recommendations for "entry level" gas grills...

[the_bird]

OK, so The Wife told me last night to buy myself a gas grill and wish myself a happy father's day, but to buy it fairly soon because we need it for a party in a couple weeks. I've basically set myself a budget of a couple hundred bucks, I'm really just looking at basic, "entry level" grills at this point. I'd like something which is solid, I don't need a lot of bells and whisles, I'd like something that is built well and will hold up. If anything, it'd be nice to have something a little bigger, just to facilitate things like this party. Anyone have any recommendations? Should I just go to the store and buy the shiniest one?

Oh, and this is definately to be a propane grill. I've got a charcoal grill that I rarely use because of how long it takes; propane, I can see myself using all the time (and I'll be able to break out the big honkin' wok more often, too!)

 

[Soulive]

My buddy loves this one if you can spend a little more. It also comes with the 5 year Weber warranty...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CDHOJA/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[Glibbidy]

I say Weber or Vermont Castings. I have had my Weber for 9 years and it is holding up great. These are both a bit pricey, but a tryue testament that you get what you pay for!

 

[Sea]

Don't really know quality of different brands, but whatever you get, make sure to cover it in the winter. I've lost a couple grills prematurely due to lazyness, and the burners seem to be the first thing to rust out.

 

[Bobby_M]

One piece of advice I have is that if you think you're going to pay for all stainless so you can be lazy and leave it uncovered, just realize that all the connecting hardware/screws/handles etc may not be of the same quality as the stainless sheet they use. Exhibit A is my all stainless Charbroil where certain screws completely rusted out. They DO use solid brass burners that have a lifetime warranty though.

 

[niquejim]

Charbroil is nice and Weber is better, but for entry any will work. Try to find one with a searing burner(maybe $50-75 more) that will make steak night much better

 

[the_bird]

I guess another question I should ask... what really differentiates one grill over another? Using solid brass for the burners a positive... Lifetime warranty on burners... is there really much practical difference between 40k and 48k BTUs, for example? What else should I be looking for?

 

[kornkob]

I have an Aussie Grill that I have been really happy with.

It's like this one: http://www.aussiegrills.com/products_bonza_deluxe.php

 

[jds]

I have a charbroil patio caddie that I've owned for ten years or so. I've been happy with it, although I did replace the regulator with one that flows a bit more gas to get higher temperatures. At $159, it's a pretty good grill.

If you're cooking for more than three people on a regular basis, the cooking surface may be a bit small. Otherwise, It's been good. It heats quickly, does great on chicken, fish, and chops, and gets a decent, if not perfect, sear on steaks, provided you let it get good and hot first.

 

[EdWort]

Sam's Club has a Propane Veranda Grill for $198 (just under your budget)

Looks pretty sweet to me. It's has favorable reviews too.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=379804#reviews

 

[the_bird]

That's sexy as hell, but way too little.

 

[the_bird]

I should say, too, that $200 isn't a "firm" budget - but if I'm going much above that, I need to be able to convince myself that it's going to be worth it in the end.

 

[WeHeavy]

I'm a charcoal guy, but 8 years ago I won an elcheapo Fiesta gas grill that has held up well. The only thing I do is replace the burner about every 3 years with a generic one from Wally World.

I would recomend if your going to spend the bucks on a grill you'll also want to spend the bucks on a good cover, they make a big diffrence in how long the grill will last. Also buy yourself some bunjee cords to hold the cover down. I've lost 2 covers to high winds.

 

[Liquidicem]

I'm in the same boat as you, looking for a new grill for myself as a father's day gift. The one thing that I'm certain I am looking for is a model with at least 3 burners that run front to back. I've had a few grills over the years with 2 burners that run side to side and never really liked that setup. You seem to be able to get a lot better temperature control with a 3 or 4 burner setup.

 

[blacklab]

I did a bunch of research and bought a fairly expensive one($900, Ducane from Home Depot) last summer that I intend to use for a long time. It's stainless and I keep it covered at all times when not using it - it still looks brand new(on the outside!). One item I would mention is that I priced grills at both specialty outdoor shops(like where they sell only this sort of stuff) and at Home Depot, Costco, etc. The big box stores were MUCH cheaper than the specialty shops on all of the products I looked at.

If you're willing to say, double that budget you can get one that will last. Most of the reliable manufacturers basically sell the same feature set at each price point. Weber, Vermont Castings, Ducane, Viking, etc. For $500 you can get a pretty solid one. I think at the $200 price point they are going to be either smaller, or cheaply built.

Dis mines:
http://www.ducane.com/ducane/grills/default.aspx?plid=8&mid=33#TOP

 

[DUCCCC]

I am yet to be disappointed by a Weber grill.

