As gas grills go, 3-burner models are among the most popular. They provide enough space for the average family without taking up too much space on the deck or patio, and they’re relatively easy to care for. Best of all, there are plenty of options available.
If you’ve ever shopped for a grill before, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with the Weber brand. Although the company originally focused on manufacturing and distributing charcoal grills, they eventually recognized the potential of gas-fired units.
The Genesis series is designed for outdoor chefs who want to turn grilling into a lifestyle rather than a mere hobby. Weber premiered the first Genesis models in 1985, shortly before the market began to tilt in the favor of gas over charcoal. In these Weber Genesis S 330 reviews, we’ll take a look at one of these units to see what all the fuss is about.
Pros:
- Built from quality materials
- Excellent customer service
- Eye-catching design
- Generous warranty package
Cons:
- Parts are very heavy; grill takes a while to put together
- High price point
Weber Genesis S 330 Reviews: Features & Benefits
Design
The Genesis S-330 is a cabinet-style grill, which means that the lower section is outfitted with a set of double doors. This storage area is useful for keeping the propane tank out of sight, but it’s also large enough to store tools and other supplies.
The grill offers 507 square inches of primary grilling space, as well as a 130-square inch warming rack. This is fairly generous for a three-burner unit, and should be suitable for groups of 4 to 6 people.
If you’re looking for a more practical description, think of it this way: The primary cooking surface can accommodate about 25 hamburger patties at once. Weber’s literature gives a slightly lower estimate, but they’re assuming that the patties will be made with their burger press, which turns out sizable portions.
The front-facing control panel features safety grip knobs for added protection, and the burners run front to back, which makes it easier to perform indirect cooking applications. The individually controlled burners are a great fuel-saver, since there’s no need to turn on the entire grill for just a few ingredients.
The grill is flanked by two side tables, one of which can be converted to a side burner. For more information on the burner output, see Heat Distribution, below.
Four casters make it possible to move the grill around once it’s been assembled. Also, sets of tool hooks can be found on each of the side shelves, which frees up a great deal of storage space.
Construction
Unlike the Genesis E and EP units, which feature a porcelain enameling, the S models are constructed of 430 stainless steel. This applies to the hood, side tables, and doors, as well as the burners and “Flavorizer” bars. The cart itself is constructed of aluminum.
The shroud and firebox on the S-330 are exceptionally durable, and the lid features a polished steel bar handle for easy access to the interior.
The cooking grates are made of 7-millimeter stainless steel rods, which offer great heat retention in addition to providing beautiful grill marks. Because the grids don’t have a porcelain coating, it’s especially important to clean them thoroughly after grilling.
With the proper care, the Genesis S-330 should endure through many years of frequent use.
Heat Distribution
The S-330 offers three main burners and a special sear zone, which is situated between the left and center burners. This sear station cranks out 10,000 BTUs, while the main burners offer a combined BTU output of 38,000. An additional 12,000 BTU right-side burner extends the work station and can double as a prep shelf when it’s not in use.
All the burners feature a stainless steel construction, as do the “Flavorizer” bars. These bars are designed to transform grease drippings into flavorful smoke, thereby mimicking the taste of authentic wood-fired barbecue. They also protect the burners themselves, keeping potential flare-ups under control.
Like most Weber grills, this one offers superior heat distribution. The individually controlled burners work well on their own, but when the entire grill is fired up, it provides an even, steady heat. This makes the unit particularly user-friendly, even if you’ve never used a gas grill before.
Ease of Assembly
Now for the bad news: The grill comes in a heavy and awkward box, with many parts that need to be identified and assembled. It can take about three hours for a single person to put this unit together, which is why we recommend asking a friend or relative for help.
Fortunately, Weber’s instruction manual is clear and detailed enough to make the process go smoothly, even as time-consuming as it is. One other tip: If you don’t have a socket set, now would be the time to invest in one. The grill will come together much more quickly if you have the proper tools on hand.
Cleanup and Maintenance
Any drippings that aren’t vaporized by the Flavorizer bars are collected by a wide grease tray that rests beneath the main cooking station. This component can be removed and emptied after the grill has had a chance to cool down. While the system isn’t as well-designed as some of Weber’s latest units, the tray cleans up nicely for the next use.
As we mentioned, the stainless steel cooking grates aren’t as easy to clean as their porcelain-enameled counterparts. However, the material is durable and rust-resistant. If the grates are cleaned promptly, they should last as long as the rest of the grill. Try scrubbing the grates with a wire brush before removing them for a thorough washing.
