Weber brought their first grill to market back in the early 1950s, and they have been making a wide range of BBQs and smokers ever since.
Over the years, this brand has become a household name in the grilling space and synonymous with quality on a reasonable budget.
Today’s line of Weber grills includes the following:
- Gas grills
- Electric grills
- Charcoal grills
- Portable grills
- Wood pellet grills
Regardless of the shape and size of Weber grill you choose, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive 10-year warranty. The grills are also all built to a high standard, with customer service impressive, too.
To help you more confidently compare the best Weber grills, focus on these elements on the buying trail:
- Fuel type: Charcoal grills impart your food with a smoky taste and aroma impossible to achieve with other grilling methods. Gas grills are easy to use and keep clean, and they are also pretty cheap to run. Electric grills are arguably the easiest of all to use, but they lack that authentic BBQ taste. You can also find Weber smokers if you prefer cooking your food slow and low
- Size vs cooking surface area: You’ll first need to check that you have the room to accommodate any grills on your shortlist. Check out the dimensions and weight, and look for grills with wheels for easier transportation. Beyond this, make sure all the grills you’re considering have sufficient cooking surface area for your needs. This is expressed in terms of square inches and we refer you to the features tab of each of the Weber grills we review for this breakdown
- Grill grates: Look for cast iron grates coated with porcelain enamel. Beyond this, plated steel and cold-rolled steel also work well for non-stick and easy care grilling
- Materials: Enameled steel grills are quite durable, but they will eventually crack and chip. Stainless steel won’t rust or corrode, although it can discolor in extreme heat.
With those simple pointers in mind, you’ll be ideally positioned to explore our curated list of the top 13 Weber grills to see if any makes the right fit for your patio or deck.
The 12 Best Weber Grills and Smokers
1. Our #1 Pick: Weber Spirit II Grill
Features
- Fuel type: Liquid propane
- Grilling area: 529 square inches
- Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 44.5 inches
First up and our favorite Weber grill from the entire deep bench, the Spirit II gives you the convenience of cooking with liquid propane and first-class grilled food on your plate.
To avoid repetition as we showcase the pick of the Weber range, we’ll break down the patented GS4 performance many of these grills boast. The four components include:
- Flavorizer bars
- Powerful burners
- Electronic ignition
- Grease management system
The ignition system is warrantied for a decade and will deliver first time starting every time.
The main burners kick out a total heating output of 30,000 BTU, and you can cook over an expansive 529 square inches of grates. You get three of these burners, each rated at 10,000 BTU.
These grates are cast iron treated with porcelain enamel for exceptional heat retention and heat distribution with minimal food splatter.
Laid out on a cart with lockable wheels, you also benefit from a pair of tables, perfect for prepping or serving your grilled food.
While everyone has different tastes and needs in a grill, the Spirit II is undoubtedly one of the best Weber grills you’ll find, especially for those who dislike the mess and fussiness of cooking with charcoal.
Things We Like
- 3 powerful burners
- Generous cooking surface area
- Cart layout: prep tables, shelves, and hooks
Things We Dislike
- Quality control issues flagged
2. Budget Pick: Weber Original Kettle
Features
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Grilling area: 363 square inches
- Dimensions: 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches
While Weber make some pricey and powerful grills, they also cater for those shopping on a tighter budget. The Original Kettle is a back-to-basics charcoal grill giving you everything you need and nothing you don’t at a very keen price point.
As with all the best charcoal grills, you’ll imbue your food with that trademark smokiness impossible to achieve with any other cooking method.
Controlling the temperature on this grill is pretty simple. You adjust the dampers and this regulates airflow and resultantly the temperature of the grill.
The lid and bowl are made from porcelain enamel, so the grill locks all the heat inside, and the heat is also efficiently and evenly distributed.
Although Weber grills are typically well-made, this model is blighted by a few complaints about build quality and lifespan. If you’re shopping with durability uppermost in mind, we would recommend exploring some of the more robust Weber models.
The cleaning system baked in removes on of the barriers of cooking with charcoal and makes your life easier.
The plated steel cooking grate is hinged so you can load on more coals as you’re grilling. It’s non-stick and easy-care, too.
Overall, we consider the Original Kettle the best budget Weber, so see what you feel.
Things We Like
- Authentic charcoal smokiness
- One-touch cleaning system
- Seamless temperature control
Things We Dislike
- Some complaints about build quality
3. Upgrade Pick: Weber Genesis II
Features
- Fuel type: Liquid propane
- Grilling area: 844 square inches
- Dimensions: 65 x 29 x 47 inches
If you have deeper pockets and demanding tastes when you’re shopping for grills, you should consider the Weber Genesis II, an uprated version of a classic and bestselling grill.
This expansive grilling station gives you an impressive 844 square inches of space, ideal if you regularly host large cookouts.
