Weber Spirit 310 vs. 315 Comparison Review
Weber Spirit 310 vs. 315, what’s the best gas grill to invest in this year? The two are superb gas grills that can bring out the best from an average grillard.
There’s no doubt Weber is one of the best gas grill brands. The company is known for high-quality grills that offer excellent reliability and durability. Two of their most popular grills are Weber Spirit II E-310 and Weber Spirit S-315.
Both are gas grills with variants that work with either propane gas or natural gas. They are 3 burner grills and tag along with plenty of convenience features. However, there are profound differences that should inform your purchase decision.
The difference between Weber Spirit 310 and 315 is the design, BTU-per-hour input, and features. The Spirit II E310 has an open cabinet model with some excellent features, including a GS4 Grilling System and iGrill 3 compatibility. On the other hand, the Spirit II S315 is well-packed, too, with 3 grills and a closed cabinet design.
For more regarding how they compare, read along.
Weber Spirit II E310
The Weber Spirit II E310 is part of the Weber 310 lineup, released in 2018. For the record, this is the 2nd Gen model. Remember, there’s also the Weber Spirit I E310. Below are the pros and cons of the Spirit II E310.
- Available in natural gas or propane variants
- 3-burner design with the GS4 Grilling System
- Open cabinet design for easy access to accessories and propane tank
- Features Weber iGrill 3, which allows you to monitor the doneness of meals precisely
- Spirit II E310 has lower BTU input compared to Spirit II S315
Weber Spirit II S315
The Weber Spirit II S315 also came out in 2018 and has quickly become a bestseller. It is also a 2nd Gen Spirit model with several upgrades that the Spirit I S315 lacks. Below are the pros and cons of the Spirit II S315.
- Available in natural gas or propane variants
- It offers higher BTU-per-hour input than the Spirit II E310
- It comes with a 4-caster wheel design for enhanced mobility
- Closed design to keep accessories and store propane tank safely
- It is not compatible with iGrill 3 System
Weber Spirit 310 vs. 315 Face-to-Face Comparison
There are many variants of the Spirit 310 and 315 Series. We have the Gen I and II variants alongside the E and S series in each lineup. For this review, we have put two of their best-selling models in an 8-round comparison. These are Weber Spirit II E310 and Weber Spirit II S315.
1. Design, Dimensions, and Weight
How much space do you have for your next grill? What type of grill do you want? What are the dimensions and weight? These are crucial questions to ask before committing to any grill. Definitely, you want a grill that suits your grilling needs and, importantly, one that can easily fit in tight spaces. So, how does Spirit 310 compare to Spirit 315?
The Weber Spirit II E310 is a free-standing grill with a compact design compared to the likes of Weber Genesis. Its dimensions are 57 “H x 52 “W x 26 “D when the lid is open and 44.5 “H x 52 “W x 27 “D when the lid is closed.
As for the weight, the Spirit II E310 is 114 pounds minus the propane tank. The design is pretty attractive, with an open cabinet design that allows you to easily access your grilling tools and change the propane gas tank, especially if you are working in a tight space. We also like the black and silver finish.
The Spirit II S315 is also a compact, free-standing gas grill, smaller than its Genesis counterparts. The dimensions are 63″ H x 49.5″ W x 32″ D when the lid is open and 45.5″ H x 49.5″ W x 24″ D when the lid is closed. As for the weight, the S315 is slightly heavier at 125 pounds without the propane gas tank.
The design is equally appealing, just like the E310, and is complemented by a black and silver finish. Unlike the Spirit E310, the Spirit S315 has a closed cabinet design that allows you to securely store your grilling tools and keep the propane gas safe.
2. Build Quality
The second important consideration is the build quality. The market has some quite sturdy grills, while others have poor craftsmanship. The build quality of a grill is fundamental, with an emphasis on grills made from stainless steel. The advantage of stainless steel is that it can take any abuse. You should also consider the materials used on the handles and knobs. So, how do the two grills compare here?
As with Weber’s tradition, the Spirit II 310 boasts a robust and sturdy design. Much of the grill has been crafted using high-grade stainless steel that guarantees durability. Stainless steel is solid enough to take the heat and remain intact in all weather.
