LTH Home

Shopping for a gas grill

Shopping for a gas grill
  • Forum HomePost Reply BackTop
    Page 2 of 4
  • Post #31 - June 16th, 2009, 9:37 pm
    Post #31 - June 16th, 2009, 9:37 pm Post #31 - June 16th, 2009, 9:37 pm
    A friend of mine has a Ducane (natural gas, not LP)...the thing is built like a tank. The hinged lid on that thing feels like it weighs as much as my entire Weber Genesis Silver gas grill.

    This particular Ducane has an infrared burner in the back, which is awesome for quick heating. Low and Slow™ it ain't, but it grills up brats & chops like a champ.
  • Post #32 - June 17th, 2009, 6:04 am
    Post #32 - June 17th, 2009, 6:04 am Post #32 - June 17th, 2009, 6:04 am
    I believe Ducane is now owned by Weber.
  • Post #33 - June 17th, 2009, 9:16 am
    Post #33 - June 17th, 2009, 9:16 am Post #33 - June 17th, 2009, 9:16 am
    I have read online that Weber in fact owns Ducane.
    I have my Kettle and WSM for low and slow but its nice to be able to throw some chicken, sausages burgers etc on the grill without much preparation. I really liked the sturdiness of the Ducane when was looking at them at Ace Hardware.
    I think the 3burner will be sufficient and is around $299.
    Last edited by maxpower on June 17th, 2009, 7:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
  • Post #34 - June 17th, 2009, 1:01 pm
    Post #34 - June 17th, 2009, 1:01 pm Post #34 - June 17th, 2009, 1:01 pm
    After a short, ill-fated affair with the Char-Broil Red Infrared Gas Grill, I rolled it back to Home Depot on Halsted and got my money back. The thing just wouldn't heat-up past 300 - 350.

    I purchased the Weber Spirit E-320 through Home Depot's website. It was on special for $499.00 w/free shipping. It rocks!

    Heats up in 5 minutes to 600+ degrees. I've had to learn to tone it back down or else I wind up with a little too much "char".

    Only hic-cup was a few missing screws so I had to wait a few extra days to put it together while Weber shipped the replacements.

    The grates are Porcelain-enameled and I get great grill marks.

    I'm a fan.
    "Your custard pie, yeah, sweet and nice
    When you cut it, mama, save me a slice"
  • Post #35 - August 9th, 2010, 9:52 am
    Post #35 - August 9th, 2010, 9:52 am Post #35 - August 9th, 2010, 9:52 am
    Now that we live somewhere with a deck again, it's time to buy a gas grill. I've never owned one before (I've only had charcoal grills, and the last one was purchased primarily because it was $10 at a yard sale, though it did serve me well for a few years).

    So what features am I looking for? Any tips? I don't want to spend half a billion dollars, but I do want something that will last a good long time. We don't have a huge amount of space, either - it should fit in a space that's about 3 -4 feet wide. Most of the time we'd only be cooking for 2 people, but it would be nice to have more space for entertaining.
  • Post #36 - August 9th, 2010, 10:06 am
    Post #36 - August 9th, 2010, 10:06 am Post #36 - August 9th, 2010, 10:06 am
    Eva, I see that your query was moved to this existing thread. Check out the earlier posts since there is good information there. Definitely check out Derrick Riches reviews at http://bbq.about.com/cs/grills/bb/aabyb042503.htm.

    Here are a few additional thoughts:

    1. This is a good time of year to buy a grill since I think there is a lot of discounting. Check out Abt, as well as your local Home Depot, Ace, True Value, etc. for sales.

    2. I really like the cast iron grates on my BBQ Grillware (a Lowe's brand). They are heavy and retain heat very well.

    3. Try to get a grill with at least three heating elements. Three "zones" makes it easier to cook over indirect heat. The smaller, cheaper grills only have two zones. Many, including mine, have three zones going side to side. Some have three zones from front to back. I happen to like the side-to-side set up.

