There’s no clear cut answer as to which is the best Genesis model since this varies person to person. Yes, there is the Genesis S-435 which is the largest and comes with a stainless steel hood and stainless steel grates. That clearly makes it the best, right? Wrong.

The S-435 might be a very good model to own but it doesn’t mean that it’s the right model for everyone. In this article we’ll breakdown key features that differentiate between the 14 models in the 2026 Genesis line which will allow you to answer the question: what’s the best Weber Genesis for 2026? At the bottom of this article, we will provide three recommendations of models that the team at Just Grillin Outdoor Living prefers in the 2026 lineup.

Genesis 2026 Lineup Overview

The Weber Genesis Gas Grill lineup features 14 models for 2026. There are 9 three-burner models and 5 four-burner models to choose from. Of the 14 models seen in the image, 2 are considered special edition models and not available at every retailer.

ACE Hardware and Lowe’s each have one exclusive Genesis model not available to any other retailer so this article does omit those two models. Though, based on the features of their retailer specific models and the price points, neither is a model we recommend to those shopping for a Genesis.

Let’s quickly break down what the letters in the model names signifies. The ‘E’ models stand for enameled, ‘S’ for stainless, ‘SP’ for special edition and ‘EX’ for smart connected grill.

How To Pick The Best Weber Genesis For You

Now that we have outlined the grill lineup for the Weber Genesis 2026 models it’s time to guide you through the different features. To make things easier, we created a list of features that you should filter your search by to find the best Weber Genesis model for 2026. If you aren’t sure about each feature, we’ll explain some of the features more in-depth.

Distinguishable Features

• Material and durability of Cooking Grates
• Sear Zone Burner
• Side Burner
• Interior Grill Lighting
• Weber Crafted System
• Additional Side Storage Cabinet
• Wi-Fi Connected Grills
• Expanded Top Warming Rack (Expanded Features)
• LP Tank Scale (Expanded Features)
• Right Side Shelf Size (Expanded Features)
• Grill Size
• Color of Grill Body

Features Not To Worry About Comparing

• Burner Type
• Flavorizer Bars
• Double Door Grill Cabinet
• Locking Caster Wheels

Cooking Grates

Weber offers three types of cooking grates: porcelain-enameled cast iron, 7mm stainless steel and 9mm stainless steel. When shopping for a Genesis grill, this is arguably one of the most important features you want to consider first to best narrow down your options.

Models with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates

• E-315
• E-325
• EX-325W
• E-330
• E-335
• E-415
• E-430 Stealth
• E-435

Models with 7mm Stainless Steel Grates

• S-315
• S-335
• S-415
• S-435

Models with 9mm Stainless Steel Grates

• SP-S-325 (Special Edition)
• SP-E-335 (Special Edition)

If you review the above list of grills with each specific grate type, you can identify a pattern that will help you easily remember which grates come with each model. All stainless body grills come with 7mm stainless steel grates with the exception of one Special Edition model. Most black enameled body grills come with the porcelain-enameled cast iron with the exception of one Special Edition model.

Sear Zone

A dedicated sear zone burner is available on 9 of the 14 models.  The Sear Zone Burner is the red knob you will see on the grills control panel. The Sear Zone is an additional 12,000 BTU burner.

Weber places the sear zone burner between the two furthest right burners. While the sear zone burner is essentially just another regular burner in the grill, positioning the burner this closely creates an intense heat zone in that section of the grill. Use this concentrated heat zone for a more intense sear on foods. 

Crafted System & Grill Locker Side Storage Cabinet

The Weber Crafted System is a suite of different accessories designed to make cooking with your Genesis grill more customizable to the way you like to cook outdoors AND to reduce the number of outdoor cooking appliances you need. To use the majority of the accessories in the Crafted system, it requires a special frame kit inside of the grill.  This frame kit below comes with select models or can be purchased separately if the Genesis model you choose does not come with it. All Genesis grills 2016 and newer are able to use the Crafted System.

