Weber Grills — Where Backyard Cooking Has Always Started

There's a reason Weber is the first name most people think of when someone says "get the grill going." For more than 70 years, Weber has been the defining brand in outdoor cooking, from the iconic kettle charcoal grill that launched the company in 1952 to today's connected smart gas grills with Wi-Fi thermometers, 750-degree sear zones, and a full ecosystem of accessories built to snap into place. If you're shopping for a gas grill, a griddle setup, or the classic charcoal experience, Weber's lineup covers more ground than almost any other brand in outdoor cooking.

RC Willey carries Weber's core grill lineup, including Genesis and Spirit gas grills and griddle accessories, for shoppers ready to build a serious backyard cooking setup.

A Quick Word on the Brand

Weber was founded in 1952 when George Stephen Sr., working at a metal fabricating company in Chicago, cut a marine buoy in half and created the first kettle-shaped charcoal grill with a lid, solving the perennial problem of wind-ruined cookouts. That single product established both the brand and a category standard that still shapes how charcoal grills are made today.

In May 2025, Weber and Blackstone completed a merger, forming a combined company now operating under the Weber Blackstone name and led by Blackstone's founder Roger Dahle. For shoppers evaluating Weber today, the practical implication is that the Spirit and Genesis gas grill lines, Weber's strongest and most widely purchased categories, continue to receive meaningful investment and 2026 updates. The Genesis remains one of the best gas grills under $2,000 by any independent measure, and the Spirit holds its position as the most reliable gas grill at the $500 to $700 price point.

What to Know Before Choosing Weber

A few things are worth understanding before you compare specific models.

• Spirit vs. Genesis is the most important decision in the lineup: The Spirit is the right grill for households wanting reliable everyday performance at a more accessible price point, while the Genesis steps up in cooking area, build quality, and feature set for households where the grill is the centerpiece of the patio
• Smart and non-smart versions exist side by side: Weber's 2026 lineup includes updated smart models with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled digital thermometers alongside standard models without connected technology, so it's worth deciding whether smart features matter before comparing models
• Gas type needs to match your home setup: Weber gas grills are available in liquid propane and natural gas configurations, and converting between the two isn't always practical after purchase, so confirming which fuel type your outdoor space supports before buying saves a frustrating return
• The Weber Works accessory system adds real value over time: Side tables on Spirit and Genesis models include snap-on and drop-in accessory compatibility, which lets you add a griddle insert, sear grate, or wok without buying a separate grill
• Griddle cooking and gas grilling can coexist: Weber's Crafted griddle inserts and flat top accessories let a standard Genesis gas grill function as a griddle surface without a dedicated flat top unit, which is worth knowing before buying both

Exploring the Weber Lineup

Weber's grill collection covers four main product areas, each built around a different cooking style and household need.

The Weber Spirit is the entry point into Weber's gas grill lineup, offering a reliable, well-built three or four burner setup at a price point most households can reach. The 2026 Spirit Smart models add a 750-degree Sear Zone, Weber Works-compatible side tables, and Wi-Fi-enabled digital thermometers to the established platform. Spirit three-burner Smart models start at $599 in liquid propane or natural gas, and the four-burner configurations step up from there. For households that grill regularly and want a dependable everyday gas grill without the larger footprint of a Genesis, the Spirit hits a genuine value point.

The Weber Genesis is where most serious backyard cooks land, and for good reason. The 2026 Genesis lineup spans 14 models, ranging from three-burner to four-burner configurations in enameled or stainless finishes, with Genesis Smart models adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth digital thermometers starting at $999. The Genesis E-325 and S-335 remain the most widely recommended models in the lineup, offering 531 square inches of primary cooking area, a concentrated 13,000-BTU Sear Zone for high-heat searing, and heavy-duty cast iron grates. The Crafted Frame Kit, included on select Genesis models with the side storage cabinet, adds drop-in compatibility for Weber's flat top griddle, roasting basket, wok, pizza stone, and rotisserie basket.

