Need a new Grill

[Capt Caveman]

Oh don't get me wrong, charcoal's flavor can't be beat. But I got really tired of 45 minutes of total grill time for a piece of chicken...

And that's the thing, when I get back from running and it's 9pm, I don't want to have to deal with having to wait til charcoals heat-up to cook a piece of fish and some veggies. Plus, it would be a waste of charcoal for so little food.

Thanks for the ideas so far!

 

[unokitty]

You may want to look at the Weber Q Series gas grills. They are smaller, and more economical, than Weber's full size offerings.

While they come with fittings for the smaller gas containers, you can get an adaptor for the full size gas bottles.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[I Saw OJ]

Question for you charbroil users. How long have you all had yours? Some less than great reviews I'm seeing indicate pretty big rust issues after 1-1.5 years.

http://homedepot.ugc.bazaarvoice.com/1999/40416/photo.jpg

I've had mine for about 2 years now and it still looks great, nothing like that picture. I do have a cover for it but still occasionally leave it out to the weather, been rained on a few times. In fact I used it on Friday and still haven't put the cover back on...

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Need a new grill. Price range $300-500. Leaning propane. GF has a charcoal grill which we use now at her place and I'm thinking propane is more convenient for cooking smaller meals in less time with less mess.

Thoughts and opinions?

No need to give up charcoal if all you are looking for is convenience. Check out the Weber performer - charcoal grill that starts with LP. Seen it in use a couple of times and its impressive how quick the coals come up to temp. Only issue is that you need to have a lot of charcoal on hand if you plan to cook with it often. Main drawback of charcoal grills, IMO.

http://www.northlineexpress.com/web...ium=feed&utm_content=cse&utm_term=6WR-1488001

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Gas? why not just put a gas range out on your back lawn with a grill top.. same exact lack of flavor.

You obviously clean your gas grill too much. Once you build up some grit on the burner covers of gas grill, flavor can be as good or better than charcoal.

<------ Cooks on a gas grill 200+ times a year.

 

[Deeko]

Question for you charbroil users. How long have you all had yours? Some less than great reviews I'm seeing indicate pretty big rust issues after 1-1.5 years.

http://homedepot.ugc.bazaarvoice.com/1999/40416/photo.jpg

This will be my fourth grilling season. No exterior rust on mine. I do have some rust on the interior infrared plate...but I live in Seattle and don't take the grill inside like I should during the winter, so that's kinda my own fault. Luckily that plate is easily replaceable and not too expensive.

 

[kranky]

Does it have to be new? I just got a used Weber Genesis Silver series with a side burner off CL for a mere $75 that was extra clean and well kept with 2 LP tanks thrown in to boot (owner moved from house to apt and had to get rid of it). Watched CL for 2 months and got lucky but I recall someone else on here got a similar deal as well. Those Weber grill are built like tanks and don't rust out and fall apart after a couple years. I know because I bought the same Weber model 12 yrs ago new off Amazon for $400 back then and had to sell it when I moved last year *tears*. It was still rocking and would probably last another 12 yrs+ easy. Getting the replacement at my new place was like welcoming back an old friend.

We got a Weber Genesis Silver gas grill way back in the day when ValueAmerica was selling them for 50% off. I would never have bought one at full price as I thought that was a ridiculous price for a grill. In 14 years I have replaced the grates once for $45. That's it. The original igniter still works. Crazy reliable. If this grill ever needs to be replaced, I'm absolutely getting another Weber.

 

[Uppsala9496]

I have been looking at Kamado grills, seems like some upside and some downside. Anybody have experience with them?

Sorry for hijacking your thread OP, thought I could piggy back off of it.

I have char-griller/king-griller acorn kamado that I strictly use for smoking. The thing is amazing. Picked it up at Menard's for $247 (and an 11% rebate). Normally lists for $299. For the $299 it is worth it.
I can cook low and slow with zero messing around on the thing.

This past Saturday I put a pork shoulder on around 06:30 with it dialed in at 235*. It went 9.5 hours at that same temperature. It was on the chilly side Saturday and windy.

EDIT: Sorry, needed to restart my computer.
It was only a high of 46* on Saturday and the kamado maintained the temp throughout the cook. Still have leftover fuel from the cook too.
check out kamadoguru.com for thoughts on the grill. if you look at the char-griller forum you may or may not need to do any of the mods noted. I personally didn't and don't think any with the newer model need to.

 

[waggy]

No need to give up charcoal if all you are looking for is convenience. Check out the Weber performer - charcoal grill that starts with LP. Seen it in use a couple of times and its impressive how quick the coals come up to temp. Only issue is that you need to have a lot of charcoal on hand if you plan to cook with it often. Main drawback of charcoal grills, IMO.

http://www.northlineexpress.com/web...ium=feed&utm_content=cse&utm_term=6WR-1488001

yeah this is my next grill. been waiting until i get my deck built but i think i will get it anyway.


