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 eager to put the Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill to the test. Known for its top-tier performance, especially for cooking larger meals, I had high expectations. Right out of the box, the grill’s sleek, professional stainless steel design caught my eye. But it wasn’t just about looks—the sturdy construction immediately gave me confidence that this grill would be a reliable addition to my outdoor cooking setup for years to come.
Setting Up the Weber Genesis S-435
One of the first advantages of the Weber Genesis S-435 was how straightforward the assembly process was. Although the grill’s size required some patience, the clear instructions made it manageable. Having assembled several grills in the past, I found that everything fit together smoothly, and there were no missing parts. The entire process took about 1-2 hours with an extra set of hands. Once assembled, the grill felt incredibly solid—no wobbling, just a strong, robust cooking station ready for action.
Design and Build Quality
The Weber Genesis S-435 stands out with its premium stainless steel construction, offering both aesthetic appeal and durability. The polished design looks fantastic in any backyard, but more importantly, it is built to last. The stainless steel exterior is weather-resistant and easy to maintain, while the overall design provides a sturdy, well-constructed feel.
The large cooking area makes it perfect for hosting big gatherings or feeding larger groups, a must for anyone who loves to entertain. The grill’s four high-performance burners ensure even heat distribution, eliminating the frustrating hot spots that can ruin a meal. I’ve used this grill multiple times, and the consistent performance speaks to its superior design and engineering.
Cooking Power and Performance
With a total of 48,000 BTUs coming from the main burners, the Weber Genesis S-435 delivers impressive power. The grill heats up quickly and maintains high temperatures with ease, making it perfect for searing meats or slow-cooking more delicate foods. One of my favorite features is the 9,000 BTU sear station burner, which allows you to get those perfect restaurant-quality sear marks on steaks, chicken, and other meats.
The 12,000 BTU side burner adds an extra level of versatility, letting me cook entire meals outdoors. Whether simmering sauces or sautéing vegetables, the side burner is a convenient addition that makes the Weber Genesis S-435 more than just a grill—it's a complete outdoor kitchen.
Ease of Use and Convenience
The Weber Genesis S-435 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Once assembled, the electronic ignition system made starting the grill effortless. The controls are intuitive, making temperature adjustments simple and quick.
One of the standout features is the generous storage space. The grill’s enclosed cabinet offers plenty of room to store tools, accessories, and even extra propane or charcoal (for other grills). This makes my grilling process more organized and efficient, as everything I need is within easy reach.
Cooking Space and Grates
The Weber Genesis S-435 offers ample cooking space, which is crucial for larger gatherings. With 646 square inches of primary cooking area and an additional 198 square inches on the warming rack, I had no trouble cooking multiple items at once. This is a game-changer when you’re grilling for a crowd.
The stainless steel cooking grates are another fantastic feature. They provide excellent heat retention, ensuring even cooking throughout the grilling surface. Cleanup is also easy—the grates are durable and don’t require much scrubbing after use.
Additional Features
One of the features that really adds value to the Weber Genesis S-435 is its grease management system. Cleaning up after grilling can often be a hassle, but this grill makes it simple. The grease tray is easily removable, and cleanup is quick and efficient.
Another convenient feature is the set of tool hooks on the side of the grill. I could hang all of my essential grilling tools, keeping them easily accessible and reducing clutter. This level of thoughtfulness in the design makes a noticeable difference during busy grilling sessions.
Temperature Control and Heat Retention
The temperature control on the Weber Genesis S-435 is outstanding. The four burners provide precise control, whether I’m grilling at a low temperature for slow-cooking or cranking up the heat for a quick sear. The high-quality lid helps with heat retention, ensuring even cooking even in windy or cooler conditions.
The Flavorizer bars also help with maintaining consistent temperatures while adding a delicious smoky flavor to whatever you’re grilling. Overall, this grill excels at maintaining steady heat, no matter what you're cooking.
Versatility and Cooking Experience
The versatility of the Weber Genesis S-435 is one of its strongest qualities. Whether I’m grilling delicate fish, searing steaks, or even making pizza, this grill handles it all. The multiple heat zones allow for simultaneous cooking of different foods without over- or undercooking anything.
The warming rack is another great addition, perfect for toasting buns or keeping food warm while I finish other dishes. It’s ideal for multitasking and ensures that everything is ready to serve at the same time.
Durability and Long-Term Use
After months of frequent use, I’m convinced the Weber Genesis S-435 is built to last. Its stainless steel construction has held up against both rain and heat, with no signs of wear or rust. The burners, grates, and overall construction still look and function like new, making this grill a great long-term investment for any serious griller.
Areas for Improvement
While the Weber Genesis S-435 is undoubtedly a premium product, there are a couple of minor areas that could be improved. First, the price is on the higher side, which may deter more casual grillers. However, for anyone who grills regularly, it’s well worth the investment.
Additionally, I would have liked a rotisserie kit included with the grill, especially given its price point. The grill is rotisserie-compatible, but purchasing the kit separately adds to the cost. Still, this is a minor downside compared to the overall quality and performance of the grill.
Conclusion
The Weber Genesis S-435 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill is a top-tier choice for serious grillers. Its robust design, powerful cooking capabilities, and thoughtful features make it a pleasure to use. From its impressive cooking space to precise temperature control and additional features like the sear station and side burner, this grill is versatile enough to handle any grilling challenge.
Though it comes at a higher price, the Weber Genesis S-435’s durability and long-term performance make it a solid investment. If you’re in the market for a premium natural gas grill that delivers exceptional results, 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?
A1: The Weber Genesis S-435 measures 62 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and 47 inches high with the lid closed.
Q2: How many burners does the Weber Genesis S-435 have?
A2: The grill features four main burners, providing 48,000 BTUs, along with a 9,000 BTU sear station burner and a 12,000 BTU side burner.
Q3: What type of fuel does the Weber Genesis S-435 use?
A3: The Weber Genesis S-435 is designed to use natural gas.
Q4: Does the grill come with a warranty?
A4: Yes, the grill comes with a limited warranty. The burners are covered for 10 years, and other parts are covered for 5 years.
Q5: Is the Weber Genesis S-435 easy to assemble?
A5: Yes, assembly is straightforward and typically takes 1-2 hours with clear, detailed 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, a grease management system, and tool hooks.
Q7: How does heat distribution work on this grill?
A7: The four burners ensure even heat distribution, and the Flavorizer bars help minimize flare-ups by catching drippings and turning them into flavorful vapor.
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, the grill features a storage cabinet beneath the cooking area for tools, accessories, and other grilling essentials.