Because I like to have the option of firing up the grill at any hour of the day or night, a gas-powered unit is a must.
The question is, how do the leading brands compare? Is there a way to separate the exceptional products from the ones that are merely decent?
These questions prompted me to compose this Broil King Signet 320 vs Weber Spirit E-310 matchup.
In a rush? Here is the winner:
- Perfect size for hosting a BBQ or everyday family grilling
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates retain even heat for the...
- Built to last with heavy duty, porcelain-enameled lid and cookbox that...
- Six tool hooks for easy accessibility of grilling tools. Low...
- Heavy duty caster wheels for easily moving your grill on grass or a...
Things To Consider Before Buying a Gas Grill
As I was saying, gas-fired models are ideal when it comes to spur-of-the-moment grilling. There’s no need to plan ahead, or to start the fire 30-45 minutes in advance. When you’re ready to toss a few things on the grill, just turn the knobs to “ignite,” press the ignition switch, and set the flame to your desired temperature.
Gas grills are an especially appealing option for the busy cook. Because there’s no messy ash to deal with, cleanup is a breeze. For that reason, these units can be recommended even to people who don’t cook out all that often.
That said, there are people who swear by the authentic smoky flavor that charcoal provides. There’s also the fact that charcoal grills are typically less expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. If you consider either of these factors to be a deal-breaker, then it will be difficult to convince you to purchase a gas grill.
For those of you who enjoy the benefits of gas grilling, here are the features to pay close attention to while shopping.
Value
Once you’ve determined how much you’re willing to spend, ask yourself whether the grill is likely to offer a good return on your investment.
Size
How big a grill should you buy? The answer depends mainly on two factors: How many people you’re planning to cook for, and what types of ingredients you’re most likely to grill on a regular basis.
Couples and small families should be able to get by with a grill that offers as little as 300 square inches of cooking space, while larger groups should look for a surface area that measures at least 500 square inches. Similarly, if you usually prepare more than one meal component on the grill, or if you utilize indirect cooking techniques, you’d be better off with a larger model.
Durability
Keep an eye out for gas grills featuring either a cast aluminum or heavy-gauge steel construction. The sturdier the metal, the longer the grill will last. While flimsier grills can survive several seasons if they’re well taken care of, it’s better to start with quality materials whenever possible.
Cooking grates are often composed of either stainless steel or cast iron. Either material may be coated with a porcelain enamel to give it a nonstick quality. While stainless steel is the less expensive option, it’s also not as durable. Cast iron has excellent heat retentive properties, but it also requires more care and maintenance.
Ease of Assembly
Assembly should only take a few hours, with instructions that are concise and easy to follow.
Care & Maintenance
Removable drip pans and effective grease management systems are always a huge plus. The aforementioned porcelain coating can make grilling grates easier to clean.
Special Features
If you’d like an additional side burner for sauces or sides, narrow your search to include grills that offer this feature. Also consider how much storage space you might need, whether you’d take advantage of a sear box or rotisserie option, or whether you want the grill to be Wi-Fi compatible.
Warranty
Will the company replace any defective of malfunctioning parts? If so, how long is this guarantee in effect?
Product Specifications
Let’s find out exactly what you’ll be getting when you unpack either the Broil King Signet 320 or the Weber Spirit E-310.
Broil King Signet 320
- Cabinet-style stainless steel gas grill
- Three stainless steel burners
- Cast aluminum lid
- Reversible cast iron cooking grates offering 400 square inches of primary grilling space
- 235-square inch warming rack
- Two folding stainless steel side shelves with tool hooks
- Built-in temperature probe
- Grease tray with matte finish
- Two oversized wheels and two smaller locking caster wheels
Pros:
- Durable grilling grates
- Good heat retention
- Sophisticated grilling system delivers superior flavor
Cons:
- Confusing assembly
- A few shipping issues reported
- Some chintzy hardware
Weber Spirit E-310
- Cabinet-style stainless steel gas grill
- Three stainless steel burners
- Porcelain-enameled steel lid
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates offering 424 square inches of primary grilling space
- 105-square inch warming rack
- Front-access grease tray
- Built-in tool hooks
- Two folding stainless steel side shelves
- Four heavy-duty caster wheels, two with locking mechanisms
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Handy gauge that lets you know how much fuel is left
- Reliable construction
- Efficient grease management system contributes to easy cleanup
Cons:
- Ignition switch and burner tubes need frequent replacements
- Some shipping issues regarding the included hardware
Weber Spirit II E-310
- Cart-style stainless steel gas grill with sturdy lower shelf
- Three stainless steel burners
- Porcelain-enameled steel lid
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates offering 424 square inches of primary grilling space
- 105-square inch warming rack
- Front-access grease tray
- Stainless steel heat deflector
- Built-in tool hooks
- Two folding stainless steel side shelves
- Two oversized wheels
Pros:
- iGrill compatible (feature sold separately)
- Plenty of storage space
- Durable construction
- Heats quickly and reliably
Cons:
- Gauge for propane tank is not always accurate
- Large wheels make it awkward to transport
- Lid isn’t as sturdily built as the rest of the grill
Broil King Signet 320 vs Weber Spirit E-310: Features & Benefits
Broil King Signet 320
Value
In this category, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the Signet 320 is very sturdy, with a bevy of cool features that help to justify the cost. The bad news? A lot of the hardware is cheaply made, meaning you might end up spending a lot of time tinkering with this grill in the long run.
Size
With a grand total of 635 square inches of cooking space, this grill should be able to easily accommodate a family of 4-6 people. The warming rack, which comprises 235 square inches, is relatively large for a unit this size. This makes the Signet 320 a great choice for burgers and hot dogs.
