There’s a reason why gas grills are the most popular type of grill in the US: They allow you to throw a cookout with just a moment’s notice. If you have a dependable unit that’s built to last, then you’re already one step ahead of the game.
Unfortunately, not all gas grills fall into this category. That’s why we’ve put together this Weber Genesis E 330 review to help you determine whether or not it’s worth your money.
The Weber brand has been making waves since its founder created the first kettle grill in 1952. Each year, they strive to build upon their solid reputation by offering state-of-the-art units with plenty of eye appeal.
Weber’s Genesis line is geared toward serious barbecue aficionados who cook outdoors on a regular basis. Unlike the Spirit series, which takes a more basic approach to grilling, the Genesis models are outfitted with extra features to help elevate the entire experience.
Pros:
- Capable of reaching high temperatures quickly
- Searing side burner is reliable and effective
- Durable construction
- Great heat distribution
Cons:
- Fairly expensive
- Assembly can be a bit confusing and time-consuming, especially for just one person
Weber Genesis E 330 Review: Features & Benefits
Design
Weber offers this attractive grill in four colors: black, smoke, copper, and crimson. This might not matter to some shoppers, but it’s typical of Weber’s outstanding attention to detail, particularly where the Genesis line is concerned.
The Genesis E-330 is a cart-style grill with two oversized wheels on the right-hand side and two locking casters on the left. This combination gives it mobility and stability in one neat package.
Some people might be turned off by the open cart design, which puts the grease management system in full view. However, we don’t think it’s a deal breaker, especially since there’s a storage shelf beneath the grease tray that’s large enough to hold barbecue tools and other supplies.
Six tool hooks are also available, and the unit is flanked by a pair of prep tables. The table on the right-hand side converts to a powerful extra burner (see Construction, below).
Be aware that while Weber offers a natural gas option for this grill, it’s not a convertible unit. If you want a grill that uses natural gas as its fuel source, you’ll have to buy that model specifically.
Construction
The main body of the grill is constructed of cast aluminum and 400 stainless steel, with a dual-layer enameled steel lid. The unit features porcelain-coated cast iron grilling grates, which are both durable and user-friendly. Cast iron also imparts superb grill marks, so this model delivers aesthetic appeal even when no one is looking at it.
The Genesis E-330 offers three stainless steel burners, each with a BTU output of 13,000 per hour. There’s also a side burner that cranks out an additional 12,000 BTUs, as well as a 9,000-BTU sear station burner.
The stainless steel construction makes the burners rust-resistant and therefore easy to clean. We would recommend giving them a good once-over with a stiff wire brush at least once a week–or more often, depending on how often you use the grill. On the whole, this is a sturdy grill that should last many years, even if you live in an area with a cold climate.
Cooking Space
With a main cooking zone that’s spread out over 513 square inches, the Genesis E-330 is a great choice for groups of 4 to 6 people. The tuck-away warming rack offers an extra 156 square inches, bringing the total up to 669.
Weber claims that this grill can accommodate up to 20 hamburger patties if they’re made with the Weber burger press. If you don’t use the press, you should be able to include a few more–perhaps as many as 25.
We should point out that the warming rack is best suited for just that–keeping ingredients warm. It’s slightly misleading to include it in the total cooking area, because it sits too far away from the jets to actually cook anything. Still, it’s the perfect place to let the grilled meat rest while you’re heating up the side dishes.
Heat Retention and Distribution
Stainless steel is an effective heat conductor, and the finely crafted burners do an admirable job at distributing the heat across the entire cooking surface. The burners are also covered with stainless steel heat deflectors.
The Genesis E-330 features Weber’s steel “Flavorizer” bars, which transform grease and drippings into a vapor that gives grilled meats a robust smoke flavor. As a bonus, they help keep flare-ups from ruining the cookout.
Because the grilling grates are made of cast iron, they do their part to help the cook box retain its heat. The porcelain-enameled lid comes equipped with a built-in thermometer, so you can check the grill’s progress as it’s heating up.
Grease Management System
As much as I enjoy grilling, cleaning up afterward is one of my least favorite pastimes. Like many of Weber’s premium gas grills, the Genesis E-330 is outfitted with a grease management system to aid with this tiresome chore.
