Looking for a grill

[JTsyo]

I'm not a big BBQ guy but wife wants to get a grill and I figure it would be good for the summer and I should grill to keep my man card. Looking for just a gas grill. What are good brands for grills and where should I get them? Right now I'm thinking some place like Sears or an outdoor/pool place. Family size is 4 so nothing really big is needed.

(no need to try to convince me that coal BBQ tastes better, just wasted strokes)

 

[Texashiker]

I figure it would be good for the summer and I should grill to keep my man card. Looking for just a gas grill.

Make up your mind, do you want to keep your "man card", or do you want a gas grill?

 

[GT1999]

We bought our grill from Sears, it's a Kenmore I think. $200, 4 burner. It's lasted a year so it can't be complete crap. If you want a really good one, Weber makes some of the best but they cost a lot more. I've seen them rust through just like the cheap ones though.

Edit: Here's what we bought - http://www.kenmore.com/shc/s/p_1015...o=2&blockType=L2&prdNo=2&i_cntr=1332446744657

 

[airdata]

 

[ElFenix]

charcoal really doesn't take that much prep or work. just light some paper under a chimney starter and walk away. and a webber kettle will last forever. it's also versatile. and fairly inexpensive.


edit: holy crap where did my grammar go?

 

[mshan]

Weber Genesis?

 

[Scarpozzi]

2 years ago I scored a small 2 burner Char-Broil from Walmart for $94 + a $50GC...so essentially $44. I was going to buy a flashy big grill, but have found that even with 2 burners I can do about 12 large burgers a time and plenty of bratwurst. I've grilled for partys of 40+ with that thing over the past 2 years.

With all cheap grills the key is to keep them clean, don't put bbq sauce, etc on the grill....and keep it out of the elements. I store my indoors, have used it moderately, and it's just like new.

My dad bought the same grill and has been much rougher on his....it's falling apart and missing a wheel. I'd just read reviews online and don't get suckered into spending over $200. I've noticed that even the $300 grills that look great are stainless steel, etc....all have cheap knobs and fall apart after the 2nd or 3rd year of use.

If you have the means, look into weber with a cast iron grilling surface....or go to a specialty grill store and find one with a 5 year warranty.

 

[Scarpozzi]

charcoal really don't take that much prep or work. just some paper with a chimney starter and walk away. and a webber kettle will last forever. it's also versatile. and fairly inexpensive.

Agreed. I'm very impressed by those. I'm tempted to get one to add to my collection. A coworker of mine actually smokes bbq in his with great results.

 

[OutHouse]

I bought this 2 years ago and it is hands down the best grill i have ever owned. solid built, even heat all over the burn surface. it will last 20+ years. i could not be happier.

Weber Genesis E-330 3-Burner Gas Grill

$699.00

 

[ElFenix]

Agreed. I'm very impressed by those. I'm tempted to get one to add to my collection. A coworker of mine actually smokes bbq in his with great results.

that's where i do mine. i got a smokenator attachment for it. you can pretty much do the same thing with a piece of sheet metal (easiest to cut up a cookie sheet).


the silver kettle can be used with automatic airflow attachments to automatically control the temp you're smoking at. the gold can't because of the different ash trap.

 

[Texashiker]

Char-griller super pro

 

[Deeko]

I got a new grill a couple of years ago, I was debating getting the Weber or going with another brand, ultimately went with a Char Broil infrared - I just couldn't justify the price premium of the Weber.

I got this: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...053&langId=-1&keyword=charbroil&storeId=10051 ($399)
There is a smaller version: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...053&langId=-1&keyword=charbroil&storeId=10051 ($269)

I've been very happy with it so far. I've used it quite a lot over the last two years and its still working very well. The biggest complaint you hear about Char Broil is that they don't last as long, and while I can't say yet if it will be working 10 years from now, so far, so good. And even if you replace a part or two here and there, that's still cheaper than the premium price of a Weber.

 

[OutHouse]

charcoal really doesn't take that much prep or work. just light some paper under a chimney starter and walk away. and a webber kettle will last forever. it's also versatile. and fairly inexpensive.


edit: holy crap where did my grammar go?

agreed andi have both, in fact i also have the one TH just posted a pic of. but its the clean up that makes me use my genisis a lot more. I hate scooping out ashes.

