The Best Gas Grills for 2026: Weber, Monument and More
By Claire Whitmore. Last updated October 2026.
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A good gas grill is the workhorse of an outdoor kitchen. It lights instantly, heats quickly and handles everything from weeknight burgers to a full dinner party. A great one heats evenly, sears hard and lasts a decade or more.
We based our picks on Wirecutter’s May 2026 testing of 18 gas grills, with notes from Serious Eats. We haven’t tested these grills ourselves. Prices change often and grills sell out seasonally, so check the current price before you buy.
Quick answer: the Weber Spirit E-425 is the best gas grill for most people. Step up to the Weber Genesis E-325 for more space, a dedicated sear burner and longer warranties. The Weber Spirit E-210 is the best budget choice.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Best for | Burners and output | Warranty | Approx. price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Spirit E-425 | Best overall | 4 burners, 35,000 Btu, 2 sear-zone burners | 10 years firebox, lid and burners; 5 years grates | About $629 |
| Weber Genesis E-325 | Best upgrade | 39,000 Btu plus 13,000 Btu sear burner | 12 years box and lid; 10 years burners and grates | About $949 |
| Weber Spirit E-210 | Best budget | 2 burners | Check Weber | About $449 |
| Monument Mesa 305 | Worth considering | 3 burners | Check maker | Check current price |
*Prices from Wirecutter’s listings. Check current prices.
The best gas grills
1. Weber Spirit E-425: best overall
Best for: most households that grill often.
Wirecutter’s top pick at about $629. It has four burners rated at 35,000 Btu in total, two of which form a sear zone. In Wirecutter’s testing it reached 500°F in seven minutes. Weber covers the firebox, lid and burners for 10 years and the grates for five. It doesn’t come with a cover.
Pros
- Fast heat-up
- Sear zone
- Long warranty for the price
Cons
- No cover included
- Large footprint
2. Weber Genesis E-325: best upgrade
Best for: serious grillers and entertainers.
Wirecutter’s upgrade pick at about $949, and a favorite at Serious Eats. It offers about 20% more cooking area than the Spirit, 39,000 Btu from its main burners plus a 13,000 Btu sear burner, and even longer warranties: 12 years on the cookbox and lid, 10 on burners and grates. It’s about 57 inches long, so measure your patio.
Pros
- Bigger cooking area
- Dedicated sear burner
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- Pricier
- 57 inches long
3. Weber Spirit E-210: best budget
Best for: small patios and smaller households.
Wirecutter’s budget pick at about $449. Two burners and a smaller cooking area suit couples and small families.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact
Cons
- Less space for crowds
- No sear zone
4. Monument Mesa 305: worth considering
Best for: shoppers comparing alternatives to Weber.
Wirecutter lists the Monument Mesa 305 among grills worth considering.
Pros
- Alternative to Weber
Cons
- Not a top pick in Wirecutter’s testing
Spirit vs Genesis: is the upgrade worth it?
This is the question most Weber shoppers end up asking. The Spirit E-425 is the better value for most households: four burners, a sear zone, quick heat-up and a 10-year warranty on key parts for about $629. The Genesis E-325 costs about $320 more. For that, you get about 20% more cooking area, a dedicated 13,000 Btu sear burner and longer warranties of 12 years on the cookbox and lid and 10 years on burners and grates.
Choose the Genesis if you regularly cook for eight or more people, care about steakhouse-style searing or want the longest warranty coverage. Choose the Spirit if you cook for a family and want the most performance for your money. Either way, check that you have room: the Genesis is about 57 inches long.
Grills that fell short
Wirecutter found the Napoleon Rogue 425 disappointing and said the Broil King Signet 320 ran too hot. Both are well-known models, so it’s worth reading full reviews before choosing them over the Weber picks.
Which pick is right for you?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Grill for a family a few times a week | Weber Spirit E-425 |
| Host big cookouts and love steak | Weber Genesis E-325 |
| Have a small patio or cook for two | Weber Spirit E-210 |
| Want an alternative to Weber | Monument Mesa 305 |
Gas vs charcoal vs pellet
| Gas | Charcoal | Pellet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup | Instant | Slower | Moderate |
| Temperature control | Easy, with knobs | Hands-on, with vents | Easy, with a digital controller |
| Smoky flavor | Mild | Strong | Strong, wood-fired |
| Best for | Weeknights and convenience | Purists and searing | Low-and-slow smoking |
| Cleanup | Easy | Ash disposal | Ash, occasional vacuuming |
Gas wins on convenience. You can go from cold to cooking in minutes, adjust heat precisely and cook on a weeknight without planning. Many grillers keep a gas grill for everyday cooking and add a charcoal kettle or pellet smoker for weekend projects.
