Weber Spirit vs Weber Genesis

Four models side by side

Listings for Weber grills vary in how much they state, so some cells are marked not stated. Check Weber's own spec sheet for anything missing before you buy.

Power and cooking area

The clearest difference is power. The four-burner Spirit EP-425 lists 8.2 kW, while the four-burner Genesis E-415 lists 14 kW and the E-425S 17.6 kW. More power means faster heat-up, quicker recovery after opening the lid and stronger searing across the whole grate. For burgers, sausages and chicken on a family scale, the Spirit's output is plenty.

Cooking areas are closer than power figures suggest. The Spirit E-310 offers 2,326 cm² and the EP-425 2,745 cm², which is enough for a family and some guests. Genesis grills are larger again, and our large gas BBQs for family parties guide covers the biggest options.

Features: sear zones, griddles and storage

Genesis models add features aimed at regular, keen cooks. The E-425S lists a sear burner for very high heat on steaks, crossover ignition, backlit controls and Weber's Gourmet BBQ System grate, which takes inserts such as a pizza stone or wok. The E-415 lists a two-door cabinet that hides the gas bottle and keeps tools dry, plus fixed side shelves.

Spirit keeps things simpler. The E-310 has an open cart with hooks and a removable grease tray. The EP-425 adds a griddle section beside the grill, which is useful for breakfasts, smash burgers and fish. If you would use a sear zone and a cabinet every week, Genesis earns its place. If not, Spirit gives the core Weber cooking system for less.

Size, weight and placement

Genesis grills are big and heavy. The E-425S lists 83.8 kg, which means two people to move it and a permanent spot on a level patio. Spirit grills are lighter, 48 kg for the E-310, but still not grills to wheel around often. Measure the space with the lid open, and leave room behind for the lid to swing up without touching a fence or wall.

Both ranges list long spare parts availability on the models we checked, with a 10 year EU parts period on the Spirit E-310 and EP-425 listings. Burners and Flavorizer bars wear out over the years, so parts support matters more than a few extra features.

Note:Place any gas BBQ in the open, on a stable surface, with the clearances from combustible materials given in the manual. Check joints with soapy water after connecting a bottle and turn off at the bottle after cooking.

Which range should you choose?

Choose Spirit if you barbecue for a family most weekends in summer, want proper two-zone cooking and value a lighter frame. The E-310 is the sensible middle; the EP-425 suits bigger families and griddle fans. Both appear in our best gas BBQs for UK gardens and Weber gas BBQs compared guides.

Choose Genesis if you cook all year, often for more than eight people, and want the highest power, sear burner and closed storage. It is a grill to keep for many years, so check that the footprint and weight suit your patio.

See all Weber gas BBQs compared →

Frequently asked questions

Is Genesis better than Spirit? It is bigger, more powerful and has more features, but that only makes it better if you use them. For most families, a Spirit cooks just as well.

Can a Spirit grill sear steaks? Yes. Preheat with the lid closed and run the burners under the steaks on high. A dedicated sear burner, as on the Genesis E-425S, gets hotter in one spot.

Do Spirit and Genesis take the same accessories? Some Weber accessories fit both, but grates and inserts vary by model and year. Check Weber's compatibility list for your exact model number.

Do they need a particular gas bottle? Most UK Weber gas grills are supplied for propane or butane with the matching regulator; see what gas bottle you need and follow the manual.