Quick Summary:
Price: $1,499.00
Pros
- Powerful grilling performance with four burners and a sear station
- Versatile with a side burner for additional cooking options
- Large cooking area suitable for entertaining
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Easy to clean with stainless steel grates
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other models in the Genesis series
- Assembly can be time-consuming due to the grill’s size and features
As an experienced backyard griller who loves hosting gatherings for family and friends, I was thrilled to get my hands on the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel. Having heard so much about its reputation as one of the top-tier gas grills for both casual and serious grillers, I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype. My expectations were high, especially given its features and price point.
The first thing that caught my attention when I unboxed it was the sleek stainless steel construction. The grill looked professional, and the polished steel gave off an impressive, high-quality vibe. But the appeal of the Weber Genesis S-435 wasn’t just about looks—the solid build and sturdy feel made it clear that this grill was built to last. As I set it up, I couldn’t wait to test its performance and see if it could handle a cookout for a large group.
Setting Up the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel
One of the first major benefits I noticed with the Weber Genesis S-435 was how manageable the setup process was. As someone who has assembled more than a few grills in my time, I can confidently say that while this wasn’t the fastest setup, the process was refreshingly straightforward. The instructions were detailed and easy to follow, and all parts fit together snugly—a testament to Weber's quality control. The sheer size of the grill makes it a two-person job, but once assembled, the grill felt rock-solid. There was no wobbling or instability—just a robust and dependable setup that inspired confidence in its durability.
Design and Build Quality
The premium design of the Weber Genesis S-435 was one of the key factors that drew me to this grill. Made of high-grade stainless steel, the build quality is exceptional. Not only does the polished stainless steel provide a modern, professional look, but it also ensures the grill's longevity even in outdoor environments. The sleek design integrates seamlessly into any backyard setting, and the stainless steel finish is both rust-resistant and weatherproof.
The cooking area is generously sized, which is ideal for hosting bigger groups or family gatherings. The four burners are designed to provide consistent heat across the surface, eliminating the dreaded hot and cold spots that often plague large grills. I appreciated that I could evenly cook multiple items without having to shift them around. The entire grill feels like a professional-grade cooking tool—it’s clear that Weber has spared no expense in ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
Cooking Power and Performance
The Weber Genesis S-435 is a beast when it comes to cooking power. The four burners deliver a combined 48,000 BTUs, which allowed me to bring the grill up to high temperatures in a matter of minutes. One of my favorite features is the 9,000 BTU sear station—perfect for getting that golden-brown crust on a steak that makes it restaurant quality. I often find myself using this sear station to add those iconic grill marks that everyone loves.
The grill also comes with a 12,000 BTU side burner, which is an incredibly versatile addition. During my first big cookout with this grill, I used the side burner to whip up a quick sauce for grilled vegetables without needing to step back inside the kitchen. It’s one of those features that elevates the grilling experience, giving you more control over your entire meal in a single station.
Ease of Use and Convenience
After assembly, the Weber Genesis S-435 was extremely easy to ignite and operate. Thanks to the electronic ignition system, the grill fired up quickly every time. The control knobs felt intuitive, making it easy to adjust temperatures on the fly depending on what I was grilling.
One of my favorite aspects of this grill is the attention Weber has given to making the cooking experience as user-friendly as possible. Storage space is ample, with a spacious enclosed cabinet beneath the grill and large side tables. This was incredibly helpful during my grilling sessions, as I could keep all my tools, sauces, and even extra plates close by. The grill also has tool hooks conveniently attached to the side, meaning I never had to scramble to find the spatula or tongs in the middle of cooking.
Grill Grates and Cooking Space
The Weber Genesis S-435 offers a large cooking area, which was especially helpful when I hosted a family reunion recently. The primary cooking area is 646 square inches, with an additional 198 square inches on the warming rack. This setup gave me more than enough room to grill burgers, chicken breasts, and vegetables simultaneously—a huge time saver when cooking for a large group.
The stainless steel grates offer fantastic heat retention and distribution. I found that they were perfect for creating those beautiful, well-defined grill marks on steaks and other meats. Another plus is the fact that cleanup was a breeze; the grates’ stainless steel surface allows for easy brushing, so I wasn’t spending more time cleaning than I was grilling.
Additional Features
The Weber Genesis S-435 is designed with some thoughtful features that make grilling even more enjoyable. The built-in grease management system is one of these highlights. After cooking a few racks of ribs, I was impressed by how easy it was to clean up. The grease tray slides out effortlessly, and removing the grease catch pan is straightforward, making the overall maintenance of the grill much simpler.
