Gas grill recommendations?

[Jakeboy]

I have always been a charcoal guy...I have used my current Weber Kettle for about 13 years now....my only try with a CharBroil gas grill ended badly as it caught on fire and burnt up on my deck back in 2000!

Anyway, I wanna try gas again..,I love o grill out and gas is a healthier option.

I am clueless. Recommend me a quality backyard gas grill please.

Thanks!

Mark

[JohnnyB]

The best-cooking grill that made the best-tasting meat, whether steaks, bockwurst, ribs, or chicken, was my Kingsford grill sourced from Patio Classic and based on their Patio Classic 2000. This is exactly what mine looked like, but with a Kingsford logo.

It is oval shaped and has great heat distribution. It works just like a gas grill except you use charcoal. Actually, it doesn't work like a gas grill at all because it makes the food taste good. Because of the oval shape, it's easy to pile the coals at the two ends and cook the meat with slower indirect heat. Even bockwurst tastes better and comes out to a golden brown this way. It makes the best whole roast chicken I've ever had.

This grill was designed to minimize the hassle of using charcoal. The air intake is controlled by a single sliding control down on the "mug" hanging from the bottom of the grill. This large mug also traps all the ash. Cleanup is really easy; all you do is sweep the ash into the large opening to the ash mug, slide the mug out and empty the ash into the trash. That's it.

The grill has wide slots at the ends to make it easy to drop more charcoal in for indirect cooking, and also has a large hinged center portion to make it easy to add more charcoal when direct-grilling.

OK, so it doesn't use gas, but this should be the best-selling charcoal grill on the planet: it's thoughtfully designed, well built, nice looking, but most of all, makes it easy to get great-tasting results.

I'm sure plenty will chime in on their favorite gas grill, but I just couldn't resist putting in for this grill. I miss mine and may order one while I still can.

These days, the best deal in their lineup is the Patio Classic 6000.

Functionally it's the same cooking kettle and cart with a couple extra features. For $15 more, you get larger, weather proof polymer shelves and a condiment rack in front.

[tomteriffic]

OK, sticking strictly to gas... A few years back I bought a Weber Genesis model somethingorother. It has a side burner that was pretty important for what I had in mind. The burner arrangement was horizontal front to back, three burners. I believe that the current model has four burners arranged side by side. It has a nice console sort of arrangement with brushed stainless wings and enameled steel for a lot of the other bits.

Easily the most important reason for my buying it was the fact that the whole business end of it, burners, burner covers, grill, everything, is stainless steel. No burning out, rusting out or creeping disintegration of the steel or cast iron bits you'd find on a lot of others.

I use this thing nearly every weekend; winter, summer, rain or shine and have for three or four years now. It's easy to control and set up cooking zones. I haven't had problem one with it. And, being a Weber, I should have no problem getting parts should I ever need them.

[Ralph]

Get one with infrared.

[hamerhead]

I'm with JB all the way on this - use charcoal!!

.....but if you really have to have gas (don't do it), spring for a good one or you'll be replacing parts sooner than you thought possible. My one and only gas grill - one that was about $300 - needed to have the burners replaced after it's first summer. Then the ignitor crapped out. Then, after trying a variety of lava rock and fake charcoal and soaked wood chips and everything else I could find in an effort to make it taste like something, I bought the regular old charcoal Weber (well, it's actually The Simpson's 10th Anniversary Limited Edition Yellow-with-Homer-on-the-lid version) that I still use today, because it's the only way to get the proper grilled-out flavor. If you want gas, use the stove.

And I'm an expert. Because I'm fat.

[cynic]

I'm with JB all the way on this - use charcoal!!

[carfish7]

gas is a healthier option.

Really? Do tell please. I was not aware of this aspect.

[ZR]

I think you need to buy a nice Weber (which I've never done) or buy the cheap ones and expect on replacing the whole unit every 3 years. The stainless on the Webers sounds great and I've always heard they cook great. We have a Brinkman that usually has fairly high ratings at Consumer Reports etc. Plus, they don't cost that much. I'm not sure how long I've had mine but the heavy cast iron burners are rusting out. One is nearly disintagrating and the other 3 are close behind.

[Bloozguy]

I've had Weber charcoal grills for nearly 40 years and they're great. I have this one now...for the lazy person it uses a propane cylinder to ignite the charcoal so you don't have that charcoal lighter fluid smell.

Gas grills are not grills, they are outdoor stoves!

