Weber Spirit II Review (2025): Is This the Best Mid-Range Gas Grill?

Let’s be honest: buying a gas grill in the mid-range price bracket is usually a gamble. Most options under $600 look shiny on the showroom floor, but after one season, you’re dealing with uneven heat, flare-ups that torch your burgers, and burners that rust out before you can say “medium-rare.”

The Weber Spirit II series promises to fix exactly that. It isn’t the biggest grill on the market, nor is it the cheapest. But it claims to offer something rare in this category: legitimate longevity and professional-grade performance without the four-figure price tag.

In this Weber Spirit II review, we are diving deep into the specs, build quality, and real-world cooking performance to help you decide if this is the right grill for your backyard. Whether you are a BBQ beginner or a seasoned griller looking for a reliable daily driver, here is everything you need to know.

Why the Weber Spirit II Is So Popular

The Weber Spirit II—specifically the best-selling E-310 model—has held the crown as the best value gas grill for years. Why? It comes down to Weber’s “GS4 Grilling System.” This isn’t just marketing jargon; it’s a redesign of the core components that actually improves how the grill cooks.

Here is why this grill dominates the market:

• Built to Last: It comes with Weber’s industry-leading 10-year warranty (excluding normal wear and tear). That is practically unheard of in this price range.
• GS4 System: This includes improved infinity ignition, high-performance burners, porcelain-enameled Flavorizer bars, and a grease management system that actually works.
• Even Heat: No more guessing where the “hot spots” are. The heat distribution is remarkably consistent across the entire grate.
• Beginner Friendly: It lights every time and maintains temperature easily, making it perfect for weeknight grilling.

Weber Spirit II Models Explained

Before we get into the performance tests, it is important to know which model fits your space. The Spirit II line is essentially split by size.

Weber Spirit II E-210

This is the compact, 2-burner version.

• Best For: Small patios, balconies, or couples who rarely cook for more than 2-3 people.
• Cooking Area: 450 total square inches.
• Power: It packs the same tech as its big brother but in a smaller footprint.

Read also Top 10 Best Rated Pit Boss Pellet Grills

Weber Spirit II E-310 (Our Top Pick)

This is the 3-burner workhorse and the focus of most of this review.

• Best For: Families of 4+, backyard parties, and anyone who wants to cook using indirect heat (like slow-roasting a chicken).
• Cooking Area: 529 total square inches.
• Why buy it: The third burner gives you significantly more versatility for creating heat zones.

Weber Spirit II S-Series

Functionally identical to the E-series, but with a stainless steel exterior finish. If you prefer the sleek silver look over black, this is the upgrade for you.

Weber Spirit 2 Review: Hands-On Performance

Specs are great, but how does it actually cook? We looked at build quality, heat management, and cleanup.

Build Quality & Materials

Straight out of the box, the difference between a Weber and a budget brand is obvious. The firebox is cast aluminum, not flimsy sheet metal. The lid is heavy, porcelain-enameled steel that traps heat effectively. The “open cart” design is sturdy and gives you easy access to your propane tank, though some users might miss the closed doors of the older Genesis models.

Ignition & Burner Performance

The Infinity Ignition is part of the GS4 system. It features robust wiring and electrodes that are designed to ignite the first time, every time. Once lit, the burners provide a consistent blue flame. During testing, we found very little flickering or uneven gas flow, which is critical for maintaining steady temperatures.

Heat Output & Temperature Range

The Spirit II E-310 hits 500°F+ surprisingly fast—usually within 10 to 15 minutes. While it may not reach the scorching 700°F+ temps of a high-end infrared grill, it has more than enough power to get a solid sear on a steak. More importantly, it can hold a steady low temperature (around 250°F-300°F) for slow cooking ribs or pork shoulder.