The accessories pictured below do not come included with the grills. Each accessory can be purchased separately based on your cooking interests. The Weber Crafted System accessories are: Flat Top Griddle, Roasting Basket, Dual-Sided Sear Grate, Wok/Steamer, Glazed Baking Stone, Rotisserie Basket and Rotisserie Skewers. The accessories range in price from $65 to $150.

The Crafted Frame Kit is included with half of the entire Genesis lineup for 2026. An easy way to identify if a Genesis has the Crafted Frame Kit included is to see if the grill has a grill locker side storage cabinet included as well. If the grill has the additional grill locker, found underneath the left side shelf. The grill locker is not sold separately so it cannot be added after your grill purchase. Regardless if you want the Crafted Frame Kit or not, you will get it if you want a grill with the side storage cabinet. 

However, there is one model that breaks the mold and does include Crafted-ready capabilities. Again, the newest model for 2026, the EX-325W, features a new style of porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that was specially molded to fit the Crafted accessories without the need for the frame kit. The EX-325W does not have the grill side storage locker. 

Nightvision LED Handle Light

This has been a very popular feature since introduced in 2022. Weber integrated a lighting system into the handle of the grill providing top-down lighting in the evening. Rather than the light on the handle that attached to the 

The button is activated with the push of a button. The lights are motion activated. The lights will turn on and off when opening and closing the lid. There is only 1 model in the lineup that come with this feature. You cannot purchase this style of handle light for the grill separately either. The lights use 3 C batteries that are easy to switch out and replace.

Expanded Features

Weber introduced these next three features in 2022. At the time, these were standard on all Genesis grills. For 2026, only two of the 14 models come with these features. The first feature is the expandable top cooking rack. This is double the size of the standard rack available on the other 12 models. The rack easily folds in half if you don’t need all of the space and it can also fold flat against the wall of the grill.

Larger Right Side Shelf

The right side is about 4 inches wider on the models that come with the expanded features. While this might not seem like a large amount of space, it does make a big difference.

LP Tank Scale

This feature is only available on liquid propane models. The tank scale has two components to give you a good idea of how much fuel you have left in your tank. There is a red indicator level on the front, left side of the cabinet that is visible without needing to open the cabinet. The tank hanger inside the cabinet also has yellow indicator graphics.

Wi-Fi Connected Grills

Weber introduced Smart Grills into their Genesis lineup in 2021 with three models. Weber doubled down on the category with six Smart Grill models for 2022 and 2023. Now in 2026, Weber has shrunk the lineup to just a singular grill in the Genesis lineup.

The term “smart grill’ refers to the grill connecting with your mobile phone or tablet via WiFi or Bluetooth to monitor food and grill temperatures via an app. Smart Grills come with onboard Weber Connect Technology built into the grill. Weber Connect is a digital thermometer that monitors temperatures via probes that you can monitor and get alerts through the Weber Connect app.

The EX-325W is the only Genesis with a Wi-Fi thermometer built into the grill. It is built into the right side shelf and runs on batteries. You would connect a probe to this and then pair the thermometer with your homes Wi-Fi. Then using the Weber Connect app, you can monitor your foods internal cooking temperature from an app taking the guesswork out of grilling.

The Weber Connect app is free for Apple and Android users. It does much more than monitor grill and food temperatures. It can also walk you through a recipe step-by-step providing you with clear directions of when to flip and pull food for the perfect doneness. This is a feature our team likes particularly if you’re learning to grill or need some help. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Special Edition Grills

Special edition grills in the Genesis lineup tend to be grills not many people know about. Only select retailers can offer these so they are not as well advertised. However, the special edition grills are a tremendous value for those looking for the best in the Genesis lineup.  Below are the two models in the special edition line for 2026.

Special edition grills in the Genesis lineup come with 9 mm stainless steel cooking grates. These are the only grills that come with these luxury cooking grates. The two models are: SP-S-325and SP-E-335. The difference between the SP-S-325 and SP-E-335 is the SP-E-335 includes a side burner, extra side storage cabinet, Night Vision Handle Light and Weber Crafted Frame Kit.

The 9mm stainless steel grates are very thick and the most durable grates in the entire lineup. We suggest going to see them at your local Weber retailer to feel the quality of the grates.