The only thing that might sway me away from Weber is the Big Green Egg...but they're pretty darn expensive.

[ZR]

I've had Weber charcoal grills for nearly 40 years and they're great. I have this one now...for the lazy person it uses a propane cylinder to ignite the charcoal so you don't have that charcoal lighter fluid smell.

Gas grills are not grills, they are outdoor stoves!

The only thing that might sway me away from Weber is the Big Green Egg...but they're pretty darn expensive.

They are supposed to be a great product I've just never had one before. How many Weber's have you had during the 40 yrs? Did you replace things like burners and other integral parts? Duh, you use charcoal right? Less parts, more simplicity (and better taste) in those. The above unit looks like a nice compromise between the two... or maybe a win-win for the charcoal guy. How much would something like that cost?

[kizanski]

The Weber Summit.

You're welcome.

Had mine for over 15 years and it rules.

[Bloozguy]

I've had Weber charcoal grills for nearly 40 years and they're great. I have this one now...for the lazy person it uses a propane cylinder to ignite the charcoal so you don't have that charcoal lighter fluid smell.

Gas grills are not grills, they are outdoor stoves!

The only thing that might sway me away from Weber is the Big Green Egg...but they're pretty darn expensive.

They are supposed to be a great product I've just never had one before. How many Weber's have you had during the 40 yrs? Did you replace things like burners and other integral parts? Duh, you use charcoal right? Less parts, more simplicity (and better taste) in those. The above unit looks like a nice compromise between the two... or maybe a win-win for the charcoal guy. How much would something like that cost?

This is only my second one in all that time. On the first one I replaced the exterior handles (old ones were wood and finally disintegrated), the interior charcoal grate and the three-blade thing that pushes the ashes out the holes in the bottom kettle. I gave it to my son and he's still using it. I bought the newer one because I wanted the gas ignition and the cart! I think it was around $400

[ZR]

I've had Weber charcoal grills for nearly 40 years and they're great. I have this one now...for the lazy person it uses a propane cylinder to ignite the charcoal so you don't have that charcoal lighter fluid smell.

Gas grills are not grills, they are outdoor stoves!

The only thing that might sway me away from Weber is the Big Green Egg...but they're pretty darn expensive.

They are supposed to be a great product I've just never had one before. How many Weber's have you had during the 40 yrs? Did you replace things like burners and other integral parts? Duh, you use charcoal right? Less parts, more simplicity (and better taste) in those. The above unit looks like a nice compromise between the two... or maybe a win-win for the charcoal guy. How much would something like that cost?

This is only my second one in all that time. On the first one I replaced the exterior handles (old ones were wood and finally disintegrated), the interior charcoal grate and the three-blade thing that pushes the ashes out the holes in the bottom kettle. I gave it to my son and he's still using it. I bought the newer one because I wanted the gas ignition and the cart! I think it was around $400

Wow, that's great! I saw the gas ignite charcoal Weber at an AFB base exchange for $299...Now I can see what a deal that is!

[DaveL]

check your local craigslist for used webers... I saw a weber genesis silver on

my local craigslist for $50.

[jettster]

I rebuilt my cheapie gas grill (18 years old) a year or two back because it seems you can't get them with the tray for lava rock or ceramic briquettes any more. That makes all the difference in the world and you have to cook on them for a while before they get right. When swapping them out I usually keep a mix of old and new to keep the flavor just right. My Dad has a green egg (Awesome for smoking) and a charcoal grill, I'll take one of my steaks every day. The quality of the meat and seasoning process seem to have a bigger impact than anything else. I'm lucky enough to have a killer meat market close by and if we happen to eat something that comes from the typical grocery store it's like eating tasteless shoe leather. (We hardly ever order a steak at a restaurant) If anyone finds a good gas grill with the shelve for lava rock / ceramic briquettes that isn't a grand or two let me know. Broilmaster is the only one I've seen and it's $1500-2000.

[Ting Ho Dung]

Get yourself a Weber and burn Kingsford coal. There was a thread on this a while back.

[Bloozguy]

Get yourself a Weber and burn Kingsford coal. There was a thread on this a while back.

I burn Cowboy brand hardwood lump charcoal. Not terribly expensive and available nationally at Lowe's and other major stores. Looks just like burnt chunks of wood...which is all it is. All the commercial brands use some sort of chemicals to make the charcoal into "briquettes." I'm not normally one of those snotty "organic" people, but food cooked over this stuff tastes better to me than over charcoal briquettes.

