Weber Genesis EPX-335 review: a durable gas grill that's worth the investment

Here's what we thought of the Weber Genesis EPX-335

Weber Genesis EPX-335 being tested in writer's home
(Image: © Future)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

The Weber Genesis EPX-335 gas grill has a large cooking surface area, an electronic dashboard and meat probe for precise temperature control, and a side burner for extra cooking space for side dishes and sauces. However, it is quite heavy and time-consuming to assemble, with a high price point and a stainless steel finish that requires regular cleaning.

Pros

  • +

    Large cooking surface area

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    Precise temperature control and monitoring

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    Sear Zone burner

  • +

    High-quality construction and materials

Cons

  • -

    May require multiple people to assemble

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    High price point

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    Picks up fingerprints easily

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The Weber Genesis grill is a fantastic option for anyone who loves to cook more than just a few burgers for their friends and family. It features three main burners, plus a "Sear Zone" burner that gives your meat the perfect barbecue grilled caramelization. It also has a side burner for cooking side dishes like beans, corn, or potatoes.

I conducted a thorough review of the Weber Genesis grill, testing it from the moment it came out of the box to how well it cooked a variety of foods, including burgers, steaks, veggies, and a whole chicken. I followed the same procedure for all the grills I reviewed, so if you don't think the Weber Genesis is the right one for you, be sure to check out other options in our best gas grills buying guide.

One of the standout features of the Weber Genesis is its electronic dashboard and meat probe. You can even connect to the Weber app to monitor your meat remotely, which is especially helpful for slow-cooked meals like chicken or pork. All of these high-tech features make the Weber Genesis an excellent choice for those who want a strong grilling performance.

Naomi MacKay
Naomi MacKay

Naomi MacKay is a versatile freelance writer and editor with over 20 years of experience. She has a diverse professional background, having worked for local newspapers, consumer technology magazines, and even the Royal Horticultural Society. Naomi's expertise extends to testing gas grills as well, and she has written extensively on the subject in her garden columns for various publications. She also served as the Assistant Editor at Garden Answers magazine, where she honed her skills in garden writing and editing.

Weber Genesis EPX-335: Key specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1
TypeGas (Propane)
Cooking surfaceGrate
Cooking surface area787 square inches
Burners3
BTU39,000
Side burner?Yes
Rotisserie compatible?Yes (not included)
DimensionsH48.1 x W61.5 x D27 inches
Weight171.9 lbs

Weber Genesis EPX-335: Price & Availability

This is Weber’s latest flagship model, and the electronic dashboard, lights, and connectivity drive the price up. You could opt for a similar Weber model (such as the Weber Genesis S 325s) without the connectivity and save $300-$400 - a considerable saving.

If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, you could halve your spending with the Napoleon Rogue XT 525 BBQ Grill, which has 805 sq inches of cooking area plus a searing station and a sear zone.

Weber Genesis EPX-335: Setup

It's hard to deny that the Weber Genesis EPX-335 grill comes in a big package. You'll require at least two people to move it after delivery. The box needs to be opened to access the parts, but Weber has taken sustainability into consideration. I appreciate that the parts were held together with velcro where necessary, rather than plastic-covered wires used in the past.

Most of the parts are numbered, making assembly a little easier. However, there were a few parts that weren't marked, which made things a bit confusing. Even though I have experience setting up equipment and flat-pack furniture, it took us about two and a half hours to assemble this grill.

I suggest downloading the video instructions if you prefer not to read the instructions. Since some parts, like the lid, are heavy, you'll need an extra pair of hands to help. 

The only low-quality part of the grill appeared to be the small plastic plug (rather than a screw) that was used to fix the cabinet door. I suspect that if anything were to go wrong with this model, that would be the part.

The cabinet on this grill is large enough to accommodate a gas canister, as well as cooking trays and other cooking equipment. There's also a smaller door on the side where you can store sauces and other cooking gear.

Weber Genesis EPX-335: Design

I received a model to test which has a black enamel and stainless steel finish. It looks very fancy, but like any stainless steel product, it can get easily marked by greasy fingerprints. Therefore, it is recommended that some stainless steel cleaners be handy to keep it looking its best.

