Are Weber Grills Worth the Money?

If you’ve done any shopping for grills, chances are you’ve noticed the price differences. It’s hard to ignore the fact that Weber grills are significantly more expensive than most other grills on the market. This goes for both charcoal and gas grills. With this in mind, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Are Weber grills worth the money?”

The fact is that Weber grills are worth it to some people but not to others. If you grill often then it makes sense to spend the money on a Weber, as they’re grills are known for lasting a long time and they come with a 10 year warranty. If you don’t grill frequently then a cheaper grill is a better option for you.

In this article, we’ll tell you all about the pros and cons of Weber grills. We’ll also share who would benefit from owning a Weber, and who wouldn’t. Plus, we’ll compare Weber’s to other grills on the market, to give you an idea of alternatives. Finally, we’ll give you a couple of top-picks that are perfect examples of why Weber grills are worth the money.

The Cost of Good Grilling

Weber grills really aren’t that expensive when you take into account that they last several years longer than the competition. Weber is one of the most respected brands in the business if you’re looking for a gas or a charcoal grill. But what makes them so good? The materials they use, the warranties they offer, and their expertly-designed products, all of which we go over below. 

Weber Grill Materials

Weber grills are made to last. Most of their gas grills come with porcelain-enameled cooking grates, lids, and flavorizer bars. The special enamel helps prevent rust and facilitates heat transfer.

Weber’s celebrated Kettle line of charcoal grills are also made to last. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid couple with the plated steel cooking grate for years of grilling magic.

Weber Grill Warranties

Every grill manufacturer claims they build with the best materials, but do they back it up? A quick look at the warranty will tell you just how long the manufacturer thinks the grill will last. Which is why Weber grills are much-loved by many people. They come with a 10-year no rust or burn through warranty on the cook box, burner tubes, and the lid. Plus, they include a 5-year warranty on the cooking grates and flavorizer bars.

Weber Grill Designs

Parts and warranties don’t mean much if the grill is poorly designed, though. When half of your charcoal doesn’t light, or it’s impossible to maintain a steady temperature, you’ll probably end up throwing the grill away no matter how nice the parts are. Functionality is incredibly essential when it comes to cooking the perfect food in your own backyard.

Luckily, the comments on any forum– and the reviews that Weber grills are continually receiving – tell the tale of easy-to-use grills. People who had begun to hate grilling became grill-masters when they ditched their cheap old grill and upgraded to a Weber.

Cost Comparison to Other Grills

It’s a mistake to compare Weber grills to grills such as Char-Broil, which run $300 for a standard, 3-burner grill. Comparing Weber to Char-Broil, or any other typical grill you see for sale often, is like comparing apples to oranges. Or, in this case, good grills to bad ones. Very few companies offer the warranty that Weber does. Plus, Weber’s customer service is excellent, in the rare event that you do have to contact them.

For a gas grill, you can spend $300 on a grill that will last three or four years, or $500 on a Weber gas grill with a 10-year warranty. The math isn’t hard, and neither is cooking with a Weber. 

The same can be said for a charcoal grill. You can get a cheap one for $80, but you’ll have to buy another one in a year or two. Or you can spend $165 on a Weber charcoal grill that will last you five times as long. 

Who Would Benefit From A Weber Grill?

Not everyone will benefit from the relatively high cost of a Weber grill. Only those who will have the chance to get some miles out of their grill should invest in a Weber. For those who grill once or twice a year, a cheap grill will do just fine. You can get several years out of even the flimsiest of barbecue grills if you seldom use it.

But for those who grill often, and for those who wish to learn the subtle art of cooking fantastic barbecue, a Weber grill is the way to go. 

Are Weber Grills Worth the Money? Pros and Cons

As you may have guessed, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to Weber grills. However, these grills include some drawbacks which may influence your decision to purchase. 

Recommendations

We’ve come up with two recommendations for Weber grills. One is a gas grill, and one is a charcoal kettle grill. Both of them have fantastic reviews and quality workmanship. They’re great for experienced or novice grillers, and everyone in between. 

Weber Spirit II E-310

This sleek grill is easy to use and even easier to clean. With two wheels, it’s easy to transport. The grease management system keeps the grill clean and the food flavorful. Cooking with gas and the included flavorizer bars helps keep your meals healthy and tasting great. 

There’s plenty of cooking space, as well as side tables for convenience. The built-in thermometer enables you to keep a steady temperature. And, as with most Weber grills, it comes standard with a 10-year warranty. Whether you’re slow cooking a whole bird or searing up some burgers and brats, the Weber Spirit II E-310 has you covered.

However, this grill isn’t without its drawbacks. Assembly can be quite a task and can require at least two people to get done promptly. Plus, it’s a heavy grill. It has wheels, but even so, it can be challenging to move. Plus, it’s pretty big. If you have limited space for your grill, you’ll want to make sure the Spirit II E-310 isn’t too big. With the lid closed and both side tables up, it’s 44.5″ Tall by 52″ Wide, and 27″ Deep. 

While this is a Weber grill and the quality is unmistakable, it is made in China. Of course, this possibly accounts for the very reasonable $479 price tag. The Spirit line is made in China, and as such, it is the most affordable line of gas grills from Weber. 

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Weber Original 22″ Charcoal Kettle Grill

The Weber Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill takes the tried-and-true design that Weber has been using for years, and adds several great features. While this grill looks deceptively small with the lid on, it hides 363 inches of cooking space– enough for 12 big burger patties.

The one-touch cleaning system makes it a breeze to empty charcoal ash. The design and materials for this grill are fantastic, and it comes with a 10-year warranty to back it up. With a price tag of $109, it’s hard to pass this up. It’s incredibly easy to put this grill together, but there are a few issues to keep in mind.

This model doesn’t come with a built-in thermometer, so you’ll want to have your own on hand. The only other issue that we found with this grill is the lid hook. It’s designed to give you a place to set your lid– other than on the ground. But, when you place the lid on the hook, it blocks a portion of the grill. It’s workable, but if you have a full grill, you’ll probably just want to set the lid elsewhere for convenience. 

Are Weber Grills Worth The Money?

Really, the best way to answer this question is to look at the warranty. Most comparable grill manufacturers out there don’t offer anything near a 10-year warranty. In fact, Weber’s number one competitor doesn’t have any information about warranties on their website. You have to contact them directly with a model number to get any warranty information. It doesn’t sound promising.

The fact is that Weber grills are worth the money– to anyone who plans to grill more than twice a year. Not only are Weber products made of quality materials, but their customer service is excellent. The warranties and rave reviews from happy customers say it all: Weber grills are worth the money.