Weber Slate 36 vs Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart
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Quick take: The Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart costs $150 less; the Weber Slate 36 offers more cooking space (756 vs 513 sq in); the Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart reaches a higher max temp (750 vs 550°F).
| Spec | Weber Slate 36 | Weber Genesis EX-325W Smart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,049 | ~$899 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (506) | 4.1★ (68) |
| Type | Griddle | Gas Grill |
| Cooking Area | 756 sq in | 513 sq in |
| Max Temp | 550°F | 750°F |
| Fuel Type | Propane/Natural Gas | Propane/Natural Gas |
| Build Material | Carbon Steel / Powder-Coated Steel | Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates / Porcelain-Enameled Steel Lid |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | 4 | 3 |
| WiFi / App | No | Yes |
| App control | No | Yes |
| Meat probe | No | Yes |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 65 x 47 x 28 in | 61.4 x 27 x 48.1 in |
| Weight | 150 lbs | 135 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years (3 years cooktop rust-through) | 12 years |
Pros & cons
Weber Slate 36
- ✓The case-hardened, pre-seasoned carbon steel cooktop genuinely resists the rust that plagues Blackstone owners who leave their griddle outside
- ✓Four independently controlled burners give real multi-zone cooking - pancakes on low while smash burgers sear on high
- ✓The built-in digital cooktop thermometer takes the guesswork out of surface temp, something no Blackstone offers stock
- ✓48,000 BTUs heat the 756 sq in surface past 500°F quickly and evenly, with fewer cold corners than budget griddles
- ✓Weber's fit and finish is a clear step up - solid hinges, smooth-rolling casters, and an enclosed cart that keeps propane and tools out of the weather
- ✓The grease management system funnels into an easy-access catch pan instead of the messy rear-drip setups on cheaper flat tops
- ✓Flip-up side table and tool hooks add workspace without widening the footprint much
- ✓Backed by Weber's warranty and dealer network, so parts and service are far easier to get than for import-brand griddles
- ✗At $999 it costs roughly double a comparable 36-inch Blackstone, which is a hard sell for occasional griddlers
- ✗The digital thermometer reads one spot on the cooktop and can disagree with an IR gun by 30-50°F across zones
- ✗The cooktop is rust-resistant, not rust-proof - neglect the seasoning or leave it uncovered and it will still spot
- ✗No lid-down convection cooking - like all flat tops it's a one-trick pony compared to a grill/griddle combo
- ✗Assembly involves many cart panels and screws, commonly taking 1.5-2 hours
- ✗It's heavy (about 150 lbs) and wide with the side table up, so it needs real patio space
- ✗Propane-only out of the box - natural gas requires buying a different SKU, not a conversion kit
- ✗No WiFi or app connectivity even at this premium price, while Weber's own gas grills get Weber Connect
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