Fuel Gauge
The LP version of the S-330 is outfitted with a built-in “Precision” fuel gauge, which measures the tank level in increments of 20 percent. The approximate fuel level is displayed on an easy-to-read scale that hangs next to the tank.
Warranty
For this model, Weber offers a 10-year warranty on the lid and firebox and a 5-year guarantee on the stainless steel burner tubes, Flavorizer bars, and cooking grids. All other components are covered for two years following the date of purchase.
Since many grill companies offer warranties for just 1 to 5 years, this is an excellent guarantee that helps to justify Weber’s higher prices. When you buy a Weber Genesis S-330, you can expect to own it for years.
Social Proof
Because Weber is such a well-known brand, we were curious to learn what other consumers had to say. Here’s a brief recap of the Weber Genesis S 330 reviews that we found from other buyers online.
Some people were initially leery of the high price tag, but they were consoled by the unit’s superb construction and attention to detail. The sear zone and side burner were cited as exceptional perks, and the fast ignition was praised by several buyers.
Possible Alternatives
Is the Weber Genesis S 330 not quite what you had in mind? That’s fair enough. After all, healthy competition is what drives these companies to create better and more sophisticated grills for us to enjoy. Here are a few examples.
It should also be noted that the original Genesis S-330 was discontinued in 2016 and replaced with an updated version, the Genesis II SE-330. For more information on this model, see The Bottom Line, below.
#1 Master Cook 3-Burner Gas Grill
This three-burner unit isn’t quite as large as the Genesis S-330, and there’s no side burner option. However, the porcelain-coated wire cooking grates clean up nicely. For a budget offering, the Master Cook earns decent marks.
How They Compare
- Design—Weber
- Construction—Weber
- Heat Distribution—Weber
- Ease of Assembly—Master Cook
- Cleanup and Maintenance—Master Cook
- Warranty—Weber
If you don’t want to save up for several months in order to afford a gas grill, check out the Master Cook unit.
#2 Kenmore 3-Burner Outdoor Patio Gas Grill
Kenmore’s offering has a cool futuristic design, featuring a pedestal-style base and two side tables. It has just 512 square inches of cooking space (including the warming rack), but its small footprint makes it a good fit for patios or balconies.
How They Compare
- Design—Kenmore
- Construction—Weber
- Heat Distribution—Weber
- Ease of Assembly—Kenmore
- Cleanup and Maintenance—Weber
- Warranty—Weber
Consider the Kenmore if you want a grill that’s a conversation piece as well as a cooking station.
#3 RMYHOME BBQ Gas Grill
This affordable gas grill from RMYHOME features removable caster wheels and a built-in bottle opener. While it’s not quite as powerful as the Genesis S-330, it does offer a side burner option.
How They Compare
- Design—Weber
- Construction—Weber
- Heat Distribution—Weber
- Ease of Assembly—RMYHOME
- Cleanup and Maintenance—Weber
- Warranty—Weber
For a mid-priced unit with plenty of appealing features, check out the RMYHOME BBQ Gas Grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Flavorizer bars, and what do they do?
Weber’s Flavorizer bars are designed to approximate the flavor of a wood fire by transforming grease drippings into smoke. It’s a neat system that helps to remove the stigma from gas grills, which are scoffed at by some die-hard barbecue enthusiasts.
In the past, gas grills used lava rocks to help retain heat and boost the flavor of grilled meats. Since that practice has been mostly discontinued, companies like Weber have attempted to fill in the void with their own solutions.
Why does the grill need a grease management system?
Removable grease trays, like the one on the Genesis S-330, make the cleanup duties go much more quickly. Because the catch pan can be taken out and emptied thoroughly, there’s no need to worry about grease buildup.
What’s the difference between the Genesis S-310 and the Genesis S-330?
The S-310 model is virtually identical to the S-330, but with two key differences: The side burner and sear burner are missing. If you prefer a good strong sear on your grilled meats, then the S-330 is the way to go. Otherwise, the S-310 offers the same construction and overall performance.
The Bottom Line
If you can find it, the Weber Genesis S-330 is a fine three-burner option. Since the product has been discontinued, however, we would recommend going for the latest upgrade: the Genesis II SE-330.
This version of the grill offers a cart-style design, and the steel cooking grates are slightly thicker. It also has just a touch more grilling space, with a combined 669 square inches between the primary surface and the warming rack. It’s also available in several colors, and the 10-year warranty extends to all components.
To find out more about what the Genesis II SE-330 has to offer, click here.