 

[the_bird]

Seems like a lot of love for Weber. Anyone have this, the "Weber Spirit® E-210™ LP Gas Grill"? $300, a bit higher than the initial target; worth a premium to get a Weber, or better to go cheap and plan on REALLY upgrading in a couple years?

 

[niquejim]

Seems like a lot of love for Weber. Anyone have this, the "Weber Spirit® E-210™ LP Gas Grill"? $300, a bit higher than the initial target; worth a premium to get a Weber, or better to go cheap and plan on REALLY upgrading in a couple years?

That's a nice grill and the only thing wrong is only 2 burners. The more burners the more options you have(direct vs. indirect heat). You certainly wouldn't be disappointed with that one , but I would start cheap and see if you would use it 3 times a week or think about using it 3 times a week . then upgrade accordingly

 

[the_bird]

I saw that it was only two burners... is that the real issue with two burners, pretty much having to use direct heat?

Here's a dumb question to show my ignorance with propane grills (I've only used charcoal); I can get one of those little metal smoker boxed and fill it with wood chips if I want to impart a little smoke character, right? If this grill is going to be make it tough to cook with indirect heat, would that impact my ability to do that?

 

[Short Drive]

I've had the low end 3 burner Weber for ten years. Ive replaced the Grate, the Flavorizer Bars, and The Ignition sparker thing.

But the grill body and frame are all still great. It has been exposed to the elements the whole time.

 

[Bobby_M]

$300 at Lowes..

50,000 BTUs
660 sq. in. cooking area
Electronic ignition
Porcelain cast-iron cooking surface
Porcelain heat tent
28 burger capacity
Tank sold separately
Dual fuel LP/NG convertible valves
Welded and polished double wall hood
Fully enclosed cart
Conversion kit availble #92925


It doesn't say anything about lifetime warranty brass burners though...maybe they ended that mess...

 

[niquejim]

I saw that it was only two burners... is that the real issue with two burners, pretty much having to use direct heat?

Here's a dumb question to show my ignorance with propane grills (I've only used charcoal); I can get one of those little metal smoker boxed and fill it with wood chips if I want to impart a little smoke character, right? If this grill is going to be make it tough to cook with indirect heat, would that impact my ability to do that?

Yeah it does. I have a 3 burner with a smoker box and while not as good as a dedicated smoker it does a fair job

 

[the_bird]

There's a very similar Char-Broil model to the one that Bobby posted at Depot for $260 that I'll look at tonight. Lowe's is a haul, it's north of an hour each way to get there.

 

[JustDave]

This thread is helping out all of us who are in the market for a new grill.

Thanks guys!

 

[the_bird]

Am I being stupid for not waiting a week or two? Am I likely forgoing some pretty nice Father's Day sales if I buy something tonight?

 

[BierMuncher]

$300 at Lowes..

50,000 BTUs
660 sq. in. cooking area
Electronic ignition
Porcelain cast-iron cooking surface
Porcelain heat tent
28 burger capacity
Tank sold separately
Dual fuel LP/NG convertible valves
Welded and polished double wall hood
Fully enclosed cart
Conversion kit availble #92925


It doesn't say anything about lifetime warranty brass burners though...maybe they ended that mess...

That gets my vote.
Use a foil pouch with wood chips to impart smoked flavor.

 

[RICLARK]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8154167

This is the one I have, it is really a lot nicer than the price suggests.

 

[BlindLemonLars]

I saw that it was only two burners... is that the real issue with two burners, pretty much having to use direct heat?

Here's a dumb question to show my ignorance with propane grills (I've only used charcoal); I can get one of those little metal smoker boxed and fill it with wood chips if I want to impart a little smoke character, right?

I do that with my two-burner propane grill all the time...food on the left over unlit burner, smoker box on the right over lit burner. It basically turns your grill into an oven, with the ability to add some smoke. Great for beer can chicken, as you can see below!

Too bad you're not local...I've just ordered a new Blue Ember natural gas grill, and could give you my Char-Broil propane grill. It's in good shape, I just wanted to get off the propane teat as well as get a bigger grill.

 

[Bokonon]

Am I being stupid for not waiting a week or two? Am I likely forgoing some pretty nice Father's Day sales if I buy something tonight?

I suspect if you buy it from one of the bigger chain stores and they have a sale you can take the receipt in during the sale and get the price difference back. If they refuse (they shouldn't) then tell them your just going to return it and buy it again

 

[RICLARK]

I do that with my two-burner propane grill all the time...food on the left over unlit burner, smoker box on the right over lit burner. It basically turns your grill into an oven, with the ability to add some smoke. Great for beer can chicken, as you can see below!

Too bad you're not local...I've just ordered a new Blue Ember natural gas grill, and could give you my Char-Broil propane grill. It's in good shape, I just wanted to get off the propane teat as well as get a bigger grill.

IS that Fesca up that chickens A$$?