Weber Spirit vs Genesis: Which 3-Burner Weber Grill to Buy?

Weber Spirit vs Genesis at a Glance

The Spirit is our pick for most people because it covers the typical household of 1 to 4 at about half the Genesis's price; the Genesis pulls ahead only for bigger groups and smart features.

How to Pick in 30 Seconds

• You cook for 1 to 4 most nights: Spirit E-325.
• You host 6 to 8 often: Genesis EX-325W.
• Your patio is tight (under about 5 ft of wall for the grill): Spirit E-325.
• You want phone alerts when the grill is preheated or food is ready to flip: Genesis EX-325W.
• You want the longest headline warranty: Genesis EX-325W.

How Do the Spirit and Genesis Lines Differ?

Weber itself doesn't spell out a line-by-line difference. Its gas grill collection simply invites you to "explore the Spirit, Genesis, and Summit collections to find the right combination of cooking space". Weber describes the Spirit as "reinvented with a large sear zone, new Weber Works side tables, and upgraded finishes and features", and groups the Genesis into "Classic, Deluxe, Smart and Special Edition" grills.

Each line holds many models. Weber sells Spirit grills named as 2-, 3- and 4-burner models, plus Spirit EX "Smart" versions. The Genesis lineup includes the E-315, E-330 Stealth Edition, E-325W Titanium Edition and S-415.

We haven't reviewed those other models, so we don't give specs for them. The rest of this page compares the two models we have reviewed. For where each one ranks among Weber's grills, see our best Weber grills guide.

Which Sears Better, the Spirit or the Genesis?

Both grills have a Sear Zone, and neither uses a separate sear burner. That corrects a common claim that only the Genesis can sear.

On the Spirit E-325, two of the three burners are Boost Burners with red knobs. Weber says they "unleash 40% more power in the Sear Zone" but gives no temperature for it.

On the Genesis EX-325W, the Sear Zone runs on two dual-row PureBlu burners, and Weber rates it to 750°F. Boost Mode adds about 40% more power. Its three main burners total 49,000 BTU/hr, against 31,000 BTU/hr on the Spirit.

The Genesis gives you the larger Sear Zone with a stated temperature. The Spirit's is enough for searing steaks for a few people.

A hot Sear Zone builds the crust; move the steak if flare-ups start.

How Many People Does Each Grill Feed?

The Genesis EX-325W has 513 sq in of primary grate plus a warming rack, for 640.5 sq in in total. The Spirit E-325 has 360 sq in primary and 450 sq in total. That makes the Genesis's primary grate 153 sq in, or about 42%, larger.

Weber says the Genesis grate holds 17 steaks. Weber makes no capacity claim for the Spirit, so judge it by its area. Our reviews size the Spirit for households of 1 to 4 and the Genesis for families of 6 to 8 and frequent hosts.

A bigger primary grate is what makes cooking for a crowd easier.

Will It Fit Your Patio?

With the lid closed, the Spirit E-325 measures 46.2 in high, 48.3 in wide and 26.6 in deep. The Genesis EX-325W measures 48.1 in high, 61.4 in wide and 27 in deep, so it needs about 13 in more width. With the lids open, both are about 31 in deep (30.97 in for the Spirit, 30.6 in for the Genesis).

Retail listings give the Spirit's weight as 98.1 lb and the Genesis's as 135 lb. The Spirit rolls on two wheels; the Genesis sits on four swivel casters, two of them locking, which helps if you move it often. Follow the manual's clearance guidance for either grill.

A three-burner cart grill that fits a smaller patio.

Do You Need the Genesis's Smart Thermometer?

The Genesis EX-325W connects over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, comes with one wired probe and sends Weber Connect app alerts when the grill is preheated and when food is ready to flip. Weber lists no smart features for the Spirit E-325.

If you want app alerts but not the Genesis's size, Weber also sells Spirit EX-325 Smart models, which we haven't reviewed. And if you want the Genesis without the app, Weber sells a non-smart Genesis E-325W Titanium Edition.

Which Is Built Better and Has the Longer Warranty?

The Genesis EX-325W has porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates that flip to hold Weber Crafted grillware, a Weber Works side table plus side rails, and a cabinet with doors that hides the tank. Weber backs it with a 12-year limited warranty.

The Spirit E-325's grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron, according to the retail listing. It has Hammertone folding side tables, Weber Works side rails, a cabinet with a door, and Snap-Jet ignition that lets you light each burner one-handed. Weber backs it with a 10-year limited warranty.

Both have Flavorizer Bars (stainless steel on the Spirit; Weber doesn't state the Genesis's material), four tool hooks and a removable grease tray that pulls out.

Is the Genesis Worth the Extra Money?

Weber lists the Spirit at $549 and the Genesis at $999; check current prices, as they change. The extra buys a bigger grate, a Sear Zone with a rated temperature, a smart thermometer, two more warranty years and locking casters. It costs you width and weight.

If you cook for a few people, the Spirit E-325 covers the basics well. If you host often and want app alerts, the Genesis EX-325W earns its place.

For non-Weber options at this level, see our best gas grills from $500 to $1,000. If you'd go above the Genesis, see our best premium gas grills.

Best for 1 to 4 people

Weber Spirit E-325★ 4.5/5

Three burners, a boosted Sear Zone and a 10-year limited warranty in a 48-inch-wide cart.

Check Current Price Read review

Best for hosts

Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart Gas Grill★ 4.6/5

A 513 sq in grate, a Sear Zone rated to 750°F and a Wi-Fi thermometer with app alerts.

Check Current Price Read review

The Takeaway

The Spirit E-325 suits most households of 1 to 4, in a smaller footprint. The Genesis EX-325W is for hosts who want the app and the bigger grate.

For more options, see our best Weber grills and all our gas grill rankings.