[AwesomeM3]

I'm looking to buy a new BBQ grill, and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a particular brand.

I've had my Ducane for about 15 years, and I hear Ducane and Weber are two of the best brands (I think they are now owned by the same parent company.) I'd like to buy a grill at either Home Depot or Lowe's because they assemble for free, and they have a wide selection. I've been told that the "off-name" brands use lower quality stainless steel and they don't last as long as the Webers and Ducanes.

Has anyone bought any of the "off-name" brands and Home Depot or Lowe's, and if so, how is the quality and how long do they last?

[E36_325i]

I bought a SS Char Broil from Lowes and it's great. No complaints and the materials are quality. It's a dual gas grill. I think I paid around 300 for it.

[sinnet112]

Where in NJ are you located? There's a place in Central NJ called Gabowitz that sells at close to wholesale prices if you're interested. FWIW I'm not familiar with grills, I just bought my appliances there that's all.

[justice]

According to consumer reports, these are their best buys:

Best for most; all are midsized and CR Best Buys:

• Blue Ember by Fiesta FG50069-U401 (Home Depot) , $450, CR Best Buy
• Brinkmann 810-8410S (Home Depot) , $200, CR Best Buy
• Char-Broil Commercial Series 463268008 [Item #242266] (Lowe's) , $300, CR Best Buy

[gonzo]

You did not indicate gas or natural. From a grilling/BBQ aficionado you may research the Green Egg. Not cheap but an awesome unit. If you are an occasional grill guy don't spend the money. This brand is for serious carnivores. What is cool about them is that you can cook a pizza in them. Google it and read a little. Not at Lowes.....

[dimisa1977]

one word of advice, look for something with the littlest amount of stainless steel. all the grills are made with cheap stainless, hence they rust unless you cover them, clean them, etc.

look for a satin or black finish and you will never buy another grill.

[AwesomeM3]

Originally Posted by sinnet112

Where in NJ are you located? There's a place in Central NJ called Gabowitz that sells at close to wholesale prices if you're interested. FWIW I'm not familiar with grills, I just bought my appliances there that's all.

Thanks for your advice. I'm in South Jersey, near Philly. I'd like to buy from Home Depot or Lowe's since they assemble for free and it's convenient for me.

[AwesomeM3]

Originally Posted by gonzo

You did not indicate gas or natural. From a grilling/BBQ aficionado you may research the Green Egg. Not cheap but an awesome unit. If you are an occasional grill guy don't spend the money. This brand is for serious carnivores. What is cool about them is that you can cook a pizza in them. Google it and read a little. Not at Lowes.....

Ah, good point...I'm looking for a LP grill.

[AwesomeM3]

Originally Posted by dimisa1977

one word of advice, look for something with the littlest amount of stainless steel. all the grills are made with cheap stainless, hence they rust unless you cover them, clean them, etc.

look for a satin or black finish and you will never buy another grill.

Good advice...thanks!

[gonzo]

My biggest reason for natural heat....

[Neurorad]

Buy a new cheap one every 5 years, or buy a good one that will last 15. Your call.

I just bought the kit to convert my 4 year old Weber Summit Silver B from LP to natural gas (new house has a gas line next to the grill).

My grill has a side burner, which I've never used; don't bother. The grill has handy rigid plastic trays that rise up forward from the sides, for more workspace. Heats up to 750F in 6 minutes (thermometer in front of hood, very useful), good for searing steaks. Heats fairly evenly, though I know where the slightly hotter spots are. Warming rack, hanging from the hood, well above the cooking grates is essential.

700 Square inches is enough for 3 racks of pork ribs.

The grill is covered most of the time, but sometimes goes uncovered for a week or so. Stainless finish has held up very well. I don't know what guage it is.

Have your grill delivered; mine weighs over 200 pounds; I couldn't carry it myself up the steps of my deck, in my old house, after the deck was re-finished, even though it has 2 wheels. I can carry a 200 pound person, but not this big grill. It's as solid as a rock.

If you're going to splurge, I recommend a Weber Summit Series (not the Genesis).

[Couch]

Originally Posted by gonzo

You did not indicate gas or natural. From a grilling/BBQ aficionado you may research the Green Egg. Not cheap but an awesome unit. If you are an occasional grill guy don't spend the money. This brand is for serious carnivores. What is cool about them is that you can cook a pizza in them. Google it and read a little. Not at Lowes.....

Those look awesome!

I much prefer charcoal, but because I usually am only cooking lunch for the week speed is necessary. So propane is what I've got.

[FrankoQ]

How about this?

[AwesomeM3]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'll probably go with the Weber Spirit E-310. Even though it doesn't have any of the bells and whistles some of the other manufacturers have, I'm confident it will do the job and it will last a while. I only BBQ a few times a month, so I don't need one of the real big ones, and I'm more concerned with getting a BBQ that is reliable and one that needs little maintenance.

[Brunotheboxer]

i love my Weber. it will last a long time with minimal maintenance plus its very easy to get replacement parts on-line. they're a little more expensive than most grills but i think its worth it because they are well built.
ps the guy that made the statement about the stainless steel is right on the money. avoid it because its just eye candy to entice you at the store.

[E(@M#]

lean mean fat grilling machine ftw.....lol

rents have a viking..and that thing will get the job done

[montreal_bimmer]

I bought a brand new WEBER last summer, and WOW what a grill..... definatley worth the money...

i would go:

-Weber
-Vermont Castings
-Napoleon
-Ducane

[Expired]

hmm..

-Nathan

[justice]

I've had expensive and inexpensive grills, I would recommend a middle of the road grill and just replace it every 3-5 years.

[G-Mach1]

We have a Vermont Castings and love it. One of the best I have seen in a Reasonable price range.

[GBX]

IMO, DCS makes one of the best grills around, but you have to be willing to spend loot!

http://www.dcsappliances.com/outdoor/index.php?id=24

[TurboFan]

I've had my webber genesis gold for about 5 years now. Never clean the oustside, but usually have it covered. Not a spot of rust, works great, excellent burner control. My only gripe is the burners are aligned front to back. I'd rather have them left to right. Easier to turn just one or two on, but that's a minor gripe.