    4. Weber is the "king" of gas grills. They are easy to find. The cheaper Webers don't have quite the reputation as the mid and high-level ones. There are plenty of good brands out there, so don't get so stuck on one.
  • Post #37 - August 13th, 2010, 8:59 am
    Post #37 - August 13th, 2010, 8:59 am Post #37 - August 13th, 2010, 8:59 am
    Im still cooking on a Weber Spirit I bought almost 20 years ago..
    First Place BBQ Sauce - 2010 NBBQA ( Natl BBQ Assoc) Awards of Excellence
  • Post #38 - August 28th, 2010, 8:42 pm
    Post #38 - August 28th, 2010, 8:42 pm Post #38 - August 28th, 2010, 8:42 pm
    Update: we ended up with the Weber Spirit E-310, and I have to say, I'm very impressed. (Not that I really know the difference - the thing was delivered this morning, and tonight I used a gas grill for the first time.) It was a whole different universe from cooking on the old charcoal grill - much easier to control temperature (though that was probably at least partly a function of my not exactly being a grilling expert to begin with.) I grilled a couple of ribeye steaks marinated in lime and orange juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, and a ton of black pepper for about half an hour, and YUM. I'm not usually one to eat large hunks of meat, but that was FABULOUS.

    Next up tomorrow: whole fish. As yummy as that ribeye was, my arteries probably wouldn't appreciate a repeat that soon.
  • Post #39 - November 13th, 2010, 5:08 pm
    Post #39 - November 13th, 2010, 5:08 pm Post #39 - November 13th, 2010, 5:08 pm
    I just got this for myself as a parting gift from my job since I was able to buy it at cost from the warehouse which was $500-$800 cheaper than anywhere else I've seen it.

    Weber Summit E-650

    Image

    Can't wait to use the rotisserie to do al pastor
  • Post #40 - November 13th, 2010, 5:17 pm
    Post #40 - November 13th, 2010, 5:17 pm Post #40 - November 13th, 2010, 5:17 pm
    the wimperoo wrote:Can't wait to use the rotisserie to do al pastor
    Whats all those knobs for and where do you put the charcoal/wood?
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #41 - May 24th, 2011, 11:24 am
    Post #41 - May 24th, 2011, 11:24 am Post #41 - May 24th, 2011, 11:24 am
    http://www.amazon.com/Fuego-EG03AMG-Element-21-Inch-Dual-Zone/dp/B002GP73ES

    I'm space challenged.
    "Your custard pie, yeah, sweet and nice
    When you cut it, mama, save me a slice"
  • Post #42 - May 24th, 2011, 6:21 pm
    Post #42 - May 24th, 2011, 6:21 pm Post #42 - May 24th, 2011, 6:21 pm
    I picked up a Forge Master from Lowes. Small, inexpensive, sturdy. So far so good!
  • Post #43 - May 25th, 2011, 9:31 am
    Post #43 - May 25th, 2011, 9:31 am Post #43 - May 25th, 2011, 9:31 am
    G Wiv wrote:
    the wimperoo wrote:Can't wait to use the rotisserie to do al pastor
    Whats all those knobs for and where do you put the charcoal/wood?


    :lol: :lol:
  • Post #44 - May 25th, 2011, 9:51 am
    Post #44 - May 25th, 2011, 9:51 am Post #44 - May 25th, 2011, 9:51 am
    I'm no longer physically able to manage my trusty old Weber kettle grill so we got a Weber Q200. My partner never could figure out how to start a charcoal fire so this fills the gap. We've been happy with it. It's big enough grill space for the two of us to put lots of veggies on for my partner and a meat object for me.


    http://www.amazon.com/Weber-Portable-Pr ... B00008RC2Q
  • Post #45 - June 22nd, 2011, 1:02 pm
    Post #45 - June 22nd, 2011, 1:02 pm Post #45 - June 22nd, 2011, 1:02 pm
    I have been thinking about getting a gas grill for a year or so....then i found this sweet lady curb side on garbage night. To heavy to lift on my own, i parked my car and wheeler her home. I was VERY lucky to find this and it was only about a block or two from my place. Inside parts look good, need a little cleaning and propane tank.Looks like it a two burner and has a burner in the back prob. for a rotisserie thing. Not sure how to hook the tank up to the connection I have, might be missing something?
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
  • Post #46 - June 23rd, 2011, 6:56 am
    Post #46 - June 23rd, 2011, 6:56 am Post #46 - June 23rd, 2011, 6:56 am
    Cbot - looks like it has the old style gas connection..you will need to buy a new regulator with the twist on connection connection
    First Place BBQ Sauce - 2010 NBBQA ( Natl BBQ Assoc) Awards of Excellence
  • Post #47 - June 23rd, 2011, 7:02 am
    Post #47 - June 23rd, 2011, 7:02 am Post #47 - June 23rd, 2011, 7:02 am
    CBOT that is a very nice looking Ducane grilll. It is in very clean condition. In its day that was the Cadillac of gas grills. They were a SC based company who have since been acquired by Weber. You can still find some parts for your grill on line. I found a nice used one a few years ago and have been meaning to restore it, though that project has been on the back burner. There should be a kind of metal plate and a layer of ceramic briquettes between the gas tubes you show at the bottom and the actual grill surface. If you call Weber customer service with the grill model number, they may have a owners manual or parts diagram that you may find helpful. The gas connection on your regulator is a type of quick connect deal that allows you to hook up the tank without using a wrench. I have a tank that works with that connection but I am using it for my Ducane. Weber may have an answer for that as well, if not try Hank Hill at Strickland Propane, or one of his local competitors. Let me know if you have any other questions.
  • Post #48 - June 23rd, 2011, 7:53 am
    Post #48 - June 23rd, 2011, 7:53 am Post #48 - June 23rd, 2011, 7:53 am
    CBOT,

