How to Choose a Gas Grill?

[M.D. Holloway]

Aside from going stainless, what are the features to consider when buying a gas grill? Nothing fancy - something for the patio to grill for 4 to 6 people typical. Any ideas?

[porsche4life]

Look at burner construction. Cast is better. Cast bronze is best.

[masraum]

A lot of grills advertise their BTUs. Don't think that more is better. When I was 21 I bought one and thought "more is better". It was a pain in the rear to cook with even on low.

[craigster59]

A good Weber and some briquettes. Cook a pot of Ranch Beans and you'll have all the gas you need.

[alf]

Simple, just buy a Weber gas grill and call it a day. Well made and gets better with age from the falvor bars. All my friends who bought bling bling or cheap grills instead of the Weber are replacing theirs while my Weber just keeps on working and working and working.

[cantdrv55]

+1 on the Weber. I bought this last year.

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-1780001-Summit-Propane-Stainless/dp/B000H1Y4TK

It's a great BBQ but I found it to be too big for everyday use so I bought another last weekend. This time it's a Coleman with wheels for home use and ocassional camping.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=9928-A60

Love this one too.

[porsche4life]

Man you know how to spend money.

[RWebb]

I bought that tailgater sized Weber that looks like a clam shell.

I'm trying to figure out how to hot rod it...

[dd74]

How can a barbecue be "too big for everyday use?"

[Dottore]

What's the point of grilling on gas, exactly?

Seems to me the whole point of grilling is the flavor you get from real charcoal etc.

What am I missing?

Might as well stick it under the broiler IMO.

[David]

Weber. They've been doing it long enough to know exactly what they're doing. You can cook anywhere on the grill

[masraum]

Yes, mine is a Weber.

Porcelainized cast cooking grates is a nice feature.

[berettafan]

i'm convinced weber grills are some of the most overpriced on the market. when i look at them i see dated design and nothing special about the construction.

i like the following in a gas grill:

-4 burners
-removable upper grate (use it for heating up rolls, etc but removable for beer can chicken and such)
-stainless construction (seems to last a LOT longer than others)
-large drip 'tray' (as opposed to the old hanging can thing that let grease run all over the deck)
-enclosed tank area (all 4 sides)
-side burner for pots (i steam crabs on mine)

[berettafan]

although i think just about all gas grills give up a lot by not having heavy gauge construction (heat convection).

[gchappel]

My first Weber lasted about 15 years. Just bought another. Easy and predictable to cook on.
Gary

[89911]

I bought a Weber 3 burner natural gas grill from Amazon a year ago. I just cooked for 10 adults on it no problem. The assembly was easy and it is built to last. Easy to clean also with a grate that you just pull out and dump. CR rated as their best one.

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-3851001-Genesis-E-320-Natural/dp/B000OBLAR2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=garden&qid=1250519489&sr=1-5

The heating is very even and the thermometer accurate. I can cook whole roasts and chicken on it also with a remote heating probe.

[89911]

Originally Posted by Dottore

What's the point of grilling on gas, exactly?

Seems to me the whole point of grilling is the flavor you get from real charcoal etc.

What am I missing?

Might as well stick it under the broiler IMO.

The food drips down on the grates, burns and smokes, and then adds flavor to the food. No, its not as charcoaled flavored as coals, but much easier, faster, and better then anything cooked indoors.

[vash]

i use charcoal exclusively, (relatively cheap weber kettle) and i love it. but i have been yearning for the ease of propane. i want a Weber Genesis with the side burner. those "flavorbars"? can you set some ceramic burner panels on top? my friend has a high end propane grill that has these waffle shaped ceramic panels over the burners. you get crazy hot heat, if you want it. very adjustable, heat holds, juice vaporize...all good stuff.

i think it would be great to get a good propane grill, and another decent charcoal grill. maybe another weber kettle, (with the built in table top). mine is getting beat up. rust never rest

[jyl]

With materials prices up and consumers' wallets tighter, grill makers are cheaping on the grade and amount of stainless. Check w/ magnet, what "stainless" is actually ferrous. Often the lower panels and the nuts/bolts.

Consumer Reports has ratings. Also some BBQ-oriented forums. Impossible to tell if heat is adequate or even, in the store.

I have a Ducane three burner. Well made and all stainless (although some ferrous stainless in the lower part) but heats unevenly and take a long time to get really hot.

[t951]

+1000000 on a Weber.

Mine is 10yrs old. At year nine I called Weber and said I was having problems. They sent me, for free, every part save the shell / cart. New valves, the part where the flame comes out, ignitor...

So here is the deal. You can buy a new 150 grill every other year or so, or spend a bit more up front and get a grill that lasts a long time an saves you money over the long run.

I won't even consider another brand anymore due to the quality and the service I have received.

You do get what you pay for.