We ran our tests with three different Fireboard digital thermometers, the industry-leading technology. After the first round of tests with our workhorse FBX11 we contacted Fireboard to confirm our disappointing results. To double check, they sent us a new, calibrated FBX2D, which confirmed our initial results. For good measure, Fireboard then sent their new PRO model. All three were within the same range and all three disagreed dramatically with the Weber Connect readings. We’ll summarize with some basic test results using the Fireboard PRO.
This grill has a built-in dock for the iGrill 3 Smart Thermometer accessory. The iGrill 3 will help you achieve perfect results when cooking. The smart thermometer tracks the progress of your cook using probes and wirelessly transmits that data via WiFi or Bluetooth to an app on your tablet or phone to monitor. The Weber Genesis II 435 is the newer and better version of the Genesis II 400. It’s a large and powerful grill equally able to handle your weeknight dinner and your Fourth of July party.
As for the dedicated “searing zone,” we don’t think it’s necessary, since we’ve never had trouble grilling steaks and chops with dark brown crusts on either of our picks. We think you’re better off saving over $200 with the Spirit II E-310. But if you want to splurge on a grill with exceptional temperature control, go for our upgrade pick, the Weber Genesis II E-310. We had no problems with the meat sticking to the flat, porcelain-coated iron grates.
The first Genesis grills, including the E-330, boasted an electronic ignition system with independent controls. This meant that users could control each burner individually, firing up the designated zones at the press of a button. Each style has definite benefits, and which one you choose is a matter of personal preference.
Grills that end in the number 5 have a cabinet-style design, while the number 0 designates an open-cart model. For example, the E-330 is cart-style, while the E-335 features closed cabinets. On the whole, any Genesis grill can be considered a mid-priced option. They’re definitely pricier than many of the grills weber charcoal grill you’ll find through online retailers, but not as expensive as some of the competition (or even Weber’s own Summit line). If you have a bit of money to invest in a quality unit, a Genesis grill could be the way to go. In 2017, Weber updated its popular Genesis models with the introduction of the Genesis II line.
We were reminded that this process is ongoing and customer comments are now being assessed in addition to Weber’s internal data. They expect over the air upgrades to continue as they refine Smart Grill. In another test, we placed a second Fireboard probe on the warming rack right near to the Weber Connect thermistor. From that location, our readings fell squarely between our grate level probe and the Weber Connect readings.
One of them, the Spirit S-315, is similar to the Spirit II E-310 according to the specs, with a few cosmetic differences—and a higher price tag. The S-315 has a slightly higher Btu output than our pick , but other than those minor variations, it looks like it would perform about the same as our pick. The most important difference between the two models is the cooking grates. The grates on the S-435 are 7mm stainless steel rods while the E-435 has grates made of cast iron.
The “Smart Grills” give you real time data on food temperature and countdown timer. You can even receive alerts to your phone if you are busy entertaining your guests. Supports questions such as “when will we be ready” type of questions. There are dozens of significant differences between the Weber Genesis II / SE grill models and their predecessors, but here we’ll focus on the most dramatic and significant improvements. Also, please note that Weber simplified the Genesis line up getting rid of the redundant LX series as well as the 2 and 6 burner models.
If you select a Genesis II grill that has an open cart design, be forewarned that the catch tray will be left unprotected. That means it could be a target for leaves or other debris, especially if you don’t cover the grill in between uses. The grease tray might also attract rodents or raccoons if it isn’t cleaned out regularly.