Review: Weber Genesis E‑315 Natural Gas BBQ turned me into a backyard masterchef

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BBQ season is in full swing, and I’m nowhere near ready for it to end. If you’re like me, BBQ season continues well into the winter and is generally a year-round activity, barring a few extra rainy west coast evenings. 

There are many great BBQs out there, designed for specific needs and preferences. For my family, natural gas power, value for money and long-term quality guarantees are all important factors. The Weber Genesis E‑315 Natural Gas BBQ ticks a lot of our boxes so I decided to put it to the grill test. Safe to say, my backyard chef skills have notched up.

What: Weber Genesis E‑315 Natural Gas BBQ
Price: $1,050
Where to buy: Home Depot | Weber | Amazon

 Weber Genesis E‑315 Natural Gas BBQ specs and features

• Fuel type: Natural gas – dedicated hookup required (or propane version available here)
• Burners: Three stainless steel main burners, 39,000 BTU total output
• Cooking area: 513 square inch primary and 156 square inch warming rack
• Grates: Porcelain‑enamelled cast iron for even heat and easy cleaning
• Ignition: Infinity electronic ignition system (press a button and voila)
• Build: Stainless steel body with enclosed storage cabinet
• Side shelves: Two stainless steel shelves with six integrated tool hooks
• Temperature gauge: Lid‑mounted for quick heat checks
• Grease management: Built‑in system for easier cleanup
• Smart tech ready: Compatible with Weber’s iGrill 3 thermometer (sold separately)
• Warranty: 10 years on most parts

Setup of the Weber Genesis E‑315 Natural Gas BBQ

Assembly isn’t easy — you’ll want a couple of hours, a good wrench and a friend to help hold panels in place. Better yet – get someone else to do it. I was lucky enough to have the help of my partner who in all honesty, did most of the work. 

The instructions are clear, but there are a lot of parts, so patience is key. Take your time and don’t rush it – in the words of my partner, “give me space.” Our relationship was tested, but we survived. Once it’s together, it feels solid and the lid has a very satisfying weight when you open and close it.

Favourite features: Heat distribution, cooking space, grease management, natural gas

Even heat distribution: Our old BBQ had a bunch of extra hot spots, which meant we were constantly shifting food around so it would cook evenly. No need to do the food shuffle with this one.

Large cooking space: Enough room for a family feast or a small party without feeling too cramped. It fits about two pizzas and some extras, or around 18 burgers with room on the top rack.

Grease management system: There’s a pull-out grease tray located under the cook box, which makes post‑BBQ cleanup less of a chore.

Natural gas convenience: Gone are the days of running out of propane tanks right before you’re hosting a dinner. If you have the ability to hook up to natural gas — DO IT! If not, the propane version of the BBQ is available and (apparently) just as good, minus the convenience of natural gas.

Areas for improvement: No side burner, weak storage cabinet, assembly

No side burner: Many Weber models come with a side burner, but this one doesn’t. If you like doing sauces or sides on the grill, you might miss having the option.

Weak storage cabinet: In researching the grill before deciding it was the right one for us, I noticed a few comments saying the storage cabinet below the grill can dent more easily than you’d expect for the price. Ours is in great condition, but the doors do seem a little weak compared to the rest of the machine, so I could see how denting could happen.

Assembly: It could be a bit faster if Weber pre‑assembled more components, but not a deal breaker by any means.

Tips for getting the most out of your Weber Genesis E‑315

I learned a few things from testing this grill – I barbequed more this summer than I have in the rest of my years combined. Below are my pro tips.

• Preheat: Give this grill a good 10-15 minutes on high with the lid closed before cooking. The porcelain-enamelled grates hold heat well, giving that perfect sear.
• Zone cooking: Use one burner on low (or off) and the others on medium/high to create a two‑zone setup. Great for searing steaks while keeping veggies warm without burning them.
• Keep it clean: When you finish cooking, crank the heat up for five minutes to burn off residue, then brush the grates while they’re still warm. A must according to my partner. Remove and clean the built‑in grease management system even if you don’t feel like it, to avoid a really gross situation later.
• Use the warming rack: Great for buns, but also key for delicate foods like fish and some veggies.
• Don’t overload the grates: Just like cooking in a pan, leave space between your food so heat can circulate.

Who should buy the Weber Genesis E‑315 Natural Gas BBQ

If you’re the type who grills year‑round like me, loves having consistent heat and wants a grill that’ll last a decade or more (with the proper care), the Genesis E‑315 is a great investment. It’s ideal for families, people who like to entertain and those who have a natural gas hookup and want to avoid propane tanks. If you’re a casual griller who only barbeques twice a summer, it might be more grill than you actually need — for everyone else it’s a winner.

What: Weber Genesis E‑315 Natural Gas BBQ
Price: $1,050
Where to buy: Home Depot | Weber | Amazon

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