Tell me about your gas grill?

I'm looking for a new grill and spent all day Saturday going to different stores only to end the day confused and frustrated. What brand gas grill do you have and what do you like about it? If you don't like your grill, please tell me about that.

The last grill we bought was a Charmglow and it was horrible. It didn't cook evenly at all. The right side was very hot while the left side barely cooked anything. The front was also much hotter than the back.

Thanks!

 

I've always been a fan of Weber. I have a Genesis series from a few years back and the only thing I've ever had to do is change the battery in the starter. That being said, a little cleaning in the guts of the grill will go a long way towards making sure nothing gets clogged up which could lead to uneven temperature areas.

I got mine from Home Depot (because it was close) and with various price matches and coupons, I got the $700 grill for $520.

 

I have a Char-Broil Commercial Series I bought at Lowe's 6 years ago. It was on sale for $229. It is made of real heavy duty stainless steal, not the "simulated stainless" that is so common these days. It works really well and I have not had to do a thing to it. It has 3 brass burners, I think that is important because in the other grills I have owned the burners have rusted out. I am of the no cover group. This grill was a best bet by consumer reports.
Good Luck!

 

I am a huge devotee of Weber grills, both gas and charcoal (proof). I own two Genesis series 3-burner units, and the older of the two has been in my starting rotation for about 14 years. I also own a newer version of a roughly equivalent model that is about 5 or 6 years old.

These Weber units are impeccably engineered, very reliable, and widely known for their high performance. They have been consistently rated at or near the top of the Consumer Reports reviews for several years. If properly maintained, a Weber gas grill should last a lifetime. My grills get a lot of use, so as a result I have had to replace some parts over time, but the investment has been significantly less than the cost of a new grill.

When I purchased my first Weber gas unit in 1997, there were really only three choices: (1) two burners, (2) three burners, and (3) three burners with a side burner. Nowadays Weber offers a very broad range of options in three different series: Spirit (basically the old Genesis), Genesis (now sporting many luxury models), and Summit (the choice of discriminating grillers for whom money is no object).

If you find Weber grills to be outside your price range, I have to admit that I was very intrigued by a new arrival at Home Depot: the STŌK Quattro. It has solid construction, good design, a bevy of nice features and accessories, and an attractive price point (which as of a couple of weeks ago was only $349). I've never used one, but it's worth looking at.

 

We bought a char broil as rec'd by consumer reports. The side warmer was a feature we have not used. Heats quick and even to 450 easy, no complaints.

Bought from Lowe's had to go through 2 other grills unboxing only to find damaged so inspect them at the store.

Grates rusted out after 2 years and just replaced this year with porcelain grates from char broil to the tune of $100. We were not real good about covering up the grill.

 

We own a Vermont Castings. Home Depot used to sell them, but stopped a couple years back. Been pretty happy with it so far, fast heating and awesome heat retention. The stainless construction has held up pretty well and I'm not religious about covering it up 100% of the time.

 

Weber hands down. Started with the charcoal kettle years ago and now have to Genesis.

My sister bought her husband The Big Green Egg grill for Christmas. Hubby just helped him put it together along with optional "nest" to sit it on. It's an amazing concept, a large ceramic egg shaped grill. Supposedly heats in 10 minutes, keeps in heat (no adding extra charcoal) and keeps the food moist. You can do anything in them, just about. My brother-in-law says the chicken he tried from one was amazing and he couldn't stop talking about it. They're pricey but have a cult following! We can't wait for them to get it fired up so we can check it out.

 

When I researched them last year the Weber Genesis was the one that seemed the best. Haven't bought one yet but would like to. My dad is a big fan of Weber grills, too.

 

Thanks for all the feedback! When we looked at Home Depot, we found a lot of the grills they had put together and were sitting outside were already rusting. I'm definitely leaning towards a Weber. Heard their customer service was great too.

 

I have a Weber Genesis as well. The only downside is that when it comes to those long sessions where you want the grill sitting somewhere less than 400 it can be a challenge. It heats right up though.

 

I have a Blue Ember from Lowes. Never had any issues and love the fact that there is a digital display on the grill which can be used to measure your propane tank, timer, etc. Its a huge grill with lots of space - have had it for 3 years and still looks brand new (yes it gets used alot)

 

I finally bit the bullet and bought a grill. It's a brand I never heard of but was a top pick in Consumer Reports. It's a Huntington and I got it delivered from Lowe's. I've used it several times already and so far, so good. Heats evenly and has a nice wide range of temps. Fairly inexpensive for a grill at $250. Hope it will last at least 5 years.

 

The Weber Genesis can, in fact, produce low temperatures.

Turn off the middle burner and set the front and back burners on medium... you should get 350°F.

Turn off the middle and back burners and set the front burner on high, and you should get something in the 250°-300°F range.

 

That's really helpful info. Thanks!