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 who enjoys hosting cookouts for friends and family, I was excited to try the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel. The grill’s reputation as a high-performance, durable option for larger gatherings had me eager to see if it lived up to the hype. When the delivery arrived, the first thing I noticed was the sleek, professional-grade stainless steel finish. It looked fantastic and immediately gave the impression of a top-quality appliance.
However, this grill isn't just about looks. As I began to use it, I quickly realized that its solid build, ease of use, and high-level performance made it a standout in my backyard grilling lineup.
Setting Up the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel
One of the first hurdles with any new grill is assembly, but setting up the Weber Genesis S-435 was relatively simple. Having put together several grills over the years, I found this one to be straightforward. The instructions were clear, and the parts fit together perfectly without any missing components. While it’s a large grill, requiring some assistance to move and assemble, the process wasn’t overwhelming. After the setup, the grill felt incredibly sturdy—no wobbling or instability—which gave me confidence that it would last for years.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that drew me to the Weber Genesis S-435 was its design and the superior build quality. The stainless steel construction gives it a modern and polished look, but more importantly, it ensures long-lasting durability. I appreciated how the design wasn’t just about aesthetics; the construction materials are meant to withstand tough weather conditions, reducing rust and keeping the grill looking like new even after months of use.
For those who love to entertain large groups, the spacious cooking area is perfect. It provides ample room to grill multiple items at once, which is a huge bonus during parties or family gatherings. Plus, the four high-performance burners ensure even heat distribution, eliminating the hot spots that can sometimes spoil a meal.
Cooking Power and Performance of the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel
With 48,000 BTUs of power, this grill offers impressive heat output, making it easy to reach and maintain high temperatures quickly. One of my favorite features is the 9,000 BTU sear station. It’s perfect for achieving those beautiful sear marks on steaks that make them look and taste restaurant-quality. The sear station helps you lock in flavors with high heat, which is especially important for thicker cuts of meat.
Additionally, the 12,000 BTU side burner added to the versatility of the grill. I used it to prepare side dishes like sautéed vegetables and sauces, allowing me to handle an entire meal outdoors. This makes the grill more than just a place to cook meat—it's an all-in-one outdoor kitchen.
Ease of Use and Convenience
Ease of use is crucial when grilling, and the Weber Genesis S-435 excels in this area. After assembly, the ignition system worked flawlessly every time. The electronic ignition made lighting the grill a breeze, while the simple control knobs allowed for quick adjustments to the temperature as needed.
Another feature that stood out was the storage space. The spacious enclosed cabinet beneath the grill and large side tables provided plenty of room to keep my tools, sauces, and other accessories within easy reach. This made grilling much more efficient, as I didn’t need to run back and forth between the grill and the kitchen.
Grill Grates and Cooking Space of the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel
The Weber Genesis S-435 shines in terms of cooking space. With 646 square inches of primary cooking area and an additional 198 square inches on the warming rack, this grill can handle cooking for a large group with ease. Whether I was grilling burgers for a crowd or slow-cooking ribs, the ample cooking surface made everything manageable.
The stainless steel grates provided excellent heat retention, resulting in even cooking and beautiful grill marks. They were also easy to clean after each use. A quick brush-down after grilling was enough to keep them in top condition, making maintenance simple and stress-free.
Additional Features of the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel
One of the more underrated features of this grill is the built-in grease management system. Grilling can be messy, but this system makes cleaning up a breeze. The easily accessible grease tray can be removed, cleaned, and reinserted with minimal effort, saving time and reducing the hassle of post-grilling cleanup.
The grill also includes convenient tool hooks, which kept my grilling utensils like tongs and spatulas within arm’s reach. This organization feature eliminated the usual scramble to find the right tool in the middle of a cookout, streamlining the grilling experience.
Temperature Control and Heat Retention
Temperature control is key to successful grilling, and the Weber Genesis S-435 excels in this area. The four burners allowed me to adjust the heat precisely for different types of foods. Whether I was slow-cooking ribs at a lower temperature or searing steaks at high heat, the grill maintained consistent temperatures across the surface.
The high-quality, heavy lid helped with heat retention. Even in cooler or windy weather, the grill retained heat efficiently, ensuring that food cooked evenly throughout. This made it a reliable option year-round, even in less-than-ideal grilling conditions.
Versatility and Cooking Experience with the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel
The Weber Genesis S-435 is extremely versatile, capable of handling a wide range of foods. I was able to grill everything from delicate fish fillets to pizzas without any issues. The separate heat zones were perfect for multitasking—grilling meat, toasting buns, and cooking vegetables all at once. The warming rack was also great for keeping food warm while finishing up other dishes.
Durability and Long-Term Use of the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel
After several months of regular use, I can confidently say that the Weber Genesis S-435 is built to last. Despite being exposed to rain and intense summer heat, the grill has maintained its performance and appearance. The stainless steel construction not only looks premium but also withstands the elements without rusting or deteriorating.
The burners, grates, and other components show minimal wear, even with frequent grilling sessions. It’s clear that this grill is a long-term investment that will continue to deliver excellent results for years.
What Could Be Improved
While I’m highly impressed with the Weber Genesis S-435, there are a couple of areas where it could be improved. The price, for instance, may be prohibitive for those who don’t grill often. However, for frequent grillers like myself, the investment is worth it for the quality and performance.
Another potential improvement could be the inclusion of a rotisserie kit. While the grill is rotisserie-compatible, it would have been nice to have it included, considering the price point.
Conclusion
The Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel is a premium grill that offers exceptional performance, durability, and versatility. From its sleek design to its high-powered burners and thoughtful features, this grill is ideal for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. Whether you’re hosting a large party or preparing a quiet family meal, the Weber Genesis S-435 delivers consistently excellent results.
Though it comes at a higher price point, the robust construction, ample cooking space, and extra features like the sear station and side burner make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking for a high-quality natural gas grill that will stand the test of time, the Weber Genesis S-435 is a top contender.
FAQs for Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill
Q1: What are the dimensions of the Weber Genesis S-435 grill?
A1: 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?
A2: 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?
A3: This grill uses natural gas.
Q4: Does the grill come with a warranty?
A4: 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?
A5: Assembly is straightforward, typically taking 1-2 hours, with clear instructions provided.
Q6: What are the key features of the Weber Genesis S-435?
A6: 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?
A7: The four burners ensure even heat distribution, with Flavorizer bars minimizing flare-ups.
Q8: Can the Weber Genesis S-435 be converted to propane?
A8: 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?
A9: The grill weighs approximately 200 pounds.
Q10: Is there storage space available in this grill?
A10: Yes, it features a storage cabinet beneath the grill for tools and accessories.