The genisis with the Weber crafted options is the best Weber I’ve ever owned. I have the SPX 435. Having the ability to have half griddle, half grates is awesome for cooking full meals that require different cooking methods. The ease of switching out the griddle, searing grates, or pizza stone game changing. I seasoned the griddle once, now just scrape off the food and wipe it down with a paper towel. I do store the griddle inside as opposed to the side cabinet just to avoid rust from the humidity. Not sure if that’s necessary, but it’s easy enough so better safe than sorry. My last 06 genesis is still going strong and almost 20yrs old. One of the few products left tha the name represents quality.
Thank you for the comment! I agree about the quality - you buy once and cry once! I do think that older generation models are higher quality than what is available now. It is still better than other brands but I wish I bought mine sooner. Hope you get to enjoy yours for many years to come and come back to watch more videos! Thank you for watching!
@@Jeff-vp9vz yes, any of the genesis that accept the “Weber Crafted” accessories. I have the 435 so it comes out to be half. On the smaller grills, I’m not sure how much of the cooking area is affected
I used mine for about 2 months. It was amazing and used it almost everyday. UNTIL the huge grease fire. The fire ended up ruining the griddle insert. I finally bought a dedicated griddle. Live and learn but it did show me how awesome griddles are so no regrets
@ccurrgirls2332 i pushed it out the back. I tried to clean it the first week, but it was extremely difficult without doing a huge, all out deep clean. So I figured i would wait and do it once a month or two. You really need something that has a dedicated grease trap that you throw away. This just dribbles down the inside of the grill walls.... really bad mess
I don't have this insert but i have a little griddle brand griddle for my weber spirit. The pros over a blackstone or even a weber griddle is these propane grills have a functional lid. You can retain heat longer, heat the griddle faster because you can close it. You can get these things super hot because of the functional lid. You can use the warming tray to finish off a seared steak or vice versa. I also have the new weber traveler 22 inch griddle. The lid is non functional but i love to use it when I go camping. And a plus is that the griddle plate fits perfectly on my weber spirit. As if it was actually made for it. But my favorite for griddle cooking is my weber spirit amongst other thing's.
Amen to the functional lid! It makes the cooking go faster! I would like to try the travel griddle too! Buying a Weber has need a great investment for having so much fun in the back yard. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and comment. Please come back for more!
I bought this on sale about a month ago and it works great! You’re right about it taking a while to heat up and once you start cooking something cold you would have to make sure you have a hot spot to flip it on. Otherwise very good quality… maybe next year will be a dedicated flat top Weber!
Glad it worked out for you! I just made some smash burgers this week and I’m still loving it! Thank you for watching the video and leaving me a comment! I’m just happy that my review aligns with your experiences!
Very good review! I have an older Weber Genesis EP 330, and Weber doesn’t make a griddle to fit that one. I have seen someone putting rails in the front and rear to rest the griddle on, but... Thanks again for the review!
I’m going to look for a griddle for my Genesis II. That’s a pretty large surface area. Three burners. Should be great at cooking in two areas with the third section as a “keep warm” area.
My kids got me one of these for Father's Day. I've watched all the vids, thought it would be fun and interesting. My friend has a Blackstone that his kids got him, it's a dedicated griddle. both of us have discovered it's not for us. the pros, does what it's supposed to and results in a good cook. cons - the mess, the stuff you have to have on hand, the disposal of the mess, all the extra tools, the controlling 3 or so foods at one time. maybe after ALOT of practice it may be more fun but for now it's just another thing we have to store.
I do agree you have to spend a lot more to buy more things to be able to cook. It does make a mess and it gets HOT! Maybe I need to do a video for those extra items people don’t know about before getting into the griddle game!
There is a regular drip plan at the bottom of the grill but it would make a lot of mess and could start a grease fire if it gets too hot. It’s one of a few downsides of using this as griddle. Thank you for watching!
