Help selecting a new gas BBQ

[JulesInLA]

It's time to replace our gas BBQ grill and was hoping to hear about what others have and like before making a final selection. At this time of year, I thought others might be making similar purchases, so I thought this could be a timely thread to tap the DBR "well of knowledge."

In my case, I'm evaluating Webers vs. Broil-Kings, but I'm open to other suggestions before making a final choice. These models seem to meet my needs, but I'm interested in other feedback.

I am an above average cook...so they tell me... ;) - and I take this purchase very seriously!

So let me know what you have, what you like or what you'd select if you were buying something soon!

A few of my specifications:

Requirements: Heavy use (hey, we're in SoCal!), propane, portable (not build in), usually store in garage (so no behemoths), needs to accommodate grilling for two or ten people (kids are flying the nest, but we entertain a lot), able to handle any type of food (fish, chick, beef, veggies) and slow/low to fast/hot heat control.

Pluses: Drop down sides, steel versus metal side shelves, rotisserie kit available (pref. included), free shipping if online purchase

Nice to have: Cover included, side burner (still thinking about this option - Is it better to have more "counter space" vs. using a burner that can keep cooked food warm? Thoughts here?)

I'm looking at the Weber Genesis E-310 & E20's with a possible upgrade to the Genesis S-310 or S-320 for the stainless version. I'm seeing good Weber reviews online. Do any of you have these and what do you think of them? Side shelf questions in picking between these models.

I'm also looking at the Broil-King models in the Signet and Sovereign models...in particular the Signet 70 and the Sovereign 90.

I haven't found much feedback on Broil-King models online, but they do have some nifty bells and whistles for some additional $$.

Our old grill was a Broil-Mate which looks related to Broil-King, so I think this is causing me to lean towards Broil-King because we were very happy with our old grill. BK looks like the upscale model to BM and we're in a position to splurge a little on this purchase because we will use it extensively.

So what do you think? Thanks in advance!

Jules

P.S. Helpful answers could earn you dinner on your next visit to LA! : )

[Jarhead]

I've got a Char-Broil professional model burning natural gas. It's great, and it is available at Lowes. It is mostly stainless steel with a ceramic coated steel grill, And it has such a long warranty that I will have forgotten what it is long before it collapses. I clean it with oven cleaner and the garden hose. The grill goes in the dishwasher. Natural gas is great for cooking. No tanks to run empty just when you need another few minutes of cooking time.

[Jim3k]

I thought the side burner on my old Char-Broil was a nice feature, but I didn't use it all that much. (Mainly boiled crab, but not that frequently.) When that grill died, we replaced it with a two burner Weber, I found I didn't miss the side burner at all.

I've had this Weber for about 5 years and it's been fine, though the 'flavor bars' are now so corroded I'm going to replace them. The cover was extra but worth it. But your old cover would work if it's in good shape. (Assuming you don't mind a Broil Mate logo on a Weber grill.)

As with any gas BBQ, my biggest problem is keeping the thing clean so that residue does not catch fire. There is definitely a safety issue with all of them. Also, ask which brand has most easily replaceable parts? I think that favors the Weber. I remember having difficulty with getting a Char-Broil replacement sparker.

[TheRose77]

We have had our Weber for several years and we are pleased with it. The one thing I would say is don't overthink it. Bells and whistles are a waste of money if you just cook burgers, steaks, chicken, kebobs, some veggies, and the like. You will enjoy whatever you get, so buy it, set it up and invite us all over!
I take mine rare.

[JulesInLA]

Helpful feedback! Thanks!

I'm leaning against the side burner in favor of the extra shelf space. Good idea about replacement parts as a consideration. Hadn't thought about that...

I host a serious number of Duke Club of SoCal events here, so while I don't want to overthink things, I do strive to please all! : ) BTW -- If you live in SoCal, come find me on 3/15 at Sonny McLean's and say "Hi!" at the Carolina game.

Keep the info coming!

Jules

P.S. I like mine "rare" too in a family of "medium" preference people. Yes, it needs to be a good BBQ!

[ohioguy2]

We have a Weber Silver--I positively love it. I have replaced the flavor bars once after three years of hard use. Parts seem to be easy to come by. I really like the Weber cover, the vents on each side help keep moisture down. To me, the side burner is not as valuable as more shelf space. It is also very easily cleaned. The heat controls are easy to use and work well. IMO you need at least three burners so you can use indirect heat on some items. We bought our son-in-law one of these for Christmas--he also love it.