 

[Drako]

Make up your mind, do you want to keep your "man card", or do you want a gas grill?

Go with a Weber Genesis.

 

[Texashiker]

agreed andi have both, in fact i also have the one TH just posted a pic of. but its the clean up that makes me use my genisis a lot more. I hate scooping out ashes.

I have the char-griller patio pro, its just right for my wife and I. The sliding ash tray makes for easy clean up.

 

[Matthiasa]

For even cooking, a "flameless grill" works well. Now won't say anything about the taste.(gas which can be an issue)
But you can set a timer and walk away without anything to worry about.

 

[FallenHero]

I got a new grill a couple of years ago, I was debating getting the Weber or going with another brand, ultimately went with a Char Broil infrared - I just couldn't justify the price premium of the Weber.

I got this: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...053&langId=-1&keyword=charbroil&storeId=10051 ($399)
There is a smaller version: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...053&langId=-1&keyword=charbroil&storeId=10051 ($269)

I've been very happy with it so far. I've used it quite a lot over the last two years and its still working very well. The biggest complaint you hear about Char Broil is that they don't last as long, and while I can't say yet if it will be working 10 years from now, so far, so good. And even if you replace a part or two here and there, that's still cheaper than the premium price of a Weber.

I think you get what you pay for with a Weber. It's generally higher quality, but as with all things, if you dont take care of it properly it will fall apart.

OP, do your research. Try http://www.bbqsource-forums.com/invboard/index.php?act=idx for really good info.

 

[OutHouse]

I have the char-griller patio pro, its just right for my wife and I. The sliding ash tray makes for easy clean up.

yea that tray does make it easier but it is just my luck that a gust of wind comes and blows ash all over me and my patio.

 

[DesiPower]

I used to have a nice charcoal grill, used it a few times a year during spring and fall... Then, as some would say, I turned in my man card, and bought a $200 gas grill. It was the best decision I ever made (not the card but the grill). I use it atleast 2 3 times a week, grilling fish for me and my son during the week, vegetables sometimes, during weekends burgers and chicken... even tried chicken tandoori... I bough it about a year back and I on my 4th cylinder!

 

[mmntech]

Charcoal does produce smoky food but gas is easier all round. You'll use it more since there's no prep time involved, and food cooked on it still beats the stove and over by far.

If you go gas, I'd highly recommend asking about getting a natural gas hookup installed. My family had the propane grills for years. Then we got the natural gas grill and we haven't looked back. The tanks always seem to run out at the worst possible moment. Natural gas allows for continuous cooking and no need to lug cylinders to fill them.

 

[Howard]

Make up your mind, do you want to keep your "man card", or do you want a gas grill?

:|

 

[lykaon78]

Charcoal does produce smoky food but gas is easier all round. You'll use it more since there's no prep time involved, and food cooked on it still beats the stove and over by far.

If you go gas, I'd highly recommend asking about getting a natural gas hookup installed. My family had the propane grills for years. Then we got the natural gas grill and we haven't looked back. The tanks always seem to run out at the worst possible moment. Natural gas allows for continuous cooking and no need to lug cylinders to fill them.

Is the natural gas cheaper?

 

[Fingolfin269]

Make up your mind, do you want to keep your "man card", or do you want a gas grill?

Lulz, real men use a stick and open flame.

OP, I currently have a Weber and doubt I'll ever get anything else unless I decide to get a Green Egg. But for your purposes, if you're just going to grill a few times a year, you may want to just go get a cheapie from Wal-Mart. You'd honestly not know any better on the food side but your wallet will thank you.

 

[vi edit]

Is the natural gas cheaper?

Natural gas grills use 2x as much as propane but it's 1/6th the price so it ends up being about 1/3rd the price overall. I hooked up a NG line to my deck and bought a Weber NG Genesis and it's freaking awesome. No tank, heats up in no time, and just burns clean.

 

[silverpig]

OP: you should really look at this Weber

My dad has a big weber and a smaller version of this one. He uses the big one only when a ton of people come over. It's really a waste to heat the huge thing up for 4 steaks.

The one I linked to will be big enough to cook for 8 people if need be. You can go down in size easily to get to 4 people if you like.

The grill on it is fantastic, and it starts up like a charm every time. It won't take up a huge amount of space, and you can put it away in the shed, or on a shelf when you aren't using it.