Weber Spirit E-310 vs Weber Performer 22
Quick take: The Weber Spirit E-310 offers more cooking space (424 vs 363 sq in).
| Spec | Weber Spirit E-310 | Weber Performer 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$449 | ~$449 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (435) | — |
| Type | Gas Grill | Charcoal Grill |
| Cooking Area | 424 sq in | 363 sq in |
| Max Temp | 550°F | — |
| Fuel Type | Propane/Natural Gas | Charcoal |
| Build Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel | Porcelain-Enameled Steel on Painted Steel Cart |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | 3 | — |
| WiFi / App | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Meat probe | No | No |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | No | No |
| Dimensions | 52 x 24 x 45.5 in | 45 x 40.25 x 28 in |
| Weight | 115 lbs | 69 lbs |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years bowl and lid, 5 years One-Touch system, 2 years remaining parts |
Pros & cons
Weber Spirit E-310
- ✓It's the gold-standard everyday gas grill - dead reliable, even-heating, and the burners light first try year after year
- ✓Weber's build quality and 10-year warranty mean it routinely outlasts cheaper grills by a decade or more
- ✓Three burners over 424 sq in are perfectly sized for a family of four to six without hogging patio space
- ✓Porcelain cast-iron grates and Flavorizer bars give excellent sear marks and cut down flare-ups by funneling grease away
- ✓The new Snap-Jet individual burner ignition is fast and far more reliable than the old single-spark systems
- ✓Its compact footprint fits small patios and balconies where a bulky 4-burner wouldn't
- ✓Resale value is famously strong - used Spirits hold their price because buyers trust the brand
- ✓Parts are universally available, so you can keep one running essentially forever with cheap replacement grates and bars
- ✗At 32,000 BTU it's not the hottest grill, and getting a true high-heat steak sear takes patience and preheating
- ✗424 sq in is on the small side, so cooking for a big group means working in batches
- ✗There's no side burner on the E-310, so sauces and sides still mean a trip back to the kitchen
- ✗No smart features, probe, or app - it's a purely manual grill, which feels basic at the latest price
- ✗The redesigned model swapped some stainless components for coated steel, which purists view as cost-cutting
- ✗Side tables are useful but small, and there's no enclosed storage for the propane tank
- ✗Price has crept up to ~$550, narrowing the gap with larger grills from budget brands
- ✗It only does gas grilling - no low-and-slow smoking capability without aftermarket workarounds
Weber Performer 22
- ✓A fixed side table and bottom shelf turn a kettle into a workstation — the single biggest usability gap in the Original Kettle line
- ✓Weber Works side rail takes snap-on tool hooks, bins and holders rather than aftermarket clamps
- ✓Hinged cooking grate flips on either side so charcoal can be added mid-cook
- ✓Built-in lid thermometer and Tuck-Away lid holder come standard
- ✓Same 363 sq in grate and 22-inch accessory compatibility as every other 22-inch kettle
- ✗No more cooking area than a $149 Original Kettle 22 — the entire $300 premium is cart, table and hardware
- ✗Weber does not list the gas-assist ignition that defined the earlier Performer Deluxe among this model's features
- ✗At 69 lbs and 40 inches wide it needs real storage space and does not travel
- ✗Painted steel cart is warranted for 2 years against the bowl's 10, and is the part that rusts first on a kettle cart