This model, like most Weber products I have tested, is of high quality, but it does make it quite heavy. The hinged lid is also quite weighty, so it's something to keep in mind, especially if you are not young and fit.

The grill has two side tables - a large one on the right which offers enough space for prepping and holding plates, and a small one on the left that lifts up to reveal an additional gas burner. This is very useful if you need to heat up corn or beans, or fry up some mushrooms or onions.

Weber Genesis EPX-335 being tested in writer's home

(Image credit: Future)

The large cooking area of this gas grill has four burners. The fourth burner is known as the Sear Zone and is extra powerful to create a great sear on your steak and other meats. This grill also offers a lot of control. For example, when cooking a whole chicken, you can turn on the burners on either side of the meat to avoid direct heat. There is a second grill above the main cooking grills that is ideal for cooking smaller items or for cooking off the direct heat source. This grill gets very hot, so I used this second grill to cook my sausages and avoid them getting burnt.

The side tables offer ample space for holding dishes or doing food prep, and there are six hooks where you can hang all kinds of barbecuing tools. Flavorizer bars are also included, which help to give the gas-grilled food a more authentic ‘barbecued’ flavor by catching the fat from the meat and creating flames.

The grill comes with a handy drip tray holder that has disposable trays, but I found it easier to scrape them out and clean them in the dishwasher without any issues. You may need to replace them occasionally, but they can be ordered online easily.

Weber Genesis EPX-335 viewed up close while testing

(Image credit: Future)

Weber Genesis EPX-335: Performance

It took us some time to manage the temperatures across the grill because there were four burners to take care of. However, once I got used to it, I was happy to see that the food was cooked evenly. 

I cooked a whole chicken, and it turned out great - crispy skin, moist and full of flavor, ready in just over an hour. The sear zone helped us achieve a beautiful pattern on my steaks. With more practice, I can see that this grill has a lot of potential. 

The best thing about this model is that it's not just a grill. You can switch out the cooking grate for the custom Weber grillwork (available for purchase separately) and use it for baking, steaming, roasting, and even stir-frying! 

If you're serious about mastering this grill and the art of barbecuing, I recommend checking out the Weber Academy courses, which are available worldwide.

Weber Genesis EPX-335 with protective cover on it

(Image credit: Future)

Weber Genesis EPX-335: Maintenance

The Weber Genesis EPX-335 is a sizable and expensive piece of equipment, so it's crucial to protect it. Weber provides a high-quality cover that has kept my model safe from the sun and the rain. The cover is robust, fitted with velcro straps to keep it in place during windy conditions. If you have ample storage space, the grill is on wheels, allowing you to move it easily and safely.

Cleaning the grates is relatively easy, and Weber recommends using a stainless steel bristle barbecue brush. The Flavorizer bars should be cleaned with a plastic scraper to avoid causing any damage. Use a stainless steel bristle brush to clean the burners, and a soft bristle brush for the spider screens.

To clean the stainless steel elements, use a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner with a soft cloth, as harsh cleaning products will cause scratches. The enameled parts of the grill should be cleaned with warm, soapy water.

Weber Master Griller Dan Cooper suggests the following process for cleaning your gas grill:

  • Start cleaning your gas BBQ by disconnecting your gas tank; consult your owner’s manual for directions on your specific model. 
  • Next, brush the grates to remove any food debris, then spray your grate cleaner and let it settle for 30 seconds. 
  • After that, scrub the grates with the abrasive side of your sponge, rinse with water, and set aside for drying. 
  • Spray the grate cleaner inside the cook box and on the Flavorizer bars and let settle for 30 seconds. Scrape the grease and debris off with a plastic scraper set the Flavorizer bars aside, and clean with a sponge. 
  • Wipe down the cook box, drip tray, and bottom tray; use a brush when needed. Be careful not to splash water onto the burner tubes. 
  • Make sure your barbecue dries thoroughly before reassembling your grill and finishing your grates with a non-stick spray. 

