3 days ago
I tried Weber's 2025 Spirit EP-425 gas grill — and it's incredible value for backyard cooks
As long as I've known about gas grills, I've known Weber, and the Weber Spirit line has long been a staple in the world of outdoor cooking. In 2025, the Spirit received its first refresh in more than 15 years, looking to close the gap between midrange and premium by packing higher-end features into a reasonably budget-friendly frame.
So to celebrate Tom's Guide's Get Grillin' Week, I tested the Weber Spirit EP-425, the larger sibling to the more compact EP-325.
Both are two of the best grills you can buy now, with the main difference being the number of burners, making the EP-425 ideal for grillers who want a little more elbow room and the EP-325 great for smaller spaces.
And while this iteration of the Weber Spirit isn't perfect, it's pretty close. It hits most of the right notes: easy setup, even heat, and one seriously impressive Sear Zone.
Investing in a new grill can be intimidating, especially knowing it's an appliance you're likely to own for many years. I can tell you outright the latest-generation Spirit is a sound purchase, but you can read my full Weber Spirit review to learn more about its key features and what kind of performance you can expect.
Weber Spirit EP-425
Weber Spirit EP-325
Weber Spirit E-325
Weber Spirit EP-435
Price
$799
$649
$549
$899
Size
60.5 x 51.8 x 31.0 inches
60.5 x 48.3 x 31.0 inches
60.5 x 48.3 x 31.0 inches
60.5 x 51.8 x 31.0 inches
Weight
126 pounds
103 pounds
103 pounds
126 pounds
Burners
4
3
3
4
Cooking Space
533 square inches
450 square inches
450 square inches
533 square inches
Fuel type
Propane or Natural Gas
Propane or Natural Gas
Propane or Natural Gas
Propane or Natural Gas
Digital thermometer
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
In-shelf cooktop
No
No
No
Yes
I've put together plenty of grills over the years, some of which have felt more like an IKEA fever dream than a quick weekend project. That's not the case for the Weber Spirit, which ended up being among the easiest grills I've ever assembled.
Weber's clear instructions and smart packaging make a big difference, though I'd definitely recommend a second set of hands to help out. We were able to get it put together and ready to cook in under an hour, including giving the grates a good wash.
Although the grill doesn't need to be seasoned, I like to give it at least 20 minutes to preheat, and then lightly season by rubbing half an onion coated in oil and stuck at the end of a grill fork on the grates.
Most grills have hot spots, or areas that get significantly hotter than the others. The Weber Spirit isn't an exception, but I will say the EP-425 delivered generally consistent temperatures across the entire cooking surface when I checked with my infrared thermometer.
Whether I was grilling chicken thighs, vegetables, or a round of burgers, I didn't have to be precious about where I placed them, letting me take advantage of the entire main cooking surface. Sure, the items in the back cooked slightly faster, but I just made sure to flip those first in progression.
The lid thermometer proved fairly accurate when cross-checked with a heat gun, and the grill recovered heat quickly after opening. That said, strong winds can blow out the burners if you leave the lid open for too long, so make sure to keep it closed for the best temperature performance.
The Sear Zone is the Spirit EP-425's secret weapon, and easily my favorite feature of the latest Spirit line. But it's not a new feature for Weber — the Sear Zone is carried down from the Genesis line, which is the next step up from the Spirit.
By combining two right-side burners (on both the 3-burner and 4-burner Spirit models,) the Sear Zone delivers a 40% boost in heat, which is more than enough to develop that golden, caramelized crust on a ribeye or bring a steak to medium-rare in just a few minutes. I would also use it like an outdoor broiler for finishing chicken or reverse-searing thick cuts.
Post-grill cleanup is no hassle on the Spirit EP-425. The newly designed grease trap slides out easily and fits disposable trays, very minimal effort needed. The porcelain-coated grates held up well to repeated use and were simple to brush off between sessions, though I'd like to share that I've moved away from bristled brushes to the Scrub Daddy BBQ Brush, one of the best grill brushes overall.
For a grill with digital readouts and modular accessory support, the absence of a propane gauge feels like a miss. Running out of gas mid-cook is never fun.
It's a small omission, but one that has potential to introduce friction to an otherwise streamlined experience. I'm also guessing the Spirit will find its way to many first-time gas grill users who probably don't yet have a sense of how quickly a propane tank clears out. For what it's worth, I've bought a couple of these $18 add-on gauges over the years for exactly this situation.
If you're looking for a gas grill that offers near-premium performance without blowing your budget, the Weber Spirit EP-425 or EP-325 is an easy recommendation. It's well-built, simple to assemble, and packed with practical features that make backyard cooking easier and more enjoyable. The sear zone alone sets it apart from similarly priced rivals.
Sure, we'd love to see a built-in propane gauge, but that's a relatively minor gripe in an otherwise excellent package. Whether you're grilling every weekend or just looking to upgrade from an older model, the EP-425 strikes the right balance of power, convenience, and value. It's at the top of my list for beginner grill recommendations.
