Gas Grill Suggestions [Archive] - MidwestBoatParty.com

Dr. Jeff

07-07-2005, 10:27 PM

Okay all, I need a little advice. I've been through the gambit on grills and wether I spend 100 or 3000 on a grill, they seem to last me about 3, maybe 4 years, and then everything on them is shot. At which point I look into replacing all the burners, starters, etc, and I end up tossing the grill and getting a new one.

My last grill was a stainless steel Members Mark that set me back a small fortune, and even though it was always covered and on a porch under a roof, all of the elements, starter, burners, etc ave disintegrated to nothing.

What I'm looking for is an all around decent grill, ideally one that can use natural gas, so I can hook it up to the house and not mess with bottles, and something that will last more than a couple of years. We do grill a lot, and thats probably why I don't get much life out of the things, but at this point is seems like the smartest thing to do is buy cheap and replace every couple of years, but I'm hoping to avoid doing that.

Any suggestions?

Butt Cheese

07-07-2005, 10:36 PM

I had the same one I got for $120 for 7 years, it's shot now. Running out of gas sucks, so just keep a spare on hand.

Dr. Jeff

07-07-2005, 10:40 PM

I had the same one I got for $120 for 7 years, it's shot now. Running out of gas sucks, so just keep a spare on hand.

Unless you're offering me the one off your porch, a little more info like brand name would be helpful!!! [smilie=265.gif] [smilie=265.gif] :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

eddie

07-07-2005, 10:40 PM

Get a Weber and never get another grill, we went thru three of them and got a Weber and I can't wear it out.

Customer Service is outstanding. [smilie=appl]

Oh, and you can't burn the food with one unless you try [smilie=1074.gif]

Wildcat

07-07-2005, 10:44 PM

Well, I was going to suggest the Brinkman I got at Lowe's last year for 199..it's a 3 burner (cast iron burners) with a side burner...been very good to me.

I typically use charcoal, but this one comes in handy in a pinch.

BUT, it runs on propane only.

I might suggest a Stainless Steel weber (they are the ones that I KNOW you can get in natural gas) with stainless burners and stainless cooking grates..

It will cost quite a bit more, but should last longer.

Isn't "Members Mark" from Wal-Mart? [smilie=265.gif] :)

You might also be interested in the weber charcoal that has a built in propane starter. Gives you ease of lighting and charcoal taste.

Basically, it sounds like you might end up with a Weber Stainless or Jenn-aire stainless though.

One hint....if you have vinyl siding, be careful how close the grill is to the house! Don't ask me how I learned that!

:mrgreen:

eddie

07-07-2005, 10:55 PM

Get a Weber as fast as you can, don't jack around. It's the best thing since sliced bread [smilie=1074.gif]

36Tango

07-07-2005, 10:55 PM

In my opinion, the Weber Genisis is a pretty good gas grill. Since the mass merchants have begun selling grills, the quality with most of them are chit, even though they look nice.

Rather than gas, though, consider buying a Big Green Egg (there is a dealer on 54 over by the airport). I have two of them (one at home and one at the lake) and the one I have had for about 11 years and it still looks new. I built a cart for it with a Corian countertop, and it is the dick. The BGE is very easy to start, cooks with natural lump charcoal, and allows you do everything from searing a steak at 1000 degrees (steaks like at a Ruths Chris every time), to slow cooking beer up the butt chickens at 225 degrees. the BGE is a kamando smoker grill made of ceramics that was invented thousands of years ago in China. The parabolic shape to the lid works as a refractory for the heat. The thing is awesome, it is very easy to light (I typically use an electric element lighter), and cooks like nothing else. It is awesome.

Check it out at Biggreenegg.com

If you would like to give one a test drive, you would be welcome to borrow mine at the lake for a bit. It will be the last grill that you will ever own. the charcoal is VERY easy to use. I used to sell them and may be able to get you a buyon one if you decide that you would want one (somebody would have to pick it up at the distributor in Des Moines). I have a large and a medium and would suggest the large. These are two of the 7 or 8 grills that I own, and I like using them the best.

