In the technologically advanced age in which we live, there is barely an appliance out there that hasn’t been given the smart touch.
From plugs and lightbulbs, to bathroom scales and alarm clocks - smart tech is dominating our spaces, designed to make our lives easier and allow us to control each aspect of our abodes with a phone app or a simple voice command to one of our old friends Google, Alexa or Siri.
It should come as no surprise that BBQs are the latest device to have been given a major upgrade in the tech sphere - and it comes from the grill masters themselves, Weber.
The brand has been making covetable barbecues since its original kettle model in 1951 and with each iteration has evolved into a household name and the envy of any deprived BBQ enthusiasts. Now the world leaders in high performance grilling, the Weber EX-Genesis marks a new wave for the al fresco cooking essential.
Specs at a glance
- Fuel type: Liquid petroleum gas
- Number of burners: 3
- Weight: 84.822kg for EX-335 and 81.72 for 315
- Dimensions (lid open): 158cm H X 150cm W X 79cm D
- Cooking area: 4254 cm2
- Warranty: 10 years
Weber Connect
You get real insight into your outdoor cooking through Weber’s trademarked Connect technology. Pair the EX-Genesis up with your phone to guide you through the grilling process step by step and leave over or undercooked meat out of your summer soirees.
The app automatically scans for devices in its vicinity and once paired, offers guided programs and monitors the contents without you even needing to lift the lid. Guesswork is completely removed, especially for those uncertain weightier cuts of meat. You need only set how “done” you’d like your meat – rare, medium rare, medium, medium well or well done when it comes to steak – and it will tell you the temperature which is easy to adjust to match, revealed on the LED display on the side table. There’s also a probe (or meat thermometer as it’s typically known) that will give an even more accurate reading and it will tell you the exact location where to place on the grill. Foolproof.
It really couldn’t be easier as the app even sends notifications when it’s time to flip and when your dish has reached its optimal temperature for serving. We found this particularly helpful during hosting duties. Instead of being chained to the BBQ, you can fully engage with guests as opposed to feeling like you constantly need to be checking up on the food. You can even pop to the shops or get to work on the sides and accoutrements.
Burn Baby Burn
While all the added tech features make this device stand out from the crowd, when it comes to barbecuing, it’s the heat power that matters most and the Genesis packs a punch in this arena. There are three 11.4kW high heat burners with even heat distribution and an impressive 4,254 square centimetres of cooking space – that’s at least a Tomahawk or two (size dependent). The impressive Sear Zone (exclusive to the EX-335) set-up also deserves applause as it allows for a hit of high temperature with more intense flames and a quick heat up time to give those all-important grate marks.
At either side of the grill, there is space to leave your serving plates and hooks to store your tongs and tools. But hidden on the left hand side is an additional burner (only on the EX-335) for simmering, sautéing or a low heat to keep things toasty. This is also possible through the internal shelf where you can remove items off direct heat but stop them from getting cold until it’s time to plate.
Style Points
As we’ve come to expect from the Weber brand, this is one attractive BBQ. It’s a full-sized, stand-up model. Call in reinforcements if stairs are part of your home layout as it’s a weighty machine (80+kg) but once in situ, it will stand pride of place in your outdoor space.
The mix of black and stainless steel give it a timeless, slick look and the ability to fit into all garden design schemes. The lid is crafted from porcelain-enamel that is both functional and fashionable – the former because it has excellent heat retention properties. The integrated grease management system also helps you keep it in tip top shape throughout the summer, while the cupboards underneath mean you don’t need to carve out precious kitchen space for your BBQ-related tools and accessories.
Light Up
For those late night braais, there’s night time grill lighting too. The knobs illuminate as does the handle.
Which Model?
In the Genesis II series, there are two models; the EX-335 at the upper end (£1,699) and EX-315 (£1,249). The only real distinguishable features are the Sear Zone and the added burner on the side table – whether you need that extra heat power is totally up to you. Otherwise both are gas, made from the same hard-wearing materials and pack the same kW burners.
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Weber Genesis II EX-335 Smart BBQ
Buy now £1699.00, Weber
Weber Genesis II EX-315 GBS Smart Barbecue
Buy now £1249.00, Weber
