Need some grill advice

[Jim F.]

Last year I bought a Weber Baby-Q grill, and it has served me well. However, now I'm using it a lot more often and doing a lot of different things with it, and its limited surface area and 1-burner are very limiting. So I'm looking into buying a new, full size, grill. Keeping in mind we probably won't be living here for much longer, and not knowing where we might end up, so it has to stay on the small size.

I don't want to buy a cheapo $150 grill, because I don't know if it would be that much of an upgrade to what I have now. So that means spending $250 - $350. Looking at Consumer Reports, I found a few that were 'best picks' and checked them out today at Lowes, and the one grill there that seemed to fit what I was looking for - as far as size - was the Weber Genesis Silver A, however it was $399 and only had 2 burners; some of the $275 grills I was looking at had 4 and a side burner. If I'm going to spend $300 on a grill, why not spend $450 on a really good grill?

This happens to me every time I go to buy something like this. I start by looking for something inexpensive, yet good, and end up realizing that for only a little bit more green I could get into something much, much better and have it for a long time, as opposed to being replaced in a few years.

Does anyone have any experience or advice regarding Weber or a comparable brand? Has anyone recently done research on grills and can you share your results/findings/thoughts with me?

I don't want to spend more than $350 or so, but would spend a few hundred more if I could justify it.

Thanks!

-jim

PS: Yes, I know that you charcoal people would never consider advising anyone to get a gas (LP) grill, but I am not interested in charcoal - so save your lectures .

[montrealer]

Kenmore $245.00Cdn. with side burner (which I never use)
45,000BTU ...Double burner.Sold buy Sears.I`ve had mine for 6 years and other than the Auto starter not working I can`t complain.

[fredgmuggs]

I have a Weber grill... not sure of the model but it has 3 burners (no side burner). I've had it for over 10 years and I have nothing but good things to say about it. And another good thing about Weber is that it is easy to find repair parts... over the years I have replaced the cooking grates and the flavor bars (or whatever it is they call them). So, from my experience... I would highly recommend my Weber.

edit: it's a Weber 1100 (I have no idea if they still make that model)... I also have a Weber bullet smoker, and a Weber kettle charcoal grill. I guess you can say I'm partial to Weber

[NYYFAN]

weber Genesis Silver

[Bosox Guy in Chitown]

Jim, I'd say it depends on what you like to do with grills. I've only owned grills that have a rotisserie because I like to do cornish game hens, chickens and lamb/pork racks on the rotisserie. I also like to do seafood that is smoked/steamed on cedar boards, which means I need lots of grill space (surface area) and a hood with a good bit of clearance above the grates.

The best grill I ever owned I got at CostCo for about $250 - 3 burners, wide grate plates, side burner, smoker tray (for wood chips), rotisserie side mount motor.

[Eldee5]

I'd highly recommend the Weber Genesis. I've had a Weber Genesis for the past 18 years, so I certainly think it's durable. Weber customer service is terrific because over the years I've made any number of changes to the grill. I think ours was the Genesis II when originally purchased. It was the lesser Weber grill because it didn't have the side burner. A couple of years after we purchased it, I added the side burner. Originally, I purchased the LP model and then decided to switch it over to natural gas. Weber customer support was great with the parts needed to make the change. (Ultimately, when we moved from NJ to SC, I had to change it back to LP as we have don't have gas down here, only electric ) It's a great grill because you can change the flavorizer bars and/or cooking grids easily. I also have the rotisserie attachment, which is a great addition.

I'm sure that there are other great grills out there but I swear by my Weber.

[Murderers Row]

I've had a Weber Genesis silver a for 6 years now & it's holding up strong. I do use it year round, & haven't had any problem's. I did upgrade to the stainless grates & flavor bar's which are great for cleaning & longevity. I got mine the last year of their lifetime warranted components, but now i believe they carry a 10 year warranty which is longer than most grill's even last.

[DontHateOnNumber2]

I helped get my dad a new grill for Father's Day. I think it was a little over $250 has 3 burners I think, and a side burner.

[jlw1980]

Charcoal really is better than gas.

