Grill snobs, help me out please

[Platypus]

I am looking for a modest gas grill somewhere in the ~$300 range. Before any fights break out amongst you all, it has to be gas due to code.

I've got a relatively large back patio and as summer approaches I want to start grilling some meats. My previous grills have all been complete shite and I wanted to get something decent.

My limited research into the matter has concluded that the Weber Spirit e210 looks like a logical choice. It's a bit out of the range I gave but I can get a deal on it to put it there. Is there anything else I should check out? I'm going basically based on name alone here so please let me know if I should look elsewhere.

If there's something that is truly amazing but higher than my range by a bit, I will entertain that suggestion too.

 

[JulesMaximus]

What are you going to be cooking on it? Fish, chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, then gas is fine. For pork ribs or other cuts where longer, slower cooking is best I'd get a charcoal smoker. Or better yet, get both!

I have a Jenn-air BBQ gas grill with side burner in my backyard. I've had it for about 5-6 years now and it still works flawless with excellent temperature control and it is well built out of decent quality materials.

 

[Platypus]

What are you going to be cooking on it? Fish, chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, then gas is fine. For pork ribs or other cuts where longer, slower cooking is best I'd get a charcoal smoker. Or better yet, get both!

Reread second sentence please

 

[JulesMaximus]

Reread second sentence please

Meats...um, could you be any less specific?

 

[BornStar]

I have a Weber Spirit e310 (the old model, not the recent one) and I love it. It's a great grill and most of the time I only use two of the three burners so I see no reason why you wouldn't love the e210.

 

[Platypus]

Meats...um, could you be any less specific?

It has to be gas no matter what unfortunately... as far as what is going to be grilled..mostly fish, burgers, sausages and chiles.

 

[Jeeebus]

Reread second sentence please

but... but... charcoal rocks and stuff!

My only advice is to buy an American made Weber. I've got a Genesis 310 something - has been a great grill. Most importantly, it came in something like 5 pieces and was put together in 20 minutes. Compare that to the 18 hours or so it took to put together our previous cheap grill and it was worth every penny.

 

[shiner]

Haven't priced them in a few years, but I don't think he can find Weber in his price range.

 

[Spoooon]

I have a Weber Q200 and like it so far.

I prefer charcoal, but am in the same situation where it's gas, electric, or nothing.

I went with the Q200 because, once I am able to get a charcoal grill, I'll still be able to get some use out of it, can put it away, etc.

 

[JulesMaximus]

It has to be gas no matter what unfortunately... as far as what is going to be grilled..mostly fish, burgers, sausages and chiles.

Why? Small patio? Close neighbors?

Nothing smells better than meat slowly cooked on a charcoal smoker.

I spent nearly $700 on my grill. I don't know that you're going to find anything stellar in the $300 range but maybe someone here can suggest something. A good charcoal smoker can be had for around $70.

 

[sjwaste]

Go for the best Weber that you can afford. They are very durable, but also have great warranty and customer service support.

 

[JoPh]

weber

 

[BChico]

I just ordered a Weber S-320, comes on Friday. Little bit out of your price range, but it looks like a great grill. (~$800)

 

[Platypus]

Why? Small patio? Close neighbors?

Nothing smells better than meat slowly cooked on a charcoal smoker.

Code for the house I live in.

 

[JulesMaximus]

City code for the house I live in.

Ooh, that sucks...:'(

 

[effowe]

My roommate has a Weber Q. It's a decent small grill, but there is only one burner so you can't cook with indirect heat.

Edit: It's similar to this

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-426001-..._1_11?ie=UTF8&s=garden&qid=1272989195&sr=1-11

But that appears to have multiple burners, and it's $329 at Amazon. He had to buy an adapter hose to run standard propane tanks on it.

 

[Platypus]

So do any of you have the spirit e210? That one is within my range with a deal I can get on it, just wanted to make sure it was a nice grill. I am not looking for state of the art here, but something better than the complete shite electric grill I have now.

 

[Jzero]

Is it 2 burners? I'd prefer 3. I got a Brinkmann at Target 6 years ago that I have been very happy with. I just spotted a 4-burner Brinkmann at Target for about the same price ~$200. I don't think 4-burner scores you much (unless you get more BTU overall), but these grills seem like a great value. Also easy to get replacement parts...I replaced all the burners and cooking grids for under $100 shipped...will easily last me another 6 years.

 

[GasX]

I have a Weber Genesis and it is great. It came with a cook book. I haven't made one of the recipes, but it has a guide for grill settings and cook times for EVERYTHING you would want to grill. It is quite literally spot on for cook times, too. That grill chart is worth the price of the grill.

 

[Pheran]

So do any of you have the spirit e210? That one is within my range with a deal I can get on it, just wanted to make sure it was a nice grill. I am not looking for state of the art here, but something better than the complete shite electric grill I have now.

Like BornStar, I have the Spirit E310 (probably the same older version as his) and I like it quite a bit. I would definitely miss grill space if I downgraded to the E210, but if you only want to cook for 3-4 people it would probably be OK.

 

[Yourself]

Weber all the way. As far as the e-210, it looks similar to the old Genesis Silver B's and those were nice simple grills with pretty even heating.

I have a Summit S-650, I love this thing...

 

[Platypus]

ok thanks, yeah this is going to be just for myself and my bf mostly, but we have people over frequently.

 

[Pheran]

Weber all the way. As far as the e-210, it looks similar to the old Genesis Silver B's and those were nice simple grills with pretty even heating.

I have a Summit S-650, I love this thing...

Actually the E310 is the next version of the Silver B, the E210 is comparable to the old Silver A.

 

[TXHokie]

The Weber Genesis natural gas grill I bought 11 years ago is like a tank. I too wasted good money on lesser grills that rusted out and fell apart after 2-3 yrs. The Weber is heavily used spring thru fall at least 3-4 times a week and is still going - only had to replace the "flavorizer" bars. Coal/smoke grill has its place for the lazy weekend but when time is off the essence after work and I just want to throw something quick on the grill, can't beat the Weber gas grill.

 

[Uppsala9496]

I have a 3 burner gas grill from Menards (grill pro or something). I've had it for 3 years now and have used it through all the seasons that Chicago has to offer. Things runs great. I keep it covered when not in use and the electric ignition still works. I think it was $169.

For the price, it can't be beat. A fraction of the cost of a Weber and works great.