So even if you leave it outside in the rain, you don’t have to worry about rust. The knobs, on the other hand, have been made from premium materials for that premium feel when adjusting the temperature.
Weber Spirit II S315 is similar as it also boasts excellent build quality courtesy of high-grade materials. This grill has been built primarily from stainless steel, a robust material that can withstand harsh conditions and retain heat for efficiency.
Here again, you don’t have to worry about rust even if you leave the grill outside in wet weather. The knobs, too, have that premium feel, and so is the lid handle.
3. Assembly and Usability
Like other brands, Weber grills are shipped in parts. This means you have to assemble the grill before use. The assembly of grills varies from one model to another. Definitely, you want a grill that is easy to assemble. Besides assembly, it’s vital to assess the usability of the grill. Here the aim is to go for a grill with better mobility and user-friendly controls. So what’s the best choice in this round?
The Weber Spirit II 310 is shipped in parts. But don’t worry, as the assembly is pretty easy and should take an average of 30 minutes if you have an extra hand. What’s vital during assembly is identifying the different parts and finding out from the 3D interactive assembly instructions where they should go. After assembly, preheat the unit before your first grilling session.
When it comes to mobility, the E310 has 2 caster wheels that can pass through any terrain, from the smooth surface on your patio to rugged backyard terrain. There are 2 caster locks that allow you to lock the grill into a stationary position with the help of the two legs. Pushing it from one point to another is effortless. Controls are pretty straightforward, courtesy of the knobs, fuel gauge, and thermometers.
You should also think of the Spirit S315’s assembly now that it is also shipped in parts. The assembly procedure is not different from that of the Spirit II E310. As long as you know what each part is for, it should take around 30 minutes to set it up. The S315 also comes with 3D interactive assembly instructions for easy assembly. For the record, you need to preheat the grill and scrub the grates before your first grilling session.
When it comes to mobility, the S315 is the best option as it comes with 4 caster wheels compared to 2 in the E310. There are also 2 heavy-duty front-locking swivel casters that help you keep the grill stationary. Pushing it from one point to another is easier, courtesy of the 4 caster wheels. The Spirit II S315 also boasts user-friendly controls.
4. Heating
Perhaps the essential consideration when choosing a grill is the heating. Here, there are several questions to ask. What is the fuel type, natural gas or propane? What’s the heating input? Are there any extras? Find out which fuel will be most convenient for you. Propane is better if you want mobility, while natural gas is cheaper but limits where you can set up your grill. All said and done, find out the heating input. A model with the highest BTUs is obviously the best.
The Weber Spirit II E310 is available in 2 variants: a propane gas model and a natural gas model. Both options offer excellent grilling with no difference in taste and flavor. However, note propane gas models give you flexibility so you can tag along with your grill on your next camping holiday, but it’s expensive to run it.
Importantly, you have to purchase the 20 pounds propane tank separately. On the other hand, natural gas is cheaper but limits you to where you have natural gas infrastructure. When it comes to heating, the Weber E310 offers up to 30,000 BTUs per hour.
Weber Spirit II S315 is also available in two models. You can opt for the natural gas model, which is cheaper to run, or the propane gas model, which is quite expensive to run.
All the same, the natural gas model limits where you can use the grill to areas with access to natural gas, while with the propane model, you can set up a grill spot anywhere, including your next campsite.
5. Burners and Cooking Area
Besides heating, the number of burners is also a worthy consideration when selecting the best gas grill. How many burners are available? If you have a large squad to feed, go for a model with more burners, but if it’s just you and a few friends, a 2-burner will suffice. And it’s not just about the burners. Check the material of the burner and find out whether each burner is independently controlled.
Weber Spirit E310, just like its predecessor, has 3 stainless steel burners. When it comes to performance, the E310 is excellent as it offers up to 30,000 BTUs per hour. We like this grilling system because the burner heat can be controlled independently, so you can set different cooking conditions.
When it comes to volume, the Spirit E310 has a primary cooking area of 424 inches, a warming rack with an area of 105 square inches, and a total cooking area of 529 inches.
The Spirit II S315 is also a 3-burner gas grill that allows users to regulate the heat on each grill courtesy of the independent flame control valves. The burners have also been made from stainless steel for durability.
