Best Gas Grill under $500 – Weber Spirit II E-310
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As an avid griller who loves hosting backyard barbecues, I’m always on the lookout for high-performing grills that won’t break the bank. After extensive research comparing different models on the market, I recently purchased the Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill and I wholeheartedly believe it’s the best gas grill under $500.
Why I Chose the Weber Spirit II E-310
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Weber Spirit II line is very popular and well-reviewed among backyard grillers. According to Wirecutter, the Weber Spirit II E-310 strikes an unbeatable balance between price and quality. It costs just under $500 yet doesn’t compromise on functionality or durability like some cheaper models.
I chose this specific model for a few key reasons:
- Large cook capacity – With 529 square inches of total cooking area, including three burners and an open cart design, I can cook around 20 burgers at once. This is perfect for hosting large gatherings.
- Sturdy build quality – The grill is made of high-grade stainless steel that is rust-resistant and built to last. Weber grills are famous for their durability.
- Convenient features – Grease management is easy with the angled grease tray and catch pan. The infinity ignition ensures reliable startups every time.
- Great temperature control – Having three independently controlled burners allows for different direct and indirect cooking zones. According to AmazingRibs.com, it can provide a wide temperature range from low and slow 225°F for smoking all the way up to over 600°F for searing.
Overall, the Weber Spirit II E-310 has an excellent balance of features, build quality, cooking capacity, and temperature versatility – all for under $500. That made it a no-brainer choice for me.
Hands-On Review After 3 Months of Use
I’ve now used my Weber Spirit II E-310 at least 2-3 times per week for the past three months and can confidently say it has exceeded my expectations. Here are some details on my first-hand experience using this grill for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard parties.
Easy to assemble right out of the box – I was able to put the whole grill together by myself in under 30 minutes without any complicated tools. Weber includes easy-to-follow instructions and even provides the necessary screws and bolts.
Reaches 500°F+ temperatures within 10 minutes – I was worried it might take a while to preheat since it’s a larger grill, but the 10,000 BTU-per-hour input main burners heat up fast. I can start cooking steaks in under 10 minutes.
No flare-ups whatsoever – One major benefit of Weber grills is how well they manage flare-ups. The angled grease management system prevents grease from getting onto the burners in the first place. In over three dozen cooks so far, I haven’t had a single flare-up issue.
Large cooking surface makes feeding a crowd easy – The grill’s spacious 529 square inch cooking area has been perfect for hosting backyard BBQs for my whole extended family. I can grill around 20-25 hamburgers or 8-10 steaks at once, with room to spare.
No signs of rust or wear despite lots of use – Even after repeated use in all types of weather, the grill still looks shiny and new. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates clean up nicely after each cook.
Runs reliably on propane or natural gas – I have it hooked up to a propane tank but tested it on my natural gas line as well. Hookup was quick and painless either way. The flexibility to use either fuel type is nice.
Reasonably fuel efficient – Compared to my old grill, I’m using noticeably less propane even after prolonged cooking sessions. The flavorizer bars help distribute heat evenly while preventing excess gas usage.
Quick to clean up – Aside from scraping the grates after each use, cleanup only takes about 5-10 minutes. The catch pan slides out easily to empty grease drippings. And with no flare-ups, there’s very little soot buildup.
Weber’s customer service is excellent – I had one minor issue with a damaged thermometer upon unboxing. I contacted customer support and they shipped a free replacement part right away, no questions asked.
Drawbacks to Consider
No grill is completely perfect. The Weber Spirit II E-310 comes close, but there are a couple of minor drawbacks to note:
- Don’t expect tons of bells and whistles. The grill prioritizes function over flashy extras. You won’t find a side burner or LED lights like some higher-end models.
- It’s fairly heavy at around 100 pounds. If you anticipate needing to move your grill frequently, the weight could be an inconvenience.
- There’s no dedicated cabinet for propane tank storage. You’ll need a separate propane tank holder or prep table.
- Assembly instructions could be clearer. They work fine but a few more diagrams would help visualize part placements.
Overall though, these negatives barely register given the Weber Spirit II E-310’s outstanding performance and value. No grill in this price range comes close to matching its combination of durability, cooking capacity, temperature control, and fuel efficiency.
Key Specs Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the Weber Spirit II E-310 gas grill’s essential specifications:
- Dimensions – 63″ H x 52″ W x 32″ D
- Cooking Area – 529 square inches (360 square inch primary cooking area + 169 square inch warming rack)
- Burners – 3 main burners with 10,000 BTU-per-hour input each + 1 side burner
- Materials – Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, stainless steel lid, tubes, Flavorizer bars, and burners
- Ignition – Infinity electronic ignition
- Warranty – 10 years on lid, 5 years on cooking grates and burners, 2 years on other parts
See Weber’s official product page for full technical specifications.
Bottom Line
For backyard grillers looking for the ideal balance between quality and affordability, I can’t recommend the Weber Spirit II E-310 highly enough. After months of frequent use, I’m still amazed that a sub-$500 grill can deliver this level of durability, performance, and versatility.
If you want a future-proof gas grill that will last for years while cooking mouthwatering steaks, burgers, vegetables, and more for your whole family, the Weber Spirit II E-310 is hands-down the best grill under $500. I don’t anticipate needing another grill for a very long time thanks to this workhorse.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!