What does actual cleanup look like? That is the only thing that has me still jonesing for a dedicated slate or something, the fact that the grease drain goes into a grease bucket. That hole in the back just throws it into the firebox to (hopefully) drain to the bottom, right? Also curious to hear if you tried what another commenter suggested in removing the favorizer bars to see if it heated faster.
Clean up isn’t bad. The slit in the back allows grease to drips down to the pan at the bottom but I try to minimize the amount of grease going into that slit. All because of grease fire. I will do a video of me cleaning as I cook and what the inside looks like. I haven’t tried removing the flavorizer bar yet but will definitely report back with another video. Thank you for watching!
Con 1 and 5 are the same also 2 is not true IMO. The great thing about this being a grill insert is the grill lid. The trick is simply this, turn on the grill and close the lid. When the temp on the gauge reads 400 degrees, you are ready to rock! 5 to 8 minutes tops!
Sounds like you should have just bought a griddle. I have the 4 burner on the way and plan to get the griddle insert. I'm having second thoughts because I'm not sure how to store and protect the griddle insert while not in-use. I guess a smaller insert to see if I like it first.
Yes, I really wanted a full blown griddle but just didn’t have enough storage. For what it’s worth, I really enjoy it. I actually use my Spirit almost exclusively with the griddle insert. I haven’t put the grill grate back on since I got this. Thank you for the comments!
Yes, their website does show one with 3-burner Summit 2024 version. www.weber.com/US/en/griddle/full-size-griddle-inserts/genesis-full-size-griddle-%E2%80%93-300-series/6788.html
As much as I wanted one for my Genesis 310 I opted for the Made In carbon steel griddle. Less expensive, fits in my indoor gas cooktop and easier to clean. The only real downside is the size vs the Weber.
Thank you for watching the video! I was curious about that brand! How do you like it? Would you recommend yours for someone in the market for griddle inserts?
@@meatthinker it was a good pick for me. We do lots of cooking on both gas grills. Outside more smash burgers, sausage, fajitas and the occasional steak. Stuff that will really splatter. Inside is more breakfast. I also bought a 22k btu Blackstone that has yet to have been used. Interestingly enough the handles on the Made In fit my home gas oven perfectly like a carbon steel rack. May try a flatbread or something else in that configuration.
Does the griddle fit on the built-in shelf while you’re using the grill grates? And is it sloped downwards to the back to drain the grease towards the slot, or just level? I don’t mind sopping up the grease with a paper towel like you do but I’m just wondering if it pools in any direction.
Hey, you have to remove the grill grates first and put the griddle in its place. If that’s what you are asking. When it is installed, it lays flat without slope and the grease does not pool in any direction. Hope this helps! Thank you for watching!
Just bought one of these, and I’m extremely unhappy. The seasoning process left uneven stains across it, and what was immediately dismissed as oil burning off unevenly during seasoning was later revealed to be a teflon coating pealing off. I tossed it over my cinder block fire pit supported at the corners, and the teflon surface began peeling back. After cooking it off for over an hour I then took a wire wheel to the surface discovering the cookoff was not complete. I’m boxing this back up and returning it. I’ll cut some steel diamond grate and weld it to a few pieces of round stock. Save $100 and not get poisoned.
This should be straight up carbon steel and the seasoning layer would be the only ‘coating’ this griddle should have. You must have gotten a bad one. Sorry it didn’t work out!
Yes, it does. But wiping it down with paper towel is a trade off with dealing with a pan full of grease. I’m used to it now that it doesn’t bother me anymore. Thank you for the comment and watching the video!
I definitely wanted a large frying pan and didn't care for all the grease splattering, smell, and mess inside my home. This is definitely something I will be purchasing. Thanks for the clear and well-structured review!
Chefs actually prefer a flat surface for cooking beautiful steaks. Either a grill top or cast iron pan. Plus, you can cook seafood, prawns, veg and smaller items like seen in this video without it falling through the grates. I’m looking at one of these for my Weber grill so that I can do most cooking on it…outside now that we are in the 3rd week of a heat dome and don’t dare add 1 extra degree to my homes heat.
