Weber Genesis Gas BBQ review: Will it make you King of the Grill?

When it comes to BBQs and grills, few companies command as much respect as the Weber name.

As one of the heavyweights within the industry, Weber is said to provide some of best BBQs on the market, backed by 73 years of experience.

Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Grill, £1,579

Known for its reputation for quality, innovation, and durability, Weber has long been a household name in outdoor cooking.

But does the brand truly live up to the hype?

To put Weber to the test, I got my hands on one of its coveted Genesis EP-335W gas grills to see if it deserves the accolades.

Keep reading to see how I got on…

How I tested the Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Grill

As a self-confessed BBQ connoisseur, I know a thing or two about what it takes to put together a good barbie.

To put my new Weber through its paces, I spent over two weeks cooking for myself, my partner, my friends and even my neighbours on some occasions.

Paying attention to the assembly, ease of use, cooking quality and the final product, I then gave the Weber a possible rating out of 5 to determine just how worthwhile these premium grills are.

Navigate this article

• Quick summary
• Full review
• The verdict
• FAQs

Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Grill: quick summary

Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Grill, £1,579

Pros:

• Fantastic build quality
• Built-in hob
• Plenty of hidden storage space
• ‘Sear Zone’ is a great touch
• Very quick to heat up
• Cooks burgers and sausages in minutes
• Keeps internal heat well

Cons:

• Takes HOURS to build and assemble
• Parts are unlabeled
• Exterior gets dirty easily

Rating: 4.5/5

As one of the biggest names in BBQ grills, I was eager to see how the Weber Genesis EP-335W stacked up against its reputation.

The grill itself arrived promptly, but the assembly process was nothing short of challenging and time-consuming.

Contained within the huge box was a mass of unlabelled parts, and despite the Weber-sponsored BILT app estimating it would take one hour and 15 minutes, the entire process took me around four hours.

That said, when I did finally manage to put the grill together, I was extremely impressed by not only its aesthetic appeal but also its robust build quality.

Complete with a large grilling area, a separate side hob, an internal temperature gauge, a dedicated ‘Sear Zone,’ and ample storage space, this grill seemed to have it all.

For my initial test, I started with classic beef burgers, and I was very impressed to see them reach a solid internal temperature with great sear marks in around 70 seconds.

Following that, I tried other meats such as chicken thighs, sausages, and pork belly, and I was delighted by the results.

I also tested its indirect cooking capabilities with a large piri piri chicken, and I was pleased to see the grill maintained its temperature with ease while the hood was down for around an hour.

In terms of cleaning, the cast iron grates were comparable to other BBQs and just required a bit of elbow grease.

However, I did notice that the metallic exterior of the grill often stained and rusted easily, which was a tad frustrating after only a few uses.

While the assembly was a nightmarish experience and a couple of cosmetic flaws appeared early on, the Weber Genesis EP-335W delivered outstanding results each time I used it, and I can’t wait to continue using it for years to come.

Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Grill: full review

Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Grill, £1,579

Having heard plenty of good things over the years about Weber products, I was extremely keen to get my hands on one of its Genesis EP-335W models.

As one of the brand’s premium offerings, this gas-powered BBQ is said to combine style, versatility, and performance.

After placing my order, the Weber arrived quickly, just a few days later, and I was fairly taken aback by the sheer mass of the thing.

Including the pallet, the entire box weighed a whopping 92kg, and, having done my research beforehand, I knew I had a long build ahead of me.

In preparation for the assembly, I downloaded the customer experience platform BILT, and, thanks to its partnership with Weber, I had 3D instructions to guide me along the way.

Unfortunately for me, I quickly realised that BILT was a tad optimistic with its estimated build time, as I could see from the outset that this wasn’t going to take me 1 hour and 15 minutes to assemble.

Once I opened the box, I found a mass of unlabelled cardboard boxes, each containing a puzzle piece of the final product.

The appearance of this BBQ alone nearly made me forget about the nightmarish build I had just endured.

After four hours (and plenty of expletives), my Weber was built, and I’ve got to hand it to them – it really looked the part.

The appearance of this BBQ alone nearly made me forget about the nightmarish build I had just endured.

Complete with a huge grill area, a separate side burner, an internal temperature gauge, and plenty of storage, the Weber was undoubtedly impressive – but how would it hold up in its initial outing?

Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Grill, £1,579

Ahead of a BBQ with the neighbours, I heated my Weber up to around 500°F (or approximately 260°C for us Brits).

This initial burn-out not only ensures everything is working correctly, but it also burns off any chemical residue that might have been left from the factory.

Taking the reins, I presented my Weber with a simple preliminary task – a classic burger.

Within roughly 70 seconds, the burger was cooked to perfection (according to both my opinion and that of my temperature probe), and it even had some wonderful char marks.

Next up, sausages, chicken thighs, pork belly, and corn on the cob all got the Weber treatment, with the “Sear Zone’s” extra burner coming in handy to char things with ease.

The Weber passed its initial outing with flying colours but then came the dreaded clean-up.

The Weber passed its initial outing with flying colours, but then came the dreaded clean-up.

With its cast iron grates, the Weber was no easier or more difficult to clean than your regular BBQ, so it neither loses nor gains any marks in that regard.

As with most BBQs, a touch of elbow grease goes a long way when cleaning, so after about ten minutes of scrubbing, it was good to go again.

On the subject of cleaning, I did notice the metallic exterior parts of the Weber grill became dirty and stained frequently when the grill wasn’t in use and covered.

Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Grill, £1,579

I wasn’t sure if the grill had somehow got wet without me noticing, but nevertheless, it was a tad annoying to see spots of rust after only a couple of uses.

A few days later, I decided to try my Weber with something a bit more challenging in the form of a whole piri piri chicken.

Testing the Weber’s indirect cooking capabilities, I placed the chicken on the left-hand side with the burner off, leaving the burners on the right to heat up.

Much to my joy, the heat inside remained steady (according to the built-in thermometer), and after about an hour of cooking, I was left with a delicious chicken.

Now that it’s built, I truly can’t get enough of it, and I’m sure I’ll feel that way for many years to come.

For the remainder of my time testing, the Weber absolutely crushed every single thing I threw at it, and as I write this review, I still find it pretty difficult to fault the thing.

Sure, the assembly was an absolute nightmare, and in hindsight, I wish I had paid someone else to do it.

But now that it’s built, I truly can’t get enough of it, and I’m sure I’ll feel that way for many years to come.

Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Grill: the verdict

When it comes to premium BBQ grills, I can safely say the Weber Genesis EP-335W rightfully deserves its reputation.

While the build time can only be described as a tad arduous, the finished product more than makes up for it.

Whether you’re grilling for personal use or larger crowds, this BBQ can easily manage whatever you throw at it, and it’s incredibly simple to use.

Thanks to its robust build quality, I’ll hopefully be enjoying my new Weber for years to come.

Gas BBQ FAQs

How to safely use gas with your BBQ

It is of the utmost importance to ensure your new BBQ is safe when you’re using gas.

Ahead of your first use, there are a few tricks and tips you can use to make sure you’re grilling safely.

• Secure all connections – make sure none of your key connections (cylinder, regulator, hose) are loose, and instead properly fitted before you light your BBQ.
• Check for any signs of damage – check these same connections for any signs of damage that might prevent them from not functioning correctly.
• Leak check – Mix a 50/50 solution of gas and water, and brush or spray the mix on all the parts (while the gas is off). If you see new bubbles form, you will likely have a leak.
• Placement – Use your grill outdoors in a well ventilated space, away from any ignition sources (such as fire pits).
• Operation – Only switch on your gas cylinder when it’s in use. When it’s not, turn it off and store it in a cool shaded area.
• Maintenance – Keep your grill clean, and make sure to clean and replace your grease trap.

Where is the best place to buy BBQ gas?

I personally found the easiest place to buy BBQ gas was directly from my local B&Q store.

Using the store’s click and collect service, I was able to pick up my new Flogas cylinder the same day.

The store also does refills of the gas, meaning you can return when your cylinder is empty.

With that said, customers must be aware that a contract is needed when buying gas.

This contract establishes a clear agreement between the buyer and the supplier, defining the terms of the sale and purchase, including price, quantity, and delivery. 

It also legally protects both parties and ensures the buyer’s responsibility to pay for the gas used. 

These contracts are not free, and I paid £45 for mine, on top of the fee for the gas.

Luckily, this contract is only for when you buy your initial cylinder, meaning you won’t have to re-purchase for any refills.

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