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, I was excited to try the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill in stainless steel. This model has a reputation for being a top-tier performer, particularly for those who regularly grill for large groups. From the moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by its sleek, professional look, with the stainless steel finish giving it a polished, high-end appearance. However, it wasn’t just the aesthetics that caught my attention—the grill felt incredibly sturdy and well-constructed, giving me confidence that it was built to last.
Setting Up the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill
Setting up the Weber Genesis S-435 was easier than I expected, especially given its size and features. Having assembled various grills over the years, I found the process straightforward, thanks to clear instructions and well-organized parts. It took about 1-2 hours to fully assemble, and while it’s a large grill, having an extra set of hands made the job much easier. Once assembled, the grill felt robust, with no wobbling or weak points. It’s clear that Weber focused on making this grill not only visually appealing but also durable and reliable.
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of the Weber Genesis S-435 are nothing short of impressive. The premium stainless steel construction ensures longevity and gives the grill a modern, polished look that fits perfectly in any outdoor kitchen setup. One of the biggest draws for me was the large cooking area, which is ideal for those who love grilling for a crowd. This grill is perfect for hosting gatherings where you need to cook multiple items at once.
The four high-performance burners ensure even heat distribution across the cooking surface, eliminating the dreaded hot spots that can ruin a meal. The stainless steel exterior is also resistant to rust and weather conditions, making this grill a reliable companion even after repeated outdoor use.
Cooking Power and Performance of the Weber Genesis S-435
The Weber Genesis S-435 packs a lot of cooking power, boasting a 48,000 BTU output from its four main burners. This allows the grill to heat up quickly and maintain high temperatures, making it perfect for searing, roasting, and everything in between. One of my favorite features is the 9,000 BTU sear station burner, which delivers perfect, restaurant-quality sear marks on steaks and other meats.
In addition to the powerful main burners, the grill also comes with a 12,000 BTU side burner. I found this feature incredibly useful for simmering sauces or sautéing vegetables while grilling. It’s a great way to prepare a complete meal outdoors without having to run back and forth to the kitchen.
Ease of Use and Convenience
Weber clearly designed the Genesis S-435 with user convenience in mind. Once assembled, the electronic ignition made firing up the grill quick and easy. The controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing me to adjust the heat with precision, whether I needed a quick sear or a slow roast.
Another convenient feature is the ample storage space. The grill comes with large side tables and a spacious enclosed cabinet that I used to store grilling tools and accessories. Having everything within easy reach made the grilling process more efficient and enjoyable.
Grill Grates and Cooking Space of the Weber Genesis S-435
The Weber Genesis S-435 offers an impressive amount of cooking space, making it perfect for grilling large meals. The primary cooking area measures 646 square inches, and there’s an additional 198 square inches available on the warming rack. This large surface area allowed me to cook for a crowd without running out of room—a huge plus when hosting bigger events.
The stainless steel cooking grates are another highlight. They provide excellent heat retention, ensuring that food cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks. Cleanup was a breeze, too—after grilling, a simple brush down was all it took to keep the grates in great condition for the next use.
Additional Features of the Weber Genesis S-435
One of the most useful features of the Weber Genesis S-435 is its built-in grease management system. Cleaning up after a grilling session is often the least enjoyable part, but this system made it much easier. The grease tray is easy to access and remove, making post-cook cleanup quick and efficient.
Another handy feature is the tool hooks attached to the side of the grill. I loved having a place to hang my tongs, spatula, and other utensils, keeping my grilling station organized and clutter-free.
Temperature Control and Heat Retention
Temperature control is key to good grilling, and the Weber Genesis S-435 excels in this area. The four burners offer precise heat control, allowing me to grill everything from delicate vegetables to thick cuts of meat with confidence. The grill maintained consistent temperatures across the entire cooking surface, which was particularly useful for slow-cooking ribs and briskets.
The high-quality lid also contributes to excellent heat retention. Even when grilling on cooler or windy days, the grill held heat effectively, ensuring that food cooked evenly without temperature fluctuations.
Versatility and Cooking Experience
The versatility of the Weber Genesis S-435 was one of my favorite aspects of this grill. Whether I was grilling delicate fish, searing steaks, or even making pizzas, the grill handled everything flawlessly. The different heat zones allowed me to cook a variety of items simultaneously, making it easy to grill vegetables, toast buns, and cook meat at the same time.
The warming rack was another useful feature. It kept cooked food warm while I finished grilling other items, and it was great for toasting buns without using up space on the main grilling surface.
Durability and Long-Term Use
After months of use, it’s clear that the Weber Genesis S-435 is built for long-term performance. The stainless steel construction has held up well, even after being exposed to rain and sun without a cover. The burners, grates, and other components show little wear, proving that this grill is made to last.
Weber’s attention to detail in terms of durability is evident, and the 10-year warranty provides extra peace of mind that this is a grill I’ll be using for years to come.
What Could Be Improved
While the Weber Genesis S-435 has impressed me in many ways, there are a couple of areas where there’s room for improvement. First, the price is on the higher side, which may not make it the best choice for occasional grillers. However, for those who grill frequently and want a high-quality experience, it’s worth the investment.
Another minor drawback is that the grill doesn’t come with a rotisserie kit. While the grill is rotisserie-compatible, it would have been a nice addition given the price point. That said, the grill’s overall performance makes up for these small issues.
Conclusion
The Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel is an outstanding choice for serious grillers who want a premium, reliable outdoor cooking station. With high-quality construction, powerful burners, and thoughtful features like the sear station and grease management system, this grill delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re hosting a large party or just grilling for the family, the ample cooking space and precise temperature control make every meal a success.
Though it comes with a higher price tag, the durability and performance of the Weber Genesis S-435 make it a worthy investment for those who take their grilling seriously. If you’re in the market for a top-tier natural gas grill, this model should be at the top of your list.
FAQs for Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill
Q1: 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.
Q2: 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.
Q3: What type of fuel does the Weber Genesis S-435 use?
A: This grill uses natural gas.
Q4: 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.
Q5: Is the Weber Genesis S-435 easy to assemble?
A: Assembly is straightforward, typically taking 1-2 hours, with clear instructions provided.
Q6: 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.
Q7: How does heat distribution work on this grill?
A: The four burners ensure even heat distribution, with Flavorizer bars minimizing flare-ups.
Q8: 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.
Q9: What is the weight of the Weber Genesis S-435?
A: The grill weighs approximately 200 pounds.
Q10: Is there storage space available in this grill?
A: Yes, it features a storage cabinet beneath the grill for tools and accessories.