Looking for gas grill recommendations/reviews

[agates]

Our gas grill died. The burners are rusted through and many other parts are bad. The manufacturer will only stand behind $100 of the parts even though it is only 2 years old. Replacing the other parts would cost more than a new grill.

Soooo... We are looking for a new grill.

The features we're looking for are ability to get hot enough to sear a steak, no flare-ups, ability to have even indirect heat for slow cooking of roasts, and a good warranty(!)

What kind do you have? Are you happy with it?

Any tips or suggestions?

[Bonhomme Richard]

1. I have a big charcoal grill and........................

I'll never go back to gas.

[agates]

6. We have charcoal, too

That's the first choice for weekends when we have time. But for a quick weekday evening dinner, gas can't be beat for getting things done fast, start to finish.

What kind of charcoal grill do you use? We've had a weber kettle for years. Love it.

[Bonhomme Richard]

17. I use Kingsford but I supplement it..............

with soaked wood from the trees in my yard. I have hickory, cherry, oak and apple trees so there is plenty of smoking material. Depends on what I am cooking.

[agates]

18. I usually keep apple, mesquite, and hickory on hand

for smoking purposes. Love apple smoked pork. Yum.

Thanks for the tips! I've not tried cherry or oak.

[madmom]

7. I agree.. go charcoal n/t

[DoYouEverWonder]

2. Try a Holland

My first one lasted almost 12 years. It was pretty nasty by the time I gave up on it. I just bought a new shiny stainless steel one. It's about impossible to burn anything on them because the flame never touches the food.

[agates]

8. Looked at a Holland yesterday

The pan that keeps the flame away from the food is very interesting. Do you still get good "grilled" flavor?

How hard is it to adjust the heat? I understand you adjust using vents as opposed to turning the burners up and down on a typical gas grill.

[DoYouEverWonder]

15. Yes, the food tastes 'grilled'

There is no temperature control, it's all in the timing. However, because the flame doesn't touch the food, burning isn't much of a problem, but you can cook stuff for too long and dry it out.

[agates]

16. Holland is on the short list

They look well-made. I hope I'm up to "learning" another way to cook. When we moved from a cheap grill to a weber, there was a steep learning curve. Then moving from weber to the disaster, another learning curve. Not looking forward to it again, actually.

[johnnie]

3. If you have the money

Go stainless
http://www.bestcookingsites.com/stainless_grills.htm

[agates]

9. The one that just died was stainless

Apparently not a very good one, though. It was a two year old Member's Mark from Sam's Club (I know, I know, a red company...)

It seemed heavy and well made and we took good care of it, too. Sigh.

[lyonn]

4. An electric grill

I've used them for years. They heat quick, although they don't get Real hot, I cook steaks, chicken, etc. Roasts may be a problem since they cook for longer times, never tried them. You don't have to get fuel, only power outages are a problem.

[agates]

10. Which electric one do you use?

Does it rapidly sear a stear? I've used electric indoor grills (farberware?) and never been able to get enough heat. Maybe they are better now?

[lyonn]

12. Meco, outdoor grill

It may not get hot enough for some steak eaters but it works for us, slightly seared and medium, and that's not turning it to hottest temp.

[agates]

13. I'll check it out

Thanks.

[yellowdogintexas]

20. I love my electric smoker grill. !!!!!!!!!

Three different grill racks, you can smoke a brisket or a turkey, or grill directly over the coils. Brinkmann is the brand. \\\


Moderately priced.

[trof]

5. Maximum BTUs.

Only really hot grills (45000 BTUs +) will do a steak the way I like it.
Crispy on the outside, pinky-red in the middle.
Most lower BTU grills bake the steak, they don't sear it.

Cast iron burners last the longest.
Stainless steel hood lasts the longest.

4 burner controls give you the most flexibility to cook hot one one end, cooler on the other.

Good luck. The choices are mind boggling.
Google "gas grills" for a lot of info.

[agates]

11. I've googled and googled

You are right, so many choices. I looked at a 5 burner stainless steel one with 60,000 BTUs that has promise. Beyond that, I'm overwhelmed.

[Digit]

14. Try one of these....they are GREAT!

It is a japanese cooker
http://biggreenegg.com/bge.htm

[agates]

19. I've seen them in the store

How long does it usually take from lighting the charcoal until it is ready to put the food on? Looking for a fast solution here...

[Digit]

21. They had some forums on that link

Mine was actually a Kamado and my ex forgot it under the front porch when we sold our house. I remember how good the smoked turkey was, but I don't recall how fast it cooked steaks and such.
Since you brought this up, I might have to check into getting a replacement. :-)

[agates]

22. Thanks for the suggestion

Your post inspired us to research these further. We ordered a ceramic grill today (not a Big Green Egg but a competitor -- Grill Dome). It should arrive next week. Looking forward to it!