The genisis with the Weber crafted options is the best Weber I’ve ever owned. I have the SPX 435. Having the ability to have half griddle, half grates is awesome for cooking full meals that require different cooking methods. The ease of switching out the griddle, searing grates, or pizza stone game changing. I seasoned the griddle once, now just scrape off the food and wipe it down with a paper towel. I do store the griddle inside as opposed to the side cabinet just to avoid rust from the humidity. Not sure if that’s necessary, but it’s easy enough so better safe than sorry. My last 06 genesis is still going strong and almost 20yrs old. One of the few products left tha the name represents quality.
Thank you for the comment! I agree about the quality - you buy once and cry once! I do think that older generation models are higher quality than what is available now. It is still better than other brands but I wish I bought mine sooner. Hope you get to enjoy yours for many years to come and come back to watch more videos! Thank you for watching!
I should have read the comments before posting. Is the half griddle a Webber option? I didn't see it at Lowes.
@@Jeff-vp9vz yes, any of the genesis that accept the “Weber Crafted” accessories. I have the 435 so it comes out to be half. On the smaller grills, I’m not sure how much of the cooking area is affected
Why not remove the enamel "Flavorizer Drip Bars" too. That may help speed up the heating process. Thanks for the video.
You know what? I may just do that before my next cook. Didn’t even think about that! Thank you for the idea! And appreciate you watching!
@@meatthinkerhow did this go?
I used mine for about 2 months. It was amazing and used it almost everyday. UNTIL the huge grease fire. The fire ended up ruining the griddle insert. I finally bought a dedicated griddle. Live and learn but it did show me how awesome griddles are so no regrets
Dedicated griddle it is! Hope you enjoy yours for many years to come! No regrets!
I assume you pushed the grease down. Did you clean out basin underneath in those 2 months? I have this griddle and don't want a fire.
@ccurrgirls2332 i pushed it out the back. I tried to clean it the first week, but it was extremely difficult without doing a huge, all out deep clean. So I figured i would wait and do it once a month or two. You really need something that has a dedicated grease trap that you throw away. This just dribbles down the inside of the grill walls.... really bad mess
I don't have this insert but i have a little griddle brand griddle for my weber spirit. The pros over a blackstone or even a weber griddle is these propane grills have a functional lid. You can retain heat longer, heat the griddle faster because you can close it. You can get these things super hot because of the functional lid. You can use the warming tray to finish off a seared steak or vice versa. I also have the new weber traveler 22 inch griddle. The lid is non functional but i love to use it when I go camping. And a plus is that the griddle plate fits perfectly on my weber spirit. As if it was actually made for it. But my favorite for griddle cooking is my weber spirit amongst other thing's.
Amen to the functional lid! It makes the cooking go faster! I would like to try the travel griddle too! Buying a Weber has need a great investment for having so much fun in the back yard. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and comment. Please come back for more!
I bought this on sale about a month ago and it works great! You’re right about it taking a while to heat up and once you start cooking something cold you would have to make sure you have a hot spot to flip it on. Otherwise very good quality… maybe next year will be a dedicated flat top Weber!
Glad it worked out for you! I just made some smash burgers this week and I’m still loving it! Thank you for watching the video and leaving me a comment! I’m just happy that my review aligns with your experiences!
The other pro I forgot to mention was the ability to close the top unlike other flat tops!
How much dollars is was on sale?
It was initially $200 and they had it on sale for $150 for the fourth of July. They now have more dedicated griddle options now with more money!
@@meatthinkerthank you I’m waiting for Black Friday
Very good review! I have an older Weber Genesis EP 330, and Weber doesn’t make a griddle to fit that one. I have seen someone putting rails in the front and rear to rest the griddle on, but...
Thanks again for the review!
Thank you for watching and taking time to comment!
I’m going to look for a griddle for my Genesis II. That’s a pretty large surface area. Three burners. Should be great at cooking in two areas with the third section as a “keep warm” area.
I think you will enjoy it! Please check it out and let me know how you like it!