[Bloozguy]

check your local craigslist for used webers... I saw a weber genesis silver on

my local craigslist for $50.

+1

I have seen some great deals on high end charcoal and gas Webers on my local Craigslist.

[BubbaVO]

The weber gas grills are pretty good bang for buck.

Charbroil...you get what you pay for. I ended up replacing burners, heat tent, etc. within a year. I spent decent money on heavy cast iron parts that have lasted. After this thing kicks, I will not buy another.

[JohnnyB]

Get yourself a Weber and burn Kingsford coal. There was a thread on this a while back.

I burn Cowboy brand hardwood lump charcoal. Not terribly expensive and available nationally at Lowe's and other major stores. Looks just like burnt chunks of wood...which is all it is. All the commercial brands use some sort of chemicals to make the charcoal into "briquettes." I'm not normally one of those snotty "organic" people, but food cooked over this stuff tastes better to me than over charcoal briquettes.

I use Cowboy often as well. It seems to be made of building scraps, like pieces of baseboard and trim, but that's fine. It burns really well and leaves very little ash. I use some other lump brands such as Lazzari mesquite lump charcoal, especially when doing brisket or chicken if I want a Texas or Tex-Mex thing. Right now I'm using oak lump charcoal from tree scraps. Altogether I like the flavor of oak, and it sweetens up when you combine it with some hickory chips or chunks.

[ArnieZ]

Get yourself a Weber and burn Kingsford coal. There was a thread on this a while back.

I burn Cowboy brand hardwood lump charcoal. Not terribly expensive and available nationally at Lowe's and other major stores. Looks just like burnt chunks of wood...which is all it is. All the commercial brands use some sort of chemicals to make the charcoal into "briquettes." I'm not normally one of those snotty "organic" people, but food cooked over this stuff tastes better to me than over charcoal briquettes.

I use Cowboy often as well. It seems to be made of building scraps, like pieces of baseboard and trim, but that's fine. It burns really well and leaves very little ash. I use some other lump brands such as Lazzari mesquite lump charcoal, especially when doing brisket or chicken if I want a Texas or Tex-Mex thing. Right now I'm using oak lump charcoal from tree scraps. Altogether I like the flavor of oak, and it sweetens up when you combine it with some hickory chips or chunks.

There is a website that reviews hard lump charcoals for their consistency in size, length of burn and quality of the woods used to make it. the quality and type of wood make a difference in the final taste of the food. If you are looking to smoke a large cut of meat like a pork butt or full beef brisket, it's easier if you don have to reload charcoal. http://www.nakedwhiz.com/lumpindexpage.htm?bag BTW I agree with the Weber selection for a good quality well designed gas grill!

[tbonesullivan]

weber makes nice gas grills, and they don't rust out in a few years. Stainless steel is another option, just remember that stainless steel burners still will corrode when exposed to all of that heat. We have a SS grill we use for most grilling, and it works just fine for us, as much as I love the flavor from charcoal. Gas is fast, cheap,m and just more user friendly. Just make sure you know how to change burners, as even SS burners will usually go after 2-3 years.

Infrared is somewhat newer tech in the consumer market, though I have friends who have had VERY good luck with it, and higher cooking temps mean faster cooking and less moisture lost. You won't get as much smoke flavor though.

[kizanski]

In 17 years, I have not had to replace a single part in my Weber, and we use it A LOT.

(I hope I haven't just jinxed myself).

[Hamerica]

" If you want gas, use the stove:, or better yet invite me over with cook up a mess of some Ranch Style Beans. There will be enough gas to supply your eco vehicle for at least a day.

Nothing beats coals - nothing.

I have had both the hard lined natural gas and propane version. My mother worked for Lone Star Gas and my high school graduation gift was a gas grill (in anticipation of me leaving the house - soon!)

My current rig is a Sears unit that I took the guts out and place charcoal in. Prior to that it was an ol' Weber unit that I used for 10 years until it rusted out the bottom. Hamstd even grilled crab legs on this one so it is HFC approved.

No matter what you decide grill in good health.

Hamerica

[ZR]

What about the cooking surface grates? If that's the right word for that.

We have a Brinkman with the procelain coated cast iron and they are starting to chip and rust. Is regular cast iron better...stainless steel?

Man this post makes me want to buy a new grill!

[kizanski]

Two words: Stainless steel.