Weber Genesis E-325s vs Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart
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Quick take: The Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart reaches a higher max temp (750 vs 600°F).
| Spec | Weber Genesis E-325s | Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$899 | ~$899 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (1,046) | 4.1★ (68) |
| Type | Gas Grill | Gas Grill |
| Cooking Area | 513 sq in | 513 sq in |
| Max Temp | 600°F | 750°F |
| Fuel Type | Propane/Natural Gas | Propane/Natural Gas |
| Build Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel | Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates / Porcelain-Enameled Steel Lid |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | 3 | 3 |
| WiFi / App | No | Yes |
| App control | No | Yes |
| Meat probe | No | Yes |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | Yes | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 62 x 27 x 48.5 in | 61.4 x 27 x 48.1 in |
| Weight | 188 lbs | 135 lbs |
| Warranty | 12 years | 12 years |
Pros & cons
Weber Genesis E-325s
- ✓Weber's legendary build quality means this grill routinely lasts 10-15+ years, and the 12-year warranty backs every component
- ✓The dedicated sear zone burner gets hot enough for steakhouse-quality crusts, a real step up from basic 3-burner grills
- ✓Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates retain heat beautifully and deliver even, dark sear marks
- ✓Flavorizer bars vaporize drippings for added flavor and funnel grease away to dramatically reduce flare-ups
- ✓Even heat distribution across the three burners makes indirect roasting and multi-zone cooking easy and predictable
- ✓The integrated side burner is genuinely useful for sauces, sides, or boiling without running back to the kitchen
- ✓Fit, finish, and ignition reliability are top-tier - the burners light first try every time for years
- ✓Parts availability is excellent, so even a decade in you can easily refresh grates, bars, or igniters
- ✗At ~$900 it's significantly pricier than comparable Char-Broil or Monument 3-burners, so you pay for the Weber name
- ✗513 sq in of main cooking space is modest - big parties may want a 4-burner for more real estate
- ✗It has no WiFi, app, or built-in temperature probe, which feels dated next to smart grills at this price
- ✗The newer redesign moved from stainless to porcelain-coated steel Flavorizer bars, which some long-time Weber fans see as a downgrade
- ✗Assembly is lengthy and the grill is heavy at 188 lbs, so plan for two people and a couple hours
- ✗The open-cart lower shelf offers no enclosed storage to hide the propane tank or accessories
- ✗It only reaches gas-grill temps, so it's not a smoker - low-and-slow BBQ isn't its strength
- ✗Some owners note the lid thermometer is imprecise and recommend a separate probe for accuracy
Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart
- ✓WiFi thermometer and food probe are built into the grill, not a $100 aftermarket accessory
- ✓750°F Sear Zone from two dual-row PureBlu burners is hot enough for a real steakhouse crust
- ✓49,000 BTU over 513 sq in is a notably higher heat density than the Spirit line below it
- ✓12-year cookbox and lid warranty, with 10 years on burners, grates and Flavorizer bars
- ✓Grates flip to accept Weber Crafted griddle and pizza inserts without a separate frame kit purchase
- ✗4.1 stars is the weakest rating of any Weber in this batch, and across only 68 reviews
- ✗No side burner at $899, which several competitors include well below this price
- ✗Only one food probe included; multi-cut cooks need more channels
- ✗Weber Connect components carry a 3-year warranty against 12 on the cookbox — the electronics are the short-lived part
- ✗The renamed "W" generation means parts and accessory guides written for the older E-325s do not always match