You benefit from the GS4 grilling system, so you’ll get the additional flavorizer bars that add the finishing touches to your grilled treats.
If you enjoy embracing smart functionality when you’re grilling, this model is compatible with the iGrill3, ideal for monitoring the progress of your grilled food remotely.
There are 4 primary burners, all finished in stainless steel. You also get a side burner and a burner on the searing station. Total heat output of 69,000 BTU makes this Weber one of the strongest performers in this regard. The grill also allows you to create a versatile cooking environment, making use of both diect and indirect heat.
Backed by Weber’s 100% satisfaction guarantee, with the whole grill warrantied for 10 years, you can buy with complete confidence, even if you need to dig deep for the privilege. Setting price aside, this is arguably the best Weber grill in a range packed with commendable models.
Things We Like
- Flavorizer bars
- Huge cooking surface area
- 69,000 BTU total heat output
Things We Dislike
- Temperature regulation is tricky
4. Weber Liquid Propane Grill
Features
- Fuel type: Liquid propane
- Grilling area: 280 square inches
- Dimensions: 25.1 x 51.4 x 26 inches
Next in line is another liquid propane-fueled grill from Weber that’s well worth a place on your shortlist.
While propane grills may not yield that trademark smokiness of a charcoal grill, you’ll get a user-friendly experience that’s particularly suitable for beginners.
Getting this grill started is seamless thanks to the electronic ignition, so you won’t need matches or a lighter to get the party started.
Choose from a grill with or without a cover. If you plan to leave your Weber outdoors permanently, it makes sense to opt for the cover. If you intend to bring it indoors when not in use, choose this base model and shave a few bucks off the sticker price.
Despite remarkably compact dimensions and a lightweight form, this grill offers a total cooking surface area of 280 square inches, ideal for all the family.
A couple of food prep tables fold away when not in use and you need more space for cooking.
While the cast iron cooking grate is impressive, the single burner means you’ll be more limited when grilling that with some of the competing Weber grills on our shortlist.
Things We Like
- Pair of folding tables
- Electronic ignition
- Cast iron cooking grates
Things We Dislike
- Single burner
5. Weber Performer Deluxe
Features
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Grilling area: 363 square inches
- Dimensions: 30 x 48 x 43.5 inches
Does the Weber Performer Deluxe deliver as promised?
In a word, yes. This is a classic charcoal grill, and no other method of cooking can replicate the authentic BBQ taste and aroma generated.
If the thought of all the mess puts you off cooking with charcoal, you’ll appreciate the oversized aluminum ash catcher. Slip this out and ditch the ashes, and you’ll find cooking with coals is much less demanding than you might have imagined.
The spacious grill measures 22 inches across and gives you a total surface area of over 350 square inches, so nobody will go hungry, and you won’t need to spend all day chained to the grill whipping up small batches of food either.
There is a thermometer baked into this grill, so you can monitor your food’s internal temperature and cook with precision. You also get a timer, and this is removable for your convenience.
Although this is a heavy and bulky grill, the wheeled cart configuration allows you to shunt it around the yard if required.
Despite a handful of complaints concerning quality control, this remains one of the best Weber grills you can find. Let us know what you think if you opt for the Performer Deluxe.
Things We Like
- Compact form with reasonable capacity
- One-touch cleaning system
- Integrated thermometer and removable timer
Things We Dislike
- Quality control issues with this grill
6. Weber Electric Grill
Features
- Fuel type: Electric
- Grilling area: 189 square inches
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 27 x 16.5 inches
While Weber has a deep bench of traditional charcoal grills, they also cater for those looking for the most seamless possible grilling experience. This electric grill is a compact and portable model that makes a great choice for trips in the RV or the boat.
The lid and chassis of this space-saving grill are made from a lightweight cast aluminum. Not only does this make for a great travel grill, but it also locks all the heat inside for consistently cooked results every time.
Cast iron cooking grates shouldn’t end up with food splattered all over them, and they are easy to keep clean.
Although this grill has a miniature footprint, you’ll benefit from just under 200 square inches of grilling space, so nobody will go hungry.
The highly capable heating element ensures you can cook your food at high temperatures, even it takes a while to get the job done.
While you cannot hope to rival the trademark BBQ taste a charcoal grill yields, you’ll get a grill here that’s super-simple to use, even for complete beginners, so only you know if that’s worth taking a hit when it comes to smokiness.
Things We Like
- Cast iron cooking grates
- Infinite control burners
- Powerful 1560-watt heating element
Things We Dislike
- Take a long time to cook food
7. Weber Jumbo Joe
Features
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Grilling area: 240 square inches
- Dimensions: 19.75 x 20.5 x 19.75 inches
Despite the name, the Jumbo Joe is a reasonably compact charcoal grill from Weber that’s well worth your further investigation.
