OT: Looking for a new grill

[mikebal9]

I know, this question comes up a lot. That said, my wife and I got a grill as a wedding gift about 4 years ago, but it's time for a new one. This one has rusted through underneath and it doesn't start as well as it once did. Anyway, because I'm often cooking one or two things just for us, I need a gas grill. (I know, charcoal is better, for all the purists out there.) On the other hand, we're having a big party next month and I want at least 4 burners for occasions like that.
My question is this...I can by the Nexgrill 5-burner with searing and side burner for $299 or the Weber 4-burner for $899. Is there that much of a difference? Will the Weber last longer? Can somebody with real knowledge tell me why it's three times the price? Beyond size and burner type, I really don't know what I'm looking for or what I'm paying for. Thanks for any help.

 

[ruready4somefootball_rivals]

Been hearing a lot of great stories about these grills.Does anyone on these boards have one?http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/sear...tkIDmex3w-9O1zG6EgcBLBoCiBDw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[RU4Real]

I know, this question comes up a lot. That said, my wife and I got a grill as a wedding gift about 4 years ago, but it's time for a new one. This one has rusted through underneath and it doesn't start as well as it once did. Anyway, because I'm often cooking one or two things just for us, I need a gas grill. (I know, charcoal is better, for all the purists out there.) On the other hand, we're having a big party next month and I want at least 4 burners for occasions like that.
My question is this...I can by the Nexgrill 5-burner with searing and side burner for $299 or the Weber 4-burner for $899. Is there that much of a difference? Will the Weber last longer? Can somebody with real knowledge tell me why it's three times the price? Beyond size and burner type, I really don't know what I'm looking for or what I'm paying for. Thanks for any help.

The Weber is just plain better. Better materials, better construction, better design. After a few decades of various and sundry backyard grills of all types, my wife bought me my first Weber Genesis for Father's Day last year. It is, in a word, incomparable. Feels better, cooks better.

Know this - if you're a devoted backyard bbq guy, you may go through many grills over the years. You may not buy a Weber this time, but eventually you will. So why not just get it now?

 

[SteveVA2]

https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=196176

 

[mikebal9]

Know this - if you're a devoted backyard bbq guy, you may go through many grills over the years. You may not buy a Weber this time, but eventually you will. So why not just get it now?

You know, I had this exact thought, but in reverse. Maybe I buy the cheap one now and go for the Weber next time. If I get 5 years out of it, I'll be in a better financial place to go for the giant Weber that makes the neighbors jealous. But I guess the question is, will I get 5 good years out of it?

 

[RU4Real]

You know, I had this exact thought, but in reverse. Maybe I buy the cheap one now and go for the Weber next time. If I get 5 years out of it, I'll be in a better financial place to go for the giant Weber that makes the neighbors jealous. But I guess the question is, will I get 5 good years out of it?

It's a reasonable question.

The thing to bear in mind is that if you don't buy a Weber, but do buy a stainless steel grill, they are ALL made by NexGrill in China. Even the super-big "professional series" grill I got from Fortunoff Outdoor 11 years ago (it lasted 10 hard years) was made by NexGrill.

 

[Upstream]

So you got a grill 4 years ago and have to replace it because it rusted out. And now you're considering a 5 burner grill for $299. I predict if you buy that grill, you'll replace it in 3-4 years. And while you have it, it won't heat evenly, and you'll struggle to control the temperature so your food consistently comes off the grill the way you intended.

I've been through that cycle. When I was younger, I could only afford cheap grills. And as I got older, I questioned whether a quality grill like Weber was worth the additional cost.

About 12 years ago, I bought a Weber. I replaced the igniter once (a cheap and easy repair). I use the grill year-round and don't cover it. And it cooks as well as it did the day I got it.

 

[Section124]

You know, I had this exact thought, but in reverse. Maybe I buy the cheap one now and go for the Weber next time. If I get 5 years out of it, I'll be in a better financial place to go for the giant Weber that makes the neighbors jealous. But I guess the question is, will I get 5 good years out of it?

My Weber Genesis is 8 years old and still looks like new. It's worth it because the cooking times are much shorter than the cheap grills.

 

[mikebal9]

So you got a grill 4 years ago and have to replace it because it rusted out. And now you're considering a 5 burner grill for $299. I predict if you buy that grill, you'll replace it in 3-4 years. And while you have it, it won't heat evenly, and you'll struggle to control the temperature so your food consistently comes off the grill the way you intended.

I've been through that cycle. When I was younger, I could only afford cheap grills. And as I got older, I questioned whether a quality grill like Weber was worth the additional cost.

About 12 years ago, I bought a Weber. I replaced the igniter once (a cheap and easy repair). I use the grill year-round and don't cover it. And it cooks as well as it did the day I got it.