How to choose a gas grill
Size and burners
Two burners suit couples and small families. Three or four give you room for zones: one side hot for searing, one side low for gentle cooking. Think about how many people you cook for most often, not just your biggest party.
Btu isn’t everything
Total Btu tells you the burners’ output, not how well a grill cooks. A well-built grill with a tight lid and even heat often outperforms one with higher Btu and thin construction. Look at heat-up times and evenness in reviews instead.
Sear zones
A sear zone or sear burner adds a hotter spot for steaks and chops. The Spirit E-425 uses two burners for a sear zone, while the Genesis E-325 adds a dedicated 13,000 Btu sear burner.
Warranty and build
Long warranties are a good sign. Weber’s 10- to 12-year coverage on key parts stands out. Check what’s covered: cookbox, lid, burners, grates and ignition are often warrantied differently.
Fuel
Most gas grills run on propane tanks. Some can be converted to natural gas with a kit, or are sold in natural gas versions, which is convenient if you have a gas line. Check before buying, since conversions vary.
Extras
Side tables, a built-in thermometer, tool hooks and a cover all matter for daily use. The Spirit E-425 doesn’t come with a cover, so budget for one.
Getting the best results from a gas grill
The single most useful technique is two-zone cooking. Run one side of the grill on high and the other on low or off. Sear steaks, chops and burgers over the hot side, then move them to the cooler side to finish without burning. Thicker cuts, bone-in chicken and whole fish all benefit. A three- or four-burner grill like the Spirit E-425 or Genesis E-325 makes this easy, which is one reason we favor them over two-burner models for keen cooks.
Preheat with the lid closed for about 10 to 15 minutes so the grates get properly hot, then brush them clean. Keep the lid closed as much as possible while cooking. It holds heat steady and reduces flare-ups. And use an instant-read thermometer: it’s the surest way to know when meat is done, since built-in lid thermometers measure air temperature, not the food.
Accessories worth buying
- A fitted cover, especially since the Spirit E-425 doesn’t include one.
- An instant-read thermometer for perfectly cooked meat every time.
- Long tongs and a sturdy spatula with heat-resistant handles.
- A stiff grill brush or scraper for cleaning the grates.
- A spare propane tank, so you never run out mid-cook.
- A grill basket for vegetables, shrimp and other small pieces.
Freestanding or built-in?
Freestanding cart grills like the Spirit and Genesis are the easiest way to get great results. You can move them, replace them in 10 years and take them with you when you move. Built-in grill heads sit in a masonry or stainless island as part of a full outdoor kitchen. They look stunning and pair with side burners, refrigeration and storage, but they cost far more, require design and installation, and lock you into a cutout size. Many luxury outdoor kitchens start with a high-end cart grill and graduate to a built-in when the space is redesigned.
Care and maintenance
- Preheat the grill and brush the grates before and after cooking.
- Empty and clean the grease tray regularly to prevent flare-ups and grease fires.
- Check hoses and connections at the start of each season with soapy water. Bubbles mean a leak.
- Deep-clean the cookbox and burner tubes once or twice a season.
- Use a fitted cover, and keep a spare full propane tank on hand.
Safety basics
Grill outdoors only, well away from walls, railings, overhanging branches and anything flammable. Always open the lid before lighting. Never leave a lit grill unattended, and keep children and pets away from the cooking area. Store propane tanks upright, outdoors and away from heat. Follow the manufacturer’s clearance guidance and any local rules for balconies and decks.
Building an outdoor kitchen
A gas grill is the anchor of an outdoor kitchen. Add an outdoor pizza oven, a fire pit for after dinner and comfortable outdoor seating. For pizza oven brand comparisons, see Ooni vs Gozney.
How we researched this guide
We don’t test grills in-house. Our picks and specs come from Wirecutter’s May 2026 testing of 18 gas grills, with supporting notes from Serious Eats. Prices are from Wirecutter’s listings and change often.
FAQ
What is the best gas grill?
Wirecutter’s top pick is the Weber Spirit E-425.
Is the Weber Genesis worth it over the Spirit?
If you cook for groups or want a dedicated sear burner and longer warranties, yes. The Genesis E-325 has about 20% more cooking area.
How many Btu do I need?
Btu alone doesn’t decide performance. Build quality and heat evenness matter more.
How long should a gas grill last?
Warranties give a clue: Weber covers key parts of the Spirit for 10 years and the Genesis for up to 12.
Does the Weber Spirit E-425 come with a cover?
No. Wirecutter notes it doesn’t include one.