Durability
As I mentioned, this category is hit-or-miss. The cast aluminum lid and stainless steel frame are built to last, but some of the screws and bolts are noticeably lower in quality. The cast iron cooking grates, meanwhile, are both cleverly designed and exceptionally durable.
Ease of Assembly
The Signet 320 has a number of extras (see Special Features, below) that contribute to the time-consuming assembly. I would recommend making sure that all the hardware is included before beginning the job, since some parts may be damaged or missing. The constructions can be somewhat confusing, too. If you’re handy by nature, you might not have any difficulties, but novices should think twice before investing in this unit (unless they’ll have help putting it together).
Care & Maintenance
The removable grease tray comes with a matte finish that makes it fairly easy to clean. Since the cast iron grids don’t come with a nonstick coating, it can be time-consuming to care for them. On the plus side, once the grates are well-seasoned, the job becomes that much easier.
Special Features
Broil King advertises their signature “Flav-R-Wave” cooking system for the Signet 320, claiming that the stainless steel construction will result in authentic char-grilled flavor. Two side shelves come equipped with built-in tool hooks, both of which are handy for storing condiments and cooking utensils.
Warranty
The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on the cookbox, as well as a 10-year warranty on the burner system. For all remaining parts, including the paint job, a 2-year warranty is in effect. This is an extremely generous package, and one that goes a long way towards offsetting the negative aspects of the Signet 320.
Weber Spirit E-310
Value
This grill is priced on the higher end of the spectrum, especially for a three-burner unit. To put it in perspective, though, Weber is known to offer high-quality products that are designed to last a lifetime. If you can afford to invest in the Spirit E-310 or its upgraded counterpart, the Spirit II E-310, you’re bound to get your money’s worth.
Size
Both the Spirit E-310 and the updated version offer 424 square inches of primary cooking space, with an additional 105 square inches available on the warming rack. This is a decent size for a family of 4-6 people, but if you entertain often, you might want to consider a unit that allows you to spread out a bit more.
Durability
Weber earns high marks in this category. The heavy-duty steel firebox is sturdy and fashionably built, and both the steel cabinets of the Spirit E-310 and the cart-style design of the Spirit II E-310 are rugged enough to withstand the elements. Because I like to have all my condiments and tools at the ready, I’m a big fan of the storage space that they offer (particularly the Spirit II version).
Buyers should be aware, though, that the wheels on the Spirit II are not as well-built as the rest of the unit. Also, their bulky size makes the grill difficult to maneuver over uneven terrain. As a final note, the lid on the upgraded model is prone to chipping.
Ease of Assembly
Both the basic model and the upgraded version are fairly easy to put together, as long as all the components are included in your shipment. Fortunately, Weber seems to have worked out these kinks for the Spirit II E-310. If you’re looking for a grill that’s easy to put together, I would recommend taking a closer look at that model.
Care & Maintenance
The porcelain enameling on the cooking grates and lid give Weber the edge in this department. The grease management system is also more sophisticated, with a front-loading drip tray that’s easily removed.
Special Features
Both models are equipped with “Flavorizer” bars that create sizzling smoke when the grease hits them, which contributes to the smoke flavor. The side tables are another attractive feature, one which both units share.
The Spirit II version, meanwhile, comes with the upgraded GS4 grilling system with Infinity ignition, which makes it slightly more appealing. It’s also iGrill3 compatible, meaning you have the option of controlling the temperature via your WiFi connection. Note that the iGrill3 component is sold separately—if you’re interested in taking advantage of this feature, you’ll have to shell out extra cash.
Warranty
While the original Spirit series came with a 10-year warranty on the cookbox, lid, and burner tubes, the guarantee on the remaining parts was less generous. For the Spirit II series, Weber has upped the ante by offering the same 10-year warranty on all parts.
For the record, I’ve always had good luck with Weber’s customer service department, whether the issue was a major grievance or a minor complaint. If peace of mind ranks high on your hit parade, consider taking a look at the Weber Spirit E-310 models.
What Customers Are Saying About the Broil King Signet 320
Curious to learn what others had to say about these units, I performed a brief internet search. Here’s what I was able to come up with for the Signet 320.
Although the heat retention and performance of the grill were considered impressive, several of the parts had to be replaced after just a few years. The cast aluminum lid and firebox, meanwhile, were said to be extremely durable and reliable. One user was especially impressed by the unit’s hefty weight.
What Customers Are Saying About the Weber Spirit E-310
Meanwhile, reviewers had plenty of interesting feedback to offer on the Weber Spirit E-310 grills. The overall construction was said to be sturdy and efficient, but at least one user complained that the configuration of the cooking grates made for a tricky cleanup. The propane gauge was cited as another attractive feature. Those who chose to invest in the iGrill3 component for the Spirit II E-310 mentioned that it was somewhat difficult to install.
The Bottom Line
While I would definitely award the top prize to the Weber Spirit E-310 models, recommending one over the other is more complicated. I appreciate all the extra components that the Spirit II version has to offer, but on the other hand, the chintzy lid is a worrisome factor. Also, since gas grills are better suited for hands-on cooking applications, I’m not sure whether the iGrill3 component is really worth the investment.
For these reasons, I would rate the original Spirit E-310 slightly higher than the updated version. It offers a decent amount of cooking space with a relatively small footprint, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the firebox and lid components are backed by a generous warranty. In short, it delivers in all the major categories, which makes up for the relative lack of fancy extras.
I hope you’ve found this Broil King Signet 320 vs Weber Spirit E-310 review to be both informative and useful. Best of luck in your search for the perfect gas grill!
