When comparing the Weber 45010001 Spirit II E310 and the Weber 61052001 Genesis II E330, it can be difficult to look through all of the specifications to figure out which one is the best.
The updates from the original Spirit and Genesis models show that the added features are new and improved.
The Genesis has iGrill capability which gives it an innovative technological advantage, but the Spirit has significant upgrades from the E210 model and can give the Genesis a run for its money.
This article will take a look at all the features and specifications of each grill to determine which one has the greatest grill power and performance and can be crowned the best of the best.
Although both models are great for different reasons, our top pick is the Genesis II. The many innovative features, a large grilling space, and graceful design, this model comes out on top.
- iGrill smart technology capability
- easy to read fuel gauge
- A grease management system
- 39,000 BTU-per-hour input
- Open cart design with tool hooks and cast-iron cooking grates
- Infinity controls
Differences and Similarities
Although both of these gas grills are made by the same company and have some similarities, there are some differences that set them apart as well.
Differences
- The Genesis II has iGrill technology capabilities
- The Genesis has a Sear Station that gives you perfect sear marks every time
- The Genesis has a sauté or simmer side burner
- The Spirit has burner tubes that provide consistent gas flow
- The Spirit has an infinity ignition for quick start-up
Similarities
- Both have a grease management system
- Both have porcelain enamored, cast-iron cooking grates
- Both have an open cart design
- Both have tool hooks for holding equipment
Things in Common
Although these models have many differences, there are also quite a few things that they both have in common that make them great options for a backyard grill.
The first thing that they have in common is the implementation of a grease management system. This system helps with the removal of grease after use and reduces the risk of flare-ups due to grease drips.
The drippings are caught in a drip tray in both models so that the grease can be tossed out easily after you are finished grilling.
The Weber Spirit II has a rack and metal tray to hold a disposable drip tray that catches the grease and can be disposed of, and replaced, as needed.
The Genesis II comes with a rack as well, which holds a metal drip tray that helps catch grease drips and can be washed as needed. This tray is shaped similarly to a funnel so that the grease will be directed into the reusable tray below it.
Both grill models also have porcelain enamored cast-iron cooking grates that are durable and built to be able to leave clear sear marks on the meat.
This is great for those who want that extra flavor that searing provides, and the grates are made to last so that you can grill on them again and again without worry.
The Weber Spirit II also comes with the ability to reverse the grates so that the other, thinner side, can cook more delicate dishes like fish and shrimp without making large sear marks.
Both the Weber Spirit and the Genesis models also have open cart designs which give the griller more space for their tools and dishes.
This also gives the griller better accessibility to their tools because they are not hidden in a drawer or cabinet, but instead displayed for quick and easy access.
Both models also have tool racks that give the user even better accessibility to their tools when they need them.
With both the Weber 45010001 Spirit II E310 and the Genesis II models, the tool rack is fitted on the end of the side table, so that it is out of the way when grilling, but easy enough to reach when you need them.
Product Differences
There may be some similarities between the Weber Spirit II and the Genesis II grills, but there are a number of factors and features that set them apart as well. The innovative technology that comes with the Genesis easily makes this model the top of the line.
Infinity Ignition
The innovative infinity ignition allows you to start your Weber 61052001 Genesis II E330 grill with a simple press of a button. The infinity ignition works smoothly to ignite your grill in seconds, and it takes away the need to light the grill yourself.
Just push the button and the grill is guaranteed to start up on the first time, every time.
iGrill Smart Technology Capabilities
The Genesis II comes with a unique feature that brings this grill into the 21st Century.
The iGrill 3-app thermometer is hooked up to the three apps and a smart device of your choosing so that it monitors the food as it grills and alerts you when everything has reached the required cooking temperature.
You just put in the thermometer and wait until your smart device of choice is alerted. The smart devices that can be used with this technology are an iphone, ipad, or ipad mini.
This innovative technology allows you to have the perfect food temperature every time, and it allows you to feel more comfortable stepping away from the grill to converse with friends and family instead of needing to watch the grill constantly.
This capability is not seen in the Weber Spirit II model, making the Weber 61052001 Genesis II E330 a one of a kind grill.