This is the dilemma, isn't it? Stay in the cycle a little longer, or go big? Honestly, your cautionary tale is compelling. Next thing I have to decide is whether 4 burners is enough.

 

[RU1977]

How about the Weber Spirit? $499 on Amazon (list $599)....

 

[RU4Real]

This is the dilemma, isn't it? Stay in the cycle a little longer, or go big? Honestly, your cautionary tale is compelling. Next thing I have to decide is whether 4 burners is enough.

I spent an entire summer, 2 years ago, going to Lowes once a week and wandering around the grill section, lifting lids and rattling knobs. I was never able to talk myself into buying anything. I knew, based on my experience, that I would be disappointed with anything that wasn't a Weber because I'd been through too many crappy grills at that point. So last summer, as I said, the wife surprised me with the Weber. All was right with the world.

 

[RU4Real]

How about the Weber Spirit? $499 on Amazon (list $599)....

Weber Spirit grills are NOT the same quality as the Genesis series. They're the same build quality as the NexGrill products sold under all the other brand names.

 

[Upstream]

I spent an entire summer, 2 years ago, going to Lowes once a week and wandering around the grill section, lifting lids and rattling knobs.

You lead an exciting life.

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

Weber is worth it. Before I had the dough to get one, I did the $299 Wally Mart super deluxe with al the bells and whistles. The bells and whistles all broke after couple years (infrared, side burner, auto-ignition), but we got a good 6 years out of it before it started to break down.

They just begin to rust, and then the clock starts ticking, and it gradually disintegrates. Usually the last breath is when one of the entire burners goes because it is rusted out, and unlike Weber, the China crap has no replacement parts. The reason I would jump to Weber sooner if I had it to do over, is that having now had a Weber Genesis for 7 years, it has shown NO signs of rust or wear, so as far as I can tell, the clock on this grill hasn't even started ticking yet. Perhaps more importantly, as @Upstream said, the China special never heated up worth a damn anyway. It was always uneven, and temperature control was difficult. So when I cooked burgers for a crowd, I was stuck with the grill open the whole time, rotating them like gym class volleyball. It had a good spot, an okay spot, and a bunch of cold spots - just like every other Chinese grill I ever bought.

The Weber is *slightly* uneven in its heat as well - I think all grills are - but its much, much better. Plus, if I am doing a larger cut, once I get it to the temp I want, it will hold that temperature.

 

[RU1977]

So,

Weber 61010001 Genesis II E-310 Liquid Propane Grill, Black

Good buy at $699 with free expert assembly? 3 burner....

I see the 4 burner is $899.....

 

[wheezer]

you see many posts about Weber being the way to go

Mine is 27 years old and the only thing it needed along the way was replacement flavor bars and the grate on one side on the top...... still starts immediately and
cooks evenly.....

I have left it exposed to the elements more than I should have, and it looks pretty beat, but that does not bother me..... when this one breaks down I will go with another, maybe even bigger.

 

[Upstream]

Weber Spirit grills are NOT the same quality as the Genesis series. They're the same build quality as the NexGrill products sold under all the other brand names.

Spirit is a good entry level Weber. It is cheaper and smaller, but includes a lot of the design features to provide even heating. The biggest downside to the Spirit is a small cooking area, which probably makes it unacceptable to someone looking for a 4/5 burner grill.

 

[rutino]

If you can swing it get the Weber. We've had the same Weber Genesis grill for 21 years. We've replaced the starter, flavor bars once and grates twice. Replacement parts and accessories are easy to find. Since we grill all year long it stays outside in the winter.

 

[RU4Real]

So,

Weber 61010001 Genesis II E-310 Liquid Propane Grill, Black

Good buy at $699 with free expert assembly? 3 burner....

I see the 4 burner is $899.....

Yep. I have the 310. I get along fine with the 3 burner because if I'm entertaining large, which is rare, I have all the backup tailgate stuff, as well, including a Weber Q and a really nice portable CharBroil.

 

[seels2662]

My issue with Weber is that I cannot find one that has all the options I want. I want cast iron grate that isn't divided plus side burner.

 

[RC1978]

Been hearing a lot of great stories about these grills.Does anyone on these boards have one?http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&N=0&fsch=true&Ntk=AllProducts&Ntt=pellet+grill&x=10&y=6&WT.srch=1&WT.tsrc=PPC&rid=20&WT.mc_id=GOOGLE|hom_Outdoor+Cooking_Grills_Traeger_pellet+grill|USA&WT.z_mc_id1=43700010494943287&gclid=CjwKEAjwgZrJBRDS38GH1Kv_vGYSJAD8j4Df5AyeYX2zW3OMJq91ccsYtkIDmex3w-9O1zG6EgcBLBoCiBDw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have the Traeger elite grill which this grill is copied after. I love it and do use my Lynx grill since I got the Traeger.

