Weber Genesis S-435 Natural Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, 4 Burners and 1 Side Burner, Stainless Steel

First impressions and build

The first time I lit the Genesis S-435, the lid thermometer swept past 700°F during the initial burn-off, and the cooking grates glowed with that unmistakable “ready to work” heat. This is a big, stainless, natural-gas grill built to live outdoors and get used hard. Panels align well, doors sit square with a little adjustment, and the control knobs have a solid, damped feel. The overall impression is one of density and purpose: thick grates, a substantial lid, and a cabinet that swallows larger tools without a fuss.

Weber’s four high-performance main burners are the backbone here. In practice, they produce an even, controllable flame pattern across the entire grate, with the dedicated sear zone adding a concentrated blast when you want it. The stainless exterior resists weather well, but like any brushed stainless, it shows fingerprints and needs a quick wipe to keep it looking sharp.

Assembly and setup

Unboxing is organized, with clearly labeled hardware and modules. I built it solo in about two hours, taking my time; the one step that really benefits from a second set of hands is lifting the cookbox and cabinet into place. This is not a featherweight cart grill—plan your assembly area and final location up front.

A note on fuel: this model is natural gas only. Make sure you’ve got a properly installed NG line to the patio and the correct fittings before you begin. Once connected, the ignition is reliable and repeatable. Each burner uses its own igniter, so you’ll press to start each bank individually—simple, but different from older crossover designs.

Burner performance and temperature range

Heat dispersion is excellent. With the primary burners set to medium, I measured remarkably consistent surface temps from edge to edge, and flare-ups were rare even under fatty cuts. For steak nights, the sear zone earns its keep: preheat for 15 minutes, fire the sear burner with the adjacent main burner, and you can mark multiple ribeyes at once without shuffling to find a “hot spot.”

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Genesis runs low and steady. With two burners on low, I held gentle heat for ribs and wings without scorching sauces during the finishing stage—a trick some gas grills struggle with. If you prefer to cook with the lid open, know that any gas grill will shed a lot of heat in open air; you’ll get the best results by preheating thoroughly, using the sear zone, and keeping the lid closed for most of the cook.

Capacity and the two-tier system

The second-level grate is more than a warming rack. It expands useful space for indirect cooking, toasting buns, or finishing veg while proteins rest on the lower grates. For crowd cooking, I’ve used the top tier for corn and bread while searing steaks below, and the timing is easier because everything lives under one lid. The sear zone’s extra output also means you don’t have to choose between capacity and crust—you can sear in one zone while maintaining gentler heat across the rest of the grate.

Side burner and outdoor workflow

The side burner turns the grill station into a small outdoor kitchen. Sautés, reductions, or a pot of beans can bubble away without ceding space on the main grates. It’s particularly handy for sauce work when you want to keep smells and splatter outside. Like most side burners, it’s somewhat wind-sensitive; if your patio is breezy, a simple windbreak (or positioning the grill with the burner leeward) improves flame stability.

The extra-large side table is a win for workflow. Two half-sheet pans or a cutting board and tray fit side by side, which means fewer trips back inside. Hooks and the built-in locker keep tools and larger grillware organized and within reach. The locker is tall enough to store griddle plates and rotisserie kits that don’t fit in a standard drawer.

Weber Crafted system: worth it?

This model includes the frame and grates that accept the brand’s custom-fit grillware. If you cook beyond basic burgers and steaks, the system is a real value-add. I’ve used a griddle plate for smash burgers and fajitas, a pizza stone for high-heat bakes, and a wok for weeknight stir-fries. The fit is secure, heat transfer is consistent, and swapping back to standard grates takes just a minute. The caveat: the accessories are sold separately, and costs can add up. Choose pieces you’ll use weekly rather than building the whole catalog.

Grease management and cleaning

Cleaning is where the Genesis shows smart incremental improvements. The grease tray pulls out from the front, has enough surface area to catch real cooking messes, and scrapes clean quickly. The angled internal design channels drippings reliably, so I spend less time fishing for clogs or pulling the firebox apart.

One practical tip: when you brush the grates, debris can tumble forward onto the stainless control panel. Wipe that area after each cook; letting carbonized bits linger can lead to tea-staining over time. The grates themselves season nicely and hold heat well. A quick brush while hot and an occasional deep clean keep them in top shape.

Day-to-day use

• Lighting: Instant and predictable. Individual igniters mean targeted starts.
• Control: Fine adjustments hold steady. It’s easy to hit a target temp.
• Evenness: Minimal hot/cold zones. Searing is consistent across the usable area.
• Low heat: Excellent for indirect and finishing sauced items.
• High heat: Fast preheat and a strong sear zone for crust development.
• Storage and prep: Thoughtful layout; the big table genuinely changes how you stage a meal.

Quirks and limitations

• No crossover: You ignite each burner rather than “chaining” from one. Not a deal-breaker, but different if you’re used to older designs.
• Stainless care: It stays handsome with regular wiping; ignore it and fingerprints and minor discoloration accumulate.
• Side burner in wind: Shield it for best results on breezy days.
• Open-lid cooking: Like any gas grill, it loses heat quickly with the lid up. Plan cooks lid-down except for specific searing or flipping moments.
• Weight and footprint: It’s heavy and occupies real patio space; measure before you buy and build it near its final home.

Natural gas realities

Cooking on natural gas is wonderfully convenient—no tank swaps, ever—and costs less per BTU in most areas. But it does tie the grill to a fixed spot, and you’ll want a properly installed line with a shutoff valve close to the grill. If you’re converting from propane habits, you might notice slightly different flame characteristics; in use, the Genesis’s burner design more than compensates, providing the top-end heat and responsiveness you expect for searing, baking, and roasting.

Who it’s for

The Genesis S-435 suits cooks who want a versatile, high-capacity gas grill that handles both everyday dinners and larger gatherings without drama. If you like to expand your repertoire—pizza, stir-fries, griddle dishes—the Crafted accessory ecosystem makes the grill feel more like a modular outdoor range. If your heart belongs to charcoal’s smoke and ember-driven experience, this won’t replicate that flavor out of the box; you can add smoke with packets or boxes, but it’s still a gas grill at its core.

Final recommendation

I recommend the Genesis S-435 for anyone with natural gas service who values even heat, strong searing, and a well-thought-out cooking workflow. It’s sturdy, genuinely spacious, and easy to live with day to day. The sear zone and two-tier grate expand capacity without juggling, the side burner and big table streamline outdoor prep, and the grease management system reduces cleanup friction. The price is on the higher side and accessories add up, but the combination of build quality, heat performance, and expandability makes it a solid long-term anchor for an outdoor kitchen. Keep the stainless wiped, shield the side burner on windy days, and you’ll have a reliable, capable cooker that rewards frequent use.