The Weber Genesis E-325 is a high-end three-burner propane gas grill designed for serious grilling enthusiasts. Combining a spacious cooking area with robust construction and smart features, this grill aims to deliver a versatile outdoor cooking experience. With its extra-large sear zone burner, heavy-duty cast-iron grates, and generous prep space, the E-325 stands out as a complete package for backyard barbecues, family dinners, and weekend gatherings.
Key Features at a Glance
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Three stainless steel main burners (approx. 39,000 BTU) plus one 13,000 BTU sear burner for direct, high-heat searing.
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Spacious primary cooking area (around 513 sq. in.) and an additional warming rack (128 sq. in.), giving over 640 sq. in. total cooking space – enough to grill 15–20 burgers at once.
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Premium build quality: heavy-gauge steel construction, porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates, and top-notch finish for durability.
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Convenient design elements: two large fold-out side tables, six tool hooks, integrated thermometer in the lid, and a reliable electronic ignition system powered by a single AA battery.
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Flavorizer bars and grease management: angled heat tents capture drippings to produce grilled flavor while funneling grease away from burners into a removable drip tray for easy cleanup.
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Compatibility with Weber Crafted accessories: can be fitted with Weber’s Full-Size Griddle, Pizza Stone, Grill Basket, and other insert kits (sold separately) to expand cooking options.
Elegant and Sturdy Design
The Genesis E-325 sports a sleek black finish and a professional-looking design that complements any outdoor kitchen or patio. Its solid steel cart and frame give the grill a sturdy foundation, and at about 160–165 pounds, it has a reassuring heft (it won’t shake under heavy use). The grill’s exterior is finished in durable porcelain enamel, resisting rust and weather damage. Built-in gas cylinder holders are concealed inside the cart’s cabinet, keeping a standard 20-pound propane tank tucked away neatly and out of sight.
Two side work tables on either side of the grill provide ample space for prep work, tools, condiments, and plates. When not in use, these tables can be folded down to save space or cover the grill. Each table is coated to withstand spills and outdoor conditions, and they are roomy enough to hold platters or even small prep appliances. Underneath, a locking cabinet door conceals an additional storage area—perfect for keeping grilling essentials like cleaning brushes, grill covers, or spare tools.
The cooking grates are made of porcelain-enameled cast iron, which absorbs and retains heat extremely well for searing. These grates have a semi-flat profile that presses nicely on meat, leaving distinct sear marks. They are very durable; even under high heat, they hold their shape and heat capacity. However, being cast iron with enamel coating, they require careful cleaning to prevent chipping or rusting—so be sure to use plastic or wood scrapers and mild detergents, and avoid dropping heavy objects on them. Overall, the build quality reflects Weber’s reputation for longevity: the grill comes with a lengthy warranty (over 10 years on major parts), so it’s designed to last through many seasons.
Powerful Burners and Fast Heating
Under the hood, the Genesis E-325 boasts three main stainless-steel burners and a dedicated sear zone burner on one end. Together they produce over 50,000 BTUs of cooking power. In practice, this means the grill preheats very quickly; reviewers note that it can easily reach high temperatures (around 400–500°F) in just a few minutes. The flame output is strong and uniform, covering the cooking grates evenly. Thanks to Weber’s PureBlu burner design, the flame pattern is distributed widely under the grates, reducing cold spots. The burners’ unique tapered shape and raised ports also help keep debris and drippings from clogging, making the grill simpler to maintain.
The sear burner is a standout feature: it’s a separate 13,000 BTU burner dedicated to high-heat cooking. When used on high, it’s ideal for searing steaks, chops, or any time you want intense direct flame. For example, grilling a thick steak on the sear zone can give a deep, caramelized crust that’s hard to achieve on a standard burner. When the sear burner isn’t needed, simply turn it down or off and cook on the other burners at lower heat. This dual-zone capability lets you do both direct and indirect cooking side by side.
Temperature control is managed by front-mounted control knobs (three for the main burners, one for the sear burner). Each knob is smooth and clicks into place, making it easy to dial in the heat level. The grill’s electronic ignition(powered by a single AA battery) sparks the burners instantly when you turn a knob—no fiddly pushing or worrying about misfires. If ever the battery runs out, spare AA batteries are easy to replace, ensuring the grill will light reliably year after year.
Extensive Cooking Surface
One of the highlights of the E-325 is its large cooking area. The primary grilling surface is about 513 square inches, which translates to roughly 20 burgers cooking side by side. Above the main grates, there’s an additional warming rackthat provides about 128 square inches. This secondary rack is perfect for keeping cooked food warm or toasting buns while the main grill does the heavy cooking below. In total, you get 641 square inches of grill real estate.