My kids got me one of these for Father's Day. I've watched all the vids, thought it would be fun and interesting. My friend has a Blackstone that his kids got him, it's a dedicated griddle. both of us have discovered it's not for us. the pros, does what it's supposed to and results in a good cook. cons - the mess, the stuff you have to have on hand, the disposal of the mess, all the extra tools, the controlling 3 or so foods at one time. maybe after ALOT of practice it may be more fun but for now it's just another thing we have to store.
I do agree you have to spend a lot more to buy more things to be able to cook. It does make a mess and it gets HOT! Maybe I need to do a video for those extra items people don’t know about before getting into the griddle game!
@@meatthinker please do a video with the extra items we should get. Thanks!
Great review! Could you add a little drip can or cup?
There is a regular drip plan at the bottom of the grill but it would make a lot of mess and could start a grease fire if it gets too hot. It’s one of a few downsides of using this as griddle. Thank you for watching!
@@meatthinker Thanks for the tips!
Excellent review. How much does the full size insert weigh? Thank you
Thank you for watching! I haven’t weighed it but pretty heavy. It’s more than 15 pounds for sure.
Great review!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching!
What does actual cleanup look like? That is the only thing that has me still jonesing for a dedicated slate or something, the fact that the grease drain goes into a grease bucket. That hole in the back just throws it into the firebox to (hopefully) drain to the bottom, right?
Also curious to hear if you tried what another commenter suggested in removing the favorizer bars to see if it heated faster.
Clean up isn’t bad. The slit in the back allows grease to drips down to the pan at the bottom but I try to minimize the amount of grease going into that slit. All because of grease fire. I will do a video of me cleaning as I cook and what the inside looks like.
I haven’t tried removing the flavorizer bar yet but will definitely report back with another video.
Thank you for watching!
I’m very curious how this compares to the dedicated slate grill
I’ve been eyeing that new slate grill too. But I can tell you for sure that you should get a dedicated griddle if you have room for it.
Just scored a 210 on the side of the road! dedicated flat top here i come!
Very nice! Please let us know how you like it!
I like this griddle insert, but I don't have weber, my grill is 21" X 15", does anybody knows what the griddle dimensions are?
The dimension runs 1.19"H x 22.67"W x 17.29"D.
How is the heat through those holes? How are your wrists?
It does get pretty hot through those holes. Gloves will definitely help!
Do you have any problems using a metal spatula? I thought this is a ceramic coating?
It doesn’t have any coatings so you can use metal spatula. I personally haven’t had any issues so far!
Does Weber Only make the griddle insert for the Sprint , what about the genesis ii weber
Yeah they make one for the Genesis line as well. Just ordered one on sale on Amazon today for $200 👀
You can check on their website to make sure your model year is compatible with the griddle insert.
I just found this insert for $50 on marketplace. I think it’s a solid score!
$50 investment will last you a lifetime if you take care of it! Nice find!
Con 1 and 5 are the same also 2 is not true IMO. The great thing about this being a grill insert is the grill lid. The trick is simply this, turn on the grill and close the lid. When the temp on the gauge reads 400 degrees, you are ready to rock! 5 to 8 minutes tops!
Yes, I can see that. I do agree with using the lid! Thank you for sharing that! Awesome idea!
I’m scratching my head wondering why you didn’t clean the griddle before inserting it into the grill!!
You are right! I should have. I need to stay on top of that. Thank you for the comment!
Sounds like you should have just bought a griddle. I have the 4 burner on the way and plan to get the griddle insert.
I'm having second thoughts because I'm not sure how to store and protect the griddle insert while not in-use.
I guess a smaller insert to see if I like it first.
Yes, I really wanted a full blown griddle but just didn’t have enough storage. For what it’s worth, I really enjoy it. I actually use my Spirit almost exclusively with the griddle insert. I haven’t put the grill grate back on since I got this. Thank you for the comments!
@@meatthinkerif you could do it over again, would you just get a flat top?
If I have more space, absolutely yes!
Hello, is there a summit version? I can’t find any that is full size.. the only one I found is very very small..
