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Weber Genesis Grill SP-E-325 Review
The Weber Genesis SP-E-325 is all new for this year.
In this review, you’ll learn the best features and a few problems with this grill.
In the end, you’ll know whether the SP-E-325 is right for you.
Best Features
A few years ago, Weber introduced a new GS4 ignition and grease management system and became one of the most reliable brands.
The burner specifications of the Genesis have remained the same as last year, at 13,000 BTU per burner for an overall BTU of 39,000.
However, they did increase the sear zone in the middle from 9,000-13,000.
Sear is technically more powerful, but it’s just another row of burners, not an infrared burner, like many of the more expensive Pro type grills.
The cooking square footage has increased to 787 square inches, but some of that is from a larger top rack.
Competition
You may be wondering what the difference between the more advertised E325 at $899 and the SPE325 sold at $1,099.
The SPE has lights, so now you can see why you’re grilling as well as the better 9-millimeter stainless grates.
Stainless will wear better than the porcelain grates from the E series, but will also retain heat for better sear as well.
For $279 more, you could buy SPE335 with a side burner for cooking while you grill, so you don’t have to go back and forth to your kitchen.
They also receive their new OGS system of grilling accessories as well.
Weber also added better side tables to fit larger platters in a tank water, so now you don’t have to guess how much gas is left in the tank.
You also have their additional storage under the grill as well.
Problems
The sear station is larger, but it’s regular gas, which diffuses heat rather than the more directed infrared heat, which is better for searing.
That grill space is larger, but most of it is at the top of the new flip down rack.
It’s important to note there is no additional heat source like in the more expensive Summit series.
It may not have the infrared sear or the heat source in the back, but you’ll have to pay much more for those features in the Summit or Pro type grill.
Lastly, for $279, you may want to consider the upgrade to the SPE335 with a side burner and the ability to accessorize with a griddle, baking stone, and other accessories.
Conclusion
At $1,029, Weber still is the best grill brand on the market. It does have some weaknesses, but you still have to pay much more for grills with better searing capability.
So for reliability and decent features, Genesis should be a consideration for your next grill.
Weber Genesis Grill SP-E-335 Review
The Weber Genesis SP-E-335 is all new for this year, with added flexibility to cook.
In this review, you’ll learn about the grill’s best qualities as well as a few flaws. At the end of the day, you’ll know if the SP-E-335 is the perfect choice for you.
Best Features
Weber debuted their new GS4 ignition and grease management system a few years ago, and it quickly became one of the most dependable brands.
The Genesis’ burner parameters have remained the same this year, at 13,000 BTU per burner, with a total output of 39,000 BTU across the grill.
The side burner allows you to boil corn or lobsters while grilling is the same as last year as well at 12,000 BTU.
They did increase the middle sear from 9,000 to 13,000 BTU. It’s more powerful, but it’s still just another row of burners, not an infrared burner like the more expensive Pro grills.
The cooking surface area has grown to 787 square inches, thanks in part to a larger top rack.
Competition
You may be wondering what the difference between the more common E-335 at $1,199 and the SP-E-335 sold at $1,299.
The SPE has lights in the hood, so now you can see while you’re grilling and better 9-millimeter stainless grades.
Stainless will wear better but also retain heat for a better sear than cast or porcelain.
Weber also upgraded the side tables to accommodate larger platters and installed a tank monitor. So there’s no need to guess how much gas is left in the tank anymore. Under the grill, there is also more storage.
OGS System
However, Weber’s biggest improvement is their OGS system, allowing you to fully accessorize your grill and cook differently.
OGS is a frame kit featuring new accessories. You could like some of them as it allows you to cook differently.
You can cook anything on a griddle, but now you can cook breakfast foods like eggs, bacon and pancakes, as well as grilled cheeses.
Ever try grilling vegetables? You can’t always do it effectively because the bits of the veg always seem to slide off the grill to the fire below.
The new basket allows you to cook veggies easily.
The baking stone is designed to cook crusts, specifically pizza. You can sear steak on one side and more delicate items like fruits and veggies on the other side.
You can make kebabs or crisp French fries with these two accessories, along with your Rotisserie.
Problems
Although the sear station is larger, it uses ordinary gas, which diffuses heat rather than infrared, which is better for searing.
The grilling area is larger, but the majority of it is at the top, where a flip-down rack is located.
It may not have an infrared sear heat source in the back, but you’ll have to pay a lot more for the Summit or Pro style grill to get these features.
The side burner at 12,000 BTU is just okay. Again, you could upgrade to a Pro type, but a Pro grill with higher output is over $6,000.
Conclusion
At $1,299, Weber is still the best grill brand on the market. Their new series gives you the flexibility to grill and cook in many different ways.
It does have some flaws, but grills with more output and searing capability cost far more.
The Genesis should be considered for your next barbecue because of its versatility and dependability.