Looking for some suggestions on new gas grill

[DaveP]

I have been a member for about three months. I think the site should come with a warning that it may cause MCS!

Until today, I have been grilling/smoking on a Traeger Select Pro for the last year and a half. I really do like it. However, it takes a relatively long time to cook something, even small and simple.

So I was able to select a free gift and I picked up a Weber Q-1200 gas grill. The only other option was a smaller electric grill. The Q-1200 got good reviews when I searched this site.

My thinking is that I can use it to quickly sear steaks during a reverse sear rather than waiting for the Traeger to hear to high. It should be quicker for simple hot dogs and hamburgers. Since it is portable I hope to take it on picnics, etc. The small size is ok since it just my wife and I much of the time. I know it is unlikely to do two zone grilling since it is a single burner unit.

The grill arrived today and I have yet to put it together. Is my logic flawed? Any advice? I have some extra "play" money so I can accessorize to some extent. What should I consider other than the adapter to run a 20-gallon propane tank instead of the disposable canisters?

Many thanks,
Dave

[SmokeyGator]

Only thing I can think of is a griddle top. Other than that, just use it and get whatever feels right.

[jfmorris]

DaveP you are thinking right. Pellet grills are really smokers in my mind, not grills, and have trouble reaching the temperature to sear anything, and its a waste of pellets. I would use the gas grill for searing for sure, and certainly use it for burgers, dogs, and the like.

The only suggestion I would have for the Q1200 is that for home use, get the adapter hose that lets you use a standard 20 pound propane tank, and only bother with the little one pound disposable tanks when going camping. It's this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Weber-6501-Ad...r=8-2-fkmrnull

You can probably get it locally at Home Depot or Lowe's too, or find a cheaper version other than the actual Weber hose. I've had that exact hose and been using it for years with my Weber Performer charcoal grill, that uses the 1 pound bottles for its gas ignition.

If it were me and I was using it much, I would get the cart to get the grill up off the ground too.

https://www.amazon.com/Weber-6557-Portable-Cart-Grilling/dp/B00FLRB0GK/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=weber+6557&qid=1552621807&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

[Attjack]

Sounds like a good combination. I have a Weber Q 2200 at my cabin and like it. My only major complaint is that it's a one burner grill. Mine came with a griddle and the adapter I recommend them. They also make a rotisserie for the Q. Not sure how widely available it is though.

You you could always add a Weber Jumbo Joe or Smokey Joe to round out your equipment.

[Old Glory]

They are a decent little grill. You mentioned the converter and the bigger tank and someone else suggested the griddle. I would get the stand if you don't have that.

[Troutman]

I agree with my esteemed colleagues, I use a gasser to sear all the time. To be honest, I use a gasser a lot during the week when I just want to grill something quick for dinner. I can make a great steak or some pork chops in a tenth of the time it takes to set up any of my other cookers.

If the smaller Weber is what you can afford at this time I think you'll be fine. What you will eventually find, as a lot of us have, is that your results are going to dictate how much more you may eventually want. It's like the movie Jaws....I like we're going to need a bigger boat....

[MBMorgan]

That Weber Q will work fine for grilling and searing. I used a Weber Q2000 for several years with great results until upgrading to an EP-330 so I could have more grill space. I totally agree with jfmorris that, no matter how it's marketed, a pellet pooper isn't a great choice for grilling because it's really a smoker ... not a particularly effective grill at all (nor is a gas grill a particularly effective smoker). With my Weber Q, I never bothered with the adapter ... but I did get a cart which really made it more pleasant to use.

[Attjack]

Here's my Q with griddle in action.



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[jfmorris]

Sweet! I can definitely see the Q griddled being a great accessory, especially if you take this thing camping.

[Attjack]

It is a nice little camping grill. I saw that one on craigslist for $50. It came with the propane adapter and griddle too.

[DaveP]

Thanks everyone. Still to fire it up but next weekend is a good possibility. A griddle and a stand are now on my Father’s Day wish list. In meantime it will be my cast iron skillet and a bunch of bending over.

[Attjack]

That one of mine in the pic above is sitting on cinder blocks which was my temporary plan but now I'm going onto year 2 or 3. I saw a stand fir $25 on craigslist but didn't get it fir some reason.

[HawkerXP]

Enjoy!