We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why trust us?

Recently, the Weber grill company released the Genesis II and Special Edition (SE) series, updating their popular Genesis line with a brand new line of products—the most significant update to Weber’s product line in the last fifteen years. The new lineup is objectively impressive, decisively differentiating Weber from its competition in terms of quality and versatility.

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.

Watch our exclusive video review of Weber gas grills

What's new in the Weber Genesis II Series

Weber puts countless hours and resources into providing the most advanced, user-centric and functional updates for each new update in the Weber line of products. This is a result of their lifetime of commitment to producing gas grills that are both affordable and high-quality in all respects. Here are a few of the most significant changes in the newest line of the iconic Genesis 2 grill series:

  • Updated Modern Design
  • Improved Grilling System (More Efficient Burners, Igniters, etc.)
  • New Size Options (3 & 4 Burner Grills)
  • Wifi Connectivity for App Enhanced Grilling
  • Weber Genesis II SE Series (Only available in small number of other top tier Weber dealers. SE stands for "Special Edition".)

Meet the New Weber Genesis II Lineup

It is not easy to wrap your head around the Weber Genesis II lineup. As an example, the company refers to each gas grill with a letter number combination (e.g. E-310) as well as in all numerical fashion (e.g. 61011001). So, don't be alarmed if you see the model number in any of these formats. At the end of this article we will give you a quick cheat sheet of the current models and their respective prices.

Let's breakdown the Weber Genesis 2 products:

Pro Tip! Weber Genesis gas grill support two different fuel types. Liquid Propane (LP) or Natural Gas (NG). Please make sure you purchase the correct grill type as the company does not offer conversion between the fuel types. LP > gas that comes in a cyclinder that you see in gas stations NG > the gas that the city provides to your home

Weber Genesis II E 310, E 315, E 335
Weber Genesis II Entry Models

Weber Genesis II entry models feature either an open storage are or a closed one. The baseline features are 3 burners with each 13,000 BTU cooking power. 513 sq. in. surface is large enough for 15-20 hamburgers.

As you move up within the entry models you will get color options in copper and blue (Weber calls this the Deep Ocean Blue). The E-335 61016001 features both a 9,000 BTU Seared Burner as well as 12,000 BTU Side Burner which eliminates the need to run indoors.

The grates are porcelain enamel. The Genesis gas grills support both in Liquid Propane (LP) or Natural Gas (NG) fuel format. Just make sure the ultimate SKU you select matches the fuel type of your home.

Weber Genesis Gas Grills with Upgrades Wifi Smart
Weber Genesis Grill with Upgrades

You can upgrade the entry level Weber Genesis II series with wifi connectivity. 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. Alexa integration is basic but cute. Supports questions such as "when will we be ready" type of questions.

The E-435 is the 4 burner version. If you have a large party the extra space and cooking power will be handy.

Weber Genesis II Stainless Steel Gas Grills
Weber Genesis II Stainless Steel Gas Grills

The stainless steel selection of Weber Genesis gas grills comes with a very important feature beyond the obvious outside styling. The grates in S-315, S-335, S-435, and SX-335 gas grills are 7 mm thick stainless steel rods.

Why should you care about this detail? Well, heat retention and how well heat conducts to the food determines if your family is going to nominate you as the grill master or not.

Weber Genesis Special Edition SE
Special Edition SE Weber Genesis II Gas Grills

Weber markets Genesis II Special Edition (SE) gas grills in select dealers across the US. You will not be able to find these models in big box home improvement stores.

The SE gas grills have the same dimension and features as their non SE counterparts. The main difference between Weber Genesis II and the SE models is the heavy 9 mm stainless steel grates features on Special Edition.

Other Features of Genesis II

M

  • Even heat distribution with re-engineered burners
  • Electronic ignition ensures your grill lights every time
  • Efficient grease management system reduces flare-ups
  • Porcelain enamel grates and flavorizer bars
  • Improved design makes it much easier to change propane tank
  • 10 Year Limited Warranty

Genesis II LX

Color Options: All sizes available in black or stainless steel

  • All features of the Genesis II PLUS:
  • Cabinet below for added storage
  • Upgraded stainless steel grates and flavorizer bars
  • Side burner for your side dish or sauce
  • Additional burner power (8%-16% extra BTU's depending on the model)
  • High-heat boost setting on all burners for quick preheat and high temp searing
  • Handle lights illuminate food while cooking at night
  • LED control knobs
  • Automatic ignition when turning control knobs
  • Stainless Steel Finish option

Updated Modern Design

weber-phasing-out

With the Weber Genesis II series, Weber streamlined the iconic Genesis design which some believe has been long overdue for a significant makeover. Genesis series grills now come equipped with either an open-structure design or cabinet design based on the needs of each individual griller. Grill shrouds are now slightly shorter, giving each grill a wider body profile and a more luxurious look.

