BBQ Grills -- Do You Splurge or Look For a Deal?
One of the best things about the end of winter is the chance to begin grilling outside -- the odor of charcoal and starter fluid, the fragrance of hamburgers and hot dogs, ears of tin-foil-covered corn-on-the-cob steaming on the side of the grill, bread and buns warming up -- all a harbinger of family and friends getting together for good times.
If you need a BBQ grill and want some suggestions, read on.
As with many discretionary purchases, do you invest heavily in a BBQ grill that you'll use on an irregular basis, or go for cheap? To my mind, you do both -- buy a residential-amenable grill for the gatherings of family and friends, and grab a smaller or portable unit for trips to the park, beach, or campground. The best of both worlds.
In no particular order, then:
This Napoleon OG 3000 Freestyle Travel Grill is at home on the road, or on the back deck -- it sports compact, folding legs, a one-handed carrying capacity via its very comfortable handle, and the piezo ignition kicks off the heat of the 9000 BTU stainless steel burners. Operating on a standard propane cylinder, and priced at about $180, this grill is pictured at the left. As a splurge, look at this Ultra Chef ($925) or the Freestyle ($265) for a steal of a deal.
Weber has been in the outdoor grilling business for a long time; this One Touch Platinum Unit, shown right and costing $249, features a stainless steel grill almost 23" in diameter perched atop a porcelain-enamel bowl. The large ash tray is removable for easy cleanout, there's a thermometer in the lid, and the pair of work tables and tool hooks will make the job of knocking out loads of hamburgers a breeze. You may also like this Genesis E-320 ($650) as a splurge, or the Q220 at $200; a steal.
Weber also will be more than happy to provide a high-end grill, like this one; their Summit S-470. It features 4 stainless steel main burners, and one on the side, for a total of 90,000 BTU of heat. Individual ignition systems on the burners allow you to use only as many heating elements as you wish. The cart, topped with a rotisserie, is also stainless steel -- for superb weather-resistance -- and includes a pair of prep tables and tool holders; locking and swivel casters keep your grill locked into place. The grill runs on LP gas; it goes for about $1,800 and is shown at the left. Weber also has this splurge model, the Stephen, at $388, or the steal, at $131, the Q100.
And, if that grill isn't large enough to feed your flock, how about this monster? The Fire Magic Echelon Elite is a free-standing propane-powered unit that will provide almost as much heat as the space shuttle's booster rockets -- 150,000 BTU! This guy doesn't mess around. At just over $10 grand, this grill has a rotisserie, stainless steel burners and cooking grates, and the stainless cart sports inside shelves with condiment and tool hooks, a paper towel roller, and a 110 volt power port that you can tie into with electricity from your residence. Good thinking. Pictured at the right, the grill will operate on your choice of natural gas or propane. The Gourmet, at $4,143, is a big splurge grill, but the Deluxe is a steal, at $1,814.
Stepping down in price and size, but not in quality of manufacture, Meco offers this Tabletop Electric BBQ Grill. This company has been making electric grills for more than 40 years, and this design is really clever. It has a grilling surface of more than 160 square inches and needs no starting fluid or charcoal to get the job done. The 1500 watt variable power controller get its juice from your home's electrical grid and the grill is UL-listed as a grounded appliance for outdoor use. At about $105, this neat grill is just right for those folks who live in apartments or condos. Shown left. Meco offers this Cart Grill ($210) or their steal, the Black Charcoal Grill ($77).
Continuing with the lightweight grills -- back to Weber; their Smokey Joe Silver unit is compact and highly portable. For $29 and up, you get a 14" round cooking grate, ash catcher, non-rusting aluminum vent, and convenient lid handle. Running on traditional charcoal, the grill features a 5 year limited warranty and is pictured right. Another Weber, the Black Spirit, is a splurge at $400, but the Go Anywhere is a steal at $55.
If you spend a bunch of time outdoors, portability of your grill is paramount. Primus has your back, especially if you enjoy grilling out at the beach, balcony, or campground. The Vidar BBQ Compact Portable Grill offers 9000 BTU of cooking power, a 5 minute boil time on a liter of water, piezo ignition, an 11 x 14 non-stick grill with a center pan support if you want to throw a rasher of bacon on the fire, and it has sufficient cooking room to cook for four. About $99 and pictured at the left. For a splurge portable grill, try the Patio Hearth Pro ($145) or a steal of a buy, the Brinkman Camping Stove ($22).