As with all the most effective charcoal grills, your food will be imparted with that unmistakable smoky taste and aroma.
The bowl and lid of the grill are made from a lightweight cast aluminum that locks all the heat inside while you’re grilling.
This model comes with a plated steel cooking grate in place of the more efficient cast iron grate on some of the more upscale Weber grills.
The large aluminum ash catcher means you won’t need to endlessly empty the ashes, and removing this for disposal duties couldn’t be easier.
Measuring 18 inches across and delivering 240 square inches of cooking real estate, this grill is not ideal for big cookouts, but it makes a neat choice for small families looking for grilled delights all round.
Things We Like
- Imparts authentic BBQ smokiness
- Superb heat retention
- Extremely portable grilling solution
Things We Dislike
- Some complaints about damaged grills
8. Weber Original Kettle
Features
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Grilling area: 240 square inches
- Dimensions: 18 x 23 x 35 inches
Next up in our quest for the best Weber grills is another iteration of the iconic Original Kettle. This model comes without a cover, so it’s worth making sure you have provision for this if you plan to leave your grill outdoors between uses.
Fortunately, the portable nature of this 18-inch grill means you can easily move it around and store it away. As an added kicker, the grill is mounted on a wheeled cart, so you won’t strain your back when you’re shunting it around.
Although the form factor is small, cooking capacity is quite impressive at 240 square inches, ideal for singles, couples, or small families. If this leave you wanting for grill space, Weber has plenty of beefier models we review above and below.
You get all the advantages of cooking with charcoal here, but the one-touch cleaning system removes mess, one of the primary barriers preventing many from embracing the benefits of charcoal grilling.
Things We Like
- Cook up to 9 burgers at once
- Plated steel cooking grate
- Easy to keep clean
Things We Dislike
- Fire grate rusts over time
9. Weber Smokey Mountain
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Grilling area: 245 square inches
- Dimensions: 24 x 23 x 48.5 inches
As we near the end of our Weber grill reviews, another powerful entry in the form of this charcoal smoker.
This is a larger 22-inch model, although the cooking surface area is not much improved over the 18-inch model, coming in at just 245 square inches. That said, you’ll be smoking rather than grilling food in this thing, so you should have more than enough space inside at your disposal.
The bowl, lid, and central section of this grill are all made from the lightweight yet durable cast aluminum. This material also boasts outstanding heat retention and heat distribution properties.
With twin cooking grates, you can cook up all your favorite smoked food slow and low, leaving it deliciously charred on the outside but tender and juicy inside.
The grates are treated with a coating to inhibit food splatter, and they are also very easy to keep clean.
If you need to add wood or charcoal as you smoke your food, you can remove the door to make this simpler.
For any fans of cooking low and slow, Weber bring all their expertise to bear on this top-notch smoker.
Things We Like
- Porcelain-enamel treatment
- Pair of cooking grates
- Reasonable capacity relative to size
Things We Dislike
- Reported gaps around door
10. Weber Liquid Propane Grill
Features
- Fuel type: Liquid propane
- Grilling area: 189 square inches
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 40.9 x 24.6 inches
Next in line is another liquid propane grill from the ever-reliable Weber stable. How does this model stand and fall, then?
One of the key selling points is the portability of this model. You can get away with using it as a permanent grill in the back yard, but the form factor is compact enough to slip in the trunk of your car if you need grilling on the go.
The cooking capacity is limited as you would expect from a smaller grill. At just 189 square inches, you can cook up 4 to 6 burgers in one session, but you’ll struggle if you have hungry hordes to feed.
Starting this grill is a cakewalk thanks to the electronic ignition. Push a button and your LP grill will fire up every time on the button.
Tweaking the temperature is also super-simple with infinite control burners giving you total control over the grill, even if you’re a complete novice.
Cooking grates are made from cast iron for an easy care experience with unbeatable cooking consistency.
The only real drawback of this grill is the fact the single burner limits you when it comes to creating independent cooking zones. As a travel grill, though, this portable Weber is unbeatable.
Things We Like
- Easy-start ignition
- Cast iron cooking grates
- Robust and portable grill
Things We Dislike
- Single burner
11. Weber Spirit II
Features
- Fuel type: Natural gas
- Grilling area: 529 square inches
- Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 44.5 inches
As we inch to the end of our collection of the best Weber grills, an option for all you lovers of natural gas.
If you have a natural gas supply at home, using a gas grill is one of the most economical ways to grill out. Natural gas comes in much cheaper than propane, and you won’t have the hassle of refilling or recycling canisters either.
This grill packed the GS4 system with flavorizer bars, ensuring you get the next best thing to cooking with charcoal, even though you’re embracing the convenience and cost-effectiveness of natural gas.
You get a flexible 10-foot hose included, so you can easily hook up your grill to your natural gas supply.