[wbs2455]

I got a Genesis E320 about a year ago and really love it. The cast iron grates are particularly nice. I actually haven't used the side burner at all. I really like that the whole thing is basically metal and there are very few cheap plastic pieces (if any).
I think size wise it will be a tight fit for 10 people, but its great for 2-6 (if you're grilling vegetables, etc in addition to a main course on the grill). Temperature controls are great and it heats up quickly. If you have any particular questions about the E320, let me know

[captmojo]

I'm partial to the Char-Broil I currently use. It has a side burner that I never use but I don't believe very much extra cost was involved versus a model that didn't have one. I look at it like this-it's better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it.

BTU ratings are important. You want higher ratings for cooking steaks. They can always be turned down for burgers and chicken.

The Char-Broil I use has what they call Precision Burners. A "U" shaped burner which runs the entire length of the grill and is very effective. I'm on my 3rd burner now after 6 years of ownership. It's been very reliable and I recommend it. They are available for purchase at Lowe's.

[Johnboy]

I've got a Char-Broil professional model burning natural gas. It's great, and it is available at Lowes. It is mostly stainless steel with a ceramic coated steel grill, And it has such a long warranty that I will have forgotten what it is long before it collapses. I clean it with oven cleaner and the garden hose. The grill goes in the dishwasher. Natural gas is great for cooking. No tanks to run empty just when you need another few minutes of cooking time.

After having had some reasonably fancy grills (Holland and Phoenix), I bought one of these, and I've been very happy with it so far (it's about two years old). It does everything Jules would need to do - heats up very high and fast, but is capable of slow/indirect cooking; it's reasonably large for entertaining. I was going to go with a more expensive grill - all sainless, etc, but I talked with a friend who convinced me that the Char-grill would last plenty long, and that it would be cheaper for me to buy a new grill every ten years or so than to buy a really expensive stainless one that might last my entire life.

I agree that for me, the best feature is having it plumbed into the house so you never run out of gas unless you don't pay the bill. That feature would be useless to Jules, though. The Char-Grill comes equipped for natural gas, but I had my other grills adapted very inexpensively - any brand can be safely adapted to natural gas from propane.

[Tommac]

I vote for the Weber Silver. We've had one about 5-6 years and I think my wife likes it. She does all the cooking. The Weber cover is good. It does allow ventilation and helps the grill dry out after rains.

[JulesInLA]

I agree that for me, the best feature is having it plumbed into the house so you never run out of gas unless you don't pay the bill. That feature would be useless to Jules, though. The Char-Grill comes equipped for natural gas, but I had my other grills adapted very inexpensively - any brand can be safely adapted to natural gas from propane.

Whatever guy planned the outside natural gas line location for our house was definitely not a cook!

Our gas valve is on the FAR side of our patio rather than just outside the sliding door closest to the kitchen. :(

I'm usually multi-tasking on other parts of the meal, so the extra distance is enough to deter me from using the natural gas connection. I'm willing to use propane for the convenience of saving steps and time...not to mention the possibility of setting fire to the kitchen going back and forth!

Many thanks for the feedback everyone! We are definitely looking into the Char-Broil before making a final decision.

Keep the suggestions and recommendations coming! We have a few days before our weekend decision.

Thanks!

[willywoody]

since i didn't see a budget i'll suggest:

http://www.tecinfrared.com/residential-grills.php

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Whatever guy planned the outside natural gas line location for our house was definitely not a cook!

Our gas valve is on the FAR side of our patio rather than just outside the sliding door closest to the kitchen. :(


There is a reason for that, and it's called safety. It's probably written into your building codes that the connection has to be so many feet away from doors and windows that open into your house. Wouldn't want you to get CO poisoning or have a gas buildup in your house cause an explosion, either of which could kill you and your family.

[JulesInLA]

There is a reason for that, and it's called safety. It's probably written into your building codes that the connection has to be so many feet away from doors and windows that open into your house. Wouldn't want you to get CO poisoning or have a gas buildup in your house cause an explosion, either of which could kill you and your family.

No, that's not it, but would at least make some sense!

It's a direct connection from the house next to another door accessing the family room which is across from the kitchen (and the connection is under an overhead balcony which would block rising smoke!).

Just poor planning...the connection could have come out from the kitchen side of the house.