We assume the four other batteries power the igniter, LED lights, and fuel gauge. Though the smart features might be useful in some cases, we think that for most people, the functionality isn’t quite useful enough to warrant the several-hundred-dollar price hike . Instead of being made from porcelainized cast iron, the grill grates on the Genesis E-325s are made from thick stainless steel rods. The advantage of stainless steel is its resistance to rust and corrosion. However, stainless steel doesn’t hold as much heat as cast iron. So it’s possible the E-325s might not deliver as dark a sear on foods as the Spirit II models.
Improved durability will have you up and grilling in no time, every time. Get more with Blue Rewards Annual membership earns rebates, special offers, free delivery & more! Some of the most important information you will need to get includes the grill features that you are considering. They will determine whether or not the grill is for you.
Finally I dialed all three burner knobs down to their lowest setting and closed the lid. I cooked two racks this way; the first I ran for 3 hours, the second for 3 hours 30 minutes. On both the CharBroil SmartChef and Weber Genesis II, the ribs were too thin to shield their probes from ambient hot air under the lid. As a result I fell back to cooking by time instead of hitting a target thermometer reading. Both grills turned in slightly underdone ribs after a 3-hour cook, so I bumped the time up another 30 minutes for round two. A component in Char-Broil’s “Tru-Infrared” grilling system, the plate is designed to absorb the heat from the burners, and use it to mimic the radiant heat you get from charcoal.
However, based on what we’ve been able to find, it’s a good bet. On the whole, any Genesis grill can be considered a mid-priced option. They’re definitely pricier than many of the grills you’ll find through portable bbq online retailers, but not as expensive as some of the competition (or even Weber’s own Summit line). If you have a bit of money to invest in a quality unit, a Genesis grill could be the way to go.
The grease tray might also attract rodents or raccoons if it isn’t cleaned out regularly. While the numbers don’t point to any discernible difference, the burners on the updated model are more powerful overall. The side burner on the Genesis E-330 II is particularly effective, to the point where you need to keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking your ingredients. The Genesis II E-330, on the other hand, has an open cart-style design. This might be more appealing if you prefer easy access to the catch pan.
Some of these features come with marked improvements to longevity, performance and overall ease of use over previous Genesis series models. Additionally, replacement of the LP tank is now far easier than ever before in the new Genesis II series, marking a significant improvement to convenience and ease of use over previous models. This is the base model of the Genesis II barbecue grills. Large cook space with additional side burner for sauces, and reheating. This grill is without a doubt my top pick for best grills under 1500 dollars, and maybe even the worlds best grill.
The Infinity ignition system is designed to be more robust than the standard ignition system. The upgraded ignition was implemented when Weber started offering a full 10 year warranty on every single component as the older style ignition system often failed after 3-5 years. A flip-up motor and separate spit and fork storage compartment have also been integrated into the model. You get three burners with 39,000 BTU input plus the dedicated sear-zone burner for an extra 13,000 BTU. We will run through the main differences as you go through the lineup. We’ve picked the cheaper enamel models and the non-natural-gas versions.
We recommend products based on quality and price, not on fees. These fees do not add to the price of purchase but they do help keep this site alive. The FireBoard Spark is a hybrid combining instant-read capability, a cabled temperature probe, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. We gave Spark a Platinum Medal for pushing the envelope of product capability while maintaining high standards of design and workmanship.