What kind of grill should I buy?

[catharine]

My sweet DH has agreed to buy a new grill. I have no idea what kind to get.

The previous owners of our house left us their old gas grill and that it what we have been using (with a new grate, of course). I have been so confused about how to use this grill. I thought you were supposed to use the gas to light the coals (charcoal brickettes), then turn off the gas and let the hot coals cook the food. However, it never seemed hot enough and someone told me this was all wrong and that you use the gas to cook the food. But as far as I am concerned, that isn't grilling, why not just throw the food on the gas stove (?).

I don't anticipate using the grill that often. I live in Northern Virginia and probably only have five months of warm-enough weather. Will probably grill about once a week. We don't want to spend a fortune - would even consider getting a cheap grill and replacing it every year or so.

What do you all think? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and beginning to cook out.

[DmOrtega]

Weber grills are very good. They have a good reputation and can be purchased most everywhere. They also have inexpensive models to choose from. You can check out the website at www.weberbbq.com (http://www.weberbbq.com) --- happy shopping.

[catharine]

Thanks DmOrtega!

I forgot to mention that part of what I am seeking advice about is what kind of grill to buy: gas? charcoal? etc. I really don't know the difference. What kind of clean up, maintenance, set up, food safety, does each kind entail. Thanks again!

[This message has been edited by catharine (edited 04-05-2001).]

[funnybone]

I don't think you'd want to have to replace it every year. We bought one about 14 years ago and it still works as well as the day we bought it. You get what you pay for. I prefer the gas grills only because charcoal takes so long to get ready and you can't control the heat well. We have one with a side burner to do vegetables or a side dish, so we don't have to keep running in and out. I think you'd end up using it more than once a week if you got into the habit of it. We love ours and would never be without it.

[catharine]

Funnybone, how do you use the gas grill? Do you just cook with flames from the gas? Do you put in any kind of bricks/charcoal etc.?

[DmOrtega]

We have had both charcoal and gas. Gas wins out every time for ease of use. We now have a Summit 450 and I can start it up without help from my husband. With the charcoal bbq, my husband got the job of getting it ready. (Most of the time by himself). Also, our bbq is outside under a tarp only, full time, through out the year. So I wanted something very durable to the weather. We love it.

[aggie94]

As convenient and easy as gas grills are, I so much prefer the taste of things cooked on a charcoal grill. Our friend loves his gas grill and tried to convince us how much better they were than charcoal. When we invited him over for burgers, he had to eat his words and admit that our burgers tasted so much better than his did.

We have a Weber Performer that we got as a wedding gift last year that has a cool gas-assist feature that gives you the quick-start of a gas grill, but all the taste of charcoal. It's been great. And you definitely should not be needing to buy a new grill every year, maybe just replacing the grates from time to time.

[This message has been edited by aggie94 (edited 04-05-2001).]

[KathrynY]

We had a charcoal grill for years when we lived in an apartment and I hated it. It was very messy, and we were always out of either charcoal or lighter fluid. Plus the charcoal takes time to burn down before cooking as funnybone mentioned.

We bought an inexpensive ($100) gas grill at a large home center store 7 years ago and have been very happy with it. We grill all year long, even in the snow! A nice hamburger or steak just has to be grilled, never broiled http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif. A tip from my mom: buy an extra propane tank and keep filled as backup... it's like Murphy's law that I always run out of propane when I'm grilling for guests.


[This message has been edited by KathrynY (edited 04-05-2001).]

[SandyM]

Catharine,

If you buy a gas grill, you get a propane tank with it, which (when filled) fuels the flame which cooks the food. You have to have the tank filled when it runs out, but the cost is minimal.

I like the taste of food cooked on a charcoal grill, but I'll agree - it's messy and time consuming. With a gas grill, you turn the knob which releases the propane, turn the burner on, and push the button which releases the flame and starts the "fake coals" inside the grill. In a few minutes everything is warmed up, and you're ready to grill.

We live in Michigan and we grill year round! The taste of something grilled in the dead of January brings us back to springtime, even for just a few minutes. Sure it's chilly, but you can pull it inside the garage (with the door open, of course) for some coverage from the wind/snow.

