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Compared side by side

Weber 18-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill vs Weber Spirit E-310 Gas Grill

Reliability scores

Scores compared

Pulled from each product’s full review.

Reliability
97 / 100
96 / 100
Estimated 3-year upkeep Parts and repairs, rough estimate

Weber 18-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill

Calibrating maintenance feedback

Weber Spirit E-310 Gas Grill

Calibrating maintenance feedback

Pros and cons

Good and bad, as each full review tells it.

Weber 18-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill

Strengths

  • Durable, porcelain-enameled steel construction resists rust and peeling
  • Iconic design fits well in various outdoor settings
  • Thoughtful features like a cool-touch handle and convenient lid hook
  • Efficient One-Touch Cleaning System makes ash disposal easy

Concerns

  • Chimney starters can produce a lot of smoke during startup
  • Learning precise charcoal temperature control takes practice for new users
  • One user reported a bent grill grate upon purchase

Weber Spirit E-310 Gas Grill

Strengths

  • Built to last with many owners reporting years of heavy use and minimal part replacement
  • Provides consistent heat distribution for reliable grilling and good searing
  • Considered a worthwhile investment that saves money in the long run compared to cheaper grills
  • Convenient open-cart design includes handy hooks for grilling tools

Concerns

  • Higher price point may be a deterrent for some buyers
  • Some long-time Weber owners find the cooking area feels smaller than older Spirit models or the Genesis series
  • Assembly can take a couple of hours, requiring patience
  • Retailers sometimes install cooking grates upside down during assembly

The verdict

Our bottom line after lining up both full reviews.

Bottom line

The Spirit E-310 is a superb gas grill for convenience, but the Kettle's slightly higher reliability score and classic appeal make it the preferred choice for those seeking the quintessential grilling experience.

Key takeaways

  • While both Weber grills deliver outstanding cooking performance and exceptional durability, making either a sound investment, the Weber 18-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill edges out its gas counterpart.
  • Its iconic, simple design, ease of cleaning, and the superior flavor profile achievable with charcoal resonate more universally with owners.

Performance

The Weber 18-inch Kettle excels in delivering that classic charcoal flavor, offering excellent cooking performance praised for its simplicity. The Weber Spirit E-310, while providing reliable and consistently impressive gas grilling, caters to users prioritizing convenience and faster heat-up times over the distinct charcoal taste. Both are highly effective at their primary function, but the Kettle offers a unique culinary advantage for flavor enthusiasts.

Durability

Both grills boast exceptional durability, with owners reporting many years of reliable use from both models. The Kettle's simpler design, with fewer mechanical components, theoretically presents fewer points of failure over its lifespan. The Spirit, despite its gas components, is also recognized as a solid, long-term investment that withstands prolonged use, reflecting Weber's strong build quality across product lines.

Community sentiment

Community sentiment for the Kettle is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its iconic status, ease of cleaning, and suitability for smaller spaces, fostering a loyal following for its traditional grilling experience. The Spirit also garners strong appreciation for its consistent performance and durability, though its higher price point is a noted consideration, even if justified by its long-term value. The Kettle's classic appeal resonates broadly.