Have Mercy and Just Tell Me What Grill to Buy

[twiggy]

We are looking for a gas grill in the 400-900 range that is going to be durable for the next 10 years or so in an exposed porch with no roof cover, have the 2 zone capacity, and a strong sear burner. Safety features for user and around kids a big plus I am scared of torching myself. I have looked at the ratings here and the platinum winners all seem over or under our price and durability requirements. The Napolean Rogue seemed like it would be a fit but the prices seem to have drifted more the 1k range this year. My 11 year old son was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, very sensitive, and so we can't safely eat out at his favorite BBQ places anymore and he is crushed. I am practically a vegetarian and now I need to figure out how to grill, smoke etc like a restaurant! We have a Weber Kettle and my thought was to buy the slow and sear for that and use it for weekends and for smoking. But for weekdays I just think the speed, convenience and cleanliness of gas might be the best fit for me when I am alone with the kids . . .

[Nate]

Weber gasser is probably your best bet.

After that probably look at Broil King then Char-Broil.

[xaugievike]

I'll chime in only to strongly urge you to give-in to that urge to buy the SNS. I'll leave the gasser recommendation to others (I've left my weber genesis outside in the sun, uncovered for many many years and the only wear is a small dent in the lower door from a wind-driven patio chair).

[Mr. Bones]

Delighted to meet ya, an sensitive to yer multi situations, but I jus don't own a gas grill, so will leave it to others to provide some excellent advice...

Howdy from Kansas Territory, an Welcome to Th Pit!

Glad to have ya here!

[Sweaty Paul]

I don’t own a SNS and will get one. However, I understand the need for ease and convenience of a gasser. I have owned 2 Weber gas grills in 27 years and the last has sat exposed (no cover) in Western Kansas for 7 yrs and still fires right up.

Welcome me to The Pit!

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Whatever gasser you get, you can try augmenting some smoke flavor with a smoke tube or amazn tray. I got by on the tray for a while and you can impart some decent flavor even on a gasser. I never had luck with the smoke box things but depending on the grill you get, they might have one purpose built for their unit that performs well. I haven't had a box store gasser last me more than 6 years in the conditions you have, but if you're going up to the 900 range what's 100 more if it's something that will last or at least have replacement parts available?

I mean that's $100 bones a year ownership cost max (other than fuel) and you can give it to your son when he moves out on his own, pretty sound investment for quality But if you are set on cheap, then go as cheap as you can and pay close attention to the reviews on the free side. That's what I would do anyway.

One of our friends lives with celiac and it's a torture for her to decide between going out and eating at home, medication helps but there's always the chance of embarrassment. When they visit (from Europe), we plan all our dangerous meals around restroom access. Definitely not fun

[bep35]

Weber. Genesis but they are expensive. Look at getting a set of GrillGrates for it. Only cover half the surface with the GrillGrates to maintain convection cooking. In all honesty I got a nice Weber gas grill for the ease of cooking but then found this site and how to properly cook with charcoal. Now I seldom use gas unless it's really cold outside or I have to have it done right away.

[jerrybell]

I'd recommend a Weber gasser. I've been extremely happy with my Genesis. I've had it for about six years. It's never had a cover on it and sits on my uncovered patio rain, snow, or shine. All of the hardware, grates, burners, electronic igniter are in great shape and working well. It's just okay for searing. You won't get near the heat that you can from charcoal on your kettle. If you get a side burner, you could use that with a cast iron pan to sear.

[Donw]

Weber Spirit II 3 burner in stainless, $500 this time of year, less in off season sales; and grill grates for it, around $115 retail but much less during their seconds sale. Enough left over for the SNS. Sear on the grates or use a cast iron skillet to finish over burner set on high.

[twiggy]

Thank you so much everyone for the advice and for the welcome! I appreciate it. I am taking careful note of all of these suggestions and it sounds like everyone is converging on weber gas plus buy the slow sear thing for the kettle. I can go up to 1k if needed--we live in Chicago area so not that many grilling months here but on the other hand with our weather I need some durability. And thank you for the kind words about the celiac. It has been a major bummer but on the positive side the drug companies and doctors now think there will be if not a cure at least some sort of pill one can take to deal with the restaurant cross-contamination issues in his lifetime. I just need to grill and smoke until then!

[Sweaty Paul]

Benefit of a gasser and a Weber Genesis is that it can cook all winter long too! Good luck to you and your family.

[Potkettleblack]

I have a Genesis 330 that sits on my deck on deck outside my second story condo in Chicago. I am unclear on people critiquing it's sear capability, but it has a sear burner and GrillGrates. I do not leave it uncovered, but with a Weber grill cover, it has served me for 4 years, no real degradation, so long as I clean it.

Given the ease of use, I have been known to use it in at least 10 months of the year, if not all 12. And this is Chicago, like you.

[MBMorgan]

Weber gasser for sure ... and the SnS, too would be a formidable combo. And BTW, welcome from Colorado ...

[Huskee]

Welcome! Thanks for joining up, sure hope you decide to stick around after your trial.

Can't help you myself with gassers, been a wood & charcoal guy for a long time now. Great answers above though.

[NapMaster]

Welcome from Louisiana. Good luck with your son's celiac disease. Tough row to hoe but y'all can do it.

[FireMan]

Get some decent used 3 to 4 burner off of C L. Spend less money & cook whilst you figure out where you are headed in the cooking world. Sorta like not buying a new car as your first. Then you don’t have the "depreciation" while you are learning.

[Mr. Bones]

I'd haveta say that's some excellent advice, Brother!

[jfmorris]

I will throw my recommendation out there as well for a Weber gas grill - a 3 burner at a minimum. Both the Spirit II E-310 and the Genesis II E-310 are in your price range, and have full bumper to bumper 10 year warranties. I've got a 17 year old Genesis 2 burner, and just got a 4 burner Genesis II over the winter on clearance. The old one has lived all 17 years outside, with a grill cover, and has held up well. I expect the new one to do the same. I've retired the old one until my youngest daughter moves out, and will hold onto it for her.

My dad has a Spirit with a sear burner - neither my old Genesis or the new Genesis II have it, and I personally think they get plenty hot without it - I can hit 700F 15 minutes after turning the grill on. I have a set of Grillgrates (www.grillgrate.com) on both of mine, and I think that improves searing and direct grilling performance.

With a good Weber gas grill and your kettle, if you get that Slow 'N Sear, you will be able to cook about any food on the grill that your son wants. I use my kettle mostly for low-n-slow BBQ with the SNS, and as you mention, find the gas grill to be convenient for quicker cooks, especially during the week.