Weber Genesis EPX-335: User reviews

Fortunately, for a grill that falls within this price range, the majority of reviews are highly favorable. The Weber Genesis EPX-335 currently boasts an impressive 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Some users have mentioned the large size of the box upon delivery, cautioning others to build it immediately if they lack storage space. A few reviewers also noted that the assembly process can be time-consuming. However, overall, the reviews I read were predominantly positive.

For the steak, the searing zone was incredibly helpful. It came out perfectly medium rare as desired and no burned spots or random flares of the flames. Just clean cooking.

Amazon customer

A reviewer has pointed out that the lower frame of the grill may not be of the best quality. According to the reviewer, the firebox is sturdy and meets expectations but the lower frame appears to be made of sheet metal that is cornered together and screwed to the base and grill box. The reviewer feels that this may be the first thing to fail and suggests that it may not be noticeable to those who did not assemble the grill.

Weber Genesis EPX-335: What the experts say

I spoke to Ross Bearman, founder of BBQ gifting company Ross & Ross Gifts, to get his opinion on the Weber Genesis EPX-335. Here's what he had to say: 

The Weber Genesis is perfect for a home barbecue set up - it’s great if you’re looking to grill at the drop of a hat and can easily cook for four to 12 people.

Ross Bearman

"This model is designed for cooking large joints of meat such as roast beef, whole sides of salmon, shoulder of lamb, or even pork belly. There are some really handy zones to work with on the Genesis, meaning you can slowly cook indirectly on one side, then move over to the sear zone to finish the meat.

The second cooking area is also ideal for resting meats or if you’re looking to grill vegetables or other quick food. The additional rotisserie feature is also spot on for cooking things such as whole chickens, picanha or leg of lamb.”

Should you buy the Weber Genesis EPX-335?

The Weber Genesis EPX-335 is a sturdy and long-lasting barbecue with an extended warranty. Despite the high price, it is worth considering as it can last for years, making it a valuable investment. If you are a passionate griller who loves to experiment with different culinary methods and use the barbecue regularly, it is a worthwhile investment at around $140 per year for 12 summers of use.

The Nightvision lights, located in the lid handle and powered by batteries, are a useful feature for grilling in the dark. However, the extra tech features come at a premium, and you must decide if they are worth the additional cost. If budget is not an issue, the Nightvision lights are a cool and useful feature to have.

How does the Weber Genesis EPX-335 compare?

The Weber Genesis EPX-335 is an excellent grill, but it may not fit everyone's budget. If you're looking for something cheaper, there are other models available, but with fewer features and less warranty coverage. One such model is the Monument Grills 77352 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill, which offers a similar-sized grill and good value for money. Though it may not be as attractive as the Weber, it has six burners and a side burner.

Another option is the Napoleon Prestige 500 which is not as advanced as the Weber, but it comes with a lifetime warranty and some of the Weber's features like light-up knobs and sear plates, making it a good choice for those who want something less expensive than the Weber.

Finally, for those who want a decent cooking space but have a tight budget, the Char-Broil Performance 475 4-Burner Gas Grill is worth considering. It's easy to assemble and use, but with a shorter warranty (one year on some parts and five years on the burners), it might not last as long as some of the other models.

How I tested the Weber Genesis EPX-335

At Top Ten Reviews, we are committed to providing consumers with the best possible purchasing advice. To achieve this, we conduct extensive product testing, beginning with the unboxing and assembly, followed by an examination of performance, storage, and maintenance. 

When reviewing gas grills, we time and assess the ease of assembly. Our reviewer then conducted precise cooking tests, including cooking chicken breasts, steaks, burgers, whole chicken, and vegetables. During these tests, they evaluated the range of temperatures the grill can achieve, cooking times, the evenness and consistency of temperature, and any accessories that come with the grill. 

Once the cooking tests are completed, we consult with experts to seek advice on the best methods for cleaning, storing, and maintaining the grill. For more, head to our dedicated page on how we test.

  • First reviewed: 25th July 2022
Naomi MacKay
Contributor

Naomi MacKay has been a freelance writer and editor for the past 20 years. She previously made the move from local newspapers and consumer technology magazines into the gardening press as Assistant Editor at Garden Answers magazine, and has also worked for the Royal Horticultural Society, and writes garden columns for a number of publications.