Yes, their website does show one with 3-burner Summit 2024 version.
www.weber.com/US/en/griddle/full-size-griddle-inserts/genesis-full-size-griddle-%E2%80%93-300-series/6788.html
Does it lay the same distance from the flame as the original insert or does it lay a little lower?
Yes, it is a direct replacement of the grill grate. The distance stays the same!
@@meatthinker I have a Nexgrill, but I would like the flame to be closer. Do you know of any options there?
I doubt you can adjust heights of burners. You want yours to burn hotter?
@@meatthinker yes
As much as I wanted one for my Genesis 310 I opted for the Made In carbon steel griddle. Less expensive, fits in my indoor gas cooktop and easier to clean. The only real downside is the size vs the Weber.
Thank you for watching the video! I was curious about that brand! How do you like it? Would you recommend yours for someone in the market for griddle inserts?
@@meatthinker it was a good pick for me. We do lots of cooking on both gas grills. Outside more smash burgers, sausage, fajitas and the occasional steak. Stuff that will really splatter. Inside is more breakfast. I also bought a 22k btu Blackstone that has yet to have been used. Interestingly enough the handles on the Made In fit my home gas oven perfectly like a carbon steel rack. May try a flatbread or something else in that configuration.
I've been eyeing on a Blackstone but I just wish I had more space. Please let me know how you like yours after firing it up for the first time!
good analysis!
Thank you for watching!
great video. made me hungry as well...
Thank you for the comment! Will do more of griddle video soon. Please come back for more videos!
Does the griddle fit on the built-in shelf while you’re using the grill grates? And is it sloped downwards to the back to drain the grease towards the slot, or just level? I don’t mind sopping up the grease with a paper towel like you do but I’m just wondering if it pools in any direction.
Hey, you have to remove the grill grates first and put the griddle in its place. If that’s what you are asking. When it is installed, it lays flat without slope and the grease does not pool in any direction. Hope this helps! Thank you for watching!
Just bought one of these, and I’m extremely unhappy. The seasoning process left uneven stains across it, and what was immediately dismissed as oil burning off unevenly during seasoning was later revealed to be a teflon coating pealing off.
I tossed it over my cinder block fire pit supported at the corners, and the teflon surface began peeling back. After cooking it off for over an hour I then took a wire wheel to the surface discovering the cookoff was not complete.
I’m boxing this back up and returning it. I’ll cut some steel diamond grate and weld it to a few pieces of round stock. Save $100 and not get poisoned.
This should be straight up carbon steel and the seasoning layer would be the only ‘coating’ this griddle should have. You must have gotten a bad one. Sorry it didn’t work out!
Grease management SUCKS on this this. Who thought it would be a good idea to scrape this crap down the back of the grill?
Yes, it does. But wiping it down with paper towel is a trade off with dealing with a pan full of grease. I’m used to it now that it doesn’t bother me anymore. Thank you for the comment and watching the video!
@@meatthinker I think it cooks good and holds heat pretty well but not sure that grease management is worth it and looking at dedicated griddles.
Sorry just saw this reply. If I could do it over assuming I have more space, I’d get a dedicated griddle for sure.
Do we really need to hear about your family, space area and your budget? Simply show us the product as you titled!😂
I can relate as we're on budget too. Watch the video keep it positive.
I don't know why I would want to turn my grill into a large frying pan, when I already have a frying pan.
Yes, it is a large frying pan but it’s a frying pan that cooks delicious food! Something about cooking in high heat!
I definitely wanted a large frying pan and didn't care for all the grease splattering, smell, and mess inside my home. This is definitely something I will be purchasing.
Thanks for the clear and well-structured review!
Chefs actually prefer a flat surface for cooking beautiful steaks. Either a grill top or cast iron pan. Plus, you can cook seafood, prawns, veg and smaller items like seen in this video without it falling through the grates. I’m looking at one of these for my Weber grill so that I can do most cooking on it…outside now that we are in the 3rd week of a heat dome and don’t dare add 1 extra degree to my homes heat.