We spent about $150 last year for a gas grill (I believe the brand is Char-Broil). Our previous grill was the same brand, and it lasted 5-7 years. Some grills come with burners to the side where you can cook veggies or boil water; ours doesn't have it, and we don't miss it. What I do miss, though, and may invest in, is a rotisserie for roasts, turkey breast, etc.

Grilled vegetables are awesome!!! Best of luck with whatever you choose.

[funnybone]

Originally posted by catharine:
Funnybone, how do you use the gas grill? Do you just cook with flames from the gas? Do you put in any kind of bricks/charcoal etc.?

We have those ceramic bricks (or whatever they are made from) that are recommended with the grill. So although it is propane, you have bricks that heat up, but the gas stays on. We've replaced them over the years too.

We paid about $500 Canadian for the grill all those years ago (my DH wanted a good one), so it has been great. And we do use it all year long.

Another thing, we keep 2 propane tanks at all times. Many times we have run out in the middle of grilling, and the extra one is a lifesaver.


[This message has been edited by funnybone (edited 04-05-2001).]

[sneezles]

We bought a gas grill 9 years ago and I would never go back to charcoal for "everyday" grilling again (although we use our large pit for smoking briskets, turkeys,etc). And the difference between cooking it outdoors on a gas gril and cooking it inside is flavor! You can add wood chips to a smoke box or directly on the briquettes for mesquite or hickory flavor. No mess on the stove or pots and pans to clean up!
Our has three burners. We light all to start and then turn off one or two, depending on what and how much we are cooking. Leaving the middle one on is great for doing meat on one side and veggies on the other.

[Kristilyn1]

I have a nice, big gas grill--can't remember the brand--then we also have a tabletop gas grill--the kind you buy the little screw on canisters of propane at the grocery store for. It costs around $20--and if it doesn't get rained/snowed on--it should last 5 years or so. They both work just as well--we mostly use the little one for camping and such--but when the big one runs out of gas and I'm too lazy to get the tank filled--I pull out the little tabletop one and away we go. This one is also great if you live in an apartment and can't resist the urge to grill. Take it outside, use it and then fold it up and bring it in!

Kristi

[jmarie]

I used to use a gas grill, but now I use an electric grill. Made to look just like a gas grill...Man the food is wonderful on it...plug it in when you need it...no more refilling the gas containers. I even cook bacon for breakfast on it...and We cook year round! I can't believe you wouldn't want to cook when it is cold! I live in Southwest Virginia and I am telling you, you are really missing out on the advantage of having a grill by only cooking in the warmer months. Like the old commercial says "Try it...you'll like it!" ...whatever type of grill you decide to go with!

[kwormann]

I have to agree with the ease of gas! We have never had luck with charcoal. Even though the food has a different taste, if you dont get to cook it because you cant get it going, the food has no taste! I vote gas all the way! It works sooo great for grilling veggies, bread, etc because of the control you have on the temperature! We have on from Target, and its in constant use this time of year.

Kim

[lanie]

Last Summer we purchased a Weber Silver Genesis and have never looked back. They are different from regular gas barbeques and take some getting used to as they have flavor bars rather than briquets and cook more like a convection oven - but the results are absolutely amazing - I would highly recommend a weber. We are also hooked up to natural gas from our house which is great - no tanks to fill and always readily available all year long. Do not think one can go wrong with a Weber. I understand they even have a great coal one.
Elaine http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[catharine]

Wow, thanks for all of the advice. I am so glad I asked. Charcoal sounds intriguing, but I think you have all sold me on gas.

A few more questions...how long does a propane tank last? What are the advantages of the more expensive grills? Any features that I should definitely have?

Thanks again. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I am really excited - I think we might buy one this weekend.