Grease Management System
The Genesis II has a grease disposal system that reduces flare-ups due to grease drips. This can be a problem with other grills and can be a dangerous issue if the grease is not kept out of the way of the fire.
Although the Weber Spirit II model comes with a drip tray rack for grease disposal as well, the Genesis system is made to direct the grease into the drip tray without the need for a messy cleanup. This added detail makes it well worth it.
Large Grilling Space
The Genesis also has a 669 square inch grilling space that gives you a bigger space to cook multiple portions of meat on at the same time.
You can fit chicken, steak, fish, and shrimp with ease and be able to cook large amounts for family gatherings without having to do multiple grilling cycles to make enough for everyone.
With this model, you can fit up as many as 20 burger patties at one time, making it a great option for company barbeques, family get-togethers, or game day dinners for sports teams where there will be lots of mouths to feed.
With over a hundred extra square inches of grilling space more than the Weber Spirit model, this grill has more space than ever before.
Open Cart Design
The Genesis II grill has an open cart design that makes storing your tools easy and keeps them accessible for when you need them.
The sleek design also adds additional room for extra tools or dishes that you want to keep nearby while you are grilling. You can store extra disposable grease trays, or extra tools in the open space with plenty of room.
Alternatives
If you are wanting to get a new gas grill for barbecuing in your backyard, but are worried about blowing your budget with one item, then you could use an alternative to the Weber 61052001 Genesis II E330.
There are some great alternatives on the market that will keep your cost low, without sacrificing grilling power.
1. Broil King 922164 Review
This great alternative is one that won’t hurt your pocketbook, but still keeps much of its grilling power.
The dual-tube burners deliver up to 40,000 BTUs and the side burner delivers another 10,000 BTUs as well.
The reversible cast-iron grates allow you to cook more delicate options on one side, and sear meats on the other.
- 644 square inches of cooking space
- Stainless-steel Flav-R-Wave cooking system
- Touch control knobs
- Level Q casters for added stability
- Linear flow valves
If you would like to research a bit more about this grill alternative, then check out this website for all the information that you could want.
2. Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D Review
This budget-friendly alternative is simple, and gets the job done.
Without many of the fancier features, this simple product focuses solely on the grilling itself.
For just a few hundred dollars, you can get a reasonably sturdy model that is easy to assemble and works well.
- 507 square foot of cooking space
- 36,000 BTU-per-hour
- Collapsible side shelves for easy storage
- Quick-start electronic ignition
If you would like more information about this great Genesis II alternative, then check out the website to see all the specifications and features of this product.
3. Char-Broil 463376017 Review
This gas grill is another alternative that won’t make you think twice before taking out your wallet.
This 4-burner grill has a stainless-steel lid, handle, and control panel that is built to last.
It comes with a removable grease pan for easy clean up, and a lid-mounted thermometer for better temperature control.
This grill also comes with an electronic ignition, like the Genesis II model, and has large metal side shelves that offer more work and prep space when needed.
- 36,00 BTUs
- 10,000 BTU side burner 475 square inches of cooking space
- Lid-mounted thermometer for temperature control
- Electronic ignition for quick start up
If you are interested in finding out more about this great alternative you can find it here, where you can check out all the specifications and features that make this grill a good alternative for the Genesis II grill model.
FAQs
Should I remove the propane tank when I am not grilling?
No, you don’t have to remove it if you’re not using it. You should only remove it when it is empty, if the grill is being stored in a close area, or if it is being transported.
What can I do if the iGrill monitor or thermometer stops working or breaks?
On the official Weber website there is a support page for those who are having issues with their technology, or whose iGrill tech has broken.
There, you can submit a request for repairs that need to be done, or you can call the customer service line that is on the page to talk to a representative about any issue that you may be experiencing.
What smart device is able to connect with the iGrill monitor?
Apple: iOS 9 or higher is required for compatibility and the devices that are able to connect are the iPhone 4S or later, iPad 3rd generation or later, the iPad mini, and the iPod touch 6th generation or later.
Also, most Android phones running Android 6.0 or higher and Bluetooth®️ 4.0 or higher are also compatible with iGrill.
How often should I clean out the grease drip tray?
You should remove it and dispose of the grease after each use. The disposable tray can be tossed out, and the metal tray should be thoroughly cleaned so that grease is not sitting there during times of nonuse.