Been thinking of getting a smoker too. Though i read that a electric is far better and consistent then charcoal.

 

[pontifex]

No need to give up charcoal if all you are looking for is convenience. Check out the Weber performer - charcoal grill that starts with LP. Seen it in use a couple of times and its impressive how quick the coals come up to temp. Only issue is that you need to have a lot of charcoal on hand if you plan to cook with it often. Main drawback of charcoal grills, IMO.

http://www.northlineexpress.com/web...ium=feed&utm_content=cse&utm_term=6WR-1488001

this weber is what i have. i like it but charcoal is a pain in the ass. dealing with the ashes and having to wait for the charcoal to heat up.

I think the propane does help heat up faster.

I live alone so does seem kind of a waste to fire it up for a single burger or something like that.

i'd like to figure out how to hook up a large refillable tank though. using the small green bottles is ok but then i'm stuck trying to dispose of them. would also like to get a gauge to see how much gas is left if I got the refillable tank way. thinking it probably shouldn't be too hard, just need to get a tube that fits the tank and the grill connector. think i;ve seen this done already online.

 

[BoomerD]

We got a Weber Genesis Silver gas grill way back in the day when ValueAmerica was selling them for 50% off. I would never have bought one at full price as I thought that was a ridiculous price for a grill. In 14 years I have replaced the grates once for $45. That's it. The original igniter still works. Crazy reliable. If this grill ever needs to be replaced, I'm absolutely getting another Weber.

Our Weber Genesis Gold is about 8 years old...when we moved, it had to be put into storage because the apartment complex doesn't allow BBQ's.

But after using gas grills for 30 years, the Weber is the best damned grill I've ever had. If this one ever dies, I'll replace it with a Weber.

 

[Zenmervolt]

No need to give up charcoal if all you are looking for is convenience. Check out the Weber performer - charcoal grill that starts with LP. Seen it in use a couple of times and its impressive how quick the coals come up to temp. Only issue is that you need to have a lot of charcoal on hand if you plan to cook with it often. Main drawback of charcoal grills, IMO.

http://www.northlineexpress.com/web...ium=feed&utm_content=cse&utm_term=6WR-1488001

I was going to recommend this as well; you get the benefit of the easy starting of a propane grill with the cooking results of a charcoal grill. It's a great compromise.

ZV

 

[blackdogdeek]

Are used grills in consideration?

I just hit up my local craigslist and there were 2 weber grills in the 150-200 price range for close to the model we have (Genesis Silver B or C).

 

[Sho'Nuff]

yeah this is my next grill. been waiting until i get my deck built but i think i will get it anyway.


Been thinking of getting a smoker too. Though i read that a electric is far better and consistent then charcoal.

Electric smokers are more convenient, but a good charcoal smoker can be equally consistent. I have the Weber smokey mountain cooker and it will maintain a set temp within 200-250 degrees for 12+ hours with minimal fiddling. Just have to know how to set it up. I like the process of charcoal BBQ'ing too. Feels more authentic to do it the old fashioned way.

 

[kt]

Oh don't get me wrong, charcoal's flavor can't be beat. But I got really tired of 45 minutes of total grill time for a piece of chicken...

45 minutes?! Do you start your fire with sticks and stones, or what?

 

[ponyo]

45 minutes?! Do you start your fire with sticks and stones, or what?

45 minutes is about right. 30-40 minutes for the charcoal and 5-10 minutes for the chicken.

Gas would take about 15 minutes. 5-7 minutes for the grill to heat up and another 5-10 minutes for the chicken.

And there's no ash cleanup with gas.

 

[waggy]

45 minutes is about right. 30-40 minutes for the charcoal and 5-10 minutes for the chicken.

Gas would take about 15 minutes. 5-7 minutes for the grill to heat up and another 5-10 minutes for the chicken.

And there's no ash cleanup with gas.

yeah i agree.

i don't mind the 40 minutes or so (far less if you use a chimney) for the charcoal. gives time for the stuffinside to cook (fry's,mashed potatoes etc) and since i "can't" leave the grill i sit and have a beer while it gets ready.

 

[Fingolfin269]

No need to give up charcoal if all you are looking for is convenience. Check out the Weber performer - charcoal grill that starts with LP. Seen it in use a couple of times and its impressive how quick the coals come up to temp. Only issue is that you need to have a lot of charcoal on hand if you plan to cook with it often. Main drawback of charcoal grills, IMO.

http://www.northlineexpress.com/web...ium=feed&utm_content=cse&utm_term=6WR-1488001

This may be the grill I buy over the weekend. I was getting tired of our current charcoal grill (also a Weber) taking so long to come up to temp and had already decided to go out and buy a gas grill for the times I really just want to grill in a hurry. This looks like a great compromise.

