Best Gas Grill for Most Backyards
Weber Genesis E-335 Review
3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Sear Burner & Side Burner. Tested over a full grilling season.
★★★★★
4.7 / 5
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The Weber Genesis E-335 is the gold standard for backyard gas grilling. The dedicated sear burner is the feature that separates it from the base Genesis model, and for anyone who wants proper sear marks on steaks and chops, it's worth the upgrade. Weber's build quality is exceptional for the price point. If you grill regularly and want a grill that will outlast several budget competitors, this is the one to buy.
| Fuel Type | Propane (natural gas version also available) |
| Main Burners | 3 main + 1 dedicated sear burner + 1 side burner |
| Primary Cooking Area | 669 sq. in. |
| Total Cooking Area | 792 sq. in. (includes warming rack) |
| Main Burner BTU | 39,000 BTU/hr |
| Sear Burner BTU | 10,600 BTU/hr |
| Side Burner BTU | 12,000 BTU/hr |
| Ignition | Weber Snap-Jet electronic ignition |
| Grates | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
| Burner Material | Stainless steel |
| Smart Features | iGrill 3 compatible (thermometer sold separately) |
| Dimensions (closed) | 66"W x 30"D x 43.5"H |
| Dimensions (lid open) | 66"W x 30"D x 57"H |
| Weight | 178 lbs |
| Warranty | 10 years burners/grates, 5 years lid/body, 2 years remaining parts |
| Last Tested | March 2026 |
The three main burners heat the 669 sq. in. primary cooking area evenly. We measured temperature across five zones with an infrared thermometer after a 10-minute preheat and found less than 25°F variance from edge to center. That kind of consistency matters when you're cooking 24 burgers at once for a backyard party, which we did. Not a single one cooked faster than its neighbors.
Preheat speed sits at around 10 minutes to 500°F on a 70°F day. Cooler weather adds a few minutes, but nothing dramatic. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates hold heat exceptionally well, and they don't lose temperature when you open the lid and add cold food the way thin stainless grates do.
The dedicated sear burner is the E-335's standout feature. It runs independently of the three main burners and reaches 700°F or above, which is the temperature range where the Maillard reaction happens properly. We seared ribeyes using a two-zone method: cooked low on the main burners, then finished over the sear burner for 60 seconds per side. The crust was noticeably better than anything we've achieved on a standard gas grill at the same price. This isn't just a hotter main burner. It's a purpose-built searing station.
The side burner handles a full pot of corn water without straining, and it's useful for cast iron sauce work while the main grill is busy. Over a full grilling season, we used it more than expected.
This is the feature that justifies buying the E-335 over the E-325. The sear burner sits at the front right of the main cooking surface. It generates intense, focused heat independently of the three main burners, so you can cook at moderate temperature on the left side while searing on the right simultaneously. For reverse-sear steaks, this setup is excellent.
Weber's GS4 system refers to the combination of burners, Snap-Jet ignition, porcelain cooking grates, and the grease management funnel. The Snap-Jet ignition lit every single time in our testing. The grease management system collects drippings in a catch pan underneath the grill, which Weber designed to minimize flare-ups. We had zero uncontrolled flare-ups in three months of cooking.
The Genesis E-335 has a built-in iGrill 3 mounting bracket on the side shelf and a Bluetooth port for the thermometer's receiver. The iGrill 3 itself costs around $50 separately and supports up to four probes. If you do larger cooks or want to monitor thick cuts without constantly lifting the lid, it's a worthwhile add-on. The Weber app that pairs with it is functional and straightforward.
Each of the three main burners has its own knob, so you can set up multi-zone cooking easily. One burner on low, two on high creates an indirect/direct zone that works well for bone-in chicken and thicker cuts. We used this setup frequently and it behaved exactly as expected.
The side burner comes with a lid that doubles as extra prep surface when it's not in use. At 12,000 BTU it's genuinely powerful. A 12-inch cast iron skillet on it reaches searing temperature in about 4 minutes. You can run a full side dish while the main grill handles the protein.
The base of the E-335 is an enclosed cabinet with two doors, not an open frame. You can store a spare propane tank, tools, and supplies underneath. This is a small but practical detail that makes the grill feel more complete as a backyard station.