We’re quick to note that the open cabinet design is a radical design choice for the Weber company, who appear to be exploring the “full-monty” design as a result of users desire to have visually apparent protection for the the grease tray and other areas from accumulating waste, stray leaves or wildlife if the cabinets are left unattended.

Additionally, replacement of the LP tank is now far easier than ever before in the new Genesis II series, marking a significant improvement to convenience and ease of use over previous models.


Improved Grilling System

Weber GS4 Grilling System

We’ve outlined the significant technical improvements made to the Genesis II and II LX grills under the GS4 grilling system umbrella in a previous: In-Depth Review of the Weber GS4 Grilling System

To sum up our findings in the above mentioned research, here are the most significant components of the GS4 system:

  • New, more powerful burners
  • Infinity (E2i) ignition system
  • Updated flavorizer bars
  • Grease management system

Some of these features come with marked improvements to longevity, performance and overall ease of use over previous Genesis series models.

Burners

The burners are the heart of any grill, and Weber has made major improvements to their burner designs in the Genesis II series. These new burners provide even heat throughout the cooking surface, making every inch of the grate an effective, predictable and dependable cooking surface.

Uniquely tapered burner tubes provide consistent pressure, including alignment from front to back, which provides a more consistent flame and even heat profile.

Burner holes (also known as “ports”) have been made larger and more extruded. As a result, the new Genesis II burners are more resistant to corrosion and clogging issues that can sometimes plague other grill models and series.

For comparison, here is an image of a Genesis series burner vs. the new Genesis II burner:

You can likely see the difference between these two sets of images—the old burners became more easily clogged, as well as suffering from uneven temperatures from the front of the grill to the back. The most common issue was a hotter front of the grill than the back as a result of the gas pressure not reaching the back of the grill. The new Genesis II burners solve both issues with a tapered design and larger, protruded openings to address these concerns with aplomb.

Ignition system

The new E2i electronic ignition system is more durable and more reliable compared to previous incarnations. We believe that the E2i system is the most superior ignition system Weber has ever created. Below is an up-close picture taken after we dismantled one of the Weber II grills to its most basic components.

You’ll notice a single push-button igniter on the Genesis II series, with an igniter on each individual knob (featuring easy-press design) on the Genesis II LX series. The LX series also boasts an ambient light and high-heat option on each unique knob, a luxurious set of features that also serves to set the LX series apart.

New Size Options

Weber has also lovingly revived the 2-burner edition of the Genesis II and II LX, and thank heavens for that inspired decisions—this provides grillers a choice other than opting reluctantly for the inferior Spirit series for grilling in smaller spaces or balconies. On the other side of the size spectrum, the new Genesis series features grills with four and six burners for those who like to do some serious grilling.

Exclusive: Weber Genesis II SE Series 4-Burner Grill

At Designer Appliances, we have been working closely with Weber for years to offer our customers the absolute best grill lineups while also providing unparalleled customer support. This year, Weber has returned the favor by releasing their Genesis II SE Series grill only available to a few of their select Weber dealers, including Designer Appliances. You won’t find this model at your big box home improvement stores.

Weber Genesis II SE 4-Burner Grill

For only $50 more than the standard Genesis II 4-burner grill, the SE (Special Edition) Weber Grill includes:

  • Upgraded grill grates, from standard porcelain enamel to stainless steel
  • Upgraded flavorizer bars, from porcelain enamel to stainless steel
  • Rich Color Options

Where to Purchase & Summary of Pricing

Weber has been historically consistent with its pricing. In turn, it asks the authorized dealer community to keep pricing uniform across the US. This policy allows customers to get fair pricing through the years unlike the airlines where each seat on any given day can cost vastly different.

Weber Genesis Grill Warranty

Weber is known to have the best warranty in the industry for its grilling products. Genesis II and II LX series are not an exception to this. Weber provides and amazing 10 year warranty for the heart of their grills (i.e. Burners, Ignition, Lid and the Cookbox). Furthermore, the porcelain enamel grates and flavorizer bars of the II series are warrantied for 5 years. On stainless steel versions of grates and flavorizer bars on II SE and II LX series you will get the 10 year warranty.

Conclusion

We are very excited to begin the grilling season and finally get these incredible grills into the hands of our customers. For more information or to purchase a Weber Genesis grill (now with free shipping anywhere in the U.S.), visit us at Designer Appliances.