This size makes the Genesis E-325 well-suited for feeding a crowd. You can easily grill multiple racks of ribs, a big batch of chicken pieces, or dozens of kebabs in one go. Because of the separate burners, you can create cooking zones: for example, you might use the left and right burners on high for searing meat, while keeping the center burner on medium or off, allowing leaner foods (like vegetables or fish) to cook more gently. Seasoned grillers appreciate this flexibility, as it lets them multitask without interference between different foods.
User-Friendly Convenience
Despite its advanced features, the Genesis E-325 is designed with simplicity and convenience in mind. Assembly out of the box is reported to be straightforward: many users find that the grill takes about an hour or so to put together. All required hardware and tools are included, and the instruction manual (though a bit text-heavy) clearly illustrates the steps. Once assembled, daily use is quite hassle-free.
There are six integrated tool hooks on the front panel and sides of the grill. These are great for hanging grilling utensils – tongs, spatulas, brushes – so they stay handy but off the tabletop. The grill also includes a built-in thermometer in the lid, letting you monitor the interior temperature at a glance. This dial-type thermometer is large and easy to read, though like most hood thermometers, it measures dome temperature (not surface temperature) and can be a bit slow to react to changes.
For mobility, the E-325 cart has four caster wheels (two fixed and two swiveling locks). Even at 160+ pounds, you can roll the grill around a patio or garage for storage. Two of the wheels have locks so the grill stays put during cooking. The underside of the grill cart has storage space where propane tanks or grill accessories can be kept. If you prefer natural gas, the E-325 is also available in a natural gas version – just ensure it’s installed correctly by a professional.
Cleaning up is also relatively easy thanks to Weber’s design. The Flavorizer bars (angled metal covers over the burners) funnel drippings into the grease tray and simultaneously vaporize some of those drippings into flavorful smoke. The large grease tray and catch pan are mounted under the grill’s cook box and can be pulled out from the back for quick emptying. Keeping the grill clean helps prevent flare-ups, and Weber’s slide-out tray makes this less of a chore. After cooking, you can easily lift the grates and flavorizer bars to brush them off, then slide out the drip tray to discard grease. An optional Weber grill brush or cleaning kit can speed this process.
Versatility with Weber Accessories
One of the unique selling points of the Weber Genesis series, including the E-325, is its compatibility with Weber Crafted grillware. By adding the appropriate frame kit to the center of the grill, you can transform the cooking surface with various inserts. For example, a cast-iron griddle plate can be installed to make pancakes, bacon, or steak without flare-ups. A pizza stone or cast-iron griddle from Weber Culinary Collection can turn the grill into an outdoor griddle or mini pizza oven. There’s even a cast-iron double-sided grill (smooth on one side, ridged on the other) that slots into the center. These accessories expand what you can cook beyond traditional grilling – all using the grill’s own burners for heat.
Even without special inserts, the E-325 is versatile. You can start coals or wood chips in a smoker box for a smoky flavor, roast large poultry or roasts on indirect heat under the closed lid, or simply use it as an even and reliable grilling surface for any meat, veggies, or breads. The fact that the grill lacks complicated electronics or apps means you’re really cooking with skill and heat control, which many grillers prefer. The sear zone, in particular, is great for any recipe that benefits from intense initial heat – think seared steaks, fajitas, or even charring tomatoes for salsa.
Cooking Performance and Results
In real-world use, the Weber Genesis E-325 consistently delivers even and thorough cooking. The burner layout and Flavorizer bars ensure that there are no cold spots, so food doesn’t cook unevenly. Food placed over different parts of the grate will get similar cooking results, which is a big plus for busy cooks. When searing, the dedicated burner really makes a difference: steaks and burgers come off with rich crusts and grill marks, even when the weather is chilly or windy outside.
Users report that the grill’s temperature control is precise. Adjusting the knobs even a notch can fine-tune the heat significantly, which helps prevent burning or undercooking. The grill can sustain high temperatures for searing, but it can also maintain low, steady heat for slow roasting. This range makes the E-325 capable of everything from quick weeknight burgers to long weekend barbecues of brisket or pork shoulder (provided you have a way to feed smoke or indirect heat, since it’s a gas grill).