[DmOrtega]

My freind has a Dukane (sp?). He spent $700 on it appox 7 years ago and is now replacing parts. He has 2 burners and briquets. He's not real thrilled about the temp control or having to clean the briquets. He says it's too much work. This is coming from someone who values durability over anything else. So, I purchased a heavy duty Weber Summit 450, no side burner, and I have not been disapointed. I like the 4 burners because I can cook different foods at different tempetures at the same time. It has a thermometer, so I can tell the overall temp in the bbq. I like the size. It is big enough to cook for a large crowd of people. I have cooked full 20 lb turkey and paella(in a paella skillet), numerous cheeseburgers, vegtables, you name it. Also, we have 2 side counters for workspace and underneath storage to hide the things we don't want to see.
I also don't want to be replacing bbq's very often, as mine is outside, covered only with a tarp, all year round. We replace our tank at a local Home Depot, for a new full tank, 2 times a year. I think the tanks will last longer with fewer burners. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Weber bbqs. Hope this info helps.

[This message has been edited by DmOrtega (edited 04-06-2001).]

[BosunsWife]

We have both a gas grill and a small Weber charcoal grill. We take the Weber with us when we go to the beach or on a picnic. I really love the taste with the Weber, but like the convenience of the gas grill more. As for how long your propane will last, it depends on how much you use it. They do have those little stick on monitors that supposedly tell you how much fuel you have used, but I've never been able to tell how much is left. We used to have duel tanks, but the last time we moved (last Fall), the movers refused to take our tanks (even though we had certificates stating that they were purged) so we had to buy a new one when we got here.

[schuh]

We love our Weber kettle (charcoal) grill!
The taste is worth the wait!
All you need is a chimney starter (available for not much money) to get the fire going quite easily.

[This message has been edited by schuh (edited 04-06-2001).]

[Beth]

I think you've got a good summary of the major points: gas is faster and easier, charcoal tastes better (but only use the chimney and spare the expense, hazard and smell of lighter fluid), You also tend to spend more for a gas grill, with cheap ones costing you as much as a large Weber kettle.

When we moved to TX, I told my husband he could get a gas grill for his first Father's Day in TX. So we left the Weber behind. I like not having to plan an hour ahead for the grill, but I still miss the old kettle. Weber does offer good grills for both charcoal and gas; we've had one of almost every category over the years, and when we've moved on, the old grills always found new homes. We've never buried a Weber, so to speak. Whatever brand, I would second the recommendation to not buy too cheap...you want good heating and control for the cooking, and you may not get that with one you would feel was semi-disposable.

When you go looking, you will notice that each maker of gas grills has some type of fake coals, bars, or something for fats and juices to drip onto to try to get some of that grilled flavor. It's not the same as charcoal, but it is better than the stove inside.

Also, to give you an idea, it seems that a canister lasts long enough to cook a couple of briskets or roasts long and slow (we do brisket 8-10 hrs over very low heat) and some steaks or burgers (higher heat, but 15-20 min including the preheat). We've never kept a record, but hope that helps.

[kwormann]

If you are still longing for a charcoal grill, I believe there is a propane ignited charcoal grill out there. You might find that to tbe the best of both worlds. I agree with Beth on the charcoal timing, though. Frequently our grilling isnt planned, and if we had charcoal, we would have to plan ahead so the grill could prep.

Kim

[kjunkins]

For any of you that have bought the Weber Performer grill, if you don't mind me asking, about how much did you pay for it. I like the idea of the gas start but still grilling on charcoal. I went to the sight and looked it up but it told me everything I wanted to know except for price range. This grill sounds like just what I need!!

Kristi

[julia]

We have a weber charcol barbecue and love it. It doesn't take all that long to get ready either. I'm sure a gas bbq heats up quicker, but we find the charcol worth the wait. We also use an electric starter to get the fire going - you avoid the smell of lighter fluid. All DH does when the coals are hot is put the grill on top, let it heat up and scrub it with a wire brush (we buy a new one each year). I don't think there's a problem with food safety as the high heat probably sterilizes the grill and kills anything left there. And we've never gotten sick from anything we've barbecued.

Good luck with your purchase and happy grilling!

[This message has been edited by julia (edited 04-07-2001).]