Good luck!!!

Dr. Jeff

07-07-2005, 10:55 PM

Wal Mart Rules!!!! [smilie=101.gif] :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Wildcat

07-07-2005, 11:04 PM

Would have to concur with the Green Egg...that might be the next grill added to my arsenal...if I don't go for a smaller side firebox smoker.

36Tango

07-07-2005, 11:05 PM

Get a Weber as fast as you can, don't jack around. It's the best thing since sliced bread

Well, 2nd best anyway!!!

lutzparty

07-07-2005, 11:05 PM

CAnt go wrong with a Kitchen Aid Stainless Steel.

Go to 1729 W Broadway Suite10a in Columbia Designer Kitchen and Bath see Jeanette and she will fix you up.

Wildcat

07-07-2005, 11:09 PM

What are the Green Eggs going for these days Tango?

One thing about Weber, you do pay quite a bit for the name alone, in my opinion...and anything that is made with true stainless and has the same features will probably cost you less for the same or more BTU's (and work and last just as well).

Oh, have you kept your grills covered? That helps, a lot.

36Tango

07-07-2005, 11:17 PM

What are the Green Eggs going for these days Tango?

You know, I am not exactly sure how much they are now. The one I got 11 years ago I bought at a trade show in Reno and my memory is shot. The second one that I have (the medium size) I have had for about 5 years and it wa given to me by the ditributor. Like I say, I still have a contact and I can get pricing if anybody wants it.

I am going to see if a camera is charged so that I can post a pic of the one at home.

The Doc will like it.

36Tango

07-07-2005, 11:33 PM

Here is my attempt at posting pics-

The first is of the Big Green Egg in a cart that I built out of cedar, with a corian countertop, and wheels off of an old gourney from the hospital. It has worked great for toting it up and down the street to wherever the party is. Like I say, it is about 11 years old.

36Tango

07-07-2005, 11:34 PM

another

36Tango

07-07-2005, 11:35 PM

and another

PS- I need to stop goofing off at the lake so much and clean out the damn garage....too much chit!!!

h2oboy

07-07-2005, 11:38 PM

How about a George Forman Grill? :mrgreen:

Seriously though, just invite AMER3 over, and you'll have plenty of fire! [smilie=amer3.gif]

goinfaster

07-07-2005, 11:53 PM

Here's my recommendation, DJ.

http://www.weber.com/bbq/pub/grill/2005/charcoal/cg_p.aspx

The better taste of charcoal, but lights with no fluid, just a 5# bottle of propane that I fill maybe once a year. Cleaning system shoves the ash out the bottom and catches it in a pan that comes off easily to dump and goes right back on. Charcoal storage is right on the unit and holds a 20# bag. We've had ours five years with no apparent wear or damage and we grill all year-round.

SinkorSwim

07-08-2005, 07:49 AM

Wal Mart Rules!!!! [smilie=101.gif] :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Espically the one at the LOTO,,, where else can you go into a WalMart and see hotties in bikinis... :mrgreen:

BoatnFool

07-08-2005, 08:15 AM

Get yourself a Holland. It cooks with indirect heat so you don't have flames to worry about. Shut the lid, drink a beer, open lid to turn food, shut lid, drink another beer, open lid and remove food. They are the bomb. They'll run you around $600 but you won't buy another grill for 20 years.

www.hollandgrill.com

Wildcat

07-08-2005, 08:45 AM

Baja Tender

07-08-2005, 08:56 AM

I have been told by the local grill shop down the street that stainless is only cosmetic and does not retain the heat like some of the others. Natural gas is the only way to go if you have the hookups. As for models and names, I have the Ducane and like it very much. A friend has the Brinkman that has the infrared element that he cooks prime-rib on and he loves his also. HOT MOM would look awesome cooking on anything you buy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [smilie=071.gif]

cvx16

07-08-2005, 09:04 AM

I've got a Weber Genesis as well, I forget which one exactly, but it's got 3 burners inside and none outside. It's propane, but I'm pretty sure you can get a natural gas conversion kit for it.