[NYYFAN]

Charcoal really is better than gas.

Flavor wise, maybe, but as for getting them started and the clean up its a pain. I also believe there is a higher incidence of cancer from charcoal cooking because of some chemicals released...

[tdel23]

I highly recommend the Weber Genesis Silver one too, I bought it for my parents 3 years ago and no problems...I just bought a Sears one and i'm having trouble already with the starter. Luckily I boughjt some kind of extended warrenty and they are coming to the house to fix it. But I just don't think you can beat a Weber.

[Jim F.]

Cool, thanks for the input .

I like the idea of a rotisserie, and I see that Weber has that as an accessory - that's the one good thing about Weber is all the accessories I can get. Toys. Nice.

Right now I'm leaning towards "make an investment", and the Genesis Silver C. Home Depot has 12 month 0% Interest financing, so it would be $50/mo. I use it so often, I'm sure it'd be a worthwhile investment.

-jim

[Bozidar]

Charcoal really is better than gas.

You know, it's also good for folks who might move, IMO. If you're still a transient then a decent charcoal grill can server you well. It's practically disposable, as are the bricks when you don't need them anymore. I didn't buy a real gas grill until i moved into our house, and we'd been married for over 5 years at that point.

[krystl]

I find how you maintain your grill does make a difference in how long it lasts.
My sister in law bought a very expensive Weber a few years ago and it's already shot.

My husband bought a brand new grill last season...he wanted one of those big stainless steel monsters but they were just so costly, he just drooled when he saw them. But Lowes had a nice one on sale last year for about $430 so he got it. That thing is his baby now. I have never seen him take care of a grill like this one.

[gsars5]

I have the Weber Genesis Silver B, it's a great grill, the only thing I have had to replace is the igniter after 6 years and I think I'm the one that screwed it up in the first place. I believe now they have the same nodel but with a stainless steel package, I would go for that one because the black finish will dull over time. Also check this site for accessories www.abtelectronics.com ( I know is says electronics but trust me they have them), their prices are great and no tax and no shipping.

Good luck and let me know if there's more info you need.

-Greg

[boo_427]

I will tell you, you get what you pay for.

I used the exact same Consumer Reports article you mention when I got my new "toy" a month ago.

I had previoulsy owed a Weber and thought I was going to get another one. I actually decided to go a different route.

Bought mine from Home Depot:

Vermont Castings

Four burners, 10 year warranty on the burners. Porcelain grates, side burner, & electronic ignition.

I have been nothing but impressed. Everything I have made to this point has been outstanding. Believe me, I have put it to the test in last month. The only thing I haven't done yet is a rack of ribs, but that is coming soon.

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend another grill. Weber makes a great product I know because I was a previous owner, but IMO, this one is just that much better.

As for mobility... make sure you have a few extra sets of hands to help you move it.

[Jim F.]

I've done a decent amount of searching online, and I'm yet to find anywhere that's selling Weber grills for any less than the list price, and they're the same everywhere. If there is a lower price, it's by a dollar or two. I'm a deal hound, so this is frustrating...

[boo_427]

Right now I'm leaning towards "make an investment", and the Genesis Silver C. Home Depot has 12 month 0% Interest financing, so it would be $50/mo. I use it so often, I'm sure it'd be a worthwhile investment.

In my previous post is the Vermont Castings I purchased.

They also have a 36,000 BTU that compares to the Weber Silver B.

Vermont Castings 36,000

My only issue with this model was no side burner and 3 burners. Even though in a month, I have used the side burner only twice.

If you are leaning toward the Weber, I would recommend the Silver C. But again, if you are considering paying over $500 the Silver C because of financing at least give the Vermont Castings I bought with four burners a look. I know you won't be disappointed with either the Vermont Castings 48,000 BTU or the Weber Silver C. Both are great options.

[boo_427]

I've done a decent amount of searching online, and I'm yet to find anywhere that's selling Weber grills for any less than the list price, and they're the same everywhere. If there is a lower price, it's by a dollar or two. I'm a deal hound, so this is frustrating...