    That is a nice grill I have a similar one. You can get a new regulator at any ace hardware store or hd. It is not specific to ducane grills. I have been successful in getting replacement parts on the Internet. Most recently I replaced my cover with one that is exactly the same as the original.

    The middle conrol knob is for a rotisserie burner which is across the back above the cooking grate. One of my favorite parts of the grill!
  • Post #49 - June 29th, 2011, 7:29 am
    Post #49 - June 29th, 2011, 7:29 am Post #49 - June 29th, 2011, 7:29 am
    Cbot - looks like it has the old style gas connection..you will need to buy a new regulator with the twist on connection connection


    Looks like you can unscrew the quick connect fitting and replace it, without having to change the regulator.
  • Post #50 - June 29th, 2011, 10:11 am
    Post #50 - June 29th, 2011, 10:11 am Post #50 - June 29th, 2011, 10:11 am
    Cbot wrote:I have been thinking about getting a gas grill for a year or so....then i found this sweet lady curb side on garbage night. To heavy to lift on my own, i parked my car and wheeler her home.

    My friends had the exact same experience about a year ago. It is amazing what treasure ends up at the curb. Whenever I bring something home under these conditions, I called it, "Curb shopping."

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #51 - June 29th, 2011, 8:07 pm
    Post #51 - June 29th, 2011, 8:07 pm Post #51 - June 29th, 2011, 8:07 pm
    Nice curb find on that Dukane! I wouldn't rule out Craigslist either. I recently bought a ten year old Weber Genesis Silver A for $30. Add a propane tank/fill, stainless flavorizer bars (CL out east!) and an official Weber cover and I'm still under $100. (I already had a nice cast iron grate that fit.) I've seen the same model listed for a low of $25 and as high as $295 in the several weeks since. :lol:

    This is a smaller one with two burners that run along the front and back. Were it my only grill, I'd go with a bigger one. I prefer to cook over charcoal. This is an addition to several Weber kettles and a Smokey Mountain. I just wanted something for quick grilling or for veggies. Tonight I used it to grill buffalo wings, peppers, asparagus and broccoli for dinner while my WSM and a kettle are busy with 20 lb of spare and back ribs.

    If you go used, be aware of items that may need replacement such as the grate, flavorizer bars or burners. All of those items are still available from Weber which, incidentally, is a local company.
  • Post #52 - June 30th, 2011, 2:00 pm
    Post #52 - June 30th, 2011, 2:00 pm Post #52 - June 30th, 2011, 2:00 pm
    As somebody with the joys of only having a tiny 4x6 balcony to put a grill on, and gas being the only allowable option, I'm always upset and frustrated by the fact that there has to be the side counters/burners on every small-medium sized grill. If some companies would make a grill with just the cooking area, and not force me to have this extra two feet of width via side racks, I'd be so happy. I would love to have a grill with three cooking zones, but I don't have the room for anything that large because of the unnecessary shelving forced upon grill purchasers.
  • Post #53 - June 30th, 2011, 3:28 pm
    Post #53 - June 30th, 2011, 3:28 pm Post #53 - June 30th, 2011, 3:28 pm
    Why not just cut off the side shelves if you don't want them. Hacksaws are cheap.
  • Post #54 - June 30th, 2011, 3:32 pm
    Post #54 - June 30th, 2011, 3:32 pm Post #54 - June 30th, 2011, 3:32 pm
    Maestroken wrote:As somebody with the joys of only having a tiny 4x6 balcony to put a grill on, and gas being the only allowable option, I'm always upset and frustrated by the fact that there has to be the side counters/burners on every small-medium sized grill. If some companies would make a grill with just the cooking area, and not force me to have this extra two feet of width via side racks, I'd be so happy. I would love to have a grill with three cooking zones, but I don't have the room for anything that large because of the unnecessary shelving forced upon grill purchasers.