I got mine at Home Depot. You could buy the same grill other places and it had decent grates. The model at HD was the same price and had enamled cast iron grates. They are the easiest thing in the world to clean. And I mean, taking them into the kitchen and washing shit off them. If your the kind of guy that likes to let everything build up on your grates and just scrape them a little every once in a while, the enamled cast iron probably doesn't matter.

WizKid

07-08-2005, 09:31 AM

DJ:

While this grill is not gas, I have one like this that has served me for more than 20 years. I am considered the family/neighbor outdoor gourmet... (Yes, I am one of those that would never use anything but charcoal.)

This year I replaced the front handle with a towel rack ($6.00), cut an oak stair tred in half for new side boards $30 and spent $16.00 (including shipping) for a new temp gauge. I'm ready for another 20 years!!!

I have cooked, smoked, rotisseried, turkey, crown roasts, prime rib, whole sirloins (injected and seasoned) beercan chicken etc., etc., etc.

It's a Charbroil 940 and I believe there is a gas attachment available to start the charcoal...

Good Luck!

Butt Cheese

07-08-2005, 09:34 AM

Where’s our resident expert Christian?

forcegtx

07-08-2005, 09:39 AM

Before you jump on the Weber band wagon, check out Napoleongrills.com.
I have the Ultra Chef, paid more than I thought I ever would for a grill, but living up by Chicago and having to replace 200.00 grills every couple years due to the wind blowing them over or burners rusting out, its worth it.

36Tango

07-08-2005, 09:45 AM

Yes, I am one of those that would never use anything but charcoal.)

Amen!!!

Bajapit

07-08-2005, 09:50 AM

well Dr. I think you should go ahead and buy one of each.... than get back to the books!!!!
My .02
Pit

TFLB

07-08-2005, 10:10 AM

My next grill will be a Phoenix.............these are bad azz grills. Check them out Doc http://www.phoenixgrill.com/

kphayes

07-08-2005, 10:42 AM

I think it's probably best that you stay away from gas and fire. Next thing you know you'll be Amer3. [smilie=amer3.gif]

us2onthewater

07-08-2005, 12:39 PM

DJ
I have the SS Members Mark grill your speaking of. I've also had allot of burner problems, the cast burners flake and deteriorate terrible. I think the SS burner replacements would help this but I haven't spent the $50/ burner yet. Overall I like the grill, it has allot of features fro the $600 price tag. I recently purchased a SS Vermont Castings sold by Home Depot. It was rated #1 by Consumer Reports, for what thats worth. This grill has features I really like. SS tube burners that are the same system Weber uses which are very good and have a long life. I love the porcelain cast grills. However the rotisserie is very poor to the point it is unusable. I am currently working with the company to find a solution. I looked at the Jenn-Air, but chose the Vermont Castings primarily for the burners and porcelain cast grills. I think Jenn-Air is lacking a little for a grill at this level. I also use the grill that goinfaster recommended. Good grill, keeping the igniter tube spider web free can be a pain and its not as convenient as the true gas, but has more of a traditional grill taste to some. A couple family members still prefer steaks on this grill. I would agree with eddie, Weber is hard to beat as basic grills. I cook allot on Webers. I chose not to go that route because Weber gets very pricey when you want certain features. I use a SS Solaire infrared on the boat. I like the infrared cooking, but would like to use a full size to be sure, still learning on this one. One thing I would consider with the infrareds, Holland and any other specialty grills is these grills cook different making it hard for just anyone to step in and help grill. All grills have their quirks. This is just my experience and opinion. I'm sure I would eat a steak off any of the grills mentioned.

SummerObsession

07-08-2005, 01:20 PM

Beef and grilling. Two of my favorite subjects!! (You can guess what my other favorites are! [smilie=126.gif]

I have a Holland stainless gas grill I will give you. IMHO, it's a P.O.S. It cooks fine, but TERRIBLY slow. I have drilled the orifice to add more heat on my other Holland at the cabin and it works somewhat better.