Weber's build quality on the Genesis line is the main reason it commands a premium price. The lid, body, and shelves are solid. Nothing flexes when you open the lid at arm's length, the knobs turn smoothly and click into place, and the cart doesn't wobble. We've tested cheaper gas grills in this price range that felt soft and hollow by comparison.
The black and stainless aesthetic is clean and holds up outdoors. After a full season of use including a few minor rain exposures, there was no rust on the stainless or discoloration on the painted components. The porcelain grates clean with a wire brush after each cook and haven't chipped or worn in our testing.
The lid-mounted thermometer shows dome temperature, not grate-level temperature. It runs about 50°F higher than what you'd measure at grate level, which is worth knowing when you're targeting a specific cooking temperature. The iGrill 3 probe gives you accurate grate-level readings if you want precision.
Weber's assembly instructions are better than most competitors'. The diagrams are clear, the steps are logical, and every part is labeled. Assembly took us about 2.5 hours with two people. One person working alone could do it, but the cabinet section is easier with a second set of hands for alignment.
No missing hardware in our unit. Weber includes extra screws and a small bag of spare parts, which is a small touch that signals attention to detail. Once assembled, the grill is level and stable without any adjustment needed.
At $899 to $1,099, the Weber Genesis E-335 isn't cheap. But it's not competing with $400 box-store grills. Weber grills hold their resale value, the company's customer support is genuinely good, and the 10-year warranty on burners and cooking grates means you're not replacing components in year three the way you might with a budget alternative.
If you grill twice a week from May through October, the per-use cost over 10 years is extremely reasonable. If you grill 4-5 times a year and can't justify $1,000, the E-325 saves about $100 at the cost of the sear burner, or the Weber Spirit series gets you solid quality at a lower entry point.
We also tested the iGrill 3 add-on during our review. It's a $50 investment that meaningfully improves how you interact with the grill on thicker cooks. Worth it if you do reverse sears or whole poultry regularly.
This grill is built for the serious backyard cook who uses it regularly. If you grill two or more times per week during the season and you want a grill that lasts 10+ years, the E-335 delivers. The sear burner is the key differentiator. It matters most to people who cook steaks, chops, and other proteins where crust quality is important.
It's also a good fit for the person who wants one grill that handles everything, from a weeknight chicken dinner to a weekend party for 20 people. The 669 sq. in. primary area and side burner give you genuine flexibility.
Apartment dwellers without a proper outdoor space shouldn't bother. This grill is not portable. Anyone who only fires up a grill 4-5 times per year won't get the value out of a $1,000 investment. If you're primarily after smoked meats, a pellet grill like the Traeger Ironwood 885 serves that use case far better.
The Weber Genesis E-335 earns its place as the best gas grill for most backyards. The build quality is exceptional, the sear burner is a genuine performance upgrade, and the 10-year warranty backs everything up. It's not cheap, but it's not trying to be. If you want a gas grill you'll still be using in 2035, this is it. Our rating: 4.7 out of 5.
Price verified March 2026. Check Amazon for current pricing.
Weber Genesis grills routinely last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Weber backs the burners and cooking grates with a 10-year warranty, and the lid and body carry a 5-year warranty. Keep it covered and clean the grease management system regularly and it will outlast cheaper alternatives by years.
The sear burner is a separate, dedicated high-heat burner located at the front right of the cooking grate. It runs at 10,600 BTU and can reach 700°F or higher, which is the temperature needed for a proper Maillard reaction sear on steaks and chops. It operates independently of the three main burners.
Yes. Weber sells a natural gas version of the Genesis E-335. It requires a permanent natural gas line connection and costs roughly the same as the propane model. If you already have a gas line on your patio, the natural gas version eliminates the need to monitor and swap propane tanks.
No. The iGrill 3 thermometer is sold separately for around $50. The grill has a built-in mounting bracket and Bluetooth connection port for the iGrill 3, but you need to purchase the thermometer itself. It's a worthwhile add-on if you do reverse-sear cooks or want to monitor thick roasts without lifting the lid.
The main difference is the sear burner. The E-335 adds a dedicated sear burner at the front right of the cooking grate, which the E-325 does not have. Both share the same GS4 grilling system, three main burners, and side burner. If you want high-heat searing capability, the E-335 is worth the price difference.
Last tested: March 2026. See also: Traeger Ironwood 885 Review | Weber Genesis vs Traeger Ironwood | Best Outdoor Grills 2026