In everyday grilling tasks – chicken, burgers, vegetables, fish – the Genesis E-325 performs admirably. For example, grilling whole chickens on indirect heat (with the sear burner off and a drip pan) yields moist, evenly cooked poultry. Sear-heavy tasks like ribeye or flank steak grill up beautifully; the high heat caramelizes the exterior quickly, locking in juices. Even delicate foods like vegetables and bread toast well on the cast iron grates, which retain enough heat to crisp bread or char peppers without sticking too much.
One nice convenience: the side tables give you space to move food on and off the grill smoothly. After grilling, keeping a stack of plates or cooling racks on the table is handy, so everything doesn’t have to be carried inside all at once. The overall cooking experience is often described as intuitive and enjoyable, with most grillers praising how quickly they can get dinner done without constant fussing. There’s no distracting app integration or complex controls – it’s basically “turn on, preheat, cook,” which appeals to people who just want to grill without distractions.
Maintenance and Durability
Maintaining the Weber Genesis E-325 is straightforward. Its durable materials (stainless steel burners, cast iron grates, stainless steel flavorizer bars) resist corrosion and wear, even with heavy use. It’s best to keep the grill covered when not in use to protect from the elements; an optional Weber cover (made for this model) fits snugly and keeps rain, sun, and debris off. The powder-coated finish on the cart and lid is scratch-resistant, so every day use should only leave cosmetic wear like minor scratches.
Every few weeks or after large meals, a quick brush of the cooking grates can prevent buildup. The porcelain on the grates is slick and relatively non-stick (especially if you season them occasionally), so most residue comes off with scrubbing after they’ve cooled. The burners themselves may need a check once in a while: clear the air ports if a flame looks irregular (though the raised port design already helps reduce clogging). The grease tray should be emptied before it overflows. Overall, there’s nothing exotic to worry about – these are the usual tasks for a gas grill.
Weber’s warranty on this grill is strong: many key parts like the cook box and lid have 12-year coverage against rust or burn-through. This suggests Weber trusts the grill’s construction to last. In fact, many grill owners report that after a year of constant summer use, the grill still looks and performs like new, with only normal signs of wear on handles and knobs.
How It Compares
Compared to other grills, the Genesis E-325 sits in the upper-middle range of Weber’s lineup. It offers more features and power than the entry-level Weber Spirit series (which typically have only two or three burners with smaller cooking area), but it’s not as expensive or feature-rich as the top-of-the-line Summit series (which can have four burners, rotisseries, and electronic controls). For many users, the E-325 hits a sweet spot: it’s big enough and powerful enough for frequent grillers, but without the premium price of the Summit.
If you’re debating between Weber models, here are a couple of notes: The Spirit E-310, a popular smaller grill, has three burners but only around 424 sq. in. of cooking area (much less than the E-325’s 641 sq. in.). The E-325 also has the dedicated sear burner and larger overall size, so it’s better for larger gatherings. The previous-generation Genesis II S-335 also has three burners and a sear burner, but its design is slightly different (the new E-325 has a revised cart style and electronic ignition system). Against competitors’ grills of similar size, the E-325’s build quality and even heat are often cited as advantages, though competing models may offer things like built-in lighting or smart thermometers (which the E-325 does not include by default).
One drawback to note is the weight and size: at over 5 feet wide (with tables) and 160+ pounds, it’s not easily portable. It’s designed to be a relatively permanent fixture on a patio or deck. If you need a grill that can fold up or move around frequently, this may be a lot to handle. Also, because it’s a heavy-duty grill, assembly (though straightforward) does require a bit of time and elbow grease. Make sure you have some open space when building it, as the cart assembly can be bulky.
Summing Up
The Weber Genesis E-325 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill is an excellent choice for serious grillers who want a spacious, reliable, and high-performance cooking machine. Its combination of a large grilling surface, powerful burners, and quality construction makes outdoor cooking both efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re searing steaks, slow-roasting ribs, or grilling vegetables, the E-325 gives consistent results and plenty of room to work.
For an outdoor cooking station, this grill covers all the bases: fast ignition, strong heat, even cooking, and useful extras like tool hooks and prep space. It’s especially well-suited for families or social gatherings, where you might need to cook many portions at once. Given Weber’s long track record, you can expect years of dependable use, backed by a robust warranty. While it represents an investment, users generally find the performance and build justify the cost in the long run.
In conclusion, the Weber Genesis E-325 earns high marks for its combination of power, size, and quality. It may not be the cheapest grill on the market, but it delivers a superior grilling experience that many enthusiasts will appreciate. If you have the space and budget for it, this grill can serve as a centerpiece for your outdoor kitchen and will make cooking outdoors a lot more fun and efficient.