Backstory.... I always wanted a smoker since I love ribs, brisket, pulled pork etc. My friend always told me how he cooked everything on his Traeger. I did not understand how he cooked a great steak on a smoker until I bought mine. The grill can get up to 450 and the heat is perfectly even across the whole surface since there is round pellet fire pit in the bottom center with blowers distributing the heat. There two steel tray covering the fire pit, one very heavy metal the other a drip tray and of course the grill piece. Every thing comes on perfect on it! Last night did lamb chops, no flare ups ever and evenly seared chops. Chicken is always perfect since you can adjust the heat very accurately. Did my Christmas turkey and my very picky brother in laws said it was the best they ever had.

Fish comes out perfect as well as burgers. You can set temperature from smoke to 450 and the grill sticks at the temperature you set it at. I haven't discusses how great it is at smoking, the reason I bought it. Fill the hopper throw a seasoned brisket on it and walk away for 10 hours, Actually you should wrap the brisket halfway through. Ribs come out awesome and the same with a pork shoulder. I do not see me using my Lynx unless I have a large crowd coming over and need two grills. Highly recommend these type grills to anyone that likes grilling.

http://www.traegergrills.com/

 

[Southern Gentleman]

I know, this question comes up a lot. That said, my wife and I got a grill as a wedding gift about 4 years ago, but it's time for a new one. This one has rusted through underneath and it doesn't start as well as it once did. Anyway, because I'm often cooking one or two things just for us, I need a gas grill. (I know, charcoal is better, for all the purists out there.) On the other hand, we're having a big party next month and I want at least 4 burners for occasions like that.
My question is this...I can by the Nexgrill 5-burner with searing and side burner for $299 or the Weber 4-burner for $899. Is there that much of a difference? Will the Weber last longer? Can somebody with real knowledge tell me why it's three times the price? Beyond size and burner type, I really don't know what I'm looking for or what I'm paying for. Thanks for any help.

I have some experience in this area. Most gas grills use LP gas. LP gas will slowly destroy the burners and those will need to be replaced every few years. Additionally, the gas regulators should be replaced every few years as well.

I have my gas grill hooked up to natural gas. As a result, my burners still work well, despite my Weber being 30 years of age. Yes, my grill is actually 30 years old. And I grill out at least 2 times per week, even in the winter.

There are lots of good grills available in the marketplace. Since I cook outside often, I prefer the convenience of gas. If I only cooked once a month, I would probably just use a charcoal grill. I don't think a $12,000 grill cooks any better than an $800 grill.

The searing element is overrated and unnecessary IMO. The side burner is handy however. 4 or 5 burners is often more than plenty, but make sure that they run North and South and not East and West. That way you can utilize indirect heating on occasion.

Cover your grill when not in use. Replace the grates every year or so and stay away from the wire brushes when you clean them. Those tiny bristles can, and do separate from the brush and could get onto your meat.

I like to use a "yoshi" mat when grilling vegetables or fish. It is a non stick flexible mat that you can get at a number of stores for grilling.

Hard to beat a Weber in grills. They build a quality product!

 

[gef21]

Thought this said "girl" not "grill". Different topic of conversation that I expected.

 

[srru86]

A thought: If you have a small portable tailgating grill (if not look at the Weber Q) you might consider spending the money on the better but smaller Weber for regular use and on those infrequent occasions you need more space for entertaining put up your tailgate rig alongside the everyday grill for extra room?

Even a so-so grill can handle the easier stuff. If you had a Q the results are comparable, or better than, many non-Weber back yard models.

If you don't have a portable and have some time before the party for the fire, don't discount firing up an charcoal grill for the day as a supplement. They are relatively cheap, if you don't have one in the garage or basement already, you can probably borrow one, if not find one on the curb this time of year as people upgrade for the season.

 

[NBKnight]

The Weber is just plain better. Better materials, better construction, better design. After a few decades of various and sundry backyard grills of all types, my wife bought me my first Weber Genesis for Father's Day last year. It is, in a word, incomparable. Feels better, cooks better.

Know this - if you're a devoted backyard bbq guy, you may go through many grills over the years. You may not buy a Weber this time, but eventually you will. So why not just get it now?

Weber is the Honda Accord of grills.

 

[RU85inFla]

 

[Doteman]

Bought the Dyna-Glo 4 burner from Home Depot last week for $159, used it once, it's still chugging along, no broken parts, cooks evenly.

 

[Leonard23]

I've had a Weber Summit for 7 years as my backyard grill & a Weber Q for 13 years for tailgating & wouldn't buy anything else. I'm pretty bad at cleaning/maintaining either & both still work perfectly & cook excellently. I'd spend the extra $.

