
When it comes to backyard grilling, Weber is one of those names everyone knows. It’s been a staple on patios for decades, known for reliable performance, solid construction, and grills that hold up season after season. The Weber Spirit EP-435 carries on that tradition with a mix of classic features and modern upgrades. It comes backed by a solid warranty too—10 years on the cookbox, lid, and stainless steel burner tubes, and 5 years on the cooking grates and flavorizer bars. That kind of coverage tells you they believe in what they’re building.
I’ve owned a bunch of Weber products over the years, including an older Spirit, a classic kettle, and my personal favorite—the Weber Performer Deluxe, which is still one of the best charcoal grills I’ve used. So when it came time to test the Spirit EP-435, expectations were high. I was looking for that familiar Weber build quality, smart layout, and a grill that makes life easier—not harder—on busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.
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Weber EP-435 Overview
The Weber Spirit EP-435 has that classic Weber look—clean, sharp lines and a design that feels solid from top to bottom. It’s a good size without being massive, and the layout is simple to navigate, whether you’re cooking a quick dinner or loading it up for a weekend get-together.
With the lid open, you get a clear look at the cooking space and layout. The Spirit EP-435 gives you 533 square inches total—428 on the primary cooking surface and another 105 on the warming rack up top. The grates are cast iron coated in porcelain enamel, which means great heat retention and easy cleanup. Right below the grates are Weber’s signature Flavorizer bars, which help distribute heat and add a little extra smoky flavor by catching drippings and turning them into sizzle.
The four front knobs control the Spirit EP-435’s stainless steel burners, which put out a total of 35,000 BTUs. The two knobs on the right double as a sear zone controller, giving you 40% more power when you need that high heat for steaks or chops. Each burner uses Weber’s Snap-Jet Ignition system, so you get a quick, reliable light-up with just a turn and a push—no fussing with matches, lighters or the ignition that take batteries and work for about a month. The layout’s simple and intuitive.
The cabinet doors on the bottom give the Spirit EP-435 a clean, tucked-in look when closed, and inside there’s room for your propane tank and a little extra storage. This model runs on propane, but it can be converted to natural gas if that’s your setup. The enclosed design keeps things protected and gives the grill a more finished, premium feel compared to open-cart designs.
On the left side of the Spirit EP-435, there’s a 12,000 BTU side burner that’s perfect for whipping up sauces, boiling water, or cooking sides while the main grill is going. It has its own dedicated control knob, so it works independently from the main burners. When you’re not using it, the lid flips down to give you extra prep space, which always comes in handy. It’s one of those features you don’t always think about—but once you have it, you’ll use it all the time.
On the right side of the grill, there’s a small LED digital thermometer that gives you a quick readout of the internal grill temperature. It’s easy to see, even during the day, and helps you keep tabs without constantly lifting the lid. It’s a nice bonus feature that adds a bit of precision, especially for longer cooks where maintaining consistent heat matters – simple, but effective.
For me, while I like this and think it’s cool, I am still a fan of the old gauges that are in the lid, and you can see the needle move up or down. Just a preference for me.
The right side shelf does more than just hold your tray of burgers. It’s part of the Weber Works system, which means you can leave it as a basic prep shelf or upgrade it with a range of accessories like cutting boards, containers, and tool hooks. It’s a flexible setup that lets you customize your grill space to match how you cook. Out of the box, it’s useful—but with the add-ons, it becomes a real workstation.
Both the right and left shelves come with built-in hooks that can hold up to two tools each—great for keeping your tongs, spatula, or brush right where you need them. But what really stands out is how solid these shelves feel. They’re not flimsy or wobbly like you find on some grills in this price range. You can actually lean on them, prep on them, and trust they’re not going anywhere.
The Spirit EP-435 has a well-thought-out grease management system that makes cleanup a lot less of a hassle. Grease drips into a disposable tray, which you can easily access and swap out from underneath. Even better, there’s a rear access panel that lets you remove the full grease pan from the back of the grill—no awkward reaching or tilting required. It’s a clean, simple system that makes post-cook cleanup quick and painless.
Weber Spirit EP-435 Performance
Right out of the gate, the Spirit EP-435 makes things easy. The Snap-Jet Ignition lights the burners fast and smooth—no clicking or holding buttons forever. The grill heats up quickly, which is huge when you’re short on time and just trying to get dinner done. Everything about it feels solid, from the lid to the knobs to the shelves. And even on a windy day, the flames held steady and the heat stayed consistent, which says a lot about the design and build. It just works the way a grill should.
So what did I cook?
For this cook, I threw on a ribeye and topped it with some lobster meat and a little sauce—surf and turf style. I also grilled up some burgers, chicken wings, and pork chops (though I forgot to snap pics of a few before they disappeared). Everything cooked up perfectly, and it was easy to manage the different temps and timing across the burners. Whether it was high-heat searing or indirect cooking, the Spirit EP-435 handled it all.
I debated whether to include this shot—it’s not the prettiest plate of food you’ll see. I used the warming rack to reheat a burger, a chicken wing, and some pork chops, then just tossed everything into a bowl. It might not win any presentation awards, but the food came out hot, juicy, and full of flavor. Sometimes it’s not about how it looks—it’s about how it eats, and this definitely delivered.
Weber Spirit EP-435 Value
The Weber has a price tag of $799 from Weber or Ace Hardware. For what you’re getting, the Weber Spirit EP-435 brings a lot to the table. It’s priced in that mid-to-high range, but the quality, features, and reliability justify it. You’re getting four solid burners, a sear zone, a side burner, a digital thermometer, and a build that actually feels like it’ll last—not just survive a couple seasons. The Snap-Jet Ignition, flavorizer bars, and solid shelves make it easy to use, and the whole experience just feels polished.
Sure, there are less expensive grills out there, but you’d be giving up things like the rock-solid lid, the flexibility of the Weber Works system, and the long-term durability. Plus, with a 10-year warranty on key components, you’re backed up well past the first few summers. If you grill often and want something that performs without frustration, this one’s worth the investment.
Weber Spirit EP-435 Wrap Up
The Weber Spirit EP-435 checks all the boxes for what I want in a gas grill. It’s easy to use, quick to light, heats up fast, and delivers consistent performance—even when the weather isn’t ideal. The build feels solid, the layout makes sense, and the extra features like the side burner, sear zone, and warming rack all actually get used—not just take up space.
Whether you’re grilling a quick dinner on a weeknight or loading it up for a full weekend cookout, the Spirit EP-435 handles it without missing a beat. It’s the kind of grill that just works—and when you’re juggling time, family, and food, that’s exactly what you want.