Last weekend I hosted a neighborhood cookout with two very different grills side by side: the brand-new Ninja FlexFlame PG301 and the reliable Weber Genesis E-325. Spending a full day moving between them—searing steaks, smoking ribs, and even testing pizzas—gave me a clear picture of how each one performs when you’re feeding a crowd. If you’re debating between Ninja’s innovative electric-propane hybrid and Weber’s classic propane workhorse, here’s everything I discovered after plenty of real cooking time.
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja FlexFlame vs Weber Genesis E-325 Electric Grill & Smoker
The Ninja FlexFlame is a 5-in-1 hybrid grill and smoker that combines electric precision with propane power, while the Weber Genesis E-325 is a traditional gas grill focused on consistent heat and a huge sear zone. In short, the Ninja is all about versatility and tech-driven control, and the Weber is built for straightforward, high-heat grilling with legendary durability.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
- Weber Black Genesis Grill includes PureBlu burners with a unique, tapered design, creating a consistent flame and even heat across the grilling surface; Raised...
Quick Comparison Table: Ninja FlexFlame vs Weber Genesis E-325 Electric Grill & Smoker
| Feature | Ninja FlexFlame PG301 | Weber Genesis E-325 |
| Fuel Type | Propane + Electric (3-prong cord + 20 lb. tank) | Liquid Propane |
| Cooking Surface | 424 sq. in. | ~513 sq. in. main + warming rack |
| Burners | 3 precision burners | 3 PureBlu burners |
| Temp Range | 200–600 °F | Approx. 250–600 °F |
| Special Modes | Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, pizza (5-in-1) | Extra-large sear zone, Weber Crafted accessories |
| Notable Tech | CyclonicHeat-iQ convection fan, digital control | Flavorizer Bars, PureBlu tapered burners |
| Dimensions | 59.57″ D x 25.08″ W x 48.31″ H | 27″ D x 57.7″ W x 48.1″ H |
| Weight | Heavier build with electric components | Slightly lighter classic design |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Before we get into the nitty-gritty—design, ease of use, cooking performance—here’s the context: I set both grills up on my patio, preheated them, and rotated dishes between the two. From pizza stone experiments to slow-smoked ribs, this was a full-day stress test.
Design and Build Quality
The Ninja FlexFlame immediately feels like a modern outdoor appliance. Stainless-steel panels hide the wiring for its electric CyclonicHeat fan, and the digital control panel looks more like a premium indoor oven. The lid handle stays surprisingly cool, and the soft-close door adds a touch of finesse.
The Weber Genesis E-325, on the other hand, leans into Weber’s classic, rugged design. Thick porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, black powder-coated body, and a grease management system that slides out effortlessly. It doesn’t scream “tech,” but it’s rock-solid and built to endure years of weekend barbecues.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
- Weber Black Genesis Grill includes PureBlu burners with a unique, tapered design, creating a consistent flame and even heat across the grilling surface; Raised...
Setup and Ease of Use
FlexFlame requires both a 20-lb propane tank and a standard outdoor outlet. I had to run a heavy-duty extension cord across the deck, which is something to plan for. Once powered, the digital interface makes temperature selection dead simple—just set the exact degree and let the convection fan do the rest.
The Weber is plug-and-play in the traditional sense: attach the propane tank, ignite with the push of a button, and you’re ready. No cords, no learning curve. The three PureBlu burners adjust smoothly and respond fast when you want to ramp up or drop the heat.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
Cooking Functions and Performance
This is where the personalities of these grills truly diverge.
- Ninja FlexFlame: I roasted a whole chicken at a precise 350 °F while simultaneously smoking ribs with the indirect rack and pellet box. Later, I swapped to griddle plates (sold separately) for smash burgers. The CyclonicHeat fan keeps air moving evenly—my ribs came out tender with a beautiful crust in less time than expected. The pizza stone accessory turned out a bubbly 16-inch pie in about 6 minutes.
- Weber Genesis E-325: Pure grilling muscle. The extra-large sear zone is a steak lover’s dream. I cooked six ribeyes at once and every one had those deep, caramelized grill marks. The Flavorizer Bars caught drippings, sending a burst of smoky flavor back up. It doesn’t smoke or roast in the Ninja sense, but it delivers textbook gas-grill results.
- Weber Black Genesis Grill includes PureBlu burners with a unique, tapered design, creating a consistent flame and even heat across the grilling surface; Raised...
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup favors the Weber. Its pull-out grease tray and accessible cookbox mean I was done in minutes. The Ninja’s porcelain-enamel parts wipe clean easily, but the extra components—fan housing, pellet box, drip trays—take more time.
Ninja FlexFlame PG301 Electric Grill & Smoker
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
Pros:
- Five cooking modes in one unit (grill, smoke, roast, griddle, pizza).
- Precise digital temperature control from 200–600 °F.
- Convection fan speeds cooking and ensures even heat.
- QuickCrisp roasting produces perfectly browned meats.
Cons:
- Requires both electricity and propane—needs outdoor outlet.
- Accessories like pizza stone and griddle plates cost extra.
- Slightly more complex cleanup due to extra components.
Weber Genesis E-325 Liquid Propane Grill
- Weber Black Genesis Grill includes PureBlu burners with a unique, tapered design, creating a consistent flame and even heat across the grilling surface; Raised...
Pros:
- Classic, durable construction with porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates.
- Extra-large sear zone for professional steakhouse results.
- Flavorizer Bars add smoky flavor and reduce flare-ups.
- Simple setup and easy grease management system.
Cons:
- Primarily a grill—no built-in smoking or roasting functions.
- Lacks digital temperature precision.
- Fewer “tech” features compared to Ninja.
Verdict & Recommendation:
After a full day of burgers, ribs, and even pizza, I’d say the choice depends entirely on how you like to cook. If you want an all-in-one outdoor kitchen, the Ninja FlexFlame is hard to beat. It smokes, roasts, and bakes with precision I rarely find outside an indoor oven. Perfect for adventurous cooks who like experimenting.
But if your priority is pure, no-nonsense grilling power, the Weber Genesis E-325 remains a backyard legend. It heats quickly, sears like a pro, and cleans up effortlessly—ideal for steak nights and big family barbecues.
For me, with a family that loves slow-smoked ribs and weekend pizza parties, the Ninja FlexFlame earns the edge. Still, I’ll keep the Weber around for those nights when I just want that unbeatable steakhouse sear without any cords or gadgets.
