Weber Genesis Gas Grill Review

As a professional kitchen gear tester, my backyard has basically become an outdoor cooking gear showroom. I have multiple pizza ovens, a smoker, six fire pits (I’m testing them, okay?), two charcoal grills, and two gas grills. But the outdoor piece of gear I use the most is my treasured Weber Genesis E-325 gas grill. An incredibly reliable grill that heats up super fast and is easy to use, it’s my weekday hero. 

Why the Weber Genesis E-325 Is a Fantastic Gas Grill 

I hate assembling most things. (The screws! The packaging! The vague instructions!) It’s not my idea of a good time. So, when I say it was easy to assemble the Weber Genesis, I mean it. It took around an hour, which isn’t that long for a big grill. Getting started grilling was as easy as attaching the propane tank, turning on the gas, and igniting the burners.

That’s the beautiful thing about the Weber Genesis E-325: It’s simple and easy to use. While some grills add apps and smart features, these additions often needlessly complicate things. There are no electronics on the Genesis E-325—just a good old-fashioned manual interface that won’t go on the fritz in the rain. It ignites near-instantly and heats up wicked fast, making it great for a weeknight grill sesh, and the sear section adds some extra oomph for a deep char. But if you’re toasting burger buns, for example, you can turn it down for a more gentle heat. It’s got a spacious grilling area, too: 513 square inches, which Weber claims fits a whole lotta burgers (20 to be specific) and a few racks of ribs. That’s not to mention the spacious side tables, where I can plunk all my grilling gear and ingredients. 

One of my other favorite things about the Genesis is that it’s compatible with Weber’s griddle inserts, so you can turn your grill into a flat-top griddle. It heats the carbon steel griddle fast, imparting deep sears to steak and creating the requisite crinkly, crispy edges on smash burgers. 

Regardless of what I’m cooking, the Genesis delivers. It’s versatile and reliable, letting me get dinner on the table fast, without fiddling. 

Why We’re the Experts

• Grace Kelly is a senior editor at Serious Eats, where she’s been testing gear for three years. 
• She uses the Weber Genesis E-325 gas grill as often as she can.