Side Burner

You’ll find a side burner on 5 of the 14 models in the Genesis lineup. Having an integrated side burner expands your outdoor cooking options beyond the main grates. This dedicated burner works much like a stovetop element, giving you 12,000 BTUs of power to simmer sauces, boil water, sauté vegetables, or prepare side dishes while your main course grills — so you don’t have to run back and forth to your indoor kitchen. The side burner essentially turns the grill into a more complete outdoor kitchen setup, making it easier to manage multiple parts of a meal at once.

Grill Size

Weber offers Genesis Grills in two sizes: three burner and four burner. The majority of the Genesis line is available in three-burner grills. There are 9 three-burner models. There are 5 four-burner models.

Three Burner Models

• E-315
• E-325
• S-315
• EX-325W
• SP-S-325
• E-330
• E-335
• S-335
• SP-E-335 (Special Edition)

Four Burner Models

• E-415
• S-415
• E-435
• S-435

Grill Color Options

For the most part, your color options are limited in the Genesis lineup. Black enamel or stainless steel are the options to choose from on 13 of the 14 Genesis models. New for 2026, the Genesis E-430 Stealth offers a near full blacked out model. Below you’ll see the entire lineup again and will see the Stealth color noted.

Just Grillin Outdoor Living’s Recommended Models

Our Grilling Experts Top Pick

Genesis SP-E-335 Gas Grill

Option #2

Genesis S-435 Gas Grill

Why We Like This Model: Just Grillin Outdoor Living rates the Weber Genesis S‑435 Gas Grill as their second-best pick in the Genesis lineup because it delivers a step up in size, versatility, and overall capability that’s ideal for serious outdoor chefs who want more space and features without jumping to the very top-tier models. According to their recommendation hierarchy, the S-435 is a standout choice for grillers who want plenty of cooking real estate and upgraded standard features like the WEBER CRAFTED-ready design and 7 mm stainless steel grates, which make it easy to expand your grill’s versatility with accessories. It also offers practical enhancements such as a larger right-side shelf, an expandable top cooking rack, and useful extras like a side burner and tank scale, giving you more flexibility for prepping and cooking full meals outdoors. These attributes combine to make the S-435 a clear favorite for those who want to “maximize the grill’s potential” — striking a strong balance between performance, size, and value right behind their top pick.

Option #3

Genesis EX-325W Gas Grill

Why We Like This Model: Just Grillin Outdoor Living rates the EX-325W as the third best option in the Genesis lineup for 2026. Though the smart grills have not been popular since Weber introduced them in 2021, this model breaks the mold in a good way. The Wi-Fi digital thermometer that is built into the grill runs on batteries and does not require a plug as did previous smart grills.

The EX-325W, utilizing a new burner style known as “Boost Burners”, technically has a sear zone though the grill does not display one like other Genesis models. The new burners have more surface area and produce more BTU’s allowing you to achieve the same heat results without the need for an additional burner as found on the sear zone models.

This model also has a new porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate that is compatible with the Weber Crafted System accessories eliminating the need for the frame kit. The grill also has a new style of side shelf that is compatible with the Weber Works accessory system. A removable insert on the right side shelf allows for drop-in accessories such as prep bins and tool holders to conveniently be in place. There is also tool rails for more accessory compatibility on the side shelves.

When you factor all of this in and look at the retail price point of $999 (before tax), this is a tremendous value for the price point. While we still favor the other two models listed above more, this is a solid choice that we do recommend taking a serious look at.

It’s Time To Find The Best Genesis Model

As you narrow down the best Weber Genesis grill for 2026, the most important takeaway is this: the right model paired with the right local expert makes all the difference. Whether you choose our top pick, a feature-rich upgrade, or a value-driven option, buying from Just Grillin Outdoor Living ensures you get expert guidance, professional assembly, and ongoing support long after the grill is delivered. Shopping local means real accountability, real service, and a team that stands behind everything they sell. Ready to upgrade your backyard? Contact our team today to get personalized recommendations and secure your Weber Genesis for 2026 or call us directly to speak with a grill expert at (813) 962-1700. When you’re investing in premium outdoor cooking, trust the local specialists who live and breathe it every day.