    One some grills these can be removed (or not installed in the first place).
  • Post #55 - June 30th, 2011, 4:25 pm
    Post #55 - June 30th, 2011, 4:25 pm Post #55 - June 30th, 2011, 4:25 pm
    Maestroken wrote:As somebody with the joys of only having a tiny 4x6 balcony to put a grill on, and gas being the only allowable option, I'm always upset and frustrated by the fact that there has to be the side counters/burners on every small-medium sized grill. If some companies would make a grill with just the cooking area, and not force me to have this extra two feet of width via side racks, I'd be so happy. I would love to have a grill with three cooking zones, but I don't have the room for anything that large because of the unnecessary shelving forced upon grill purchasers.


    Ask and it shall be given to you.... :D Here are two smaller gas grills as requested. Not sure on how many burners or cooking zone they have. Check em out!
    http://www.charbroil.com/newproducts/patio-bistro.html
    http://www.elementbyfuego.com/#index.php/element_gas_grills/
    Both may be for sale @ home depot and other type of stores.
  • Post #56 - May 6th, 2015, 9:27 am
    Post #56 - May 6th, 2015, 9:27 am Post #56 - May 6th, 2015, 9:27 am
    Just bumping this up. Am looking for a mid-size gas grill likely to be used on a decent-sized deck that has a gas hook-up. I am imagining we'd want a model on wheels so it can be pulled far away from the house itself. Wish to spend $500 or less if possible. Curious if anyone has bought a grill recently and has good/bad things to share. I'd also welcome input as to where most of you grill-- whether you're comfortable grilling on a wood deck or if you place the grill somewhere else entirely as I've heard different perspectives on this, too. Many thanks!!
  • Post #57 - May 6th, 2015, 9:37 am
    Post #57 - May 6th, 2015, 9:37 am Post #57 - May 6th, 2015, 9:37 am
    I found a like new a Weber E-330 on Craigslist for 200 bucks. That's 800 off list as the guy was moving and couldn't take it. Love it. The new Genesis grills have moved to a standard front to back burner configuration so creating indirect heat zones is a snap.
  • Post #58 - May 6th, 2015, 11:32 am
    Post #58 - May 6th, 2015, 11:32 am Post #58 - May 6th, 2015, 11:32 am
    I spent the early spring 'in the market', but limiting myself to Weber's line. I've got a stainless steel performer (with a green kettle) for charcoal grilling but wanted a gas-powered one as well. Incidentally, I purchased that performer for not much money from the old US Beer near North/Clyburn/Sheffield when it closed down. Works great.

    I wound up finding an older model stainless steel Spirit at a local hardware store, fully assembled and in great condition for a very good price. I love it. It had been sitting in the store for so long that the ignition had stopped working because of a battery leak. One phone call to Weber was all it took to get a free replacement shipped to my house, arriving a couple of days later.

    The grills are great, and should last forever, but the customer service is even better. I was also able to get an original Weber nameplate as a replacement for the old performer that was actually the right vintage, again at no cost.

    I definitely recommend craigslist or rooting around in local Ace/Do it Best hardware stores. Also, garage sale season is kicking off; a used Weber is almost always a good deal due to the availability of replacement parts.
  • Post #59 - June 27th, 2015, 8:11 am
    Post #59 - June 27th, 2015, 8:11 am Post #59 - June 27th, 2015, 8:11 am
    Thanks for the above insights.

    I'm curious whether people have strong opinions about buying a grill with stainless steel vs. porcelain-covered cast iron grates? Thank you.
  • Post #60 - June 27th, 2015, 9:17 am
    Post #60 - June 27th, 2015, 9:17 am Post #60 - June 27th, 2015, 9:17 am
    I'm curious whether people have strong opinions about buying a grill with stainless steel vs. porcelain-covered cast iron grates? Thank you.


    I've had both. The cast iron are exponentially better, IMO. I'm very partial to the Weber Q line - get the 3200 for natural gas, and you've got everything you've looking for. $419 at Home Depot.

Contact

About

Team

Advertize

Close

Chat

Articles

Guide

Events

more