A Detailed Look at the Weber Genesis II LX Grill

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Rating: 4/10

After setting up the new Weber Genesis II LX grill on my rooftop, I invited my friend Ted over for a casual evening with some beers and freshly grilled burgers. Knowing Weber's reputation for durable and well-crafted propane grills, I had high hopes for this latest model to elevate our weekend grilling sessions.

Ted enthusiastically accepted the invite, bringing beer along like a perfect guest. We toasted buns and grilled thick patties for burgers that turned out delightful for a weekday meal. However, after extensive testing, the grill revealed significant limitations—it might have the build of a tank but lacks substantial power.

The Genesis II is part of Weber's renowned three-burner line. It boasts innovations you'd expect from Weber, like the new 'grease management system,' aiming to streamline cleaning by directing grease into a disposable drip pan. It's a welcome feature for those familiar with cumbersome grease pans or accidental flare-ups.

I had the opportunity to test a grill from the LX series, featuring slightly more power and additional enhancements. This model includes a stainless-steel grate, a storage cabinet, and a handle-mounted light for nighttime grilling. Although such features can be found elsewhere or added separately, their integration into the grill adds convenience.

Tech Bells and Whistles

Some features felt less essential, like the LED-lit dials that seemed unnecessary when the activation button jammed. The grill also includes an LED to indicate propane levels, situated right next to the manual gauge offering the same information, rendering the former redundant.

The grill is 'iGrill 3 Ready,’ meaning you can attach a remote thermometer capable of sending temperature data to a smartphone app. While tech-savvy, this feature lacks a direct readout on the unit and relies solely on the app, which can be inconvenient when cooking.

Performance in Indirect Cooking

Testing a grill's true ability often involves setting up for indirect grilling, requiring reliable temperature control. Ideally, the grill should maintain both a searing zone and a lower-temperature zone for cooking without burning. I aimed for stable temperatures of 225°F and 325°F, despite 40-degree weather and a 14 mph wind.

I experimented with the three-burner model, deciding between using one or two burners for heat. Trying to stabilize 225°F on the unlit side proved challenging as the temperature was erratic. Even with adjustments, I couldn't get consistent results.

Searing Performance

Achieving a perfect sear further tested this grill. I preheated it at High+ for 15 minutes, prepared a ribeye, and grilled it. The result was decent caramelization but not remarkable. The burners are positioned too far from the grill surface for intense searing, a task better suited for a stovetop cast-iron pan.

Despite the solid build and impressive warranty, the Genesis II LX falls short in providing the high power and precise temperature control needed for serious grilling. Considering its hefty $1,400 price tag, better options might be available for grill enthusiasts seeking more robust performance.