 

[RUBubba]

Love my Weber, but I just heard that they have started producing a line made in China. Can't remember which one it is, but I believe it looks like a high end, but with a modest price..

Not positive, but I think it looks like a $1200 grill, but sells for $700. Not positive on the prices though.

 

[applesktrack]

Spend the money buy a Weber thank me later

 

[RedSpartan]

Get a Weber. Period.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

My issue with Weber is that I cannot find one that has all the options I want. I want cast iron grate that isn't divided plus side burner.

There are probably after-market grates for you out there..

cast iron grates for weber tested by the BBQ pit boys

 

[PSU_RVA]

If you use indirect heat to cook, check out Holland grills. Only one burner that is either ON or OFF. No flare ups, has the ability to pour in beer or apple juice to steam. They have an optional side seat burner that adds a little more flexibility. Not for everyone but they will last a lifetime.

 

[DJ Spanky]

First off, we're on year 19 of our Weber - bought it from Fortunoff when they used to get their own custom grills from Weber. It isn't stainless, so I am finally getting some rust-out of parts, but we still use it year round. And my better half bought me the Weber Q for our tailgate when it first came out (specifically so I would stop bitching about not having a grill for our tailgate as the original grillman stopped coming due to coaching HS football) and it's still going strong.

You know, I had this exact thought, but in reverse. Maybe I buy the cheap one now and go for the Weber next time. If I get 5 years out of it, I'll be in a better financial place to go for the giant Weber that makes the neighbors jealous. But I guess the question is, will I get 5 good years out of it?

Here's the deal - as mentioned above, the quality of the cheaper grills just isn't there. And that reflects on your cooking experience, as also mentioned above. You can't consistently cook on it - cooking times vary for the same cuts of meat, temperature is uneven across the grill (and this is true for all grills, but the cheaper ones have huge variations in temperature), you may find yourself replacing a part multiple times, etc.

One thing to consider in terms of the number of burners is overall usage. Yes, it's great to have a gazillion burners when you throw a huge party, and it's great to have your neighbors drooling over you, ahem, huge grill, but for everyday use it can turn out to be a pain. A friend of mine got a big stainless Weber for her husband 6-8 years ago and ended up hating it because it just was impractical for fixing stuff for them. She finally replaced it with something smaller.

 

[DHajekRC84]

I know, this question comes up a lot. That said, my wife and I got a grill as a wedding gift about 4 years ago, but it's time for a new one. This one has rusted through underneath and it doesn't start as well as it once did. Thanks for any help.

Mike, FYI. Not knowing the brand I thought I'd share. I happened to have a Kenmore years ago and expecting a nice little gift card from them as I had to replace mine do to the rusting out as you noted.

https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit...nmore-barbecue-grill-class-action-settlement/

 

[LETSGORU91_]

Bought the Dyna-Glo 4 burner from Home Depot last week for $159, used it once, it's still chugging along, no broken parts, cooks evenly.

Chugging along for a whole week?

 

[RUSK97]

Love my Weber, but I just heard that they have started producing a line made in China. Can't remember which one it is, but I believe it looks like a high end, but with a modest price..

Not positive, but I think it looks like a $1200 grill, but sells for $700. Not positive on the prices though.

It's the entry-level Spirit line. Starts at about $299 on sale, but typically MSRP is around $399. They have Chinese-style quality and I think they might last 5-6 years. That said, if you grill 2x a month, 4 months a year, it might be worthwhile.

 

[RUSK97]

Though I have a Weber Genesis 330 which I love, the grill I still use the most is an 18-year-old Weber charcoal kettle I bought for $50...though I've modded and upgraded it over the years. Talk about value.

 

[eliminate2006]

Pellet grills are great, but you can do a lot with a gas grill. If the smoke flavor appeals to you, add a smoker tube and some pellets.

 

[Tango Two]

I know, this question comes up a lot. That said, my wife and I got a grill as a wedding gift about 4 years ago, but it's time for a new one. This one has rusted through underneath and it doesn't start as well as it once did. Anyway, because I'm often cooking one or two things just for us, I need a gas grill. (I know, charcoal is better, for all the purists out there.) On the other hand, we're having a big party next month and I want at least 4 burners for occasions like that.
My question is this...I can by the Nexgrill 5-burner with searing and side burner for $299 or the Weber 4-burner for $899. Is there that much of a difference? Will the Weber last longer? Can somebody with real knowledge tell me why it's three times the price? Beyond size and burner type, I really don't know what I'm looking for or what I'm paying for. Thanks for any help.

Here's a thread from July with great suggestions:

https://rutgers.forums.rivals.com/threads/ot-grills-for-home.95832/