[jd]

We have a gas grill and love it - BBQ year round, and it is one of the first things that the snow gets shoveled off of in the winter. Like lanie, we have hooked it directly to the natural gas in the house. The BBQ was a little more expensive to have this feature, but no propane tanks, no refilling, and no running out (which always happens right in the middle of cooking a nice dinner for guests). Good luck and happy grilling!

[aggie94]

kjunkins - We got the Weber Performer last year as a wedding gift, but we picked it out, so I know how much it cost. The retail selling price for it last year was $399, and I shopped around plenty online and in stores and was not able to find it any cheaper -- pretty much everyone sells it for the same price. This year, I think it's gone up to around $450. We did use a 20% off coupon that we had for a sporting goods store in the NW (G.I. Joe's), so we got it for closer to $300. It was a good investment (for my brother), though -- we love it!

[browneye]

OK, I can see that I'm in the minority, but...
I have had several gas grills and fought problems like corrosion and rust, (I live in West. Washington) even when I stored them inside the garage! The burners would clog.. etc.
2 years ago we switched to a Weber charcoal kettle-style that has vents for temp control, a thermometer in the top, and a thingy underneath that catches the ash and facilitates emptying the ash that falls. We also purchased a extra tall extension with a rotisserie attachment. We are in heaven. We also use the electric element to ignite the coals, and just allow a little more time. In reality, it only takes about 10 minutes longer to heat the coals than my propane grills took to get their ceramic "coals" hot enough to distribute the heat evenly. It took a little time to get the knack of controlling the temp with the charcoal, but now we have it down and it is great.
We love the Weber and will never go back to the gas. The flavor is definitely superior, and we can do the low and slow- BBQ techniques with it. We have had lots of fun.
It's a good thing there are options in this world, something for everyone.

[Beth]

browneye, I don't disagree with a thing you said. I love them both. I was tempted to buy an end-of-summer markdown on a classic Weber kettle last summer even though we have the new gas one. How quickly your coals are ready is also a function of the cooking time and temp you will be using.

[LynnSC]

I have had gas grills for the past 15 years and love them!!!!!!!

[KellyD]

We have both!! How's that for not having to pick?! We use the gas grill for "everyday" - and honestly we do have to replace it every few years because it clogs or rusts - but we get them on sale at Home Depot, and I think in the long run may spend less. But we don't pay for bells or whistles because we've found that we don't use them. We currently have a side burner - and it has NEVER been used!

We use the Weber mostly for turkeys at holidays - but will break it out once in a while for barbeques - or prime rib. But if you've never had a grilled turkey - run out and buy a Weber just to try it!! (But remember, if you have a small Weber, you need a small turkey...yes, learned the hard way...)

[dotglee]

What an interesting thread for today! DH just called me at work and said "we have a grill now--what should I make for dinner?" This week we threw away the Charmglow gas grill we bought in 1972 in Denver. There we grilled all year--even used a griddle for pancakes. It allowed us to extend our small kitchen to outside.

After moving the grill back and forth across the country several times, and getting an outside gas connection done, it finally corroded out here in Western Washington. When DH went shopping he found all the $5000 numbers (for that they should cook for you), but fell in love with a TEK which cooks with infrared. I bet he'll do some tuna steaks (ahi) and I'll report back about how it worked. It's supposed to be super-fast in heating up and cooking. Our old grill did take a while to heat up when there was snow on the ground.

The TEK has metal strips which are quite close together. I'm also betting that we can go crazy with grilled vegies, as long as we don't burn them up.

PS We have a tiny Weber for picnics and such, but it's hard to wait for the coals. We're really not as impatient as we sound.

[katygirl]

I am a gas grill person as well. The week after we got home from our honeymoon I suprised my husband with a new gass grill. It wasn't an expensive one, maybe $150.00. We love it. It is now on its now on it's fourth year. I agree that they don't last forever but this one is still ticking. We also bought a cheap cover for it and it does the trik to keep the elements away. We do store it in the shed from December to April which helps to keep it nice.

But charcoal is nice too, I don't think I am patient enough though http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Katy

[catharine]

Thanks again for all of the information! We are going shopping the weekend and will like pick up a good gas grill. I really appreciate all of the time everyone took to help me out. You are all invited to my first BBQ http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif