GoKawiilAfter decades of testing grills at CNET, one thing hasn't changed: Weber finds a top spot on our list every year. That reputation is well-deserved -- and our results consistently prove it. This year, the midpriced Weber Spirit E-325 leads our gas and best overall grill rankings. Of the more than 30 models tested, it delivers the best combination of performance, a robust warranty and overall value. Likewise, the always-reliable Weber Q1200 holds its spot as CNET's top portable grill.
This isn't an outlier year. Recommending Weber grills may feel like old hat, but we have a host of reasons and plenty of data to back up the picks.
Performance is only part of the story. Weber grills are built to last, and models we've tested over multiple seasons routinely outlast the competition. The smaller details hold up, too: igniters that don't quit, burners that respond predictably, and accessories designed for use.
And you don't have to pay a premium for one -- at least not by comparison to others we test. Other brands offer some of Weber's signature features, but none we've tested manages to bundle them at such an approachable 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.
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