 

[Exterous]

Well - I was going to link you to Home Depots website and their Ducane offerings as those are made by Weber. Not quite the same rock solid quality but generally thought of as much better than anything else in the price range. Sadly I see they are discontinued. Still available on Amazon but not sure about shipping options if you don't have Prime

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-Ducane-31311001-Affinity-Stainless/dp/B006IOBORU

 

[RagingBITCH]

We were walking through Lowes yesterday and saw all the combination gas/charcoal grills. (Side by side) I think that's the way to go after my gas craps out. I have a Weber as well for those days where I know I have extra time to grill...but after coming home from work on weekdays, it's gas all the way.

Best of both worlds in one unit vs having two separate things.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I have been looking at Kamado grills, seems like some upside and some downside. Anybody have experience with them?

Sorry for hijacking your thread OP, thought I could piggy back off of it.

Saw a Kamado grill at Costco yesterday, it was like $569.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Is it just you and the GF? How many people will you be cooking for? If not an army, get what I have.

The Weber Q 320

Weber quality in an affordable price and small footprint. Heats quick because it isn't Gigantor sized.

You may want to look at the Weber Q Series gas grills. They are smaller, and more economical, than Weber's full size offerings.

While they come with fittings for the smaller gas containers, you can get an adaptor for the full size gas bottles.

Best of luck,
Uno

I think I may be leaning towards one of these. A small footprint would be desired. It would be mostly cooking for two.

For those asking, just checked Craigslist and people are asking a lot of money for their Weber's.

Thanks for all of the options folks! I'll check out Charbroils and Ducane's too. I do have Amazon Prime andd I don't mind having to assembly it myself.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

I think I may be leaning towards one of these. A small footprint would be desired. It would be mostly cooking for two.

For those asking, just checked Craigslist and people are asking a lot of money for their Weber's.

Thanks for all of the options folks! I'll check out Charbroils and Ducane's too. I do have Amazon Prime andd I don't mind having to assembly it myself.

Those are good options, but one thing you might want to be aware of is that the Q320 only comes with porcelein coated cast iron cooking grates. Some people love those, and some people hate them. If you are in the latter group, Weber does not (to my knowledge) offer replacement stainless steel grates for that model.

Since you are looking at small Webers, you might want to consider the 2 burner Spirit as well. http://www.amazon.com/Weber-46110001.../dp/B0098HR0PY

At $399 it is (very) expensive for a 2 burner grill, but it will give you a little more flexibility than the Q320 with the same cooking capacity. That said, I'm not sure I would pay $399 (or any dollar amount) for any two burner grill, as the lack of a third (or fourth) burner severely limits what one can do with the grill. Indirect cooking in particular will suffer, as a single burner will likely not be able to maintain the grill at temp when the outside temperature falls. That is a big concern for me, because I grill at least 200 times a year and roughly half the time the outside temp is less than 50 degrees. If you are in a warmer climate, the lack of BTUS in the 2 burner models may not be a problem.

 

[NetWareHead]

45 minutes is about right. 30-40 minutes for the charcoal and 5-10 minutes for the chicken.

Gas would take about 15 minutes. 5-7 minutes for the grill to heat up and another 5-10 minutes for the chicken.

And there's no ash cleanup with gas.

If you use a charcoal chimney then your charcoal startup times diminish to 10-15 minutes.

I love charcoal but hated the pile method of lighting. Make a mound, douse in lighter fluid and then light it. With the chimney, all you need are some newspaper scraps. Since I started using the chimney, my lighter fluid has not been touched.

Anybody who loves grilling with charcoal needs to get a chimney. Not only does it save time but it uniformly ignites the charcoal in ways that the pile method cannot.

 

[NetWareHead]

Are used grills in consideration?

I just hit up my local craigslist and there were 2 weber grills in the 150-200 price range for close to the model we have (Genesis Silver B or C).

Thats how I acquired my Weber grill. Make sure its not rusted internally and the grates are in good condition. I'd check the flavorizer bars as well for rust. If all the burners work (side burner too if you have one) and the igniter works then you should have a good grill. Bonus points if the scale at the side accurately measures the propane remaining in the tank.

When I brought home my grill, I thoroughly cleaned the interior with soap and a brillo pad. The flavor bars grates as well were cleaned (there was so much burned on crud as well as a little bit of rust). I melted some lard on my stove in a pan and using a bbq brush I thoroughly brushed the melted fat all over the interior, even under the lid. The flavor bars also received a coating of fat and were reinstalled as well as the grates. I turned on the propane and lit the fire. I kept it at about 375 for over an hour to bake the fat into a hard seasoning.

The grates perform excellently now. The leave nice black sear marks in meat and are non stick. The grill burns hot and is one of the best propane grills I have used. In all the grill cost me roughly $75 and with an 2 hours of work I restored it back to life.