Best propane grill $200-$400? Need quick advice

[Tim Hancock]

Wife called and said if I don't buy a new grill on the way home from work tonight, she is going to buy one at Walmart herself.

We are currently on our 3rd cheapo grill in ten years (the kind that cost about $120.00. This time she wants a fancier one with the more modern multiple burners.

I looked at a couple at Lowes at lunch that look "adequate". The most likely one is a three burner (plus a side burner) chinese made for Lowes called a Perfect Flame for $200. The fancier ones there for $400-$700, that appear to be all stainless are not reaaly all stainless and what thin stainless is there, is cheap 400 series which will turn to shiit just as fast as the cheaper one I am looking at. I will NOT spend $700-$1000 on a Weber, so any advice on best cheap "disposable" grills?

[onewhippedpuppy]

I found a decent looking no-name at Target for $200, I'll be picking one up when we close on our new house. Stainless, three burner + side burner, electric ignitor, external thermometer, it looked decently made. Almost identical to one I saw at Sears (Kenmore?) for $300.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally posted by onewhippedpuppy
I found a decent looking no-name at Target for $200, I'll be picking one up when we close on our new house. Stainless, three burner + side burner, electric ignitor, external thermometer, it looked decently made. Almost identical to one I saw at Sears (Kenmore?) for $300.

Sounds about like this one I mentioned above. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=61701-46487-SLG2007A

pic

[onewhippedpuppy]

Similar look, but the Target one was all stainless. No painted steel. Did the Lowe's one have electric ignition?

[onewhippedpuppy]

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_11/602-7673338-3002241?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000I5TX1Y

Decent reviews, just complaints about it being a b!tch to put together.

[Tim Hancock]

This one for $400 is ALL stainless, but it is very thin 400 series stainless (the kind that is magnetic and corrodes somewhat easily). It looks like a mirror inside, but being so thin, I doubt it will last twice as long....not worth twice the cost to me for initial good looks. Both have the same burner orientation.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=241317-52341-2518SL-LPG&lpage=none

[RickM]

You get what you pay for when it comes to grills. The grade of stainless is likely not the best...both in gauge and alloy. Bring a magnet for fun.

You may want to check on parts availability as well.

If you can swing a bit more look for a Weber at you discount stores.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally posted by onewhippedpuppy
Did the Lowe's one have electric ignition?

yep

[Tim Hancock]

Matt, did the Target grill have stainless grates and was the interior stainless or porcelain coated steel? I may go to Target first, then backtrack to Lowes if I don't like it. Thanks!!!!!!!

[Tim Hancock]

Originally posted by RickM


If you can swing a bit more look for a Weber at you discount stores.

There is a slight chance I may do that, but I have a friend who had an expensive Weber for 15 yrs, but he said he TOTALLY rebuilt it 3 times over that time period and has now just decided to buy new cheaper grills every few years to avoid the hassle of rebuilding them.

[onewhippedpuppy]

The Webers are all very nice, my charcoal Weber was great, but I have trouble spending $600+ for a BBQ grill.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally posted by Tim Hancock
Matt, did the Target grill have stainless grates and was the interior stainless or porcelain coated steel? I may go to Target first, then backtrack to Lowes if I don't like it. Thanks!!!!!!!

Pretty sure it had porcelain coated, but I'm not 100% sure. It was about a week ago that I looked at it. When we close on our new house on Monday I'll go pick one up, the old grill is headed out to the curb for the trash man.

[lendaddy]

Tim, 409/439 stainless won't rust through. It will develop surface rust but that's about it. I have 409 tube that's been outside here for 10 years that looks 95%.

FWIW anyway

[Jims5543]

I have a soft spot for Webers. I have had mine for almost 6 years now, it sits out on the back patio under a cover and it still starts up and looks like it is brand new. No signs of wear at all. I would not buy any other brand.

Its the Snapper Lawnmower of Grills IMHO there other other more expensive ones out there but when it comes down to getting the job done I love my Weber.

[74-911]

Picked up this one at Lowes about a year ago and am very pleased with it:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=196124-52491-GGPL-2100&lpage=none

[alf]

Anything Weber, it just works.

I have had mine for 4 years and it runs like a champ. Other buddies who went for bling and or cheap are regretting they did not get the Weber. Webers also hold their value, so take that into the price equation...

[dennis in se pa]

If it is gas it is not a grill. That is called cooking outside. It has to be charcoal in order to be a grill. And if you cannot tell the difference between food cooked over a gas flame and food cooked over charcoal, that is a shame.
You are not required to agree with me, you are allowed to be incorrect.

[scottmandue]

My neighbor has a nice one that is a few years old and holding up well... and we live a block from the ocean. Don't know the name but I think he got it at Home Depot.

[TerryH]

I bought a larger stainless Weber Summit Platinum 3 years ago ($700). It wasn't cheap, but we bbq 3 times a week minimum and I haven't had to buy grates, burners, or igniters since. In our case it was money well spent.

Consumer reports gives its Best Buy to Great Outdoors pinnacle TG-560 $500. List price is usually 20% higher than retail.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally posted by dennis in se pa
If it is gas it is not a grill. That is called cooking outside. It has to be charcoal in order to be a grill. And if you cannot tell the difference between food cooked over a gas flame and food cooked over charcoal, that is a shame.
You are not required to agree with me, you are allowed to be incorrect.

Agreed, but try cooking burgers in 20 minutes (from grill start) or less with a charcoal grill. In a perfect world, with infinite free time, I would use charcoal.