HOWEVER, we just bought a Traeger wood-pellet fired grill (http://www.traegerindustries.com/grill.htm) and it ROCKS!!!! You can buy pellets in 10 different types of wood-apple, cherry, mesquite, hickory, just to name a few.

They are basically a smoker that uses pellets and an auger into a "flame-forge pot" for heat. We bought the electronic thermostat that can adjust the hear from "smoke" or 180 deg. to 450+ degrees.
The pellets come in 40lb bags and could probably be bought VERY cheap if you know someone that sells wood heating pellets, but you won't get the flavor with heating pellets.

The grill is super easy to use and clean, but the main feature to me is that NOTHING tastes as good as something cooked with a hint of wood smoke! People buy chacoal or gas grills and add mesquite shavings and everything else to get the wood flavor. I would rather start with wood!

If you ever see a Smith&Wesson grill, they are made by Traeger, with nameplates being the only real difference.
We looked at everything we could out there including Jenn-air, Viking, Frontgate, Ducane, etc. etc. etc., but in the end, they ALL cook with gas heat and can never touch the flavor of a wood pellet grill.

We bought the BBQ 100 grill, and will probably take it to the lake and buy either the BBQ 126 or the SMK 150 commercial unit to build-in at the house.
If you ever try something cooked on these grills, you will buy one immediately!!

Here are some pics:

ya never know

07-08-2005, 01:20 PM

i have been shopping for a new one also. I want to take the old one to the lake and have a gas one there too and keep the new one here. I am waiting for the big sales to start this month on grills here in mo. Gas all the way for me. When drunk and hungry i want my food cooked fast.

GrumpyBullet

07-08-2005, 01:20 PM

36Tango

07-08-2005, 01:25 PM

SS Vermont Castings

I also have a Vermont Castings that I keep on the back deck at home. Ours does a fine job (although I still like my Big Green Egg better) on all types of grilling. On mine, it has a rear infrared burner that you use while the rottisserie is rotating. Works pretty good to get a sear on to keep the moisture in.

One thing that I would reccomend with all product, shop a local supplier when comparing to the Home Depots of the world. They are notorious for offering "just about the same thing" as retailers, but cheapening up the units substantially (lighter stainless steel, thinner burners, poorer quality controls, etc). The models numbers are typically slightly different than what you would see at a retailer. This allows them to cheapen up AND allows them to follow their low price gaurantee, as nobody else has them. Picture yourself four years from now going to a Home Depot/WalMart/Lowes/etc asking about replacement parts......

These folks will also trick you with brand names (a bit like the VC may be). We all know Thomasville Furniture. Home Depot sells Thomasville cabinetry. Thomasville has nothing to do with the cabinets AT ALL. They bastardize their brand by selling the name to Home Depot, and in turn, they see who will build the cabinetry least expensively. Thomasville has been made by a few different manufacturers over the past handful of years. Rigid tools are the same way. they are not the Rigid from years ago, they are now a cheaper tool that HD owns the name to.

I would plan on spending 800-1000 for a good, lasting grill from a local retailer that can support you down the road. Any less than that, you will be in the two year cycle. In my opinion, all of the $100-200 grills are a bit like cooking over a blow torch, especially after a year.

36Tango

07-08-2005, 01:30 PM

A buddy of mine has had a Traeger for 6 years or so, and I agree that it rocks! His only challenge has been with the electronics on it, and sitting outside (under cover).

big green Egg The large is 899.00 + 69.99 for the stand

I think that I could get you one for less than that. Buy and Egg, build your own stand.

Christian

07-10-2005, 09:25 AM

Well there have been a ton of awesome suggestions given here, and I concur with almost all of them. Here is what I have and what my suggestin would be, Depending on what you want to cook, and how often you are going to use it will be a big indicator in my suggestion. If you want to be able to cook a variety of items, from dogs to steaks, to brisket, to tenderloin, then you could not go wrong with a pellet system, I loooked at the traegers, but for me they were not large enough, nor were they well insulated enough, but I was also going to use it in competition, so I went with a Fast Eddy by Cookshack

http://www.cookshack.com/index.php?pr=FEC100

and it has turned out to be the best investment I have mad in my BBQing since I bought the camper with AC. It is expensive, but it holds ~100 lbs of meat, and can cook for up to 22 hours on one hopper full of pellets.