Cooking Tests: Real Food Results

• Steaks: We achieved impressive grill marks thanks to the heavy cast-iron grates. The searing was consistent across the surface.
• Burgers: No massive flare-ups. The Flavorizer bars catch drippings and vaporize them, sending flavor back into the meat while shielding the burners.
• Chicken Thighs: Skin crisped up beautifully without burning, thanks to the even heat distribution.
• Ribs: Using the E-310, we turned off the middle burner and cooked indirectly. The temperature held steady, producing tender meat without constant tweaking.

Ease of Cleaning

The grease management system is a standout feature. The bottom of the firebox is sloped, funnelling grease into a removable drip tray centered under the grill. You simply slide out the catch pan, toss the liner, and you’re done. No more grease fires from buildup in the corners.

Read also Best Winter Jackets for Extreme Cold

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Consistency: The GS4 system delivers reliable, even heat every cook.
• Durability: Built to survive outside with a 10-year warranty on core parts.
• Versatility: Capable of both direct searing and indirect slow roasting.
• Value: Hard to beat the performance-to-price ratio.

Cons:

• Open Cart: The lack of doors means your propane tank and tools are visible.
• No Side Burner: Unlike some competitors, the standard E-310 doesn’t include a side burner for sauces.
• Grates: While excellent, the porcelain-enamel coating can chip if you bang them around too hard.

Weber Spirit II vs. Old Spirit Series

Is the “II” really an upgrade? Absolutely.

1. Ignition: The old crossover ignition system was prone to failure; the new Infinity Ignition is far more robust.
2. Burners: The new tapered burner tubes provide more consistent gas pressure from front to back.
3. iGrill 3 Compatible: The Spirit II has a dedicated slot for Weber’s Bluetooth thermometer system (sold separately), making tech integration seamless.

Who Should Buy the Weber Spirit II?

• The Upgrader: If you are tired of replacing cheap $200 grills every two years, this is your best investment.
• The Family Cook: The E-310 has ample space for burgers, hot dogs, and veggies all at once.
• The Weeknight Warrior: It heats up fast and cleans up easy, making Tuesday night grilling a breeze.

Who Should NOT Buy It?

• The Crowd Feeder: If you regularly host parties for 20+ people, you might find the 3-burner surface a bit tight. Look at the Genesis II series instead.
• The Sear Freak: If your main goal is restaurant-quality crusts on steaks instantly, you might want a grill with an infrared sear zone.

Essential Accessories

To get the most out of your Weber Spirit II, we recommend a few key add-ons:

• Premium Grill Cover: Protect your investment from rain and sun.
• Weber iGrill 3: Monitor your food temps from your phone without opening the lid.
• Cast Iron Griddle Insert: Swap out a grate to cook pancakes, bacon, or smash burgers.

Weber Spirit II vs. Competitors

Vs. Napoleon Rogue 425:
The Napoleon is a fantastic grill that often includes a side burner and stainless steel grates. However, it usually comes at a higher price point. The Weber wins on warranty and parts availability.

Vs. Char-Broil Performance:
The Char-Broil is significantly cheaper but lacks the durability. The burners tend to rust out much faster, and heat distribution is far less even. You get what you pay for here.

Vs. Blackstone Griddle:
This is apples to oranges. If you want smoky flavor and grill marks, get the Weber. If you want to cook fried rice and smash burgers exclusively, get the Blackstone. (Or get both!).

Read also Best Mini Amplifiers for Desktop Speakers

Final Verdict

The Weber Spirit II E-310 is widely considered the best gas grill for most people, and for good reason. It strips away the gimmicks and focuses entirely on what matters: cooking good food reliably.

It doesn’t have Wi-Fi (built-in), rotisserie burners, or LED knob lights. But it starts every time, cooks evenly, and won’t rust into a pile of scrap metal after a few winters. For the mid-range buyer who wants a serious grilling tool, the Weber Spirit II is an absolute winner.

Ready to upgrade your backyard setup? Check the latest prices for the Weber Spirit 2 E-310 today.