Latest News from Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide
37 minutes ago
- Tom's Guide
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.
Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
'The Gentlemen' season 2 adds 'Paddington' star to Netflix's hit crime comedy-drama — here's what we know right now
Netflix has just given us a major production update about "The Gentlemen" season 2. The streaming service just revealed that filming on the hit Guy Ritchie crime comedy-drama has gotten underway and the series has welcomed a bunch more stars. Per an announcement on Tudum, we've learned that "Paddington" and "Downton Abbey" star Hugh Bonneville has joined the series. In addition, "The Gentlemen" season 2 has also added Benjamin Clementine, Benedetta Porcaroli, Michele Morrone, Sergio Castellitto, Amra Mallassi, Tyler Conti, and "Love Island U.K" host, Maya Jama, to the cast. Don't worry, though; Netflix has also confirmed that season 1's major players are still in frame, so look forward to seeing Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, Ray Winstone, Vinnie Jones, and Giancarlo Esposito (among others) back in action when the series returns. Netflix has already shared a brief synopsis for "The Gentlemen" season 2, and it confirms that the partnership between Eddie Horniman (James) and Susie Glass (Scodelario) is only just getting started. It reads: "It's been one year since Eddie and Susan joined forces to work together in Bobby's criminal empire overseas. As they drive to expand their enterprise, the decisions Bobby is making seem to be increasingly unsound. Now Eddie and Susie must decide whether to take action or risk losing it all, but unfettered ambition never ends well..." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Speaking with Tudum, Ritchie confirmed this next chapter will see Eddie and Susie journeying beyond England's green and pleasant lands. "This chapter sees a deliberate expansion, both geographically and thematically, as we journey from the English countryside to the Italian lakes," Ritchie says. "Eddie and Susie find themselves navigating an increasingly volatile empire as they're besieged on all fronts by an influx of enigmatic new players. The stakes are heightened, the power dynamics are more precarious, and I'm thrilled to be collaborating once again with this exceptional cast and crew." "The Gentlemen" season 2 does not currently have a release date, at the time of writing, but you can stream the first season on Netflix now if you need to catch up. If you need a new show to keep you entertained while we wait for more "The Gentlemen" news, check out our round-up for the best Netflix shows for tons more streaming recommendations to fill the gap.
Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Tom's Guide
Android 16 could still adopt iPhone-style notifications and quick settings — what we know
The Android Show: I/O Edition gave us our first look at Android 16, but the rumored splitting of the Quick Settings and Notifications panel was seemingly absent. However, it looks like the feature is still in the works. At first glance, the option isn't available in the current Android 16 QPR1 beta 1 release. However, Android Authority has discovered the feature hidden in the code of the recent beta during an APK teardown. According to the report, code strings found in the beta's files indicate that Google plans to add a new 'Notifications & Quick Settings' option. This addition will allow users to switch the panel design from the current look, called 'Classic,' to the split panel design, which has been called 'Separate'. The Classic design allows users to simply swipe down from anywhere on the top of the screen to see a merged list of Quick Settings and notifications. However, the Separate panel requires users to swipe down from the top right side of the screen to access Quick Settings, and from the top left to access notifications. This isn't the first that we've seen Android try this, with split notifications first appearing last year in an Android 15 beta. The change was dropped when the OS launched, only to appear again in the early Android 16 betas. However, after The Android Show and the announcement of the new Material 3 Expressive design didn't feature the change, many thought it had been removed again. While this code line indicates that this isn't entirely the case, there could be a slight caveat to which devices have access to the new notification/quick settings style. Android Authority found a menu footnote that only appears on foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which states that the Combined option is only available on the outer display. This could, in theory, mean that the Separate design is accordingly only available on the large inner screens of foldable phones, but there's no clear indication either way just yet. Right now, there are still a fair number of unknowns about the feature, including when it will be launched. It's possible that it could launch as part of the Android 16 public release, which is expected to come in June. Alternatively, it could feature as part of a later update for Android 16, which is perhaps more likely considering its hidden current status. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. However, considering the negative feelings about the option, we want to hear your thoughts. Would you be switching to the Separate option, or will you stick with the Combined screen?
Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- General
- Tom's Guide
Grill vs griddle: which is best for summer entertaining?
