Weber Spirit grills top our tests of small and midsize models

After months of testing gas grills the results are in and out of the 100-plus grills, the Weber Spirit SP-320 tops Consumer Reports' gas grill Ratings. At $600, the Spirit isn't the most affordable model on our tops picks list, but there's a lot to like about this midsized grill. It's easy to use and preheats quickly and evenly. And the Weber was excellent on high and low heat. Here's what else we found in our tests.

The Weber Spirit SP-320 46700401 was among the few that excelled at indirect cooking—a slow cook method that's ideal for ribs, roasts, or whole fish and poultry by placing them next to the heat, not directly over it. Our measurements of the Weber's main cooking area puts it in the midsize category, meaning the Weber can fit 16 to 30 burgers at a time. An electronic igniter fires it up—there are three main burners—and other features include stainless-steel grates, side burner, and a long warranty on its burners, the most frequently replaced grill part. If what you need is a grill that has room for 10 to 15 burgers, then take a look at the Weber Spirit E-220 46310001, $450, a slimmer two-burner version that was the best among the small and portable grills we tested.

In our grill tests, the Weber Spirit SP-320 46700401 overtook the midsized Vermont Castings Signature Series VCS300SSP. That model was discontinued but we expect the Vermont Castings Signature Series VCS323SSP to perform similarly to its brandmate's superb scores on high, low and indirect cooking. Our top rated large grill is the Jenn-Air 720-0709, sold at Sam's Club for $950. It was excellent at high temperatures and very good at low and indirect cooking.

By the way, when manufacturers state a grill's cooking area their measurements might include warming racks and searing burners. We measure only the main cooking surface. See the results of our grilling tests to find the right size grill for you. And keep in mind that while stores often assemble grills for free, they might charge $50 to $70 for delivery and it can take several days. Walmart, one of the biggest sellers of gas grills, doesn't offer delivery service on assembled grills and neither does Home Depot.

—Kimberly Janeway