When drippings fall through the cooking grates, they’re caught by an angled grease tray that’s shaped like a wide funnel. This tray empties into a catch pan, which can be removed for a fast and simple cleanup. The grease tray is removable, too, and cleans up easily with soap and hot water.
Fuel Gauge
Next to the gas tank receptacle, you’ll find a fuel gauge that displays an approximate readout of how much gas you have left. The gauge uses yellow moon-shaped graphics that are easy to read from a distance.
The fuel gauge feature is only available with the LP version of the grill. Also, be forewarned that the gas tank isn’t included in the purchase price.
iGrill 3 Compatibility
This unit is compatible with Weber’s iGrill 3 system. This handy mobile application monitors the food as it cooks and notifies you when it’s reached the desired temperature. It’s a feature that comes in especially handy when you’re entertaining, since it can be difficult to keep an eye on the grill and mingle with guests at the same time.
Warranty
For the Genesis E-330, Weber offers a 10-year warranty on all components. Be forewarned that this doesn’t include the damages that can result from normal use. However, if a part is defective, the company will replace it within the 10-year window. This is a generous offering that exceeds the industry standard by a wide margin.
Social Proof
To find out what other buyers had to say about the Weber Genesis E-330, we did a little bit of web surfing. Here’s a brief sample of our findings.
In spite of the high price tag, the Genesis E-330 has earned a fine reputation. Users were impressed by the sturdy, rugged design. Many also cited the excellent heat retention as cause for satisfaction. The assembly was said to take awhile, but aside from that, the response was mainly positive.
Possible Alternatives
Looking for something a little different? Here are a few of the Genesis E-330’s closest competitors. It’s possible that one of the grills on this list has all the features you’re looking for.
#1 Dyna-Glo Premier 3-Burner Gas Grill
Dyna-Glo’s offering is set at a lower price point than Weber’s grill, but the quality is lessened only slightly. There’s no side burner or searing station, and the cooking surface covers just 550 square inches in total. Still, if it’s a basic three-burner unit you’re after, this one could fit the bill.
How They Compare:
- Affordability—Dyna-Glo
- Durability—Weber
- Design—Weber
- Size—Weber
- Ease of Assembly—Dyna-Glo
For a no-frills grill that’s simple to use, check out the Dyna-Glo model.
#2 Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro
This is another cart-style grill like the Genesis E-330, but it features a cleverly placed shield that blocks the propane tank from view. It also comes equipped with an extra burner for heating sauces and side dishes.
How They Compare:
- Affordability—Char-Griller
- Durability—Weber
- Design—Char-Griller
- Size—Weber
- Ease of Assembly—Char-Griller
Give the Char-Griller a try if you’re working with a tight budget.
#3 Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Gas Grill
The TRU-Infrared burner on this sleekly designed model kicks things up a notch. The lid thermometer is clear and visible even when you’re standing a few feet away.
How They Compare:
- Affordability—Char-Broil
- Durability—Weber
- Design—Char-Broil
- Size—Weber
- Ease of Assembly—Char-Broil
Feel free to check out the Char-Broil if the open cart-style design of the Genesis E-330 isn’t your style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cooking space will I need?
A three-burner grill that offers over 500 square inches of cooking space–for example, the Weber Genesis E-330–should be sufficient for families of 4 to 6 people. Larger groups or people who enjoy hosting large parties should consider investing in a five- or six-burner unit.
What’s the best material for grilling grates?
Stainless steel and cast iron are the preferred materials, and they’re often outfitted with a porcelain coating. The enamel helps to protect the grates, and also makes them easier to clean.
While both materials have their strong points, we prefer cast iron to stainless steel. It’s heavier and more durable, and can last for many years with the proper care. Both types of cooking grates should be cleaned thoroughly after each use to help prolong their lifespans.
Is a gas grill easier to use than a charcoal grill?
In a word, yes. Gas grills can be fired up immediately, meaning you can have dinner on the table that much sooner. They also allow you to adjust the burners to the desired temperature, without having to fuss around with dampers and air vents.
The Bottom Line
Is the Weber Genesis E-330 worth the investment? We think so.
For one thing, the grill is exceptionally durable, with a generous warranty. For another, it has iGrill 3 capability, which could come in especially handy for entertaining. Grilling enthusiasts who enjoy tech gadgets will surely appreciate all that this quality unit has to offer.
Click here to take a closer look at the Weber Genesis E-330.
