Weber Genesis S-335 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, 3 Burners and 1 Side Burner, Stainless Steel

Why I switched to the Genesis S-335

After years of making do with mid-tier gas grills, I moved to the Genesis S-335 to get more consistent heat, a reliable sear, and better grease management. After several weeks of weeknight dinners and a couple of big weekend cooks, I can say this is a thoughtfully engineered, high-output grill with real cooking advantages—along with a few quirks to learn and a price that demands long-term value.

Setup and first impressions

Assembly is straightforward but not trivial. With two people, it’s a manageable afternoon project, and the parts are well-labeled. The instructions are clear enough, though the ignition wiring took a moment of patience. The payoff is immediate: the cabinet is square and rigid, doors align cleanly, the lid feels substantial, and the stainless steel grates sit flat and tight.

The design is function-forward. The right shelf houses a side burner; the left keeps prep space clear. Inside the cabinet you’ll find a useful storage locker with a swing-out rack that actually fits large grillware. Hooks inside and outside the cabinet keep grates, tools, and WEBER CRAFTED accessories tidy when you swap them in and out.

One note: the propane tank hangs on a hook mount rather than a visible weight gauge. It’s secure and easy to change, but I do miss having an at-a-glance indicator.

Build quality and materials

The Genesis feels like a grill meant to live outdoors. Stainless on the lid and control panel resists fingerprints and the grates are true stainless, not coated steel, which matters for longevity and thermal behavior. The FLAVORIZER bars are thick enough to take heat without warping and do their job of vaporizing drippings and protecting the burners. The cabinet, shelves, and hardware are sturdy, with smooth casters that lock confidently.

There are a few plastic bits in non-critical places (trim, control bezels), which keep weight down but are worth protecting from prolonged high heat and direct sun. With a cover, I expect this setup to hold up to wet climates.

Burners and heat profile

This is a hot grill. The PureBlu tapered burners produce a strong, consistent flame across the grates and bring the cookbox to searing temperatures quickly. The raised burner ports do seem to resist clogging; after greasy cooks, the flame remained even end-to-end. Preheating is fast enough that I can get from cold to steak-ready in the time it takes to season and prep.

The extra-large sear zone works as advertised. Lighting the dedicated sear control with the center burner produces the kind of intense conductive and radiant heat that lays down a crisp crust without overcooking the interior. I can sear multiple steaks at once and still have space to stage vegetables or warm buns on the cooler side.

Like any gas grill, there are heat gradients. On the Genesis, they’re predictably arranged: sear zone to the right runs hottest; the left rear tends to be my “gentle” spot for resting meat or finishing delicate fish. Once you learn the map, it’s easy to place food where it belongs. For low-and-slow, two burners at low with the third off holds a steady indirect environment without constant fiddling.

The side burner is powerful. It’s excellent for boiling corn, reducing sauces, or sautéing onions, but it runs hot even on low. Use a heavier pan or a heat diffuser if you need gentle simmering.

A cautionary note: the right side shelf gets very warm when the sear zone is ripping. Keep plastic utensils, squeeze bottles, and thermometers off that shelf during high-heat cooks.

Cooking results

• Steaks and chops: The S-335 produces excellent sear. With the sear zone, I get deep browning in short order and can finish indirectly to target temp. Grill marks are easy with the stainless grates, but more importantly, crust development is consistent across the center two-thirds of the cook area.
• Burgers and brats: Even with a full grate, flare-ups are minimal thanks to the FLAVORIZER bars and consistent burner output. The grill recovers quickly after lid openings, so flipping a dozen patties doesn’t cost you heat.
• Poultry: Running two burners low and using the third as a finishing tool yields juicy chicken with crisped skin. The grease management system keeps the cookbox tidy even with fatty dark meat.
• Veg and sides: With the side burner occupied, the main grate still has plenty of real estate for skewers or a basket. The stainless grates don’t cling to zucchini and peppers, and they clean up well after.
• Griddle and accessories: Swapping in a WEBER CRAFTED griddle (sold separately) turned the Genesis into a breakfast station—hash browns, smash burgers, and fajitas cooked evenly with good edge-to-edge heat. The accessory ecosystem is a genuine advantage here; the frame system locks pieces securely, and the storage locker means I actually use them.

Grease management and cleanup

Cleaning is where the Genesis makes your life easier. The pull-out grease tray and removable catch pan slide out from the front without wrestling. The entire floor under the burners is accessible, so scraping and wiping after a big cook is realistic, not a chore you avoid. Because the burners sit above the FLAVORIZER bars, they stay cleaner, and I haven’t had a single clogged port.

The stainless grates respond well to a hot brush-down and an occasional scrub with a ball of foil. After repeated high-heat sessions, they haven’t discolored unevenly or warped.

Control and consistency

The control knobs have a smooth, progressive feel and the ignition is reliable. Temperature stability is a strong suit; once set, the grill holds steady through wind and lid openings better than most consumer gas grills I’ve used. There are modest hot and cool zones, but no unpredictable “dead spots.” If you’re transitioning from a lower-powered grill, expect a short learning curve to avoid overcooking—the low setting here is still quite capable.

What I’d change

• Include a tank scale. A simple weight-based indicator would eliminate the guesswork without adding complexity.
• Tame the side burner’s low end. A slightly finer valve or diffuser would make it more versatile for delicate sauces.
• Heat bleed to the right shelf. A small heat shield or a printed warning would help users avoid melty mishaps near the sear zone.
• Assembly aids. The digital instructions are helpful, but clearer guidance around the ignition wiring would save a few minutes.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing before you buy.

Durability and care

With stainless construction, quality grates, and covered burners, the Genesis is built for long service. Keep it covered, clean the grease tray regularly, and brush the grates while hot; do that and you’re looking at a grill that should outlast cheaper alternatives by years. In wet climates, the cabinet and casters hold up fine so long as you avoid pooling water and keep the cover in play.

Who it’s for

• Frequent grillers who value quick preheat, high-output searing, and stable low-and-slow control.
• Cooks who want a flexible platform: griddle, pizza stone, sear grate, and Dutch oven options expand what you can do outdoors.
• Anyone tired of fighting flare-ups, clogged burners, or awkward cleanup systems.

It’s less ideal if you only grill occasionally, are constrained by a tight budget, or want a super-compact footprint. This is a premium, full-size grill designed to be used often.

Recommendation

I recommend the Genesis S-335. It earns its spot on the patio with fast, even heat; a genuinely effective sear zone; excellent grease management; and a build that feels ready for years of service. The accessory ecosystem and thoughtful storage elevate its day-to-day usability. You do pay a premium, and you’ll need to respect its heat (especially on the right side and on the side burner), but the cooking experience and long-term value justify the investment for serious home grillers. If you want a reliable, hot-running, low-maintenance gas grill that can handle everything from weeknight meals to big gatherings, this one delivers.