Weber Genesis E-310 v. Weber Spirit E-310

I've got the Spirit E-310, which I bought about a year ago for $399. Looks like Weber redesigned it to be more like a Genesis, upped the price $100, and kept the exact same model number. This is the one I have:

2008 Spirit E-310

This is the new one:

2009 Spirit E-310

The new model looks a lot more like a Genesis, and it has casters all around instead of two of the flimsy "big wheels" mine has. It also puts the tank on the inside instead of the outside. ISTR people saying the 2008 Spirit is made in China while the Genesis is still made in USA; dunno about the 2009 Spirit.

The good news is that the 2008 Spirit and Genesis used identical or at least very similar cookboxes, and I've been delighted with the performance of my 2008 Spirit. It is much more solid than most of the non-Weber silver junk I've seen in stores like Lowe's, which have flimsy cookbox walls that flex easily. However, I wouldn't want to roll it around on a regular basis, because I fear the stupid big wheels would fall off. That's the major downside IMO, and since I don't roll it around, it's not a big deal to me, certainly not worth the $300 price differential between the 2008 Spirit and Genesis. The 2009 Spirit looks even better, and assuming they haven't degraded the cookbox, burners, or other important parts, I wouldn't hesitate to save $200 and get it over the Genesis.

The cooking grates on the Genesis are usually heavier duty, and the Genesis in general is just a better built grill + that extra cooking surface can make a huge difference if you entertain.

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The cooking grates on the Genesis are usually heavier duty

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But even Weber's cheaper stuff is better than 90% of the competition. I've had the Spirit for about a year and really enjoy it. I've never cooked for more than 4, so the surface area isn't an issue for me. You can't go wrong either way.