Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill: Thinking about the Weber Spirit II E-310? We tested this popular gas grill for months. Read our honest review on performance, features, and real-world value to see if it’s the ultimate backyard workhorse.
Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill Review: The Ultimate Backyard Workhorse?
In the world of gas grills, no name carries more weight than Weber. The brand has built a legendary reputation for quality, reliability, and timeless design. The Weber Spirit II E-310 aims to bring that experience to the mid-range market, promising the Weber name without the top-tier price tag. But does it deliver the performance to match the brand’s reputation?
Our first impressions were excellent. The grill was well-packaged, and while assembly took about an hour, the instructions were clear and the parts fit together perfectly—a testament to Weber’s engineering. The open-cart design gives it a modern, no-frills look that stands out from the competition.
Over several months of testing, we put this three-burner grill through its paces, from searing steaks to low-and-slow chicken. This review will provide a straightforward, real-world assessment of the Spirit II E-310’s performance, build quality, and features to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your backyard.
This review is for the home cook who wants a reliable, no-hassle gas grill that will last for years, without needing every possible feature.
1. Specs At A Glance: What You Get
Here’s a quick look at the features and specifications of the Weber Spirit II E-310.
- Cooking Area: 529 sq. inches (424 primary, 105 warming rack)
- Burners: 3 stainless steel burners
- Grate Material: Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates
- Key Features: GS4 High-Performance Grilling System, Infinity Ignition, Porcelain-Enameled Flavorizer Bars, Grease Management System
- iGrill Compatibility: Yes (sold separately)
- Price Range: $$ (Positioned as a premium mid-size grill)
2. In-Depth Analysis: Pros & Cons
The Pros (Where It Shines)
- Reliable Performance: This grill gets hot and stays hot. The burners provide excellent heat distribution, virtually eliminating cold spots across the cooking surface. We consistently found it easy to hold a steady temperature for both high-heat and low-and-slow cooking.
- The GS4 System: This is not a gimmick; it’s a real advantage. The GS4 system combines the new, more reliable Infinity Ignition, powerful burners, and patented Flavorizer Bars that catch drippings and turn them into smoke for flavor, while preventing flare-ups. The grease management system makes cleanup a breeze.
- Built to Last: Weber’s reputation for build quality is well-earned. The construction feels solid and durable. While it doesn’t have the top-of-the-line materials of Weber’s Genesis series, it’s a significant step up from most entry-level grills. The 10-year warranty is proof of the brand’s confidence.
- Ease of Maintenance: The porcelain-enameled grates are easy to clean, and the grease management system funnels everything into a removable drip pan, making regular cleaning fast and simple.
The Cons (Where It Falls Short)
- The Price Premium: You are paying a premium for the Weber name. While the quality justifies the price, many direct competitors offer a similar size and more features (like a side burner) for less money.
- Open Cart Design: The open-cart design means there is no cabinet to hide your propane tank or grilling tools. This is a matter of preference, but it can feel less refined than grills with a closed-cart design.
- Lack of Extra Features: The Spirit II E-310 is a no-frills workhorse. It lacks a side burner or a dedicated sear station, which can be a dealbreaker for some grillers.
3. Performance Test: How It Handles Real BBQ Jobs
- High-Heat Searing: The E-310 heats up quickly and gets hot enough to put a fantastic crust on a steak. We were able to get a great sear, especially on the cast-iron grates.
- Low & Slow (Indirect Cooking): By turning off the middle burner, we were able to create an ideal two-zone grilling setup for smoking larger cuts like a whole chicken. The temperature held steady, and the chicken came out juicy with a crispy skin.
- Versatility: This grill handles everything you throw at it with ease, from burgers and sausages to grilled vegetables and even pizzas.
4. Key Feature Deep Dive: The GS4 Grilling System
The GS4 system is the unsung hero of the Spirit II line. It addresses the most common failures of gas grills: ignition, uneven heat, and messy cleanup. The redesigned burners provide consistent gas flow from front to back, the Flavorizer Bars protect the burners and create flavor, and the grease management system is a simple but brilliant solution for maintenance. This is the core reason the Spirit II E-310 is so reliable.
5. The Competition: How It Stacks Up
- vs. Char-Broil Performance Series: The Char-Broil often comes with a side burner and a lower price tag, but its build quality and long-term reliability can’t match the Weber’s.
- vs. Napoleon Freestyle: This is a tougher competitor. The Napoleon offers a side burner and sometimes a better warranty for a similar price. The main difference is brand preference and the specifics of the design.
6. Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Weber Spirit II E-310
- Worth It For: The Weber Spirit II E-310 is the perfect grill for the home cook who wants a reliable, durable, and easy-to-use gas grill that will last for years. If you value a seamless grilling experience and the peace of mind of a strong warranty, this is the grill for you.
- Not Worth It For: This grill is not for the budget-conscious buyer looking for the most features for their money, or for someone who needs a side burner or a dedicated sear station. If you plan to cook for a very large crowd, you may also find the cooking space a bit limited. For more on choosing a grill, check out our Ultimate Guide to Grills.
Final Rating: 9.0/10
- Ease of Use: 10/10
- Build Quality: 9.5/10
- Performance: 9/10
- Features: 7/10
- Value: 8.5/10
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you use the Weber Spirit II E-310 for smoking? A: Yes. By using an aluminum pan and wood chips and setting up a two-zone grilling technique, you can get a decent smoky flavor. However, it’s not a dedicated smoker.
Q: Does it come with a side burner? A: No, the Spirit II E-310 does not come with a side burner. Weber offers other models with this feature.
Q: How long will the Weber Spirit II E-310 last? A: With proper care and cleaning, this grill can easily last 10-15 years or even longer. Weber’s warranty is a strong indicator of its durability. For more on grill longevity and maintenance, see our Essential BBQ Tools Guide.
Where to Buy:
- Check Current Price on Amazon
- Check Price at Home Depot
- Buy Direct from Weber
