Welcome from Houston! Never too late to jump into the world of outdoor cooking! Also, you’re already in the right place to learn.
Personally, I have a Weber Genesis gas grill, Weber 22†kettle with SnS, and an old Oklahoma Joe offset smoker. I love and use all 3.
From the sounds of things, you already have access (at least while you still live where you do) to the charcoal cooker and some type of smoker. You mentioned that you are saving for a house for you and your soon to be larger (Congratulations!) family. Considering all of that, I would go for a gasser. (Gas grill). I wouldn’t worry about spending big on a top of the line model or anything until you know where you’re going to end up, how much room you will have, and if gas will even suit your needs/desires long term. When I got back from Iraq, I bought a $120 3 burner plus a side burner "house special" grill at Lowes since I was in a rental house and didn’t want to spend big money on my nice Weber. I never knew what the Army had planned for me next and figured that any grill I had would be a "throw away" until I got out. It was challenging to turn out really good smoked BBQ, but I’ll tell you that it was PERFECT for the quick fire type of grilling that you mentioned. Burgers, steak, chicken, hot dogs/sausages/brats, pork chops, seafood, veggies, I was able to do it all. The great thing about the cheap one was that I didn’t feel bad when it got rained on. Plus, I learned a lot about outdoor cooking. Lots of experimentation. I wouldn’t go with the smaller Weber’s that you mentioned, only because you will find that there really isn’t much real estate for cooking. Lol, looking back, I abused the crap out of that grill and it ended up lasting me something like 5 years. Started life at Ft. Hood Texas, moved to Vegas where it sat in the direct desert sun, and I never put a cover on it once. Once you get your own place and loose access to the other cookers, you can always find Weber Kettles on Craigslist for ~$40 and then add an SnS.
SO, a long post to say that if it were me, I would get a cheap gasser for the mid week quick cooks and learn/practice on your in-laws cookers. The other great thing about my gasser is that a few years ago, I taught my then 8 year old son how to properly use the grill for burgers and dogs. He’s 11 now and has been using the grill with minimal supervision ever since. My wife actually makes him grill when I’m out of town.
FWIW, I’ve decided that I will never be with out at least a gasser and a kettle again. Or my stick burner. Lol.
Welcome again! We look forward to seeing your pick!
Personally, I have a Weber Genesis gas grill, Weber 22†kettle with SnS, and an old Oklahoma Joe offset smoker. I love and use all 3.
From the sounds of things, you already have access (at least while you still live where you do) to the charcoal cooker and some type of smoker. You mentioned that you are saving for a house for you and your soon to be larger (Congratulations!) family. Considering all of that, I would go for a gasser. (Gas grill). I wouldn’t worry about spending big on a top of the line model or anything until you know where you’re going to end up, how much room you will have, and if gas will even suit your needs/desires long term. When I got back from Iraq, I bought a $120 3 burner plus a side burner "house special" grill at Lowes since I was in a rental house and didn’t want to spend big money on my nice Weber. I never knew what the Army had planned for me next and figured that any grill I had would be a "throw away" until I got out. It was challenging to turn out really good smoked BBQ, but I’ll tell you that it was PERFECT for the quick fire type of grilling that you mentioned. Burgers, steak, chicken, hot dogs/sausages/brats, pork chops, seafood, veggies, I was able to do it all. The great thing about the cheap one was that I didn’t feel bad when it got rained on. Plus, I learned a lot about outdoor cooking. Lots of experimentation. I wouldn’t go with the smaller Weber’s that you mentioned, only because you will find that there really isn’t much real estate for cooking. Lol, looking back, I abused the crap out of that grill and it ended up lasting me something like 5 years. Started life at Ft. Hood Texas, moved to Vegas where it sat in the direct desert sun, and I never put a cover on it once. Once you get your own place and loose access to the other cookers, you can always find Weber Kettles on Craigslist for ~$40 and then add an SnS.
SO, a long post to say that if it were me, I would get a cheap gasser for the mid week quick cooks and learn/practice on your in-laws cookers. The other great thing about my gasser is that a few years ago, I taught my then 8 year old son how to properly use the grill for burgers and dogs. He’s 11 now and has been using the grill with minimal supervision ever since. My wife actually makes him grill when I’m out of town.
FWIW, I’ve decided that I will never be with out at least a gasser and a kettle again. Or my stick burner. Lol.
Welcome again! We look forward to seeing your pick!
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