Weber Genesis II Griddle review exploring durability, performance, and grilling versatility

Description

Advantages of the Weber Genesis II Griddle

Using the Weber Genesis II Griddle (Model 7599) has been an absolute game-changer for my outdoor cooking setup. The first thing that caught my attention was its porcelain-enameled cast iron construction, which offers superior heat retention. This means the griddle maintains its temperature consistently, making it perfect for cooking anything from pancakes to seared steaks. I’ve tested it with various foods, and the results have been phenomenal—crispy edges, even cooking, and no frustrating cold spots.

Another major perk of this design is its double-sided functionality. One side is a flat-top griddle, while the other features grates for traditional grilling. The flexibility here is unmatched. One evening, I made smash burgers on the flat side, and the next, I grilled chicken breasts on the grates. It’s like having two tools in one, saving space and adding versatility.

• Durable porcelain-enameled cast iron ensures long-lasting performance.
• Grease management system keeps cleanup manageable.
• Compatible with multiple Genesis II models, making it versatile.
• Dual-sided design offers grilling and griddling options.

Design and Build Quality

I can’t stress enough how sturdy this thing feels. At 15 pounds, it’s not just a lightweight accessory you toss around. The rectangular shape and 22″ x 16″ size are perfect for fitting on the Genesis II LX 300, 400, or 600 series gas grills. While it replaces one grate on the grill, that slight compromise in space is more than worth it for the added functionality.

What stood out for me the most is the angled cooking surface. It’s genius how the grease drains into a reservoir and then funnels into the cook box via the Flavorizer Bars. If you’ve ever dealt with grease pooling awkwardly on a griddle, you’ll appreciate this thoughtful design. I cooked bacon and noticed how effectively it drained, leaving the surface ready for the next batch.

The nonstick coating works quite well, though I learned the hard way that you do need to season it lightly before first use. A simple rub of oil, and voilà—foods glide off the surface with ease.

Performance in Real-Life Cooking

The heat distribution of the Genesis II Griddle is honestly one of its standout features. During testing, I cooked a variety of foods—breakfast spreads, stir-fries, and even desserts like crepes. Everything browned evenly, and I didn’t have to keep shifting things around like I’ve had to with other griddles.

I was particularly impressed with how well it handled high-heat cooking. Searing steaks on this griddle delivered that perfect crust I usually only get in cast-iron skillets. Even at lower temperatures, like cooking eggs or pancakes, the heat was consistent across the entire surface. No cold spots, no overdone edges—just the kind of performance you’d expect from a premium product.

On the downside, I did notice that handwashing is a must here. The manufacturer clearly states it’s not dishwasher safe, and after one lazy attempt to ignore that, I saw some surface discoloration. Lesson learned! Stick to the hand wash routine, and it’ll stay in top shape.

Weaknesses of the Product

Despite its strong performance, there are a couple of areas for improvement. While these didn’t overshadow its benefits for me, they’re worth noting:

• It’s not dishwasher safe, which adds a bit of hassle to cleaning.
• The griddle is not compatible with 2022 Genesis gas grills, which limits its usability for more recent purchases.
• The weight, while a sign of quality, makes it slightly cumbersome to move around.

Competing Products

When comparing the Genesis II Griddle to other similar products, like the Lodge Cast Iron Griddle or the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill, some clear differences emerge. The Lodge griddle, for example, offers a solid cast-iron build but lacks the dual-sided design that makes the Weber so versatile. On the other hand, the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill provides a larger cooking surface but doesn’t integrate nearly as seamlessly with a grill setup.

What gives the Genesis II its edge is its compatibility with specific Weber grills and the inclusion of thoughtful features like the grease management system. While others might provide similar heat retention, the added convenience of this griddle’s design makes it a more attractive option—especially if you already own a Genesis II grill.

If portability is your priority, though, I’d advise looking at thinner griddles. The Genesis II Griddle’s weight can be a bit of a challenge if you’re constantly moving it around. For stationary setups, however, this is a winner.

True Value of the Genesis II Griddle

When it comes to value for money, this griddle holds its own. Sure, it’s an investment, but considering the durability and the two-in-one functionality, it feels justified. I’ve tested griddles that were either too flimsy or lacked the heat retention to cook effectively, and this one just doesn’t fall into those traps. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking game, this is a smart spending choice.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are cheaper options out there, but you’ll miss out on the premium features that make this griddle stand out. The porcelain-enamel coating, the angled grease management system, and the dual-sided design add up to a product that delivers on its promises.

In short, the Genesis II Griddle is worth every penny if you value quality, versatility, and performance. It’s not perfect, but its positives far outweigh the negatives. Whether you’re a grill master or just someone who enjoys weekend barbecues, this griddle has something to offer.

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