What's the difference between the Weber Spirit and Weber Genesis BBQ's
Weber Genesis and Spirit BBQ’s are both an amazing choice of BBQ so whats the difference and how should you choose?
Both Weber Spirit & Genesis BBQ's are manufactured using high quality materials and they both work equally well. When choosing which grill to buy, these are the kind of questions you need to ask yourself ...
- Are you an experienced griller?
- Are you looking for an entry level bbq that’s great value for money or an upgrade bbq with some great additional features?
- How many people will you regularly grill for?
- How often will you use the bbq weekly or very regularly?
- What kind of food would you like to grill, is it basic grilling or more advanced grilling such as slow roasting and casseroles?
Weber Spirit II Vs Weber Genesis II
You will find that the Weber Spirit BBQ is considered a great entry level BBQ, it is great quality and there is so much you can achieve on the Spirit II Series. If you imagine you will use your grill just about once a week for 2-6 people, then the Weber Spirit could well be a great choice for you. It is an excellent grill and has everything you need to get started with incredibly great bbq’s.
On the other hand, the Genesis II Series is a step up from the Spirit II. It offers more grilling space, allowing you to grill comfortably for more people. The hood is double insulated so it maintains heat better, a positive effect on gas consumption! The Genesis is also more powerful than the Spirit, with higher KW capacity, therefore, ability to generate the higher heat you might prefer when searing a steak or cooking pizza. You can buy the Genesis with a sear station or a side burner and with an open or closed cart system. There are some great advantages with the Genesis, an intermediate or advanced griller would certainly feel excited about the prospect of upgrading to this model. That’s not to say that a beginner can’t operate a Weber Genesis, it’s just that you might be paying for extra features you may not use while you’re still learning how to grill.
Similarities between Weber Spirit & Weber Genesis BBQ's
|
Features |
Weber Spirit II & Weber Genesis II |
|
GS4 Grilling System |
GS4 includes stainless steel burners, flavorizer bars, grease management system and an excellent ignition system. These 4 elements are key components to ensuring reliability every time you start the burners. On top of that, reduction in flare-ups, ensures even heating up of the BBQ and drains away all the grease into a special tray that can be easily emptied. |
|
Warranty |
Both Spirit and Genesis offer a 10 year warranty, outside of normal wear and tear |
|
iGrill 3 compatible |
Both are compatible to use the extremely useful accessory, the igrill 3 thermometer. This accessory is sold separately |
|
Wheels |
Much larger and extremely durable wheels were chosen on one side. It makes it easier to transport the grill around rough terrain and gravel. Also, a side shelf lock was implemented which adds more convenience to transportation |
|
Built in thermometer |
Weber Spirit and Genesis BBQ’s all feature a built in thermometer so you always know the cooking temperature of the bbq. |
Differences Spirit II Vs Genesis II
|
Features |
Spirit II |
Genesis II |
|
Burners |
2-3 burners, comfortable grilling for up to 6 people |
3-4 burners. Comfortable grilling for up to 12 people on Genesis 4 burner, 435 |
|
Colour scheme |
Less choice of colour |
More colour choice with black, grey, stainless steel and ocean blue |
|
Cart system |
Open cart system |
You have a choice of an open or closed cart door system |
|
Sear station |
Not available |
Available |
|
Side Burner |
Not available |
Available with or without side burner |
|
Hood |
Single walled hood |
Porcelain-enamelled and double-walled insulated hood is only available with the Genesis. The double insulated hood helps to maintain a steady temperature needed particularly when slow roasting & cooking casseroles. It is also associated with lower gas consumption as a result. |
|
Price point |
When it comes to money, Spirit II undoubtedly is great value for money. If you don’t mind missing out on some additional features, then this series is excellent on quality, efficiency and basic features. |
A great upgrade pick, the Genesis is more expensive due to the additional features such as double insulated hood, sear station / side burner. A great option for experienced grillers or if you want more features than you can get from the Spirit II series |
One exception to the above - Weber have just launched a new model of Spirit - The Spirit EP-335. This model offers a single door closed cart system and it also has a double insulated hood. This 3 burner BBQ will rival the Genesis E-310 with these new features, it has however slightly less powerful and has slightly smaller grilling space versus the Genesis.
Both the Spirit and Genesis Series have a number of different models within their series, this table below is a top-line comparison of each model in both series which can be helpful in decision making.
Table Comparison of all models
|
Model |
Burners |
Primary Grilling Area |
Main burner KW |
Side burner |
Sear station |
|
Spirit II E 210 |
2 |
51 x 46cm |
7.77 |
No |
No |
|
Spirit II E 310 |
3 |
60 x 46cm |
8.79 |
No |
No |
|
Genesis II E 310 |
3 |
68 x 48cm |
11.43 |
No |
No |
|
Genesis II E 330 |
3 |
68 x 48cm |
11.43 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Genesis II E 410 |
4 |
86 x 48cm |
14.07 |
No |
No |
|
Genesis II E 435 |
4 |
86 x 48cm |
14.07 |
Yes |
Yes |