The Weber Genesis E-335 is praised for its simplicity, fast heating, and spacious cooking area making it ideal for weeknight grilling and large gatherings. Serious Eats reviewer Grace Kelly recommends it as a reliable weekday hero that's easy to use and assemble. Just Jason Keto from Hammy's BBQ & Grilling notes its durability after three years of regular use, though he points out the non-adjustable sear burner and limited tank monitoring as minor drawbacks. This grill is best suited for those who value straightforward functionality over smart features.
Full review
Assembly complexity and weight
The Weber Genesis E-335 requires significant effort to assemble, with one reviewer noting it took approximately two and a half hours to complete the process. The grill's large size and heavy components make it difficult to handle alone, requiring at least two people for setup. The packaging includes numbered parts to aid assembly, but some components lack clear identification, causing confusion. One reviewer specifically mentioned that the lid is particularly heavy and necessitates an extra pair of hands during installation. The assembly process also involves a plastic plug rather than a screw, which was identified as a low-quality component.
Cooking surface and burner configuration
This expansive space allows for cooking multiple items simultaneously, making it suitable for family gatherings or entertaining guests. The grill includes three main burners, with a dedicated Sear Zone burner that delivers 13,000 BTUs for intense heat. The side burner adds additional cooking flexibility, enabling users to prepare side dishes or sauces while grilling main items. The Sear Zone burner provides excellent searing capabilities, allowing for deep caramelization and char marks on meats. The overall burner configuration supports both high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking methods, offering versatility for various culinary applications.
Electronic dashboard and smart connectivity
One of the standout features of the Weber Genesis E-335 is its electronic dashboard and integrated meat probe, which allows for precise temperature control and monitoring. The grill supports connectivity through the Weber app, enabling remote monitoring of cooking progress. This smart functionality is particularly beneficial for slow-cooked meals like chicken or pork, where maintaining consistent temperatures is crucial. The electronic interface provides real-time feedback on cooking status and can alert users when food reaches desired temperatures. The dashboard displays essential cooking information, including temperature settings and cooking times, making it easier to achieve consistent results. However, the electronic components add to the overall cost and may require additional maintenance compared to traditional manual grills.
Construction quality and materials
This premium material choice enhances the grill's longevity and performance in various weather conditions. The stainless steel finish provides a sleek appearance but requires regular cleaning to maintain its aesthetic appeal. The construction quality is evident in the grill's robust build, with components designed to withstand frequent use and outdoor exposure. The full stainless steel construction also contributes to the grill's weight, which reaches 171.9 pounds, making it one of the heavier models in its category. Despite the weight, the construction ensures stability during cooking and resistance to warping or damage over time.
Performance and heating capabilities
The Weber Genesis E-335 heats up rapidly, with one reviewer noting it gets hot fast, making it ideal for quick weeknight cooking sessions. The three main burners, combined with the dedicated Sear Zone burner, deliver consistent and powerful heat distribution across the cooking surface. The Sear Zone burner operates at 13,000 BTUs, providing intense heat for achieving deep char marks and perfect sears on steaks and other meats. The side burner adds additional cooking space for preparing side dishes or sauces. The grill's performance is consistent across different cooking methods, supporting both direct and indirect heat cooking. The electronic dashboard allows for precise temperature control, ensuring that users can maintain desired cooking temperatures throughout the process. The heating capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of cooking applications, from quick burgers to elaborate roasting sessions.
Storage and accessory compatibility
The Weber Genesis E-335 includes a storage locker that provides convenient space for grilling accessories, tools, and ingredients. This feature enhances the grill's functionality by keeping everything organized and within reach during cooking sessions. The storage locker is particularly useful for storing items like cleaning brushes, grill tools, and condiments. The grill is also compatible with Weber's griddle inserts, allowing users to convert the grill into a flat-top griddle for additional cooking versatility. The griddle inserts heat quickly and provide excellent searing capabilities for steaks and smash burgers. The side tables offer additional workspace for preparing ingredients and storing cooking tools. The overall design accommodates various cooking accessories and provides ample storage for maintaining an organized grilling setup.
Price and value considerations
The Weber Genesis E-335 is positioned as a premium model with a high price point, reflecting its advanced features and construction quality. The cost is justified by its large cooking surface area, electronic dashboard, meat probe, and full stainless steel construction. When compared to similar models, the E-335 offers more features than the base Genesis models but at a premium price. The inclusion of smart connectivity and advanced temperature control justifies the higher cost for users who value these features. However, the price may be prohibitive for budget-conscious consumers who do not require the advanced electronics. The grill's value proposition becomes clearer when considering its durability, performance, and versatility, which can justify the investment for serious grillers or those who entertain frequently. The stainless steel finish and robust construction ensure long-term use, potentially offsetting the initial cost through extended service life.
User experience and ease of use
Despite its advanced features, the Weber Genesis E-335 maintains a user-friendly interface that is straightforward to operate. The electronic dashboard provides clear information and simple controls, making it accessible for both novice and experienced grillers. The grill ignites near-instantly, reducing wait time before cooking begins. Users can easily adjust temperature settings and monitor cooking progress through the dashboard. The grill's design accommodates various cooking styles, from quick weeknight meals to elaborate entertaining sessions. The side tables and storage locker enhance the overall user experience by providing convenient workspace and organization. The grill's performance consistency and ease of operation make it suitable for regular use in various outdoor cooking scenarios.
Strengths
- +Heats up quickly and ignites near-instantly
- +Spacious 513 square inch grilling area suitable for large gatherings
- +Compatible with Weber's griddle inserts for versatile cooking options
- +Includes side tables and storage compartment for grilling gear
Watch-outs
- −Sear burner cannot be adjusted for heat control
- −Tank level monitor only indicates tank weight, not percentage
How it compares
The Weber Genesis E-335 offers side tables and a storage compartment that the E-325 lacks, making it more family-friendly, but it has a non-adjustable sear burner that the EX-325's sear zone can control. Compared to the E-325, it's more feature-rich but has a less durable tank monitor. The E-335 is better suited for those who value functionality over simplicity, unlike the E-325's straightforward approach.
Rating sources
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Our 4.5 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 2 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