The 3 burners give you an impressive heat output, and you can control these independently for maximum versatility.
Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates completes a winning package from an industry legend. There’s no better way to get grilling with natural gas.
Things We Like
- Flavorizer bars
- Efficient grease management
- Seamless operation
Things We Dislike
- Assembly is not straightforward
12. Weber Spirit E-210
- Fuel type: Liquid propane
- Grilling area: 450 square inches
- Dimensions: 32 x 50 x 63 inches
To round out our shortlist of the best Weber grills, we have the Spirit E-210 a liquid propane grill that punches above its weight.
This grill is slender and has a space-saving footprint making it a smooth fit for cramped patios or decks. Despite this form factor, you’ll get an exceptional 450 square inches of cooking space, ample for catering for a handful of guests.
The cart layout with wheels ensures you can maneuver this grill around the yard without pulling a muscle. The wheels lock into place to give you a firm foundation to grill from.
The lid and cook box are constructed from porcelain enamel that won’t peel, crack, or rust over time. The overall build quality on this grill is exceptional.
Aside from a few gripes about the performance of this grill in windy conditions, almost all user testimony concerning this model is positive. Ultimately, though, there is no such thing as the best Weber grill. All that counts is finding the most effective Weber for the needs of you and your family. The only question that remains: will it be the Spirit E-210?
Things We Like
- Sprawling cooking surface area
- Rugged build
- Easy to shift around thanks to wheels
Things We Dislike
- Some reported issues in windy conditions
FAQs
1) What does it mean to use direct heat for grilling?
If you cook your food directly above the heat source, this is direct heat. It couldn’t be easier to get started with this grilling method. Layer lit charcoal all across the surface of the cooking area to create a wide heating zone. Your food will be cooked thoroughly and evenly all the way through.
2) What does it mean to use indirect heat for grilling?
When you protect your food from full exposure to the heat of the grill, you cook using indirect heat. If you spread some lit charcoal at either side of the food on the grill, the center will become an indirect heat zone.
3) Is a charcoal grill better than a gas grill?
A charcoal grill will impart the smokiness and authentic BBQ taste that no other cooking method can rival, not even gas. Charcoal grills can be messy, though, and they are not the most user-friendly. While a gas grill might lack the ability to give your food that smokiness, they are easy to start, easy to use, and just as simple to keep clean. The only thing that counts is buying a grill in line with your needs.
4) What can I cook besides meat on a grill?
Meats are obviously great for grilling, but you’ll find fish also works well. You could also try grilling some peppers to add some sweetness to your steaks or burgers.
5) Which type of gas grill is better, natural gas or propane?
With a natural gas grill, you’ll need it permanently installed at home, and you’ll also need a supply of natural gas. Once you hook up one of these grills, you get one of the most cost-effective method of grilling. With liquid propane grills, you enjoy portability and the ability to use either 20-pound tanks of propane or smaller canisters for grilling on the go. The downside of LP grills is the need to take care of replacing and recycling the liquid propane canisters.
6) How can I minimize flareups when I’m grilling?
The most critical thing you can do to keep flareups to a minimum is to ensure your grill stays spotless. Beyond this, never leave your grill unattended after you put meat onto the grates. Most flareups take place within seconds, or directly after turning the food, so remain nearby so you can step in if required. If possible, always maintain an indirect heat zone. That way, if a flareup occurs, you can quickly transfer your food to the cooler area of the grill. When the fat burns off, switch it back to the direct heat zone. Avoid using too much oil, as this will encourage flareups. The same applies to fat on meat, so trim off any excess. Always preheat your grill properly so any residual food debris is burned off. Once you’re done grilling, use a grill brush to blitz the grates.
7) How far should I position my Weber grill from my house or deck?
With Gas Go-Anywhere grills, keep them at least 10 feet from vehicles or anything combustible. All charcoal grills, whether portable or full-sized, should be positioned at least 5 feet from RVs and combustibles. Electric grills and Q-series gas grills should be kept 2 feet from RVs or anything combustible. With full-sized gas grills and SmokeFire grills, you should again keep a minimum distance of 2 feet from combustible materials and vehicles.
8) Do I need to cover when Weber grill when it’s not in use?
Keeping your grill covered will protect it from dust, dirt, tree sap, and bird droppings. If you live somewhere with high humidity levels, remove the cover once in a while so it can breathe.
Conclusion
We very much hope today’s guide to the best Weber grills has given you a keen insight into the many different types and sizes of grill at your disposal.
When you buy into the Weber brand, you do so knowing they have half a century of expertise in making first-class grills that don’t bankrupt you.
We have a very busy content calendar lined up here at Hempen Hill as summer turns into fall. Now is the perfect time to discover the best time to buy a grill to grab a bargain. Also, bookmark our blog before you go and be sure to pop back soon for more informative guides to all aspects of grilling.