I have used several of the traegers, as well as the Komodos and BGE and they are all awesome, but do not have the grate size I was looking for.

I have a Weber Genesis Silver on my back porch right now, and I use it mainly for the chicken, burgers and dogs for the kids and wife and I have had it for 10 years, uncovered on the back porch and it still runs strong.

If you are just going to use it for little stuff, or it is going to a second home type enviroment, I would buy a 149 charbroil type and leave it at that and know every 5 years you will need to buy another. I have one on our dock that bought 2 falls ago, and got it for 89 buck, but if it gets stolen or falls into the lake, oh well, if I had gotten a "real" grill it would hjave made me cry [smilie=106.gif]

I love the taste of wood cooked over charcoel, but since going to the pellet system I cannot taste the difference, and charcoal is damned big mess, IMHO.

I liked the pellet system so well, I am selling my big Jedmaster and trailer so I can get another Fast Eddy an dgo to a more enclosed type trailer for comeptition.

Bottom line it, Pellets are the wave of the future, but whatever you get make sure it has the digital controller, Gas is ultra convenient, especially if it plumbed into the NG line of the house, and charcoal, while it has a great taste, is messy and a pain.

My vote would be for the Traeger (or one of the clones)
Gas ( real one with over 55k BTU)
Charcoal last (great flavor, but the most work)

And if anyone wants a greta deal on a competition trailer and smoker, let me know :mrgreen:

BTW thanks for the vote of confidence [smilie=bc.gif]

Here is a shot of the ribs I did for last years MWBP 2nd annual party, for thse of you who cam u[p friday night, I think it is a good way to get the day started............................mmmmmm I am hungry now [smilie=450.gif]

My Corona

07-10-2005, 02:17 PM

Get a Weber as fast as you can, don't jack around. It's the best thing since sliced bread [smilie=1074.gif]

I agree with eddie. I have a Weber gas grill that's been going strong for 5 years now and also 2 different weber kettle charcoal grills that are even older than that. I did replace the grates in the gas grill this year with stainless steel ones but that's the only $ I've ever had to invest in it other than gas. They're a good middle of the road grill that will last forever.

36Tango

07-10-2005, 04:02 PM

They're a good middle of the road grill that will last forever

I definitely agree

Fast Eddy by Cookshack

I have a stainless electric Cookshack with the smoker tray. It does an awesome job smoking ribs and briskets. Plug it in, set it, stick some meat in it, return several hours later for some good greasin'. It would really suck for steaks, burgers, dogs, and the like. That's EXACTLY why a guy needs to have 6 or 8 different types of grills [smilie=071.gif] [smilie=071.gif]

MattMan628

07-10-2005, 05:22 PM

I agree with the Weber guys. I personally own 7, however mine are all charcoal/wood. I even have one that has sat outside, uncovered, for probably 30 years or longer. It was my grandpa's and is so old it is pre-Weber (Weber-Stevens Corp.).

My family has 3 gas Weber's, one being NG. The NG is only 4 years old, the other two are 2 and 7 years old. All of them look and perform better than new.

I also agree with Tango on where to purchase. All of mine (and my families) have came from long-lasting reputable dealers, no giant box stores.

36Tango

07-10-2005, 06:29 PM

I personally own 7

You ought to try an Egg next time. All of the benefits of the Weber, plus more!

MattMan628

07-10-2005, 09:03 PM

I personally own 7

You ought to try an Egg next time. All of the benefits of the Weber, plus more!

I've been looking at it. I've been waiting too long to drop $300 on the Performer, so the $700 Egg has been pushed way back. I hear/taste really good things though. A friend and I came up with almost identical ribs, I used the Smokey Mountain, he used the Egg. I think he didn't have to put as much labor into his though. :roll:

Christian

07-11-2005, 03:26 PM

A friend and I came up with almost identical ribs, I used the Smokey Mountain, he used the Egg. I think he didn't have to put as much labor into his though.

