As the owner of both Monument Grills vs Weber, I’ve spent two years conducting side-by-side testing in my backyard, cooking over 200 meals on each. My family may call it obsession, but after all that dedicated grilling, I know exactly which one is worth your money.
Build Quality of Monument Grills vs Weber
Opening both grills reveals clear differences. The Weber has porcelain-coated cast iron grates—nice quality. But the burners are stainless tubes that feel thin. The flavorizer bars are decent but nothing special.
Opening the Monument shows stainless steel grates, heavier stainless burners, and everything feels more solid. The infrared side burner is a game-changer for searing. Weber doesn’t have anything comparable.
The Monument came apart easier and went back together tighter. The Weber had parts that felt loose, with small gaps where heat escapes. Not huge problems, but noticeable.
Weber’s grates are easier to clean, though. That porcelain coating wipes down nicely. The monument’s stainless grates need more scrubbing. But they’ll never rust or chip like porcelain eventually does.
Read more: Pellet Grill vs Charcoal Grill 2025
The Burner Problem of Monument Grills vs Weber
Weber made a design decision that bothers many experienced users. They switched from side-to-side burners to front-to-back burners. Sounds minor. It’s not.
For those who love cooking whole chickens on rotisserie, this change matters significantly. With side-to-side burners, heat comes from both sides. The chicken spins, cooks evenly, and comes out perfect every time.
With Weber’s front-to-back burners, heat comes from the front and back. The rotisserie spins perpendicular to the heat. It works, but not as well. The ends cook faster than the middle. Constant temperature adjustments become necessary.
Monument kept the side-to-side configuration. Chickens cook better on Monument grills. That’s just facts.
Indirect cooking is harder on Weber too. For smoking a pork shoulder, one burner gets turned off with meat placed on that side. With front-to-back burners, there’s less usable space. Side-to-side provides more options.
Heat Performance: The Real Test
Despite similar claims, the Monument grill significantly outperforms the Weber in heat performance. Weber often only reaches $475 and is highly susceptible to weather, struggling below $425 when it’s cold or windy—a sign of compromised construction. The Monument, due to better insulation, consistently hits $500 and beyond. Its dedicated infrared burner is a game-changer, hitting $700 for professional-grade searing. While neither is a true smoker, the Monument also offers better low-temperature stability, holding the $225 to $250 range more easily for long cooks.
The Monument Grills vs Weber Price Question
Monument’s superior value makes Weber’s pricing nearly indefensible. When you compare similar models—a typical Weber at $950 versus a Monument at $680—you’re paying an extra $270 primarily for the Weber logo. Monument delivers better features, superior construction, and equal or better cooking performance for significantly less money. The Weber premium used to signify superior engineering; now, it just means you’re paying for brand history while getting less grill.
Real-World Cooking: Six Months of Testing
I have cooked everything on both grills—steaks, burgers, chicken, fish, vegetables, even pizza. Here’s how I compare:
- Steaks: Monument wins. That infrared sear is unbeatable, creating a crust that’s crispy and caramelized. Weber does fine, but it’s not the same.
- Burgers: Tie. Both cook great burgers with no meaningful difference.
- Whole Chickens: Monument wins. Better heat distribution with side-to-side burners produces more even cooking.
- Low and Slow: Monument edges ahead with better temperature control at low temps. Neither is ideal for smoking, though.
- Fish: Weber slightly better. The porcelain grates release delicate fish easier with less sticking.
- Vegetables: Tie. Both work great.
Overall winner? Monument. It does more things better. Weber isn’t bad—it’s just not special anymore.
The Longevity Gamble
Here’s the biggest concern in the Monument grills vs Weber grills debate. Weber grills used to last 15-20 years. Older Spirit models made it 12+ years with minimal issues. Will newer Genesis models last that long? Probably not. That thinner construction won’t hold up as well.
Monument grills are too new to know for sure. Will they last 15 years? No historical data exists yet. The stainless steel should hold up better than Weber’s current materials. But what about igniters? Burners? The small parts that break?
I am betting on Monument. The construction feels more durable. Time will tell if that bet pays off.
Who Should Still Buy Weber?
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Weber still makes sense for certain buyers. If finding an older Weber Genesis from before 2018, buy it. Those were great grills—thick cast aluminum, solid construction, built to last.
If easy replacement parts are crucial, Weber has the advantage. Their parts network is extensive. Need a flavorizer bar? Amazon has it. Monument’s parts availability is improving but still limited.
If brand recognition matters, Weber is the name people know. Neighbors will nod and say “nice Weber.” Nobody’s impressed by Monument yet. If that social aspect matters, it’s a consideration.
But if performance and value are priorities, Monument is the smarter choice.
Who Should Buy a Monument?
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Buy Monument for features. That infrared burner is legitimate. The LED lights help. The stainless construction won’t rust.
Buy Monument for value. Spending $680 instead of $950 for a better grill is smart shopping.
Buy Monument if serious cooking happens regularly. The side-to-side burners work better. The heat distribution is more even. The temperature control is more precise.
Buy Monument if willing to try something new. Weber coasted on their reputation for too long. The monument is pushing them. Competition makes everyone better.
Pros and Cons
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Weber:
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Final Verdict After Two Years
The automatic recommendation for a Weber gas grill is over. While your existing Weber remains a fine backup grill, the brand has eroded its value proposition by raising prices while cutting quality.
The new market leader for many serious grillers is Monument. This competitor entered the arena with superior specs, better features, and lower prices. While Monument isn’t perfect—it has harder-to-clean grates, less established parts availability, and less brand recognition—it excels in the one area that truly matters: actual cooking performance.
The current comparison isn’t close for those who prioritize cooking results and value. Monument is winning in the arena of performance. Weber still holds advantages in parts availability and brand familiarity, but consumers must now choose based on their priorities, knowing that the landscape has fundamentally shifted. The competition has arrived and is performing better.
FAQs
- Which lasts longer, Monument or Weber?
Older Weber grills lasted 15-20 years. New models use thinner materials that likely won’t last as long. Monument’s stainless construction should be more durable, but they’re too new for comprehensive long-term data.
- Is Monument as good as Weber?
Monument matches or exceeds Weber in most categories: heat retention, features, and build quality. Weber still has better parts availability and brand recognition.
- Why is Monument cheaper than Weber?
Monument is a newer brand building market share and operates with lower overhead. Weber charges premium prices based on reputation rather than current quality levels.
- Can I find replacement parts for Monument grills?
Yes, but the network is smaller than Weber’s. Monument’s website stocks most parts, and availability is improving as the brand grows.
- Which has better heat distribution?
Monument’s side-to-side burners distribute heat more evenly than Weber’s front-to-back configuration, especially important for rotisserie cooking.
- Do Monument grills rust?
The stainless steel construction resists rust significantly better than Weber’s current materials and coatings.
- Which is better for searing steaks?
Monument wins decisively with infrared burners that reach 700°F. Weber tops out around 475°F in most conditions.
- Are Weber grills still made in America?
No, current Weber grills are manufactured in China, though the company is headquartered in Illinois.
- Which has better customer service?
Based on recent user experiences, Monument currently provides faster, more helpful support. Weber’s service has declined significantly from previous standards.
- Should I buy a used Weber or new Monument?
A pre-2018 Weber Genesis is excellent if found in good condition. For new grills, Monument offers better value and performance at current price points.
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