Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
The Weber Genesis II E-310 and S-310 are the same three-burner gas grill underneath: same burners, same cooking area, same grease management and iGrill 3 compatibility. The difference is the finish. The E-310 uses a porcelain-enameled lid and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates at a lower price, while the S-310 costs more for stainless steel construction and stainless grates.
Quick answer
- Both grills list 37,500 BTU per hour, three burners, 513 sq in of cooking area, a 156 sq in warming rack and a 10-year warranty.
- Choose the E-310 for better value: its porcelain-enameled lid holds heat well and its cast-iron grates resist stuck-on food.
- Choose the S-310 if you want the stainless steel look and are happy to pay more for it.
- Both have an open cart with no doors, are heavy and can take a while to assemble.
Weber Genesis II E-310 vs S-310 at a glance
| Feature | Genesis II E-310 | Genesis II S-310 |
|---|---|---|
| Burners | 3 | 3 |
| Output (listed) | 37,500 BTU/hr | 37,500 BTU/hr |
| Primary cooking area | 513 sq in | 513 sq in |
| Warming rack | 156 sq in, tuck-away | 156 sq in, tuck-away |
| Lid | Porcelain-enameled | Stainless steel |
| Cooking grates | Porcelain-enameled cast iron, reversible | Stainless steel |
| Cart | Open cart | Open cart, stainless |
| iGrill 3 ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
What both grills share
Both models are built around Weber’s GS4 grilling system, which the manufacturer describes as four parts working together:
- Infinity Ignition, designed to light the burners reliably.
- High-performance burners with tapered tubes for consistent gas flow from front to back, so heat is even across the grate.
- Porcelain-enameled Flavorizer bars, angled to catch drippings so they sizzle and smoke, adding flavor while reducing flare-ups.
- A grease management system that funnels drippings away from the burners into a disposable drip tray, so there’s no tray to scrub.
Both also have side tables with integrated tool hooks, an open cart for storing tools and accessories, and a warming rack that folds down out of the way when you need the whole grate.
Both are iGrill 3 ready. The iGrill 3 Bluetooth thermometer mounts to the grill, supports up to four meat probes and shows food temperatures in the iGrill app on your phone; Weber also advertised propane tank level monitoring through the app with a compatible fuel gauge. For other options, see our wireless BBQ thermometer guide.
The two models
Weber Genesis II E-310
The E-310 is the three-burner Genesis II with a porcelain-enameled lid that insulates heat well and reversible porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates. Use the thinner side for delicate foods like shrimp and fish and the wider side for bold sear marks on burgers and steaks. It costs noticeably less than the S-310, which makes it the value pick if appearance isn’t your priority.
Listed specifications
- 37,500 BTU per hour
- 513 square inches of primary cooking area
- 156 square inch tuck-away warming rack
- 3 burners
- 10-year warranty
Pros
- Infinity Ignition and even-heating tapered burners
- Porcelain-enameled Flavorizer bars and grease management to limit flare-ups
- Porcelain-enameled lid and cast-iron grates hold heat and resist sticking
- iGrill 3 ready
- Open cart, side tables and tool hooks
- 10-year warranty
- Lower price than the S-310
Cons
- Open cart has no doors, so stored items are exposed to animals and weather
- Not as eye-catching as the stainless steel model
- Heavy and bulky
- Assembly can be difficult
Weber Genesis II S-310
The S-310 shares the E-310’s GS4 system, burners, cooking area, warming rack and iGrill 3 compatibility. Where it differs is looks and price: it’s stainless steel inside and out, including the lid and cooking grates, for a sleek modern appearance on the patio.
That finish has trade-offs. Stainless grates look good and resist sticking, but may not shrug off baked-on messes as easily as porcelain-enameled cast iron. A stainless lid may also not hold heat quite as well as the E-310’s porcelain-enameled lid.
Listed specifications
- 37,500 BTU per hour
- 513 square inches of primary cooking area
- 156 square inch tuck-away warming rack
- 3 burners
- 10-year warranty
Pros
- Attractive stainless steel construction
- Infinity Ignition and even-heating tapered burners
- Porcelain-enameled Flavorizer bars and grease management
- iGrill 3 ready
- Open cart, side tables and tool hooks
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Costs more than the nearly identical E-310
- Stainless grates may be harder to clean than porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Stainless lid may not hold heat as well as a porcelain-enameled lid
- Open cart has no doors
- Heavy, bulky and can be difficult to assemble
Which should you choose?
- Get the E-310 if you want the best value. You get the same cooking performance, plus a lid and grates that may hold heat and clean up a little better.
- Get the S-310 if a stainless steel grill matters to you for looks, and the extra cost is worth it to you.
Not sure three burners is the right size? The Genesis II line also included a compact two-burner model (the S-210) for small patios and balconies, a four-burner model (see our Weber Genesis II E-410 review) and a six-burner model listed at 60,000 BTU per hour for very large gatherings. If you want something smaller and less expensive, compare the Weber Spirit II E-210 vs E-310.
Bottom line
These two grills cook the same way. Based on the manufacturer’s specifications, the E-310 is the smarter buy for most people, and the S-310 is for buyers who specifically want stainless steel and are willing to pay for it.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Weber Genesis II E-310 and S-310?
The finish. The E-310 has a porcelain-enameled lid and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates; the S-310 is stainless steel, including its grates, and costs more. Burners, BTU rating, cooking area and warranty are the same.
How big is the cooking area?
Both list 513 square inches of primary cooking area plus a 156 square inch tuck-away warming rack.
Do both work with the iGrill 3?
Yes. Both are listed as iGrill 3 ready.