It's Get Grillin' Week here at Tom's Guide, and we're laying out all the must-have information you'll need to choose the ideal al fresco cooking setup for your yard. Chief among the things you'll need to decide when buying a new grill is choosing between a conventional grill and a flat-top griddle. But which is right for you? Grills and griddles can both cook various foods, from burgers and steaks to vegetables. But despite their similarities, grills and griddles have plenty of differences that might make you favor one over another for the best grill for you. I consulted three outdoor cooking experts to get their take on the grill vs. griddle debate. This article combines our research with expert opinions to compare how each scores on food variety, ease of use, ongoing maintenance, and price. Before you can choose between a grill and a griddle, you need to understand the fundamental differences between the two. A grill has open grates and cooks food using direct heat, leading to that distinct charred flavor associated with summer cookouts. 'Grills allow you to have this wonderful smoky charred flavor that brings both proteins and vegetables up another level,' explains Shannon Snell, head pitmaster for Sonny's BBQ. Meanwhile, griddles have a flat, solid surface and distribute heat more evenly, making them ideal for cooking a wide range of foods. 'Griddles offer a consistent cooking surface for multiple items simultaneously without food falling through grates, making them versatile for diverse menus,' says Daniel P. Craig, founder and editor in chief at Kitchen Deets. Even among grills and griddles, there are differences to consider. When you buy a grill, you can choose between gas, charcoal, and pellet grills, while griddles come as standalone or grill-top versions. You can get a basic appliance that does its job and nothing more, or a more complex (and expensive) one with multiple heat zones, storage bins, and accessories for holding drinks, paper towels, and cooking utensils. Some of the top grill brands include Weber, Blackstone, Traeger, and BroilKing. Traeger, Blackstone, and Weber are also known for their griddles. Other griddle brands include Pit Boss, Halo, and Royal Gourmet. Your choice between a grill and a griddle may come down to the types of foods you want to cook. Both appliances can cook a wide range of foods, but there are some subtle differences to keep in mind during your search. You can cook typical barbecue foods like burgers, steaks, hot dogs, and kebabs on either a grill or a griddle, though grills have the edge. 'Grills provide excellent smoke flavor and distinctive char marks, creating better caramelization on proteins,' explains Craig. 'Griddles lack that smoky flavor, can't achieve the same char, and typically require more cooking oil.' A griddle can also cook these items, but more evenly and without the hallmarks of grilled food. If you love the taste of a freshly grilled burger, a griddle might not be the best choice. However, you can cook an entire breakfast on a griddle, including bacon, eggs, pancakes, and hash browns—something you couldn't do on a grill. Griddles are also ideal for more delicate foods like flaky fish and shrimp, as well as a variety of vegetables and even popcorn. This flat-top from Weber is one of the best grills we've tested. We gave it a perfect 5-star rating in our Weber Slate 36 review because of its consistently excellent cooking performance, pre-seasoned griddle top and roomy capacity. We even called it "the only griddle you'll ever need." 'Griddles provide full-contact flat surface cooking opportunities,' explains Danielle 'Diva Q' Bennett, world champion pitmaster and Traeger ambassador. 'Stir fries, vegetables, and smash burgers all benefit from the direct contact. The juices and the fat stay within the area of the food.' Here are some of the best foods to cook on a grill and a griddle: Grill Griddle Burgers Steaks Kebabs Ribs Pork chops Turkey and chicken breast Dense vegetables and fruits Breakfast items (pancakes, eggs, and bacon) Smash burgers Stir-fry Rice Delicate fish and shrimp Ground beef Ground sausage Winner: Griddles can cook more varied foods than grills, making them ideal for summer entertaining. There's a learning curve with both outdoor cooking appliances. Griddles have a more consistent cooking temperature, while grills may have hot and cool spots. You'll also need to learn the proper temperatures for cooking your chosen food, which can take time to get right. Novice chefs might find it easier to use a grill than a griddle. Foods can stick to grill grates if they're not oiled properly. Because griddles have a flat, seasoned surface, it's less likely (though not impossible) that foods will stick. It's also easier to overcook food on a grill, especially if you're cooking a thinner piece of food at a high heat. You'll need to monitor the grill closely while cooking to ensure you don't accidentally burn the food. And flipping foods can be challenging, as there's a chance it will fall between the grates. Because griddles retain juices and fats, your finished dish might be greasier than if you grilled it. Learning to manage excess grease can take time—you might need to occasionally wipe away grease with a paper towel to prevent the food from becoming too greasy. Winner: Grills tend to be more beginner-friendly than griddles. Both grills and griddles require frequent cleaning and routine maintenance to keep them in good shape. However, griddles are slightly easier to manage on a day-to-day basis. 'Griddles require simpler daily maintenance—just scrape and wipe down,' explains Craig. Grills are trickier and more time-consuming to clean. 'The grates require constant brushing and cleaning to remove food particles,' says Bennett. Additionally, she explains that 'ash cans need to be emptied…for a clean cooking environment. The amount of time to clean depends on the grill's design.' Deep-cleaning grills and griddles takes time and plenty of elbow grease. 