OT: Best grill under $500

Submitted by Optimism Attache on

I am in the market for a new gas grill and was hoping the board could provide some recs.

Only criteria: I will likely use it once a week or so in the summer, so would like to keep the price below $500. I don't really need bells and whistles, but I do want something sturdy that won't rust out within a couple seasons.

Will ask Tom Herman for advice on any subsequent grill purchases.

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AFMich

March 1st, 2016 at 12:14 AM ^

Can buy at Lowes. At the same price point, it is better than the Weber IMO. For instance, in the $300-500 range, Weber will give you cast aluminum end caps on a steel enameled firebox. Broil King gives you a full Cast Aluminum firebox for $100 less.

Having a full aluminum firebox was really important to me, and the Broil King just seemed a better value. Webers are great quality, but not great value.

Joined: 03/24/2011

MGoPoints: 860

RobM_24

March 1st, 2016 at 12:28 AM ^

Is there anything similar to the Weber E310 (that everyone keeps referencing) that has a bigger cooking surface and/or 4 burners? My box store version has 4 burners, and it'd be hard to go back to a smaller grilling area (with all my veggie/fish baskets and trays).

Joined: 01/27/2014

MGoPoints: 63620

rooft0p23

March 1st, 2016 at 9:36 AM ^

I spent waaaay more time than necessary researching grills. I used to be the grill master for a catering company and used everything from a simple Coleman grill to a $5000 infrared grill. The weber Genesis was by far the best grill I have ever used. It is the only grill where I have had 100% consistency on the grilling surface. There are no "hot spots." If you want to spend extra for a larger surface, you can look into the Weber summit series, although a Genesis 3-burner with 100% grill consistency will be large enough for parties up to maybe 75 people.

Joined: 10/23/2009

MGoPoints: 19

MGOReader

March 1st, 2016 at 8:17 AM ^

I use a Weber and it has been great! I love to use charcoal, but some days I just don't have the time to invest, but when I do, I use charcoal.

For some of you enthusiasts out there, and it seems we have a quite a few on the board, you might also want ot add a Blackstone Griddle to your inventory. I bought one last year and they are great! Very versatile for making breakfast, stir fry, burgers, you name it! Its an outdoor griddle powered by propane and makes restaurant quality food. I find myself using this more and more over my grills.

Just for what its worth.

http://www.blackstoneproducts.com/

 

Joined: 07/05/2011

MGoPoints: 1051

GO_13LUE

March 1st, 2016 at 8:58 AM ^

Weber for sure! I've had mine for 13 yrs now. Some years back, a wind storm blew it off of a 15ft balcony. $80 later, it was back to new. Unbelievable quality and the temperature control is unsurpassed! I have changed out the flavor bars, but that can be expected after a decade or more!

Joined: 12/03/2014

MGoPoints: 75

Cdot2four

March 1st, 2016 at 9:41 AM ^

Wake up and go kayaking fishing. Come home fire up my Yoder pellet smoker. throw some ribs on and drink heavily for 4-6 hours then eat or Wake up early throw a 16 lb brisket on and drink heavily for 10 hours then eat. Is it summer yet???

Joined: 01/07/2016

MGoPoints: 86

Michigan4Harbaugh

March 1st, 2016 at 10:29 AM ^

Bought a Weber Spirit last fall and have been using it through the winter. Very pleased with it. Highly recommended.

Joined: 01/20/2015

MGoPoints: 4252

kje22kje

March 1st, 2016 at 6:51 PM ^

Love (lump) charcoal and love the ease of gas.  So after years of dealing with gas grills that would rust through with a small weber kettle I called an audible. 

A stok island gas grill with a cast iron grate and various options (seriously, Stok's are really versatile).   

Combined with a Char Griller Kamado.  Kamado cooking is tremendous and if you want a really good versatile smoker grill that will run lump, wood, etc.  Happy with this purchase.  This is a good one.  

I got mine on sale for $249 two years ago so all in we're about $500 which was my budget as well.  

The Kamado is great for smoking, pizzas, steaks, everything.   The Stok is great in a pinch when I want to do brats or veggies.  Best of both worlds.  

Joined: 12/30/2014

MGoPoints: 103