Indecisive over gas grill purchase

[jlinder]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

I know you asked about a gas grill, but I have always liked the taste of charcoal much better. If you can afford it look at a brand called the big green egg. I have one and one of the best purchases I have made.

It is ceramic, about 2 inches thick, and lasts forever. After about 7 years I had a crack in an internal part (fire ring) and they just replaced it - guaranteed forever.

Charcol is super easy to get lit (about 10 min), you can close the air vents when done and the coals will go out so you can reuse the charcoal for the next time, and you can control the temperature to within about 10 degrees. Works as a low temp smoker or you can get it so hot it will turn the grate red hot (for searing). I have smoked ribs for 10 hours by adjusting the air vent then walking away and leaving it alone. People even cook pizza on it.

Looks weird but it is the greatest. You are sold if you ever taste food cooked on one. biggreenegg.com

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

Wife and I have a Vermont Castings Stainless which has last a LONG time. The higher end stainless steel are worth the money.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

I know you asked about a gas grill, but I have always liked the taste of charcoal much better.

Agree. I have a Weber charcoal grill already. We grill pretty often though and I just don't always have the time to deal with that especially for burgers, etc.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

I like gas for the ease of use,like on a weeknight,quick and clean and repeatable results like w beer can chicken.I like charcoal for weekends and smoking pork and turkeys or chicken when time isnt critical.I see lots of deals on grills at lowes/home depot. some marked down $100 or more.A good grill cover makes them last alot longer.porcelan will last too if protected from the weather.My weber kettle is porcelan?

 

[drrpm]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

A grill with a cast aluminum body can last many years if covered. My parents have an Arkla that was installed in 1972 (north of Chicago) and it is still in use. The burners have been replaced once. My grill is a cast aluminum Broil Master and it gets used 2-3 times a week year round. Its 10 years old and I've replaced the burners and grates but the body is still fine.

 

[64osby]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

EZ - About 10 years ago I bought a Outdoor something 5 burner, simular to Brinkman from a big box store, about 250 on clearance, in 6 years replaced the burners twice, the regulator 3 times. Stainless was rusting. Ended up giving it away at a garage sale for $20.00.

Picked up a used Weber, not stainless. It is built like a tank, no rust issues and works fantastic. Sits under carport and used year round. I don't have the side burner, but I saved one from a different grill that will be set up on a stainless side table soon, seperate tank.

We grill about 3 nights a week average thru the year. I'm a huge Weber fan, have a kettle also.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

A grill with a cast aluminum body can last many years if covered. My parents have an Arkla that was installed in 1972 (north of Chicago) and it is still in use. The burners have been replaced once. My grill is a cast aluminum Broil Master and it gets used 2-3 times a week year round. Its 10 years old and I've replaced the burners and grates but the body is still fine.

So will heavy guage steel if it is seasoned with crisco....my Chargriller is 20 years old and does not have any rust. Cooking oil or crisco along with high heat will carbonize the steel surface and turn it black....a poor mans teflon!

 

[captain zac]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

I say charcoal !!!!!!!!!!!
If your going to use gas just do it inside.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

Broil King are great grills, c/w heavy cast aluminum body; I have a 10+ year old one and it has had only one new set of burners.... it has the original cast iron grills
If you aren't capable of maintaining the cast iron grills properly, I agree, they definitely aren't for you. Otherwise, you won't even consider anything BUT cast iron.
I was running a two year cycle of ~$160- big box throwaways at the cottage.

Bought a new LNG Vermont Castings for the house, converted the BK to propane, and took it to the cottage 3 years ago....still does a great job, and the igniter works!
Love the Vermont Casting unit as well.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

You cant go wrong w Weber.well worth the price. Broilmaster co. mentioned by drrpm is almost or older than Weber.my inlaws have an old one on nat. gas and it is nice.I dont know where they sell them.For gas be sure to get at least 4 SS burners inside.then you have many options for grilling anything by using all or one or any combo you need, fantastic for indirect grilling.

 

[JaSla74]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

I second the broilmaster. I've had mine for over 10 years & would buy another in a heartbeat. They can be pricey, but there is usually room to bargain. Also, you're not going to find one in a big box store so you'll have to locate a dealer. The cast iron grates are HEAVY & adjustable. I've replaced the burner & rocks once.

http://broilmaster.com/

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

Having owned both Weber and Ducanes, they all require replacing parts at some point. The Ducane grill rusted out (grill rack) Company is out of business and the only place that sold replacement parts wanted like $90.00 for just the grill rack (cancel that order). The Weber also rusted out the flavorizer bars (grill rack too) and cost a fortune to replace. For me, I?ll but the cheap ones and replace every 5 years. I always keep the grill in the garage and out of the weather. The things you want in a grill can be purchased for $2-300 anytime of the year at HD or Lowes. Ducane and Weber are very high priced but as you can see, many like em.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

I bought an all stainless Kenmore in 04, that is still in excellent shape. If you can get the all stainless Weber for a $K or less, buy it. You will enjoy it for a long time

 

[bigdee]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

Weber is over priced and is now made in China. For only $169 I am very satisfied with my chargriller. Parts are cheap and available at Lowes. This is my second char griller, the first one which was charcoal is 20 years old and has been sitting in the woods for the past 5 years. I pulled it out from the woods and converted it to gas after being surprised that it had not rusted except fot the cast iron grates.
The Char-Griller 3001 Grillin' Pro is what its name suggests - a pro. High ratings abound in consumer reviews of this grill. Reviews give it a hearty thumbs up, saying it's sturdy, heats up quickly, and cooks food to perfection.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

Like I stated earlier, I am very happy with my choice. BUT...my wife has been hinting at wanting me to build an outside kitchen next to the patio in the back yard. I will go Jenn-Aire stainless when I put that in.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

Those CharGrillers look to be an excellent value. Is it bad that I find them ugly? I'm not into the whole "55 gallon drum" look.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

You know, there is something to be said for the "buy a $300 grill, and replace it when it's time" crowd. I personally like getting new toys, and this is just one more thing I can go shopping for, put together, and enjoy. I get the "buy a _____ and it will last forever" too, because nothing sucks worse than a grill that doesnt...well...grill. I guess in your position, I would buy a smaller grill that I could take with me camping or boating for now...think Coleman RoadTrip (fold up...really nice...you should Google it)...and get thru the summer with it, then buy a good grill when the season is over and the specials are on. Then you have two cool grills, and can use one as a back-up if you run out of gas. just sayin.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

Those CharGrillers look to be an excellent value. Is it bad that I find them ugly? I'm not into the whole "55 gallon drum" look.

It's not ugly,it's macho! If I decide to look at shiny stainless steel I will cook in the wifes kitchen! Us southern boys make some awesome party grills out of 275 gallon oil tanks that are beer-u-till-full.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

It's not ugly,it's macho! If I decide to look at shiny stainless steel I will cook in the wifes kitchen! Us southern boys make some awesome party grills out of 275 gallon oil tanks that are beer-u-till-full.

One of the Military brass here on base made one out of a breach of an old Russian artillery piece. Awesome!

 

[mommicked]

Re: Indecisive over gas grill purchase

Im waitin for someone to say"Do you know your responding to a 14 yr. old post" It must be asked every spring!!I think many (I included)might be pasionate about grills and grilling!Kinda like boats.I have been seriously thinking of putting/adding one and/or a fryer to my boat LOL.