'Both appliances require minor disassembling to clean and sanitize, and you always run the risk of minor burns as it is recommended to clean both while they are still hot,' warns Snell. You should also consider that griddles require additional maintenance. 'Outdoor griddles should be oiled once a week, regardless of usage, due to the griddle retaining moisture, and rusting can occur,' Snell adds. Winner: Griddles are easier to clean because they have fewer parts to remove. Grills and griddles are both available at various price points, so you can usually find one that fits your budget. However, grills are generally more cost-effective overall. 'Grills come in many shapes, sizes, and varieties,' explains Snell. '[Griddles often] have to be ordered or purchased from a specialty store, [while] grills are readily available most places and for affordable prices.' However, the initial cost of the appliance is only one price factor to consider. You'll also need to cover the long-term operating costs, including fuel and accessories. Grills and griddles both require some form of fuel to operate. Depending on your chosen type, you might need to budget for charcoal, wood pellets, or propane gas. 'For summer entertaining, a quality grill offers better value for typical outdoor cooking,' says Craig. 'Grills generally provide more cooking space per dollar and handle traditional summer fare well. However, griddles offer superior versatility if you frequently host breakfast gatherings or cook for diverse dietary preferences.' If you like the idea of having a covered storage area for your propane tank, the E-210 is a great option. It offers 450 square inches of cooking space total, with 360 inches of this sitting on the main cooking grid, a good amount of space for a two-burner grill. For the best of both worlds, you can purchase a griddle insert for a grill. However, there's no option to buy a grill insert for a griddle. Winner: Grills are typically the more cost-effective option. Ultimately, the choice between a grill and a griddle will come down to your budget, preferences, and the types of food you want to cook. 'My recommendation would always be to have a grill first,' advises Bennett. 'Due to the design of the grill and the variable price points and qualities, you can always add a cast-iron pan or a griddle plate to a grill, but you can't add a grill to a griddle.' However, either appliance can become an outdoor living staple. Grills are better suited for those on a limited budget or who want their summer barbeque food to have seasonal grill and char marks. Griddles are better for cooking more delicate foods outside, like eggs, flaky fish, or stir-fries.
Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Amazon is taking up to $130 off Sonos headphones, speakers and soundbars — 7 unmissable deals I'd buy now
Summer is almost here, and if you want to spend the season blasting your favorite tunes, don't miss the awesome Sonos sale currently going on at Amazon. The online retailer is happily slashing prices of some of the best headphones and best Bluetooth speakers around. Right now you can get the Sonos Ace on sale for $329 at Amazon ($120 off.) It's hard to believe this is Sonos' first attempt at making a pair of headphones, because they sound amazing. We gushed over their awesome sound quality and active noise canceling in our Sonos Ace review. Plus, you can get the Sonos Move 2 on sale for $336 at Amazon. This is our favorite Bluetooth speaker on the market, so you definitely don't want to miss this 25% discount. All my favorite Sonos deals are listed below. For more savings, see our Amazon promo codes coverage, and check out the deals I'd buy from $12 in Home Depot's Memorial Day sale. The smallest speaker in the Sonos lineup, the Roam is no less smart than its bigger siblings. We loved this little portable speaker in our Sonos Roam 2 review, especially its rich sound quality which outperformed its small size. It connects to Alexa and Google Assistant for voice assistant support, and then there's the Bluetooth connection for when it goes out and about. Our Sonos Ace review remarked that these headphones are "utterly engaging and enjoyable to listen to" thanks to excellent sound quality and top-notch noise canceling. They also connect up to your Sonos soundbar so that you don't have to disturb everyone else in the house when you want to watch TV — and they do it with brilliant built in Spatial Audio. The Sonos Move 2 remains our top pick for the best Bluetooth speaker. It's not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but it's loaded with smart features and has 24 hours of battery life to make sure you can keep listening for hours on end. Its sleek good looks help it worm its way into your heart as well. The Sonos Era 300 is easily one of the best sounding smart speakers that we've ever heard. In our Sonos Era 300 review, it received a glowing 4.5 stars, along with an editors choice award. It's got some of the best Spatial Audio performance of any speaker around, and its warm sound signature makes for a pleasing listen. Support for Google Smart assistant and Amazon Alexa is just the icing on a tasty audio cake. Sonos' mid-range soundbar is perfect for smaller rooms that are aching for Spatial Audio. It's retains Sonos' warm sound signature and slick design language, and we liked how it sounded much bigger than its actaul size in our Sonos Beam Gen 2 review. It's filled with features like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, and if you've got a smaller 48 or 50-inch TV, then its the perfect size. The Sonos Sub 4 is a worthwhile sub to add to your home theater experience. It requires a Sonos soundbar as well, but with these unbeatable savings on it, you'll have some extra money left over. This soundbar got a rare 5-star rating from us in our Sonos Arc Ultra review. We called it "the best soundbar you can buy for $1,000" and now, you can get it for $100 less! It delivered top-notch performance in our tests, with Dolby Atmos support for tons of rich, bassy sound. Dialogue in your favorite movies and shows will sound crystal clear, too.
