Some models have a conversion kit that requires some modification to a propane grill in order to use it with natural gas. If you’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with these modifications, you may need to hire a professional to do the job your retailer should be able Blackstone Adventure to help with arrangements. From Bluetooth speakers to patio furniture to gas and charcoal grills, here’s what we think you need for backyard entertaining and cooking. The Weber Spirit SX-315 Smart Grill is the smart version of our pick, the Weber Spirit II E-310.
The Wi-Fi module alone uses six D batteries, but there is an option to power that part with a power bank. We assume the four other batteries power the igniter, LED lights, and fuel gauge. Though the smart features might be useful in some cases, we think that for most people, the functionality isn’t quite useful enough to warrant the several-hundred-dollar price hike . When comparing the two materials—without taking anything else into consideration—cast iron holds more heat, so it will leave darker sear marks on your food than stainless steel.
The iGrill feature is generally paired with your smartphone and gives you the real-time temperature inside the grill, making it easier to monitor your meat from start to finish. The iGrill is nice but there are better options on the street that we have reviewed. The cooking space in both grill series measure up to be the same- what you notice, however, is that Spirit II comes in a bulkier design. The durability of these grills is also standard, as they are made using good quality materials that last for years. Many gas grills also come in a natural-gas version, usually with a different model number that includes an “N” for natural gas.
This version includes an easily accessible externally mounted propane tank and an under-grill shelf. On top of all that, this grill is particularly easy to assemble, maintain, and use, and its finish comes in four colors . If you have limited outdoor space or don’t want to commit to a larger grill, the Weber Spirit II E-210 is a smaller, two-burner version of our pick, and it’s a great choice. The Spirit II E-210’s smaller grate (measuring 360 square inches, compared with the Spirit II E-310’s 424 square inches) might make grilling for a crowd a challenging endeavor.
As for maintenance, the Spirit E-310’s flat grates were easy to keep clean with a grill brush, and its grease trap was easy to access for dumping and washing. The other grills also have easy-access grease traps—not much to ask for, really. But we found the Napoleon model’s wavy grates hard to clean because we couldn’t run the grill brush weber spirit 2 in long strokes. In our tests, the Spirit E-310’s firebox cleaned up fine, with some Simple Green and hot water, and because it’s aluminum, there’s no concern about rust. The Spirit II E-310 also exhibited the most consistent heat across the entire cooking surface in the 2018 test, just as the original Spirit had done in 2017.
This may have a lower price, but the E 310 outclasses it in cooking surface area, power, and the number of burners, so there is no competition, really. As I already mentioned, the three burners aren’t up to most gas grills standards, but it will still do for a small to mid-sized family. That being said, there is ample cooking space here – it is on par even with more expensive brands. This is a tough one because, well, there’s no one clear answer.
Finally, we restricted our search to grills that burn propane from refillable tanks, the most common fuel by far. But you should note that there are versions of all of our picks that work with natural gas. Just keep in mind that if you don’t already have the proper hookups, installing a natural-gas outlet isn’t cheap or simple.
Cooking with charcoal is not as convenient as turning a dial and walking away, but we love a Weber kettle for its simplicity and durability. It’s a classic backyard staple, and it can fit up to 12 burger patties to feed a crowd—the same as the Spirit II E-310, but for less than half the price. At the same time, as you grow as a barbecue enthusiast, this grill accommodates this.