Jakes_tl

So I am looking to buy a new grill and wanted to see what you guys think is the best grill for the money or what grill do you have and what you think of it? I had too many cheap grills from Wal-Mart / Sears $150-$200 price range but they never keep good temp and they either burn or undercook food and fall apart very fast.

Is it worth dropping $600+ on a grill like a Weber Genesis? Do they grill a lot better?

Jakes_tl

and the other problem with grills in the $150-$300 price range is that they pretty much all have problems keeping an even flame and have hot spots. Does anyone have these problems with a Weber Genesis?

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

Webers are great, I love ours.

- Don't go large just because. If you are grilling for 2 people 80% of the time, get a smaller grill.
- Cast iron grates are amazing.
- If hot spots have been an issue for you, get a grill with more burners.
- Take care of it. Buy a cover.

And yes, for the most part, you get what you pay for.

Jakes_tl

I leaning towards Weber Genesis E-310 - anyone have this model?

doopstr

I bought a Vermont Castings about 8 or 9 years ago. It's still cooks well. The igniter went on it after just a couple years but works find with a stick lighter.

The metal things that protect the burners are starting to rust out. Other than that it works good.

I bought mine at HD but I don't think they carry that brand anymore so you need to find a dealer.

They no longer make the model that i have but I think the 325 is close to it.
325 Signature Series Grills by Vermont Castings

I'm actually thinking about manning up and buying a Weber kettle charcoal burner.

oo7spy

Looks like they don't make the brand I have anymore. When I picked it up, I read about my model becoming engulfed in flames. A search now just brings up recalls.

It's a Perfect Flame 3-burner that I picked up from my neighbor who was throwing it out. It does everything I've ever needed it to do. I've replaced all burners, drip plates, and grill with universal parts from Lowes.

Jakes_tl

Vermont Casting seems to be a solid grill but by the looks of it way out of my price range.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

I bought this Weber Q3200 a few months ago and it's fantastic!

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

^Which is the newer version of mine. Although I think only aesthetics changed.

Very little metal..so rust isn't an issue. Small and heats up fast. Very even cooking plus cast iron grates. And it has more cook space then you'd think. And the LED handle is nice.

Think I paid $350 for it with a cover? Not sure.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

I have a Weber can't recall the model, 4 burner with a side burner. My dad bought it for me for a b-day present, think it was around $400. I love it and I BBQ alot. Meaning 5-6 times a week. I think any Weber will do.

stogie1020

OP, you got a Costco nearby?

I have a 3 burner plus +IR burner and a side burner I got there 8 years or so ago and it rocks. Plus, if it craps out, you can bring it right back no questions asked.

stogie1020

You probably already know this but there is a AA battery in there that may simply have died. If you remove the actual plunger push button for the igniter, the battery is right in there and may fire it back up again with a fresh AA.

Jakes_tl

Yeap we do and we go there quite often. What grill did you get from costco? I know they like to change things up all the time.

cmschmie

Can't go wrong with Weber. I've had the Spirit model for almost 6 years now and love it.
My only wish is that the burners were side-by-side rather than front/back.

If the grill will live outside, definitely get a good cover. I had a cheapo one at first and it would leak.

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

I have a Charbroil Professional Series 4 Burner from Lowes, thing is awesome!

IMG_20130716_191700_zpsccf01ce3.jpg

SamDoe1

I have this exact same grill and love it. Pumps out TONS of heat. My only gripe is there are lots of hot/cold spots relatively close together.

Next grill I buy is a Weber.

Also, any reason you don't want to go charcoal? I have a Weber charcoal that kicks some serious ass.

stogie1020

The current version of the grill is this one:

Sureheat Tuscany 33-Inch 4-Burner Gas Grill Review (Discontinued)

Other than changing the battery in the igniter, it has not skipped a beat since 2006ish when I bought it. It has sat mainly outdoors uncovered in the Arizona sun and if I put some elbow grease into really cleaning it, would look close to brand new.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

walmart is having a July 15th sale, FYI...

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

I've not noticed any hot/cold spots on my grill, however I only grill on certain parts of the grill usually.

I have a charcoal smoker, that's more than enough for me. If I'm grilling dinner, I like to fire up the grill and go, not have to wait for it

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

That thing is nice!

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

Yea it's all about time. Nothings beats a charcoal in the flavor department but it's such a PITA.

A friend of mine, a crazy italian, likes charcoal grills but didn't want a standard Weber type. So he got ones of these...

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...4054_200624054



...and I have to admit it's pretty badass.

TacoBello

What are your guys' thoughts on stainless steel grates?

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

If anything I would search for porcelain coated ss grates. But as I've said before, I wouldn't trade my plain thick cast iron grates for anything. The searing I can pull off, even in a very short amount of cook time (fish?), can't be matched.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i like when they start to flake.

adds flavor to the meat.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

I have a char--coal grill and gas. Depending on my mood is which one I cook on.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

Lol justin.

And yea, charcoal grills can be had for cheap. If you've got the space, why not have both!

TacoBello

I've never seen them flake (what's there to flake??)... Unless they were extremely shitty quality?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

just a little joke

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

I don't mind charcoal if I'm committing to 2-6 hours of smoking, but to cook a couple burgers or steaks, no thanks

03SSMTL-S

Cape Fear Classic - Stainless Steel Grill

best grill ive ever used by far

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

SamDoe1

I agree, I don't use it unless I'm cooking a bunch of stuff for 4+ people.

With a chimney starter, it's not so bad though. Coals heat up really fast and get WAY hotter than gas can.

Shutting it off quickly is the biggest problem.

svtmike

I have that model in all stainless. It's great.

stogie1020

Weird, lots of people online seem to complain about the Costco Tuscany grill rusting out. I live in AZ so maybe I don't see it. Mine is 100% rust free and sits uncovered outside, even when it rains.

Jakes_tl

Thanks everyone for your input! I greatly appreciate the everyone's honest feedback and opinion!

With that being said I think i'm going to go with a Weber. Seems to be very solid grill and it makes it very nice that replacement parts are fairly easy to get.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Weber Silver C. Have had it over 10 years and it's still looks amazing.

BeezleTL85

I have a charbroil similar to BlackACK, maybe even same model, but the FIL has been borrowing it since his traeger grill crapped out. Like everyone else has said, they're great if you don't have hours to watch a fire.

That "park grill" is sweet

I use my Old Country grill I picked up from Academy a couple of years ago. I love this thing.

C567AFBA-F58D-4253-AB4F-EFC0789349F8.jpg

giraffe

iTrader: (1)

My dad bought a Weber Genesis a couple years ago after owning cheaper grills all his life. He always raves about how well it works, and says it was a great purchase. You get what you pay for imo.

coykiam

I have both the weber charcoal kettle and weber genesis e330. Both are great but the genesis gets more action because it's easier to light.