The warming rack was another feature I came to appreciate. It’s ideal for keeping food warm while I finish up the last few items, or even for toasting buns without using up precious space on the main grill. These small but valuable additions make the Weber Genesis S-435 stand out in the crowd of outdoor grills.
Temperature Control and Heat Retention
Temperature control is key to producing perfectly grilled meals, and the Weber Genesis S-435 excels in this department. Each of the four burners can be adjusted individually, allowing me to create different heat zones across the grill surface. This came in particularly handy when cooking a mix of items, such as vegetables that required lower heat alongside thick cuts of meat needing a high-temperature sear.
The lid of the grill is also designed to retain heat effectively, even during less-than-ideal weather conditions. I’ve used the grill in windy and cool weather without any issues. It retained a consistent temperature, ensuring even cooking across the entire surface. This level of heat retention is also helpful when slow-cooking larger cuts of meat like briskets or ribs, which require steady temperatures for extended periods.
Versatility and Cooking Experience
I found the Weber Genesis S-435 to be a highly versatile grill. It was equally adept at grilling delicate foods like fish fillets as it was at handling pizzas, steaks, and chicken. The different burners allowed me to create multiple heat zones, which gave me the flexibility to multitask. I could sear steaks, toast buns, and grill vegetables simultaneously, and everything turned out perfectly cooked.
The sear station adds a lot of versatility, allowing me to go from slow cooking to an instant sear without moving the food around too much. The ability to control heat in this way made the grilling experience much more enjoyable and ensured that my food was consistently cooked to perfection.
Durability and Long-Term Use
After several months of regular use, I can say that the Weber Genesis S-435 stands up to the test of time. The stainless steel finish not only looks great but has proven to be highly resilient against the elements. I’ve left the grill uncovered during heavy rain and scorching summer days, and it continues to perform as well as the first time I used it.
The burners, cooking grates, and other components have shown minimal signs of wear, and the build quality feels as robust now as it did when I first assembled it. I see this grill as a long-term investment, one that’s going to last me for many more seasons of backyard barbecues and family cookouts.
What Could Be Improved
While the Weber Genesis S-435 impressed me on nearly every front, there are a couple of areas where I think there is room for improvement. First, the price point is on the higher side. This might deter more casual grillers who may not see the value if they only grill occasionally. However, for anyone who loves grilling as much as I do and regularly cooks for large groups, it’s definitely worth the investment.
Another minor point is the absence of a rotisserie kit. Given the premium price, including a rotisserie kit would have been a welcome addition. Though the grill is compatible with a rotisserie, having it included would have made this a more complete package.
Product Review Conclusion
The Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel is an excellent choice for anyone serious about outdoor grilling. With a robust, well-built design, ample cooking power, and practical features that enhance the overall grilling experience, it lives up to the reputation Weber has earned over the years. Whether you're cooking for a small family or hosting a large party, this grill's large cooking area, intuitive controls, and versatile features make grilling an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Although the price is on the higher side, the durability and premium construction make it a worthwhile investment for anyone passionate about grilling. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line natural gas grill that can meet all your outdoor cooking needs, the Weber Genesis S-435 is well worth considering.
FAQs for Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill
Q: What are the dimensions of the Weber Genesis S-435 grill?
A: The grill measures 62 inches in width, 32 inches in depth, and 47 inches in height with the lid closed.
Q: How many burners does the Weber Genesis S-435 have?
A: It features four main burners with a total cooking area of 646 square inches.
Q: What type of fuel does the Weber Genesis S-435 use?
A: This grill uses natural gas.
Q: Does the grill come with a warranty?
A: Yes, the grill includes a limited warranty, covering burners for 10 years and other parts for 5 years.
Q: Is the Weber Genesis S-435 easy to assemble?
A: Assembly is straightforward, typically taking 1-2 hours, with clear instructions provided.
Q: What are the key features of the Weber Genesis S-435?
A: Key features include stainless steel cooking grates, a side burner, a sear station, and a grease management system.
Q: How does heat distribution work on this grill?
A: The four burners ensure even heat distribution, with Flavorizer bars minimizing flare-ups.
Q: Can the Weber Genesis S-435 be converted to propane?
A: No, this model is designed for natural gas and cannot be converted to propane.
Q: What is the weight of the Weber Genesis S-435?
A: The grill weighs approximately 200 pounds.
Q: Is there storage space available in this grill?
A: Yes, it features a storage cabinet beneath the grill for tools and accessories.