Say it with me, Pellets are your friend

Come to the dark side, and sleep through the night [smilie=265.gif]

You could not go wrong with nay of the suggestions given here, they all have their pro's and con's but all have the ability to produce kick butt food

CJK

docjimm

07-11-2005, 04:37 PM

No one has mentioned the MHP grills Modern Home Products. Ours has been going strong for about 5 years its hooked to the house gas, and the igniter has only been replacede once and it was a free one under warranty. They have great warranties and seem to last well. I will try to post a pic of mine.

modernhomeproducts.com

36Tango

07-11-2005, 07:35 PM

We used to be an MHP dealer, and you are right, they are good all around grills. They are real workhorses, and do everything well, but little exceptionally well. MHP has been in business forever and has a great dealer network and they are one of the largest suppliers for parts for all grills.

obnoxus21

07-11-2005, 08:20 PM

After a long day at PC, it ALL tastes the same :shock: :lol: [smilie=265.gif] [smilie=trink39] [smilie=071.gif]

SummerObsession

07-12-2005, 12:38 PM

After a long day at PC, it ALL tastes the same :shock: :lol: [smilie=265.gif] [smilie=trink39] [smilie=071.gif]

True.
But think of this. How many other grills besides a pellet type can you put your food on at noon when you leave for PC, set it on "smoke", and then leave for the day and come home to an awesome tasting meal??

NOW you know why I like them so much!!
When I am cooking at home, I have plenty of time to babysit the grill, flip the food, make sure everything is just right, etc. etc.

At the lake, however, I have WAY more important things to do than watch a stupid grill [smilie=eck02.gif] [smilie=trink39] [smilie=boobeyes] [smilie=la.gif] [smilie=hump] [smilie=whip] :mrgreen:

SummerObsession

07-12-2005, 12:54 PM

Here ya go Christian!!

From Traeger's commercial line ( www.traegersmokehouse.com )

Maximum capacity, minimum labor. This unit has over 7200 square inches of cooking space. Load it with 224 chicken qtrs., close the door, and re-open to server 1.5 hrs. later. Wow! Turkeys, Prime Rib, even Whole Hogs are no match for this unit. A wise foodservice investment!

36Tango

07-12-2005, 12:58 PM

But think of this. How many other grills besides a pellet type can you put your food on at noon when you leave for PC, set it on "smoke", and then leave for the day and come home to an awesome tasting meal??

Thats why we keep a grill on the Gibson. We can grill WHILE at PC!!! Nobody goes hungry on our boat!

Hmmmm....that Trager Commercial looks pretty good.

SummerObsession

07-12-2005, 01:05 PM

Here's another one if you want to cook several different items:

Two separate cooking units let you cook dissimilar entrees like Beef and Fish, or Chicken and Baked Potato's at the same time. Perfect for gourmet food functions. The tortion axle trailer allows you to go where the crowds and profits are. Easily handles crowds of 150 - 300 without missing a beat. A great value on wheels!

SummerObsession

07-12-2005, 01:09 PM

I should really start selling these things, I guess. :roll: :mrgreen:

Hey, if we all could put in a group order, I will buy them and ship them to all of you!!! I'm thinking a trip to LOTO as a write-off!! :mrgreen:

Let me know, and I can find out what kind of price break we could get.

Sea Esta

07-12-2005, 01:12 PM

I'm about due for a new unit as well. My fire box is starting to burn out. Unless I can get one of the members to fabricate me a new fire box and weld it on. :mrgreen:

Mine is a home made smoker/grill and those that have seen it know that I use it every weekend. I also prefer to use wood over charcoal. I've been thinking about a Klose but I don't feel like driving to TX to pick it up. 283Check has a Klose unit as well. When a tornando came by and tipped it they had to have a tow truck come by to right it up. Talk about a grill! :mrgreen: