I've spent more weekends than I can count cooking on the weber genesis s 320 gas grill, and honestly, it's one of those machines that just doesn't quit. If you've ever walked through a home improvement store and seen that gleaming stainless steel beast sitting there, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's got a presence. But beyond the shiny exterior, there's a reason why people who bought these things ten years ago are still using them today, even with all the fancy new smart grills hitting the market.
First Impressions and That Shiny Stainless Finish
The first thing you notice about the "S" version of the Genesis is the stainless steel. The "S" stands for stainless, as opposed to the "E" series which usually features a porcelain-enamel hood. Now, some people prefer the colors you get with the enamel, but there's something about a full-stainless grill that makes you feel like a professional chef in your own backyard.
The weber genesis s 320 gas grill was designed to look sleek, and it really holds up over time. Because it's stainless steel, you don't have to worry about the paint chipping or fading under the sun. That said, it does take a bit of elbow grease to keep it looking like a mirror. If you're the type of person who hates fingerprints or water spots, you'll probably find yourself reaching for the stainless steel cleaner quite a bit. But when it's clean? It's arguably the best-looking grill in the neighborhood.
How It Actually Cooks
At the end of the day, a grill is only as good as the food it produces. The S 320 is built around a three-burner system that provides a massive amount of cooking space. Back when this model was first hitting its stride, Weber moved the burner controls from the side table to the front panel, which was a game-changer. It freed up a ton of workspace on the side shelves, making it much easier to prep your veggies or set down a tray of raw burgers.
The Power of Three Burners
The three-burner setup is really the sweet spot for most families. It's large enough to handle a dozen burgers at once, but it's also efficient enough if you're just throwing on two steaks for a quiet Tuesday night dinner. The heat distribution is impressively even. You won't find many "dead zones" where the meat just sits there lukewarm while the burger two inches away is burning to a crisp.
What I've always appreciated about the weber genesis s 320 gas grill is how well it holds heat. The hood is heavy and well-insulated, which means it stays hot even if there's a bit of a breeze. If you like to do indirect grilling—maybe a whole chicken or a rack of ribs—this grill handles it like a champ. You can turn off the middle burner, keep the outer two on, and create a perfect convection oven environment.
The Side Burner Perk
One of the defining features of the 320 model (versus the 310) is that side burner tucked away under a flush-mounted cover on the side shelf. I'll be honest: some people never use their side burner. It just sits there collecting dust. But if you're the type who likes to simmer a secret barbecue sauce or sauté some onions while the meat is searing, it's a lifesaver. It keeps you outside with your guests instead of running back and forth to the kitchen stove. It's one of those features that you don't think you need until you have it, and then you can't imagine going back.
Build Quality That Just Lasts
We live in a world where things are often built to be replaced every three to five years. The weber genesis s 320 gas grill feels like a bit of an outlier in that regard. The cart is sturdy, the wheels actually roll without wobbling, and the doors on the storage cabinet don't feel like thin pieces of tin.
The grates are a big part of the durability story here. On the S 320, you're usually looking at heavy-duty stainless steel rod grates. Unlike cast iron, which can rust if you don't baby it with oil, these stainless grates are incredibly resilient. They give you those beautiful sear marks, but they're also a lot easier to scrub down after a long weekend of cooking.
Then there are the Flavorizer bars. This is a classic Weber invention—those V-shaped metal bars that sit over the burners. They catch the drippings, turn them into smoke, and send that flavor right back into the food. On the S 320, these are often made of stainless steel as well, which means they last significantly longer than the porcelain-coated versions found on cheaper models.
Dealing With Maintenance
No grill is completely maintenance-free, and the weber genesis s 320 gas grill is no exception. If you want it to last fifteen years, you have to treat it right. The grease management system is pretty straightforward—everything funnels down into a drip tray—but you do have to remember to empty that tray. If you let it go too long, you're asking for a grease fire, and no amount of stainless steel can protect the grill from that kind of heat.
Every season or two, it's worth taking the grates and the Flavorizer bars out to give the inside a good scraping. Debris can build up around the burner tubes, which might eventually lead to uneven flames. A simple wire brush is usually all it takes to keep those gas ports clear. It's a dirty job, sure, but it's the reason these grills survive a decade while the "bargain" grills end up in the landfill.
Is It Better Than the E-Series?
This is the big question. Most people choose between the S 320 and the E 320 based on looks, but there are functional differences. As I mentioned, the S 320 usually comes with those heavy stainless steel grates, while the E series often features porcelain-enameled cast iron.
Cast iron is great for heat retention, but it's high maintenance. Stainless steel is the "set it and forget it" option. If you live near the coast where the salt air eats metal for breakfast, the stainless steel of the S 320 is definitely the way to go. It's just much more resistant to corrosion. Plus, there's no denying that the all-silver look has a certain "wow" factor that the black enamel just can't quite match.
Wrapping It All Up
Even though Weber has released several newer versions of the Genesis line since the S 320 first came out, the core design of this grill remains a benchmark. It's the perfect size for most backyards, it's built like a tank, and it's versatile enough to handle everything from hot dogs to Thanksgiving turkeys.
The weber genesis s 320 gas grill represents a time when grills were built to be the centerpiece of the patio for a generation. It doesn't have a touchscreen or a Wi-Fi connection, but it starts every time you push the button and it cooks a steak as well as anything else on the market. If you can find one in good condition—or if you're lucky enough to already have one sitting on your deck—hold onto it. It's a workhorse in a world of show ponies, and it'll probably still be searing perfect steaks long after the latest tech-filled grills have seen their last software update.
Cooking outdoors should be about the food and the company, not fussing with a machine that won't stay lit or heats unevenly. That's the real beauty of the S 320; it just works, and it looks pretty great while doing it.