Weber Spirit 2 Burner vs 3 Burner: A Comprehensive Comparison

There’s always been a great debate in the grilling community: which is better, the Weber Spirit 2 Burner or the Weber Spirit 3 Burner? To help you decide, we’ll dive deep into both models, comparing features, performance, size, durability, price, and user experience.

Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Vs Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner

Weber Spirit – An Overview

The Weber Spirit series represents a line of high-quality gas grills from Weber, a leading name in the grilling industry. Known for their superior build quality, efficient performance, and long-lasting durability, Weber Spirit grills offer an excellent grilling experience. They feature an innovative design that focuses on functionality and convenience. The Weber Spirit grills are versatile in different sizes and configurations and cater to various outdoor cooking needs.

What is Weber Spirit 2 Burner?

The Weber Spirit 2 Burner grill, also known as the Weber Spirit II E-210, is a compact and efficient gas grill. It’s designed for those who need a high-performance grill in a smaller package. The Spirit 2 Burner offers two stainless steel burners with a combined output of 26,500 BTUs per hour, enough to meet most of your grilling needs. This model also has a spacious cooking area, including a 450 square inch total cooking space and a 90 square inch warming rack.

Strengths

Compact Size: Its smaller footprint makes it perfect for smaller patios or decks. It’s ideal for those who want a high-performance grill but need more space.

Performance: Despite its size, this grill doesn’t compromise performance. The two burners provide consistent heat for even cooking. Plus, the porcelain-enamelled cast-iron cooking grates help retain heat and create excellent sear marks.

GS4 Grilling System: This innovative system includes improved infinity ignition, burners, porcelain-enamelled Flavorizer Bars, and a grease management system, contributing to ease of use and maintenance.

iGrill 3 Compatibility: The Spirit II E-210 is iGrill 3 compatible, allowing you to connect it to the iGrill app for real-time temperature tracking on your smartphone.

Weaknesses

Limited Cooking Area: The cooking area may be limited if you frequently host large barbecues. This grill is better suited for smaller families or gatherings.

Less Heat Control: With only two burners, you have less control over your grilling temperature zones than the 3 Burner model.

No Side Burner: This model doesn’t include a side burner, which can be a handy feature for some grill enthusiasts.

Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner

The Weber Spirit II E-210, a compact yet high-performing liquid propane grill, delivers optimal grilling results with its advanced GS4 grilling system. This space-friendly grill features porcelain-enamelled, cast-iron cooking grates that offer superior heat retention, ensuring delicious sear marks every time. 

Its black finish brings a sleek look to your outdoor cooking area. Its open cart design and fold-down left-side table provide additional prep space. At the same time, the built-in lid thermometer lets you monitor the cooking temperature effortlessly. iGrill 3 compatibilities (accessory sold separately) means you can monitor your grill from your smartphone, adding convenience to your grilling experience.

What is Weber Spirit 3 Burner?

The Weber Spirit 3 Burner grill, also known as the Weber Spirit II E-310, is a larger and more feature-packed model in the Spirit series. This model is intended for people who require their grill to have greater power and cooking area. The Spirit 3 Burner offers three stainless steel burners, outputting a robust 30,000 BTUs per hour.

Strengths

Large Cooking Area: The Spirit 3 Burner boasts a spacious cooking area, offering 529 square inches of total cooking space, including a 105-square-inch warming rack. This added space is excellent for those who regularly grill for larger groups.

Performance: With three burners, the Spirit 3 Burner allows for better heat distribution and control. You can easily create different searing, baking, or roasting cooking zones.

GS4 Grilling System: Like the 2 Burner model, this grill also features the GS4 Grilling System. This includes improved infinity ignition, burners, porcelain-enamelled Flavorizer Bars, and a grease management system.

iGrill 3 Compatibility: The Spirit II E-310 is also iGrill 3 compatible, offering the convenience of real-time temperature monitoring via the iGrill app on your smartphone.

Weaknesses

Larger Footprint: Given its size, this grill requires more space. There might be better options for those with smaller patios or balconies.

Price: The Weber Spirit 3 Burner is pricier than the 2 Burner model. While you get more features and a larger grilling area, it might only fit within some people’s budget.

Increased Fuel Consumption: With an extra burner, this grill consumes more fuel than the 2 Burner model. This could lead to higher running costs over time.

Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner

Experience the superior grilling performance of the Weber Spirit II E-310 Liquid Propane Grill. Featuring the advanced GS4 grilling system, this propane grill optimizes ignition, burners, and grease management for an unbeatable BBQ experience. It’s a step up in size, with 529 square inches of cooking space over three burners, delivering 30,000 BTU-per-hour.

The porcelain-enamelled, cast-iron cooking grates ensure evenly distributed heat, while the open cart design provides plenty of storage. This model has a folding side table, fuel gauge, and integrated tool hooks for convenience. Assembly is required, but easy-to-follow interactive instructions are available through the BILT app.

Weber Spirit 2 Burner vs 3 Burner: Side By Side Comparison

Design Quality

Both the Weber Spirit 2 Burner and 3 Burner grills exhibit high-quality design, as is typical of Weber products. However, key differences may affect your choice depending on your preferences and needs.

Weber Spirit 2 Burner (E-210)

The 2 Burner model is compact and perfect for smaller patios or decks. Its design includes porcelain-enamelled, cast-iron cooking grates, which retain heat for even cooking, and a built-in lid thermometer for easy monitoring of grill temperature. Its open cart design and fold-down side table also provide handy prep space.

Weber Spirit 3 Burner (E-310)

The 3 Burner grill offers a larger design, with more grilling surface for those giant cookouts. Like the 2 Burner, it also features porcelain-enamelled cast-iron cooking grates for even heat distribution, a built-in lid thermometer, and an open cart design for easy access to grilling tools. The 3 Burner has an additional side table, providing more prep space than the 2 Burner.

Size

The latter is visibly more significant when comparing the size of Weber Spirit 2 Burner (E-210) and 3 Burner (E-310). The 2 Burner measures 48″D x 26″ W x 57″H, making it a compact choice for smaller spaces. On the other hand, the 3 Burner, measuring 52″D x 27″ W x 44.5″H, offers a larger grilling surface but requires more space, which might not be the best fit for smaller patios or balconies.

Performance

In terms of performance, both grills excel with their GS4 grilling systems and porcelain-enamelled cast-iron cooking grates. However, the 3 Burner has a slight edge due to its larger cooking area and higher heat output. The 2 Burner offers an output of 26,500 BTUs per hour. In comparison, the 3 Burner delivers a more powerful 30,000 BTUs per hour, giving you more cooking flexibility.

Price

Generally, the Weber Spirit 2 Burner is less expensive than the 3 Burner. Given its smaller size and fewer burners, the 2 Burner makes an excellent choice for those on a tighter budget. However, the 3 Burner, despite being pricier, is worth the investment if you’re looking for extra features and larger cooking space.

Durability

Both grills are built to last, featuring durable stainless-steel burners and porcelain-enamelled cast-iron cooking grates. The solid construction of these grills ensures they stand up to the rigours of frequent use. Weber’s excellent durability reputation and 5-year limited warranty should provide peace of mind, regardless of whether you choose the 2 Burner or 3 Burner model.

User Experience

Both models offer a great user experience, with features like built-in lid thermometers, folding side tables, and iGrill 3 compatibility. However, the 3 Burner’s larger cooking area and extra burner provide more flexibility and control, which can enhance the overall grilling experience.

How to Choose: 2 Burner vs 3 Burner?

Choosing between the 2 Burner and 3 Burner depends on your individual needs. If you have limited space or a smaller family, the 2 Burner might be your best choice. It’s also a good option if you’re budget-conscious. If you frequently entertain larger crowds or enjoy more versatility when grilling, the 3 Burner would be a better fit, despite its higher price and larger footprint.

Final Thought

The Weber Spirit series, the 2 Burner (E-210) and the 3 Burner (E-310) offer high-quality, durable, and reliable grilling options. Both grills provide top-notch grilling performance thanks to their GS4 grilling systems, porcelain-enamelled cast-iron cooking grates, and several user-friendly features.

While the 2 Burner is compact and affordable, making it suitable for those with limited outdoor space or a tighter budget, the 3 Burner offers more grilling space and higher heat output, ideal for larger gatherings and versatile cooking.

Choosing between the Weber Spirit 2 Burner and 3 Burner comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Evaluate your grilling habits, available space, and budget before deciding.

No matter your choice, you’re investing in a grill from a brand known for its quality and performance, ensuring many seasons of excellent grilling.