Some more advice, I got mine around Memorial Day weekend at Home Depot. They were having a huge grill sale over a 5 day period for the holiday weekend. You might want to wait until the 4th of July weekend to make your purchase.

I got two seperate deals. The first was buy an empty propane talk and trade it in for a full one. The second was based on the purchase amount for the grill. For my purchase I received a rebate for a $75 gift card to Home Depot that I had to mail in. Anything little thing helps.

[WTrain44]

My neighbor recently purchased the greatest grill ever made: The Big Green Egg

http://www.biggreenegg.com/

[Murderers Row]

If it help's you to decide,my Genesis made me a righteous steak for lunch today .

[yankeeschic12324]

The thread title makes me laugh...

[Panamaniac42]

The thread title makes me laugh...

Same here, but only because I pictured Jim like this:

[yankeeschic12324]

Same here, but only because I pictured Jim like this:

YEP!

[Jim F.]

Same here, but only because I pictured Jim like this:

No way!

My bling is all gold.

[boo_427]

No way!

My bling is all gold.

So how about an update....

[Jim F.]

So how about an update....

I'm heading to Home Depot tonight after work. They have 10% off right now, and I've never seen a lower price on the Webers. I'm going to get the Genesis Silver C. I had thought about getting the Gold C (w/ the stainless steel), but Deb - who up until that point had been supportive - started to question the expense.

I'll post more when it actually happens .

-jim

[Hitman23]

dyslexia kicking in.... everytime I see this thread bumped I think it says "I need girl advice". I didn't think Jim had that problem anymore.

[yanksrule69]

dyslexia kicking in.... everytime I see this thread bumped I think it says "I need girl advice".

Me too.

[boo_427]

I'm heading to Home Depot tonight after work. They have 10% off right now, and I've never seen a lower price on the Webers. I'm going to get the Genesis Silver C. I had thought about getting the Gold C (w/ the stainless steel), but Deb - who up until that point had been supportive - started to question the expense.

I'll post more when it actually happens .

-jim

FWIW, I had a 10% off coupon I got from when I put in for a change of address. Really helps a lot. You basically get it tax free.

You can't go wrong with the Silver C... 3 burners, 36,000 btu's, side burner, porcelain grates. See if they will throw in a full tank of gas if you buy an empty one. Also, make sure to ask them about any mail-in rebates they might be offering. Sometimes the store associates have no clue and asking if they do can't hurt anything.

Congrats, I know it is exciting.

[GoYanks]

Hi Jim,

OK, I'm a charcoal person (no rant, but there are so many reasons;-)!), and a Weber fan. In the grand scheme of things, if this grill will last you years and years, it may be worth spending a bit more and getting this grill. I hope you've made the purchase & will enjoy it over the 4th of July.

[gsars5]

I'm heading to Home Depot tonight after work. They have 10% off right now, and I've never seen a lower price on the Webers. I'm going to get the Genesis Silver C. I had thought about getting the Gold C (w/ the stainless steel), but Deb - who up until that point had been supportive - started to question the expense.

I'll post more when it actually happens .

-jim

Good Luck, Jim but did you look at that website I mentioned? After a year or so the porcelin grates and flavorizer bars will look like crap but you can upgrade them later with stainless they sell them there and tat's where I bought them, sometimes stores offer that for you for maybe an extra 50 bucks which is cheaper than doing it later. Anyway you're going to love that grill!!!

[gsars5]

I'm heading to Home Depot tonight after work. They have 10% off right now, and I've never seen a lower price on the Webers. I'm going to get the Genesis Silver C. I had thought about getting the Gold C (w/ the stainless steel), but Deb - who up until that point had been supportive - started to question the expense.

I'll post more when it actually happens .

-jim

Good Luck, Jim but did you look at that website I mentioned? After a year or so the porcelin grates and flavorizer bars will look like crap, but you can upgrade them later with stainless ones, they sell them there and that's where I bought them, sometimes stores' offer that for you for maybe an extra 50 bucks which is cheaper than doing it later. Anyway you're going to love that grill!!!

[Jim F.]

