I bought this grill to take the place of an earlier (2017) four burner Genesis grill that worked just fine but which lacked a sear zone and related extra burner. I was impressed with the very flexible grate design and functionality provided by the new grill version and - yes - the sear zone does exactly what it is supposed to do.
However, having left the new grill without its cover on on one occasion where there was a rainstorm, I discovered that the new Genesis was much less watertight than the older version, so ALWAYS use a cover between uses - otherwise the enclosure under the grill becomes totally soaked.
The grill came damaged from Lowe's. The handle was dented and I spent 1 1/2 hours at the store while they got me a new handle. The scale for the propane tank does not work and the cabinet doors do not stay open. The grill does not get as hot as advertised and after being on the phone multiple times with Lowe's about all of this nothing has been fixed
So less than a month with a new Weber E-435 and not worth the hype. I paid $1300 for this and could have purchased something cheaper. The grill does not get hot enough. I came from a DCS grille and could cook a steak in 3-4 minutes. After the hurricane destroyed my DCS, I asked my friends who have Webers and said they were good.... I guess if maybe if you always drove a Hugo and moved up to a ford it is good. I bought my kid a Nexgrille(stainless), and the performance is the same for 1/3 the price. The Weber was not defect free, the doors were warped (Weber addressed), the ignitor on side burner is dubious and issue with left burner. The grille itself looks fine, and the touch places feel good. But to me, it is not worth it due to the grill falling short in performance based on my experiences and no one can challenge that.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from weber.comBy Consumer Care, Weber, November 26, 2024
Your feedback is very important to us. I'm sorry to hear about your disappointing experience. Our Care Team will reach out to help resolve the issues on your grill. Please look for an outreach email from us soon. Thank you!
Starter is on left side of grill, sear station is on right side. I usually start by turning on sear station and adjacent burner, getting grate hot and then searing steak. Now I have to turn on gas on the three left burners to get the sear burner lit, then turn off left burners to cook steak. Very inconvenient, a poor design. Also, Weber doesn't sell 16X19 inch stainless steel grates, only 3, 11X19 grates. Can only use the Griddle rack, 16X19, with one of the 11X19 grates. Another poor design.
Response from weber.comBy Consumer Care, Weber, March 3, 2025
We appreciate your feedback and apologize for any disappointment. We always recommend using the grill's main burners in tandem with the sear burner since it helps keep the grills internal temperature hot. This allows the sear burner to raise the cooking area to an extra-high searing temperature.
Your satisfaction is important to us! Please look for an email outreach from our Care team soon. Thank you!
Great style grill and features. I lowered my rating because the stainless steel front doors have an inferior finish! Rust came through the finish within a year. I am paying to have them painted black. Sorry to see they have skimped on quality! Disappointing!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from weber.comBy Consumer Care, Weber, June 6, 2025
Your feedback is very important to us. We're sorry to hear about the rusting on your grill. We are here to help. Please look for an outreach email from our Care Team soon. Thank you!
I really enjoy the feel of this BBQ—it’s solid, sturdy, and has a substantial weight that gives it a premium feel. The large cooking surface provides plenty of room, easily fitting a full rack of ribs with space to spare. Heat distribution is excellent, with even cooking across the entire surface and no cold spots. My wife especially appreciates the convenient side storage area, which is perfect for keeping the new griddle we just purchased.