The S315, on the other hand, has a primary cooking area of 424 square inches, a 105 square inch warming rack, and a total cooking area of 529 square inches.
6. Grilling System
The grilling system is another crucial aspect to consider when buying a gas grill. First, is Weber’s proprietary GS4 Grilling System featured? This revolutionary grilling system has plenty of features for the ultimate grilling experience. Also, assess the grates and, importantly, their material. You should also carefully scrutinize the cooking volume of the grill. So, which grill wins this round? Is it Spirit II E310 or Spirit II S315?
One of the standout features of the Weber E310 is the GS4 Grilling System. It includes an Infinity Ignition system optimized to ignite for the first time and has a lifecycle of up to 1000 ignitions. Another feature is the flavor bars made from porcelain-enameled cast iron.
These bars spice your food with that savory flavor and direct excess drippings into the grease management system. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are reversible and have varied widths. There are thinner sides for vegetables, seafood, and other small dishes, while the wider side is for steak and ribs.
The E310 is compatible with iGrill 3 System. This system uses app-connected thermometers, which allow you to monitor your cook and notify you on your connected device when the food is ready.
One of the differences between Weber 310 vs. 315 is the grilling system. Unlike the E310, the S315 doesn’t come with the GS4 Grilling System. For ignition, Weber engineered it with Electronic Crossover Ignition, which is just as reliable as the E310’s Infinity Ignition.
The S315 also comes with stainless steel flavor bars that last 1-2 years longer, add a savory taste to your meat, and control the flow of excess drippings into the porcelain enameled grease tray. The grates in the S315 are also reversible and have varied widths to suit different grilling needs. They, too, have been made from porcelain-enameled cast iron grates.
Another difference, the S315 doesn’t come with iGrill 3 compatibility meaning you can’t monitor the doneness of your ribeye steak or chicken from a connected device. Your only option is the thermometer on the lid.
7. Convenience
Modern grills come with several bells and whistles that improve your grilling experience. They are equipped with features such as foldable tables, warming racks, catch pans, fuel gauges for propane gas models, tool hooks, and so on. But not all grills come with these features. So, how does the Spirit E310 compare to the S315?
The Weber Spirit II E310 boas ta a range of convenience features that make your grilling sessions a buzz.
First is the fuel gauge, which comes in handy when using propane gas. It clearly shows you how much gas you have left. This grill also has a grease management system that catches the excess drippings preventing flare-ups.
You also get a folding side table that easily folds down on the left to save space and offer more working space when needed. Also worth mentioning are the integrated hooks for hanging your grilling tools conveniently.
The Spirit II S315 is also well-endowed when it comes to convenience features. The propane gas model also comes with a fuel gauge, so you won’t get caught unawares with half-cooked food.
Unlike the E310, which features a grease management system as part of the GS4 Grilling System, the S315 has been designed with a front access grease tray with a catch pan, so all drippings end up there.
You also get more working space courtesy of two side tables that can also fold to save space. Last is the integrated hooks for hanging your grilling tools and accessories.
8. Warranty & Aftersales
In this last round of this Weber Spirit 310 vs. 315 comparison review, we want to find out about the warranty of the grills and what it covers. Besides the warranty, check out the availability of support and, importantly, replacement parts and supplies.
The Spirit II S315 is not in any way different, as a 10-year warranty also covers it. You are also covered in the event the grill breaks down or wears in an unusual way. As for support, the Spirit II S315 is from the same brand as the E310, so you get the same level of support.
Several accessories are also available for the S315, including the grill cover, grilling tools, and recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Weber Genesis and Spirit?
2. What is the difference between Spirit and Spirit 2 Weber?
3. Are Weber Spirit grills made in China?
4. What is the difference between Weber 310 and 320?
5. How do I know which Weber Spirit I have?
Wrapping Up
That’s the end of this Weber Spirit 310 vs. 315 comparison review. As you have seen, both models have advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for the convenience of the GS4 Grilling System and iGrill 3 Technology, then look no further. Get the Weber Spirit II S315. However, if you are more interested in performance and want a grill with long-lasting grates, the S315 is the best choice. It offers up to 32,000 BTUs and comes with stainless steel flavor bars that offer 1-2 years longer service.
