In the market for a two-burner gas grill? You’re not alone. Gas-powered units are the preferred choice for most grillers in the US, and two-burner models are typically the perfect size to accommodate couples and small families. The question is, which one do you buy?
If you’ve already decided to narrow your search to include only Weber grills, that’s a step in the right direction. Since the 1950s, the Weber name has been synonymous with outdoor cooking. With the introduction of the Spirit II series in 2018, the company has managed to remain on the cutting edge of grilling technology.
Although the Spirit series tends to be overshadowed by the flashier Genesis line, these grills still have plenty to offer. Take a look at this Weber Spirit II E-210 review to find out what distinguishes this sweet little model from the competition.
Pros:
- Built from high-quality materials
- Clear, concise assembly instructions
- Available in several eye-catching colors
- Easy to clean
- Small footprint makes it a good fit for balconies
Cons:
- Some shipping issues reported (secondary components arrive damaged or missing
- Knobs are very sensitive; can be easy to turn the flames too low or too high without realizing it
Weber Spirit II E-210 Review: Features & Benefits
Design
The open-cart design of the Spirit II E-210 features a lower shelf, which can be used to store utensils and other grilling gear. Just take care not to leave anything flammable on the shelf, as it sits close enough to the cookbox to pose a fire hazard. If you need more room to store the equipment, the grill is also outfitted with a total of 6 tool hooks.
Prep tables can be found on either side of the unit, and the one on the left can be folded down when it’s not needed. This cuts down on the grill’s overall footprint, which is modest to begin with. The compact nature of the Spirit II E-210 makes it a good fit for buyers who are working with limited space.
The model is equipped with two oversized all-weather wheels, giving it portability in addition to convenience. As gas grills go, it’s light enough to be moved around easily, but we wouldn’t classify this as a portable unit.
Construction
The main body of the Spirit II E-210 is constructed of painted steel. The lid also features a porcelain coating designed to help the unit hold its heat (see Burners, below).
The “2” in the product name refers to the number of burners, both of which are made of durable stainless steel. The grill also comes with stainless steel heat deflectors and porcelain-enameled “Flavorizer” bars, which are designed to catch the drippings and create smoke that will flavor the food in turn.
For this model, Weber has opted for porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates. The material is sturdy enough to hold up to frequent use, and the porcelain coating makes cleanup that much easier.
Cooking Space
For a two-burner unit, the Spirit II E-210 offers a fair amount of grilling space. The primary cooking surface measures 360 square inches, which is enough to hold about 15 burgers. A spare warming rack adds another 90 square inches to the total, bringing it up to 450. The concentrated surface area makes the warming rack particularly effective.
In general, a grill this size should be able to accommodate 3 to 4 people. If you prefer to grill more than one ingredient at a time, or if you plan to host large gatherings on a regular basis, then you might want to look for a larger model.
Burners
Each stainless steel burner has a BTU output of 13,250, giving the Spirit II E-210 a combined per-hour output of 26,500. These numbers are particularly impressive for a two-burner unit. More importantly, the grill is able to retain its heat well, thanks to the sturdily built porcelain-enameled lid.
The steel deflectors help to distribute the heat across the entire cooking surface, ensuring that the ingredients cook evenly. Thanks to the Infinity ignition feature, turning on the burners is as simple as pressing a button.
Weber has outfitted this grill with its GS4 grilling system, a term that refers to the Infinity ignition, burners, grease management components, and Flavorizer bars. Combined, these four elements are designed to streamline the grilling experience, taking flavor and convenience to a new level.
Ease of Assembly
One of the nicer aspects of two-burner grills is their compact size, which cuts down on the overall assembly time. The Spirit II E-210 is easier to put together than most, since Weber has included an easy-to-read instruction manual. Even if you’ve never assembled a grill before, you should be able to get this one fired up within an hour or two.
If you need any additional help, the company offers 3-D interactive instructions through the BILT app. Downloading the app is free, and the visual demonstration is clear and detailed.
Maintenance
Effective grease management is invaluable when it comes to avoiding flare-ups. With this updated version of the Spirit E-210, Weber has included a well-designed system that eliminates a great deal of hassle.
Most of the drippings will be caught and transformed into vapor by the Flavorizer bars. The rest of the runoff is caught by a grease tray, which is shaped like a funnel. The grease tray is then emptied into a disposable catch pan. When the pan is full, simply remove it and replace it with another one.
The angled grease tray is removable, too. After each cookout, wait until the grill has had a chance to cool down, then carefully slide out the tray and give it a good scrubbing in a hot, soapy sink.
