The Weber Genesis II SE-335 gas grill is a premium outdoor cooking appliance that boasts a range of impressive features designed to elevate your grilling experience. This in-depth review delves into the specifics of this high-end model, exploring its build quality, performance capabilities, and overall value. We'll examine key features, such as the powerful burners, durable construction, and innovative additions like the integrated grill light and iGrill 3 compatibility, to determine if the Genesis II SE-335 lives up to its reputation and hefty price tag.This review will analyze the grill's design, focusing on elements like the stainless steel cooking grates, Flavorizer bars, and convenient side shelves. We'll also explore the functionality of the sear station and side burner, assessing their impact on overall cooking versatility. Finally, we'll weigh the pros and cons to help you determine if the Weber Genesis II SE-335 is the right investment for your grilling needs and budget, comparing it to other models in the Genesis II lineup.
Pros And Cons
- Handle-mounted, motion-activated grill light
- 9mm thick stainless steel cooking grates for durability and heat retention
- Large cooking surface (25 13/16" x 19")
- Stainless steel flavorizer bars for even heat and flare-up reduction
- Flavorizer bars with windows for burner visibility
- Continuous spark ignition with manual backup
- 3 main burners (39,000 BTUs) + sear station burner (9,000 BTUs)
- Tapered burner design for even heating
- Stainless steel heat deflectors
- Cast aluminum body for corrosion resistance
- Porcelain-enameled steel hood with cast aluminum end caps and mounted thermometer
- Warming rack
- Two side shelves with tool hooks
- iGrill 3 compatibility (right side shelf)
- Concealed side burner (12,000 BTUs)
- Propane tank hook with gauge
- Enclosed storage area with concealed drip pan
- Easy cleanup with disposable pan liners and slide-out grease tray
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Grill Light and Cooking Grates
The Weber Genesis II SE-335 boasts a handle-mounted, motion-activated grill light, a lifesaver for nighttime grilling sessions. This eliminates fumbling around in the dark trying to see what you're cooking. It's a small but significant convenience.
Another standout feature is the 9mm thick stainless steel cooking grates. These durable grates retain heat exceptionally well, leading to beautiful grill marks on your food. Even vegetables achieve nice color and texture.
Flavorizer Bars and Burners
Beneath the cooking grates, you'll find Weber's stainless steel Flavorizer bars. These bars create a tent-like structure over the burners, protecting them from debris while vaporizing grease drippings for added flavor.
This design minimizes flare-ups, even when grilling fatty foods. The bars also have windows that allow you to easily see if the burners are lit, providing a helpful safety feature.
The Genesis II SE-335 features three main burners generating 39,000 BTUs, plus a separate sear station burner adding another 9,000 BTUs. This provides plenty of power and flexibility for various cooking needs.
Grill Body and Construction
The Genesis II's body is constructed of durable cast aluminum for corrosion resistance. The hood is made of porcelain-enameled steel with cast aluminum end caps, ensuring longevity and a premium look.
The hood also features a built-in thermometer, allowing for convenient temperature monitoring. A warming rack offers extra cooking space and conveniently folds down for storage when not needed.
Side Shelves, iGrill 3 Compatibility, and Side Burner
The Genesis II boasts two side shelves, providing ample prep space. These shelves also include tool hooks for convenient storage. The right-hand side shelf is designed for easy integration with Weber's iGrill 3.
The iGrill 3 allows wireless temperature monitoring via a smartphone app, taking the guesswork out of grilling. The app enables preset temperature settings for different meats, or the ability to set custom temperatures.
A concealed side burner, rated at 12,000 BTUs, offers extra versatility for tasks like sautéing or simmering side dishes. It adds functionality beyond just grilling.
Storage, Cleanup, and Model Variations
The Genesis II SE-335 features an enclosed storage area beneath the grill, neatly concealing the drip pan. Weber's disposable pan liners make cleanup a breeze. The grease tray is easily slid out for cleaning.
It's worth noting that Genesis II special edition grills (like the SE-335) are only available in 3-burner models. Other models, such as the SE-330 and SE-310, are available with variations in cart design and features (some lacking a sear station or side burner).
The SE-335 is a high-quality grill but the different models allow for a range of budgets and desired features
Conclusion: Is the Weber Genesis II SE-335 Worth It?
The Weber Genesis II SE-335 offers impressive features for a premium gas grill. The durable construction, powerful burners, and thoughtful additions like the integrated grill light and iGrill 3 compatibility make it a compelling option.
The sear station burner enhances versatility, and the convenient side burner expands cooking possibilities. While the price point is higher than some competitors, the build quality, features, and overall performance justify the investment for serious grill enthusiasts.
However, consider your needs and budget carefully before purchasing. If you don't need a sear station or side burner, the less expensive models in the Genesis II line might be a suitable alternative.