Weber has been building grills since 1952 and it shows.
Nearly every backyard cook in North America has owned a Weber at some point — the black kettle is basically a cultural icon. Weber’s lineup in 2026 stretches from the $120 kettle to the $3,500 Summit, covering charcoal, gas, and pellet. This guide covers every major Weber line, who each is for, and which model is the actual smart buy in every price tier.
Disclosure: PitPrimer earns commission on qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates. Our picks synthesize published editorial reviews and BBQ forum feedback (r/smoking, r/BBQ, AmazingRibs).
The Weber lineup in 2026
- Kettle — the iconic $120-350 charcoal kettle. Original Kettle Premium, Master-Touch, Performer.
- Smokey Mountain Cooker (WSM) — dedicated bullet-style charcoal smoker in 14″, 18″, 22″.
- Spirit — entry gas grill line. 2-3 burners, $500-900.
- Genesis — flagship consumer gas line. 3-6 burners, sear station, side burner, $1,000-2,200.
- Summit — premium built-in-quality freestanding gas. $2,500-3,500.
- SmokeFire — pellet grill with direct-flame sear. $900-1,500.
- Traveler — portable gas grill for tailgating and camping.
- Q Series — small portable gas. $300-500.
Best all-round: Weber Genesis E-325s / EX-335
The Genesis line is Weber’s sweet spot. A 3-burner Genesis with sear station and side burner covers 95% of backyard cooking scenarios: burgers, steaks, chicken, indirect-heat pork shoulder, planked salmon. The 2022+ redesign added a smart grill controller (Weber Connect), a longer warranty, and better flame stability.
Why this over Spirit or Summit? The Spirit skimps on materials and lacks the sear station. The Summit is overkill for anyone who does not entertain 8+ people regularly.
Best budget: Weber Spirit II E-310
Weber quality at Weber’s entry price. The Spirit II 3-burner runs about $500-600 and delivers proper Weber build quality, the same porcelain-enameled grates as more expensive models, and Weber’s excellent 10-year warranty. What you give up: no sear station, no side burner, no smart features. What you keep: a grill that lasts 15+ years with basic care.
Best premium: Weber Summit S-670
The freestanding Summit is Weber’s answer to $3,000+ built-in outdoor kitchens. Six burners, sear station, side burner, smoker box, rotisserie, and enough BTU output to hit steakhouse sear temps quickly. Overkill for casual cooks — correct for anyone who entertains 10+ people regularly.
Best charcoal: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″
Weber’s most iconic product. The 22″ Kettle Premium at $220 is the single best value in outdoor cooking. Handles direct grilling, indirect smoking (with the snake method or minion method), reverse-searing, and pizza. Serves 4-6 comfortably. Lasts decades with basic care.
- Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″
- Weber Master-Touch 22″ (with hinged grate)
- Weber Performer Deluxe (with propane starter)
Best dedicated smoker: Weber Smokey Mountain 22″
The Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) is the gold-standard bullet smoker. Sizes: 14″, 18″, 22″. The 22″ holds a full brisket AND a pork shoulder AND four racks of ribs simultaneously. Runs 10-12 hours on a single charcoal load. If you specifically want to smoke and are not interested in grilling on the same unit, the WSM is unbeatable at its $400-500 price point.
Best pellet: Weber SmokeFire EX6
Weber’s answer to Traeger. The SmokeFire EX6 offers direct-flame searing at 600F (Traeger tops at 500F) plus proper Weber build quality. See our detailed comparison: Traeger vs Weber SmokeFire vs Pit Boss.
Best portable: Weber Traveler + Q Series
Two very different portable options. The Traveler is a full-height gas grill on wheels that folds for transport — great for tailgating. The Q Series (Q1200, Q2200, Q3200) are tabletop portable propane grills perfect for camping and small patios.
Weber lineup comparison
| Model | Type | Cook Area | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1200 | Portable Gas | 189 sq in | $300 |
| Original Kettle 22″ | Charcoal | 363 sq in | $220 |
| WSM 22″ | Charcoal Smoker | 726 sq in | $500 |
| Spirit II E-310 | Gas (3-burner) | 424 sq in | $550 |
| Genesis E-325s | Gas (3-burner + sear) | 513 sq in | $1,000 |
| SmokeFire EX6 | Pellet | 1008 sq in | $1,300 |
| Summit S-670 | Gas (6-burner) | 769 sq in | $3,200 |
Weber accessories worth buying
- Weber model-matched cover
- Weber iGrill 2
- Weber charcoal chimney starter
- Weber tool set (tongs, spatula, fork)
- Weber pizza stone kit
Bottom line
First serious grill: Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ for charcoal, or Weber Spirit II E-310 for gas.
Best all-round for backyard entertaining: Weber Genesis E-325s.
Dedicated smoking: Weber Smokey Mountain 22″.
One grill that does everything: Weber SmokeFire EX6 pellet grill with direct-flame searing.
Whatever you buy: Weber’s 10-year warranty (5 on Spirit) is real. The grate you buy in 2026 will still be cooking in 2036.
About this guide
Our recommendations synthesize manufacturer specifications, published editorial reviews (AmazingRibs, Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Meathead), and community feedback from BBQ forums (r/smoking, r/BBQ, Smoking Meat Forums), cross-checked against real-world reports. We do not accept payment for recommendations.
Last reviewed: July 2026