The Genesis E-320 gas grill has a new look, but it still packs the same impressive Weber performance. This grill now features an enclosed cart, and it is made with a combination of painted-steel and stainless-steel components. We tested the black version, and the grill is also available in dark blue and green.

The E-320 is a three-burner model with 42,000 Btu of cooking power with the addition of a 12,000-Btu side burner. The primary cooking surface measures 19x26 inches, which is divided into two removable enameled cast-iron grates. Did we mention heavy-duty? Each of the grates weighs 10.5 pounds and consists of 1/3-inch triangular rods spaced 1 inch apart. The rods taper up, so only 1/4 inch of the enamel-coated surface makes contact with the food. This all but eliminates sticking when the grates are properly preheated.

This model also has a separate 12,000 Btu side burner, which is flush-mounted on the left side shelf. There are two 14-1/2x21-inch stainless-steel side shelves that taper out to 16 inches at the center. The shelves have rounded resin end caps, a nice touch that leaves a smooth edge.

The roomy 29x29-inch cart stands approximately 21 inches tall and supports the deep grill box, so your actual grilling height is about 36 inches off the ground. The E-320's fully enclosed cart has two painted steel doors with stainless-steel trim, stainless-steel handles and grey-painted side and rear panels. The hood consists of a beautiful porcelain-enameled shroud, which is sandwiched between grey-painted cast-aluminum end caps. The combination of glossy and matte finishes touched off by stainless-steel is stunning. An oversize 1-1/4-inch-diameter stainless-steel hood handle stays comfortably cool during use.

We appreciated the riveted look of the stainless-steel hood trim, but more importantly, we loved how well the components worked together to create an exceptional heating area. With the three burners set on high for the preheat period, the E-320 reached 450 degrees Fahrenheit in just 5 minutes.

The newly designed E-320 employs an electronic igniter, rather then the older flint-style ignition method. It retains the Crossover system, which lights one main burner that can then deliver flame to light each of the subsequent burners.

Another change from the previous Genesis is the placement of the burner knobs, which are now located on the right-side shelf. This is a distinct advantage if you have small children who have a habit of operating any knobs or switches they can reach. It also makes it quite easy to see the dials without bending over. The only disadvantage is that you lose a bit of valuable shelf space, leaving only 9 inches wide of usable space on the right shelf. Of course, you have a full 21 inches of depth to work with, so medium-size platters still fit comfortably when positioned the long way.

Like the last Genesis, the E-320 sports Weber's trademark porcelain-enameled Flavorizer bars, which act both as burner covers to distribute the heat evenly across the cooking surface and as flavor enhancers that catch and vaporize food drippings. We were even impressed with the design of the E-320's drip tray, as a large grease drainage area empties out into a small disposable foil drip tray that rests on a raised platform.

Another nice touch was the dedicated control knob and igniter for the side burner, both of which are located in the recessed side burner area. The side-burner cover is also flush-mounted, so if you are not using the burner, you still have full use of the side shelf. Additional features include a center-mounted hood thermostat that can measure up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit, three utensil holders on each side, four fully swiveling caster wheels and a handy fuel gauge inside the storage cart.

The redesigned Genesis E-320 gas grill retains the old model's durable construction and legendary Weber cooking abilities while adding a number of welcome design improvements.


Pros: Three burners producing 42,000 Btu, stainless-steel and painted-steel components, 12,000-Btu side burner, smart design improvements, three color options
Cons: Shelf space is extremely limited when side burner is in use

Warranty
2 years, parts; 5 years, cooking grates; 10 years, stainless-steel burner tubes; 25 years, aluminum castings, stainless-steel shroud, and porcelain-enameled shroud