coated steel grates, can chip if mishandled. The biggest benefit is that they retain heat exceptionally well. If flawless sear marks are your priority, these are a top choice.
Burners and warming racks
The more burners you have on your Weber griddle, gas grill or electric grill, the greater your cooking flexibility. This is because you can have different areas set at different temperatures and cook with direct or indirect heat.
The more burners you have, the larger and more expensive your grill will be. For example, a single-burner grill like the Weber Q1000 is designed for portability and costs roughly $230. The Summit S-670 is a six-burner unit with 769 square inches of cooking space, and it costs over $3,000.
If you primarily use your grill for small family meals, we recommend a three-burner model because it is a good compromise for size and flexibility.
Side burners: Weber grills with side burners offer an enticing extra. These burners are essentially small grills built into the side table of your main grill. They allow you to multitask while grilling, letting you whip up a delicious sauce or perfectly grilled vegetables without interrupting the main course. In our experience, these side burners become well-loved additions, especially if you have the budget and space for them. They add versatility and convenience to your grilling experience.
Warming racks: Weber sells warming racks that fit over the back of the primary cooking surface on its gas grills. While these accessories are not remarkable when compared to other brands, they serve an important purpose and keep cooked food warm while you finish grilling.
Rotisserie
Some Weber gas grills have a rotisserie stake that slowly rotates and uses infrared heat to cook meat slowly. This is a particularly handy feature if you routinely prepare whole chickens.
Built-in thermometer
Most Weber grills come with a lid and a built-in thermometer; the Weber Q 1000 is a rare exception. The thermometer is a valuable tool for monitoring the air temperature inside your grill. It helps you avoid constantly lifting the lid, which lets precious heat escape and disrupts the cooking process.
It's important to understand that the built-in thermometer measures air temperature, not food temperature. While it's a great basic tool, to ensure safe and correctly cooked food, you'll need a separate meat thermometer. A meat thermometer lets you measure the internal temperature of your food, which is crucial for safe consumption of meat, poultry, pork and fish.
Illuminated controls and lights
If you often grill after dark, look for a Weber model with lighted controls. Just like dashboard lights in a car, these controls illuminate at night, making it easy to see them and adjust settings Notably, this feature doesn't light up the entire grilling area. A motion sensor automatically turns the light on and off for convenience to maximize battery life.
For better visibility inside the grill, consider a Weber grill light (sold separately). This handy LED accessory attaches to the handle of most Weber gas grills and provides under 200 lumens of light to illuminate your food. When detached, it doubles as a flashlight.
Weber grill prices
Weber grills range in price based on the type and size of the model. Depending on your needs, you could spend anywhere from $50 to over $4,000 on one. To help you understand what is available in each price bracket, here are some examples of inexpensive, midrange and expensive models.
Inexpensive Weber grills
You could spend up to roughly $500 for an entry-level Weber grill. In this price range, you can find all the portable charcoal grills, the Lumin electric grill, portable gas grills, portable griddles and griddle inserts. You can also find a variety of full-size charcoal grills, such as kettle grills and the Smokey Mountain Cooker.
Mid-range Weber grills
In the $500 to $1,200 price range, you can get Weber's most popular gas grills, such as models from the Genesis and Spirit line, as well as the Pulse 2000 electric grill, the company's line of stand-up griddles and its wood-pellet grills.
Expensive Weber grills
With a more flexible budget, you can get Weber's largest offerings, such as the six-burner Summit gas grills, Kamado charcoal grills and the older pellet grill models. In most instances, the high-end options are for avid grillers who regularly host large outdoor parties. If you will only be cooking occasionally for your family, something in the midrange price bucket is likely to suit you fine.
FAQ
Q. What type of Weber grill is best if I’m new to grilling?
A. Because it offers the easiest operation, a Weber gas grill is usually the best option for beginners. To start the grill, you only have to turn a few dials and press the ignition button, and your grill is ready in minutes. Cleanup is also easy, so you might be inclined to grill more often than if you had a charcoal grill.
Q. Do Weber grills really last longer?
A. As with anything, how you care for a Weber grill ultimately determines its lifespan. What is different about this company's products is the manufacturer has faith and believes so strongly in its grills that some parts, such as the bowl and lid, come with a no rust-through/burn-through promise that lasts anywhere from 5 to 12 years, depending on the model. Other parts, such as the grates, flavorizer bars and lid assembly, typically have a five-year warranty.
It would be misleading to state that Weber grills always last longer than other brands. However, we would be comfortable saying that with proper care, a Weber grill is highly likely to make it beyond the 10-year mark.
Q. Can I use a Weber electric grill in rain or snow?
A. While Weber electric grills are meant for outdoor use, they shouldn’t be used in rain or snow for safety reasons. It’s possible for an electrical malfunction to occur if the grill gets wet, which could lead to electrocution or fire.
How we analyzed
Our Weber grill reviews are written by grill masters, not novices. Our team consists of product specialists who've spent years researching and writing about grills. This deep knowledge lets them uncover insights beyond what a typical user might find. But we don't stop there. We also leverage expert opinions and consumer feedback to ensure our reviews are comprehensive and catch any potential shortcomings. The result? Unbiased evaluations of Weber grills to help you choose the perfect model for your needs. And to keep you informed, we continuously update our recommendations as new Weber grills hit the market.
Our expertise
Allen Foster has researched, tested and evaluated products for BestReviews since 2018. Before that, he sold outdoor equipment at one of the largest home improvement chains in the country. Consequently, he has in-depth knowledge of outdoor products and appliances, with a focus on grills and grill manufacturers, such as Weber. As part of his training, he attended seminars and workshops on outdoor cooking options so he could help customers find exactly what they needed.