As we mentioned, the cast iron cooking grates clean up nicely as well, thanks to the porcelain coating. It’s important to wash them thoroughly after each use in order to maintain their integrity. If grease and food particles are allowed to build up on the grates, it will affect the flavor of your ingredients over time.
iGrill 3 Compatibility
Weber’s iGrill component allows you to keep tabs on the grill’s progress from a distance. The app will send alerts to your smartphone, letting you know when the food has reached the proper temperature. This perk is becoming more and more prevalent in the grilling industry, and it keeps the Spirit II E-210 on the cutting edge of technology.
Buyers should be aware that the iGrill 3 accessory is not included in the purchase price. If you want to take advantage of this technology, you’ll have to buy it separately.
Warranty
Since October 2017, Weber has offered a 10-year warranty for all of its new grills. All parts are covered by this guarantee, which excludes damages that occur due to normal wear and tear.
Unlike some of Weber’s previous warranty packages, which only covered the major components for a full decade, this one includes the entire grill. This generous guarantee far exceeds the industry standard and explains why Weber’s products are often set at higher prices than the competition.
Social Proof
In the course of our research, we decided to find out what other buyers had to say about the Weber Spirit II E-210. Here’s a rundown on the basics.
From a consumer standpoint, this is one of the highest-rated two-burner models on the market. Though some people were initially scared off by the high price tag, they conceded that the grill’s sturdiness and reliability justified the cost. The powerful burners were frequently cited as a plus, as was the overall heat distribution.
Possible Alternatives
For all its good qualities, the Weber Spirit II E-210 might not be for everyone. We get it–healthy competition is what keeps the grill industry in business. Let’s take a look at some other popular options.
#1 Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Gas Grill
A slightly smaller yet highly efficient two-burner model, the Char-Broil Performance is also far easier on the wallet. The cabinet-style frame gives it a classic streamlined appearance.
How they compare:
- Design—Weber
- Construction—Weber
- Cooking Space—Weber
- Burners—Tie
- Ease of Assembly—Char-Broil
- Maintenance—Weber
- Warranty—Weber
Singles and couples would do well to consider the Char-Broil Performance, especially if they’re first-time buyers.
#2 Dyna-Glo Premier 2-Burner Gas Grill
The Dyna-Glo features roughly the same amount of total cooking space as the Spirit II E-210, but more of that surface area is constrained to the warming rack. The prep shelves are generously sized, and the grill has an eye-catching cabinet-style design.
How they compare:
- Design—Dyna-Glo
- Construction—Weber
- Cooking Space—Tie
- Burners—Weber
- Ease of Assembly—Dyna-Glo
- Maintenance—Weber
- Warranty—Weber
If you like the overall structure of the Weber but prefer a cabinet-style grill with a steel finish, give the Dyna-Glo a try.
#3 Huntington Liquid Propane Gas Grill
The Huntington is a true budget offering, designed for first-timers who aren’t sure yet how they feel about gas grills. It’s much lighter than Weber’s offering, so it can be moved around the patio with ease. We think the open cart-style design is a bit clunky, but it offers plenty of prep and storage space.
How they compare:
- Design—Weber
- Construction—Weber
- Cooking Space—Weber
- Burners—Weber
- Ease of Assembly—Huntington
- Maintenance—Weber
- Warranty—Weber
For a gas grill that won’t set you back a week’s pay, take a look at the Huntington model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are two-burner grills less powerful than their larger counterparts?
Not necessarily. While the plus-sized units will offer more firepower overall, the efficiency of the grill lies in the individual burners. A reliable two-burner grill might have better heat distribution and retention than a lesser six-burner model.
What’s the difference between Weber’s “S” and “E” designations?
Weber includes these letters to denote the materials used in the grill’s design. The “S” models will have a stainless steel finish, while the “E” denotes an enamel coating. Both are roughly equal in terms of performance–the choice comes down to a matter of personal preference.
Are Spirit grills better than Genesis grills?
On the whole, the Spirit line tends to be more basic than the Genesis series. For example, certain Genesis models will offer sear stations and side burners to improve the overall versatility of the grill.
That said, in this case, the updated version of the E-210 represents the best Weber has to offer. The construction is solid, the price is reasonable, and the grill is both efficient and easy to use.
The Bottom Line
After compiling this Weber Spirit II E-210 review, we feel confident recommending this model.
If it’s a quality two-burner unit you’re after, it would be hard to find a better one than this. With its sturdy build, reliable ignition system, and powerful burners, the Spirit II E-210 lives up to Weber’s reputation for longevity and all-around excellence.
To get a better look at the Weber Spirit II E-210, click here.