Good Luck, Jim but did you look at that website I mentioned?

Yes, but the price wasn't that much better than anywhere else, and they wanted $78 for delivery and I'd have to assemble it myself.

[Jim F.]

An update - it was supposed to be delivered tomorrow, but it's supposed to rain, err pour, all day tomorrow. Since Home Depot delivers by flatbed, I just called to see if they cover it or anything, and she said no. So I'm going to cancel the order and buy it from a local place, assuming they can deliver it soon.

The grill saga continues...

[Tifoso]

I wouldn't bother with one with a side burner, TBH...I've used it once.

[NYYFAN]

And don't forget the grill cover...I got a nice Weber one on Ebay

[gsars5]

Yes, but the price wasn't that much better than anywhere else, and they wanted $78 for delivery and I'd have to assemble it myself.

I meant for accessories. Thay have free shipping for all of those.

[Jim F.]

I meant for accessories. Thay have free shipping for all of those.

D'oh! I'll certainly have to look into that then, since I'm pretty sure I want to get a rotisserie, among other things.

-jim

[fredgmuggs]

D'oh! I'll certainly have to look into that then, since I'm pretty sure I want to get a rotisserie, among other things.

-jim

Jim, with the 3 burners it does a very nice job roasting a chicken (or anything else) by using the indirect method (using the 2 outside burners and turning off the center one). Originally I thought that I would get a rotisserie, but honestly, I haven't seen the the need to get one.

[Tifoso]

D'oh! I'll certainly have to look into that then, since I'm pretty sure I want to get a rotisserie, among other things.

-jim

Ooooh. Rotisserie. Didn't know they had those. Gotta get one

[Archer1979]

Great choice Jim.

I've got a Weber and have only had one problem with it.

If you get any good recipes, post them. I'm always on the look out for a good rib recipe as that's one of my favorite meals but probably the thing I screw up the most.

[Jim F.]

So the 'Depot just delivered the new grill. Unfortunately, it's raining, so I won't be able to use it for a while. The rain doesn't look like it's going to be letting up any time soon. But I can't wait. It's a lot bigger than the Baby-Q .

-jim

[Trish]

So the 'Depot just delivered the new grill. Unfortunately, it's raining, so I won't be able to use it for a while. The rain doesn't look like it's going to be letting up any time soon. But I can't wait. It's a lot bigger than the Baby-Q .

-jim

I make my husband grill in the rain, cold, whatever. He knows his role.

[krystl]

I make my husband grill in the rain, cold, whatever. He knows his role.

My hubby grills in the rain as well. If it's really pouring, he uses an umbrella.

[Eldee5]

Jim, with the 3 burners it does a very nice job roasting a chicken (or anything else) by using the indirect method (using the 2 outside burners and turning off the center one). Originally I thought that I would get a rotisserie, but honestly, I haven't seen the the need to get one.

I have the Weber rotisserie attachment, and while I've also done roasts and chickens using only the roaster rack, the rotisserie cooks the meat more evenly, faster and allows the fats to drain off better. I even cooked a duck on the Weber using the rotisserie once. Turned out great; not at all fatty as duck can be. I'd highly recommend the rotisserie attachment.

[Jim F.]

So it came today, and I already broke it in by cooking steaks we picked up at the Omaha Steaks store today. I even thought of a name for it; I call it "The Bohemiath".

-jim

[JDPNYY]

So it came today, and I already broke it in by cooking steaks we picked up at the Omaha Steaks store today. I even thought of a name for it; I call it "The Bohemiath".

-jim

At first I thought you wrote:

So it came today, and I already broke it by cooking steaks....



(I was thinking you may have made a poor decision on the grill before I went ahead and reread what you wrote)

[PeteRFNY]

Can't go wrong with the Weber (even though I'm more of a charcoal man, sometimes gas is the way to go).

Go nuts. I'd grill everything if I could!

[GoYanks]

So it came today, and I already broke it in by cooking steaks we picked up at the Omaha Steaks store today. I even thought of a name for it; I call it "The Bohemiath".

-jim

ENJOY!!!