GoKawiilWe've been testing grills at CNET for decades, and one thing has remained constant: Weber models reliably earn a spot on our lists, year after year. The brand's sterling reputation is well-deserved -- and our testing consistently backs it up. This year, the mid-priced Weber Spirit E-325 takes the top spot among gas grills. Of more than 30 models tested, it checks the most boxes without breaking the bank.
Performance alone doesn't explain why Weber grills are so easy to recommend. Durability plays an equally important role and models we've used across multiple seasons tend to outlast the competition. There are subtler advantages, too: igniters that hold up over time, burners that respond predictably and accessories designed with genuine usability in mind.
And you don't have to pay a premium for any of it -- at least not by grill standards. Other brands offer some of Weber's signature features, but none we've tested manages to bundle them together at a reasonable price. Broil King comes close in terms of features, but most of its lineup starts around $600 and climbs steeply from there.
Here's what makes Webers unique and why they continue to keep earning the CNET stamp of approval year after year.
1. Cast-aluminum cookbox
Weber's cast-aluminum cookboxes retain heat well and ward off corrosion better than porcelain-enameled steel. David Watsky/CNET
One of Weber's most meaningful engineering advantages is its cast-aluminum cookbox. The material checks a rare combination of boxes: it retains heat well, resists corrosion, and is light enough to keep the grill manageable — a practical choice that also happens to be durable. Budget brands typically cut corners here, relying on porcelain-enameled or thin stainless steel that's far more vulnerable to rust and deterioration over time.
Weber's commitment to durability goes beyond the materials themselves. According to Roberto Carvajal, the brand's vice president of product management, Weber subjects its grills to a rigorous battery of tests -- including salt-fog, impact, abrasion, chemical and weathering evaluations -- to verify long-term performance rather than just surface-level quality.
The main alternative at the higher end of the market is heavy-duty 304-grade stainless steel, favored by ultra-premium and commercial-grade grill makers for its heat retention and toughness. It's a capable material, but it comes at a steep price -- one most backyard cooks won't need to pay.
2. High-functioning burners
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