Weber griddle cooking has expanded significantly, and for 2026, Weber leaned further into flat top accessories rather than dedicated standalone griddle units. The Crafted Flat Top Griddle insert drops into compatible Genesis models, turning the gas grill into a griddle surface for smash burgers, pancakes, stir-fry, and anything else a flat top handles well. New for 2026, Weber also added a Griddle Chopper and Butter Roller to its flat top accessory lineup, addressing real griddle cooking needs directly.

The Weber Connect smart ecosystem spans the entire 2026 lineup, connecting grills, accessories, and the Weber Connect app into a single system that lets you monitor cook temperatures, receive flip alerts and doneness notifications, and set timers from your phone. The Smart Wireless Probe ($69.99), Smart Wireless Probe with Booster and Charger ($114.99), and Smart Hub Display ($89.99) all work with any grill, not just Weber smart models, making the ecosystem worth considering regardless of which grill you choose.

How Weber Compares to Other Gas Grill Brands

Weber's clearest advantage over Napoleon and Broil King is its accessory ecosystem and smart connectivity platform. Napoleon counters with longer warranty coverage on most models and comparable build quality, while Broil King's lifetime warranty on select components is worth noting for shoppers prioritizing long-term cost of ownership.

Reasons to Choose Weber

A handful of qualities keep Weber grills near the top of independent buying guides year after year.

• The most widely tested, most consistently recommended gas grill lineup in its class: The Genesis holds the top spot in multiple independent best-gas-grill rankings for 2026, and the Spirit holds its own at the entry price tier
• A complete accessory ecosystem: Weber Works and Crafted system accessories give a Weber grill a longer functional lifespan than brands without a compatible accessory platform
• Smart connectivity that actually works: Weber's smart features have matured across several product generations into a reliable system rather than a first-generation experiment
• Gas and griddle in one: The ability to drop a flat top griddle insert into a Genesis grill gives households both cooking styles without two separate outdoor appliances
• Available in natural gas for permanent outdoor setups: Not every grill brand offers true natural gas configurations; Weber does, making it a strong choice for households with a permanent gas line at the patio

Frequently Asked Questions

A few questions come up consistently among shoppers comparing Weber models. Here are the most straightforward answers.

What's the difference between the Weber Spirit and the Weber Genesis?

The Spirit is the more accessible entry-level line, starting around $599, while the Genesis offers a larger cooking area, heavier construction, and a broader feature set starting around $999. For most households where the grill is a regular-use centerpiece rather than an occasional one, the Genesis is the better long-term investment.

Does the Weber Genesis work as a griddle?

Yes, on models that include or support the Crafted Frame Kit. A Weber Crafted Flat Top Griddle insert drops directly into the grill for flat top cooking without a separate outdoor griddle unit.

What's the Weber Connect app?

Weber Connect is the brand's smart grilling platform, available on compatible smart grill models and as a standalone accessory via the Smart Wireless Probe. It monitors cook temperatures, sends flip and doneness alerts, and lets you control compatible grills remotely from your phone.

Should I choose liquid propane or natural gas for my Weber grill?

It depends on your outdoor setup. Liquid propane is more flexible since you can move the grill and simply swap tanks, while natural gas suits permanent patio setups with an existing gas line and eliminates the need to track tank levels.

What is the Weber Works accessory system?

Weber Works is a snap-on accessory platform built into the side tables of compatible Spirit and Genesis grills, allowing you to attach tools, holders, and cooking accessories directly to the side rail without taking up prep space.

How long does a Weber Genesis grill last?

With proper care and routine maintenance, such as cleaning the grates and drip tray regularly and covering the grill when not in use, most Weber Genesis grills deliver reliable performance for 10 to 15 years.

Find Your Perfect Weber Grill

From the Spirit's accessible entry point to the Genesis's full outdoor kitchen capability, Weber's lineup has a grill for nearly every backyard and every budget. Explore RC Willey's full Weber collection and find the gas grill, griddle setup, or smart connected system that fits the way you actually cook outdoors.

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