Propane grill recommendations ($200-$500 range)

[MartyMcFly3]

In the market for a propane grill. Looking for help/recommendations. Will be using it at least 2-3 a week during the season. Let's hear what you got. Thanks in advance!

 

[Uppsala9496]

Weber spirit if it falls in that range.

 

[MartyMcFly3]

The e310 is right at $499 at Home Depot. I've heard mixed things about it though which has me hesitant.

 

[Kaido]

Outdoor Cooking's Flat Top Grill:

http://www.outdoorcooking.com/flat-top-grill.html

$399 plus shipping, and be sure to use the 10% off code for your first purchase. Includes both a grill AND a griddle. My buddy just got one & it's great! I have a Blackstone model from Lowes & it's awesome...lets you cook up 10 or 20 pancakes at a time, Five Guys-style burgers, pounded chicken cutlets, pork fried rice, etc. Although I'd probably go with the link above if I were to buy again since it has a grilling grate, which is super handy. They also sell a pizza oven attachment for around $120 if you want to get into that.

 

[chitwood]

just get a weber, you won't regret it

 

[Kaido]

In the market for a propane grill. Looking for help/recommendations. Will be using it at least 2-3 a week during the season. Let's hear what you got. Thanks in advance!

Actually, what do you want to cook on it? If you want a traditional grill, then I would definitely consider a pellet grill. Same concept as a convection oven, but with smoke. I have the older version of this model:

http://www.amazon.com/Traeger-Pellet-Grills-BBQ155-01-19-5K/dp/B00M0Z04C2

You have to buy food-grade pellets (the one for home heating has chemicals in it). Food tastes AMAZING off it, and because it's electric, it's as easy to operate as an oven...except that you can use it as a smoker, too. My go-to recipe is pork top loin (the short fat cut for cheap)...smoke for 3.5 hours at 180F, then cook for 30 minutes at 350F or until it reaches at least 145F internally. Comes out like bacon steak, it's amazing :wub:

 

[MartyMcFly3]

I'm looking to cook mainly meats, from burgers/brats+dogs/chicken/pork. Nothing crazy. Also only cooking for family of 4 unless hosting a small get together. The pancake feature on the one you posted is cool but I doubt I'd use it.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

It's analogous to buying or building your own computer. For that price range, I'd build my own (and have). Of course, you either have to have an interest or, friend(s) with the skill to do metal work. What you get is a grill that meets your needs and is better built than 99% of what's available.

 

[Gizmo j]

 

[MartyMcFly3]

I want to taste the meat, not the heat.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I want to taste the meat, not the heat.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House does bulk.

 

[BoomerD]

just get a weber, you won't regret it

This...so much this. If you can't find one in your budget...stretch the budget. They're worth the extra cost.

 

[unokitty]

I'm looking to cook mainly meats, from burgers/brats+dogs/chicken/pork. Nothing crazy. Also only cooking for family of 4 unless hosting a small get together. The pancake feature on the one you posted is cool but I doubt I'd use it.

For that kind of use, you may also want to consider the Weber Q series. If your local stores don't have one, you could order from Amazon.

I've used mine for the last five or ten years... Its not as big, or as shiny, as some grills that my friends have. But it does everything that I need.

I guess, I could call it the Occam's Razor of grills.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[shabby]

Avoid anything made in china.

 

[Mixolydian]

The e310 is right at $499 at Home Depot. I've heard mixed things about it though which has me hesitant.

There is nothing "mixed" about it, it's a fantastic grill. I personally recommend the natural gas version though.

 

[Kaido]

This...so much this. If you can't find one in your budget...stretch the budget. They're worth the extra cost.

I don't want to say I regret my el-cheapo Home Depot purchase, but I think my biggest complaint is that it doesn't get nearly as hot as I want it. If I were to do it again, I would definitely invest in something nicer that would give me consistently high heat. Hard to beat Weber!

 

[CurrentlyPissed]

I have a CharBroil Elite Tru-Infared, it's great for cooking evenly, and keeping meat incredibly juciy. Want the flame sear? Just remove the lower grates and grill away. Was $299 ish at lowes.

I also have a Masterbuilt 40" Electric Smoker that's $299. Should get both and enjoy both worlds

 

[boomhower]

Buy a Weber. I bought a Genesis last year and it was money well spent. I difference between it and the cheaper stuff is astounding. Get the Spirit, you won't regret it.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

It's analogous to buying or building your own computer. For that price range, I'd build my own (and have). Of course, you either have to have an interest or, friend(s) with the skill to do metal work. What you get is a grill that meets your needs and is better built than 99% of what's available.

My weber is on year 7 or so. And looks new. It is stored outside in the winter.

 

[MartyMcFly3]

For those recommending Weber, and bear in mind I'm playing devil's advocate a bit here, convince me what makes them better than say a lower cost Char-broil or Brinkmann. A lot of things I've read online from people are like "give me Weber or give me death" type devotion to them. Just curious why.

 

[CurrentlyPissed]

For those recommending Weber, and bear in mind I'm playing devil's advocate a bit here, convince me what makes them better than say a lower cost Char-broil or Brinkmann. A lot of things I've read online from people are like "give me Weber or give me death" type devotion to them. Just curious why.

Honestly, I don't know tbh. I've seen plenty of junk Webers. I think it's just that Weber's low cost solutions offer great value. Where as Char Broil, and Brinkman super low end stuff is pay for what you get and that kills their reputation.

My Char-Broil Tru-Infared Pro has done me solid for 4 years now. Fires up first ignite, still on the original battery has sat outside without a cover in Missouri (4 seasons) weather, has yet to even show a spec of rust.. When I upgrade, it'll be another Char Broil.

 

[MartyMcFly3]

Honestly, I don't know tbh. I've seen plenty of junk Webers. I think it's just that Weber's low cost solutions offer great value. Where as Char Broil, and Brinkman super low end stuff is pay for what you get and that kills their reputation.

My Char-Broil Tru-Infared Pro has done me solid for 4 years now. Fires up first ignite, still on the original battery has sat outside without a cover in Missouri (4 seasons) weather, has yet to even show a spec of rust.. When I upgrade, it'll be another Char Broil.

I'm in Illinois so weather for me is similar. I hope you don't think my prior post was to trash Char-Broil or anything. It's just all research I've done have said Weber > * and I was curious why everyone is saying that. I was going to head to Lowes tomorrow to see what they had, as that's one of the only big retail stores I haven't checked yet.

 

[brianmanahan]

dang it bobby!

 

[rommelrommel]

For those recommending Weber, and bear in mind I'm playing devil's advocate a bit here, convince me what makes them better than say a lower cost Char-broil or Brinkmann. A lot of things I've read online from people are like "give me Weber or give me death" type devotion to them. Just curious why.

Honestly, I don't know tbh. I've seen plenty of junk Webers. I think it's just that Weber's low cost solutions offer great value. Where as Char Broil, and Brinkman super low end stuff is pay for what you get and that kills their reputation.

My Char-Broil Tru-Infared Pro has done me solid for 4 years now. Fires up first ignite, still on the original battery has sat outside without a cover in Missouri (4 seasons) weather, has yet to even show a spec of rust.. When I upgrade, it'll be another Char Broil.

Build quality, warranty, and parts availability.

Happy owners of two Genesis grills, a Q series, and we have a Q series at work too.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

My weber is on year 7 or so. And looks new. It is stored outside in the winter.

But, does it have character? Is it customized?