THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF ABT

Ranges Mattresses Small Kitchen Appliances TVs Headphones Laundry

• Versus

Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit

By: Sean

Content Writer

13 min read

Spring is here, even if it's hard to tell with all of the awful weather. And that mean's it's time to prep for grilling season. Get ready for perfectly-cooked burgers, grilled sausages, barbecued chicken and more daring recipes—you can get as creative as you'd like, with your only limitations being your mind and your tools. That's why it's important to compare new Weber grills before you buy, like the Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit. These gas grills are some of Weber's most popular barbecues, and there are great reasons why. They're all easy to use and have incredible features. Some are perfect for outdoor kitchens, while others are better for standing alone on the patio. But if you're looking for a new gas grill, Weber's collection is a great place to start. We're going through what makes these grills great—and what sets them apart.

Features These Gas Grills Share

When it comes to these natural gas cookers and powerful liquid propane grills, there are a few features that they all share. For one, the fuel source. They either use propane or natural gas, giving barbecuers an easy-to-enjoy cooking experience. Starting a burner and adjusting your heat is always easy thanks to next-gen starters, while flavorizer bars beneath your grates vaporize juices to keep smoky flavors circulating. Many of these grills include a sear zone, too: high-powered burners that give you boosted heat when you need to sear foods like steaks or chops. There's lots more that you can find on these Weber-crafted grills, so let's dive into what makes them different in our comparison between the Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit.

Weber Spirit

The Weber Spirit is one of the brand's entry-level gas grills (aside from their portable models like the Weber Traveler, which are made more for camping, tailgating and relaxing away from home). The Weber Spirit is a great grill for those who are excited to get into the art of outdoor cooking for the first time or those who don't need the frills you might expect from more advanced outdoor kitchen equipment.

An amazing choice for crafting meals for the family and for friends, the Spirit is a classic among the family of Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit grills. The Spirit collection is flexible, with models that range from two-burner bare-bones options to four-burner choices that feature smart tech like food doneness monitoring and fuel-level tracking. There's a wide range of options between the most budget-friendly Spirit and the most decked-out model, so explore the functionality you think you'd need. If you'll likely be making classic summertime foods like burgers and brats out here, maybe you don't need all of the upgrades. But if you're excited to up your grill game and cook foods like pizza, fish, roasts and more outdoors, look for a Weber Spirit that can give you what you want. Some work well with the Weber Crafted System as well, which we'll dive into later. When it comes to the Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit, this series of grills is incredibly flexible—all you have to do is consider what you want (and need) before making your choice.

Weber Genesis

The Weber Genesis is the next level up from the Spitit—if you want to go beyond classic recipes and weekday dinners, this might be the grill for you as we compare the Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit. The Genesis barbecues start out larger and have a higher power output, making each a great choice for longer cooks that require more space.

The Genesis is just as powerful as it is flexible. These grills are beloved by Weber fans and new grillers alike as some of the most popular grills you can find. And like the Spirit, there are many different models with lots of different features: an extra burner, lots of space, a side burner, extra-large attached prep tables, a grill locker, a large grill cart for storage, and more. And with the Weber Genesis, you'll find more gas grills outfitted with smart technology, like the built-in thermometer and Weber Connect smart grilling technology. Not all of these grills will have all of these features, so look around until you find exactly what you're searching for. Just like with certain Spirit grills, many Genesis models feature a Sear Zone to help put that perfect crust on certain proteins.

Weber Summit

In the battle of the Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit, the Summit reigns supreme. Undoubtedly the best grill that Weber creates, nearly everything here can be stainless steel, from the grates to the flawless exterior (though some exteriors feature a black porcelain-enameled finish). Some Summit grills sit on carts, while others can be built into an outdoor kitchen, too. But no matter what they look like or where they are, these grills are top-of-the-line ... and what's inside is what's truly exciting.

With the Summit, it's all about luxury. These top-tier grills are packed with extra features you won't find anywhere on the Spirit, though some high-end Genesis models could sport some of these upgrades. Rotisseries with an infrared burner? Check. Sear burners on each model? Check. A smoker box for smoke infusion? Check and check. When you pair the extreme talents of the Summit with the Weber Crafted system, the grill is a complete outdoor kitchen unto itself. The Weber Summit line contains great options for folks who love to grill throughout the week, or for anyone who wants to try their hand at all-new ways to use a barbecue.

Weber Crafted Accessories

While not a gas grill itself, Weber Crafted accessories turn your grill's grates into a blank canvas for you to paint on. With these tools, backyard chefs can make pizzas, cook veggies in a wok, transform their grill into a griddle and even adjust their rotisserie until it functions just the way they want it to. In truth, Weber Crafted accessories are exciting new ways to make the most of your barbecue—though not all of these inserts will fit every appliance. Smaller Spirit grills won't function well with larger inserts, while rotisserie accessories will only work in Genesis and Summit grills that sport a rotisserie.

Since some models only work with certain grills, make sure you match your Weber Crafted accessory with the grill you want—or vice versa. If you know you want a flexible barbecue with the capability to handle lots of upgrades and accessories, that might help you choose in the battle between the Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit. Weber has all kinds of upgrades that fit different cookers, from rotisseries that fit classic charcoal models to a complete skewer set for large Summit models. Just make sure that you're shopping for gear that can fit the grill you love.

Which Is Right For You? Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit

So, which is the right Weber grill for you? We've compared the Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit and discussed accessories like the Weber Crafted system, where you can turn your grill into a griddle and more. As you explore your options, keep price in mind. Sure, the Spirit is the entry-level model, the Genesis is the most popular and mid-tier, and the Summit grill will likely have the most upgrades, but that's not always true. Weber creates lots of grills within each line, from the simple two-burner Spirit to the four-burner model equipped with upgrades like remote monitoring capabilities, Weber Works upgrades and more.

The bottom line is that not all of the grills in each line are the same, and just because a grill is a Genesis doesn't mean it automatically has all the features you'd want from a popular grill. Make sure you do your research before you buy, especially if something like a fifth burner, rotisserie or side burner is a must-have. While some things can be added afterward with Weber Crafted accessories, not everything can—so make sure you're shopping for what you want. The weather is warming up and the snow is melting, so make sure you have a great barbecue ready to go on the patio when grill season arrives (even though we love grilling in the cold, too.) If you have any questions about these outdoor cookers, reach out to our team of specialists at 800-860-3577 or head into our store to see our favorite picks in person. No matter which one you choose from the Weber Spirit vs. Genesis vs. Summit collection, we have a feeling you'll enjoy it all season long.