Continuing with the theme of portability, Perfect Solutions Portable Popup Grill is just that -- you remove it from its carry case (including a couple handy cooking tools) and open it up. The stainless steel grilling grate sits on top of the coated steel base; the whole thing is yours for about $50 and is shown at the right. Safari Chef ($100) is a splurge for a portable, while the Lightweight Propane Stove is a great bargain at $17.
For simplicity, you can't ask for more than this Portable Bucket Brazier from Sagaform. It's an open-bottomed chrome bucket with a charcoal grate below, and a 10" stainless steel cooking grill at the top. A wire-wrapped handle and foldout legs complete this ultra-functional grill that is well-suited for apartments or condo patios or, well, the beach; anywhere you have a non-flammable surface for the hot charcoal ash. At about $32, it's a deal. Pictured left. For a more sophisticated grill, the CGG-200 is $199 and the Meco goes for $46.
Coleman makes outdoor gear from tents to sleeping bags to stoves; and this is a good one -- the Road Trip Portable Grill. It's a table-top propane gas unit that will give you 10,000 BTU of heating capacity to keep your campers full of hamburgers and hot dogs. It has piezo ignition for ease of operation, an adjustable stainless steel burner and warming rack, a slideout grease cup for simple cleanup, and you keep an eye on the cooking process with the temp gauge mounted in the lid. At about $150, it will serve you well. The Deluxe Roadtrip model is a splurge at $200, while the InstaStart is a steal at $80.
From simple to sophisticated, the horizon of available BBQ grills is huge; you can easily find one to meet your needs.
Comments page 1 of 2
Highest Rank
meanvee said 5-04-2010 @12:21PM
Gas grills are great, but it's not a real BBQ unless your using a charcoal grill, i'm sorry but it's just not the same thing. You don't ge that real charcoal flavor unless your using "real" charcoal. With that said i choose to splurge on a all the toys charcoal grill myself.
replyhttp://www.JustPlantSeeds.com
Lowest Ranked
RICK said 5-08-2010 @12:20PM
LAST YEAR WE CAUGHT OUR HOUSE ON FIRE WITH A BARBEQUE GRILL /BURNED TO THE GROUND IN FACT.BUT IF YOU WANT TO ROAST THOUSANDS OF MARSHMALLOWS AT THE SAME TIME THIS IS THE WAY TO GO .THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE TOWN JOINED IN AND IT WAS SORT OF A NICE WAY TO SEE THE OLD HOUSE GO.
Neutral
JB said 5-08-2010 @2:01PM
Gotta disagree with you on that one. I cook just about every day on various grills and with the gas grill and damp wood chips I get as good or better results. My customers seem to agree, but the old adage that charcoal is better is still a popular belief. Honestly, they can't tell the difference. Just my 2 cents.
Neutral
Al Schrader said 5-08-2010 @7:10PM
My estate is incredible, so no open flames allowed near it.
Instead I use an electric grill pan. Works fantastic, easy clean-up....Alfred
Highest Rank
Edward said 5-08-2010 @8:25AM
Hmmmm. I've had more than a few grills over the last 30 years, and it seems to me that they've missed what is probably the best of the bunch. I've got an extra-large Big Green Egg, and I love it so much that when I rebuild my deck this summer I'm going to buy ANOTHER one, and build them into the deck. They are, however, not for the faint of heart. The first time I fired it up, it reached in excess of of 700 degrees F in about 10 minutes, and when I opened up the lid it burned all the hair off of my arms. I've now gotten it down to an art form, and can cook a pulled pork for 10 hours @ 250 F without having to add any charcoal. Hands-down the Baddest of the Bad!
replyHighest Rank
sue said 5-08-2010 @9:13AM
where are some incredible grills,a nd what are some of the better gas grills without breaking the bank.?
Neutral
peggyjom said 5-08-2010 @11:55AM
Love my BIG GREEN EGG never going back.
Prime rib, Pizza, Cobler, bread, pork chops, chicken , turkey.
ALL YEAR around. I love my egg
www.biggreenegg.com You need a big one people tend to show up when you fire one up!
Neutral
Robin said 5-08-2010 @9:07AM
My apartment complex has outlawed charcoal and propane grills. Any expert ideas where I can go for a 5 star rated outdoor patio electric grill???? Am grateful for any feedback! Robin
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Rick Ross said 5-08-2010 @1:43PM
Meco makes elect grills. The Meco011 21" at around $100.00, depending where you buy it. Hope this helped.
Highest Rank
rof92 said 5-08-2010 @10:43AM
the meco grills are the truth. i've been using them for years since sunbeam stopped making their electric grill. i modiflied my grill by adding lava rock (thin layer under the element ) and i changed the angle on on the shelf .do that at assembly.there aren't many electric grills out there but trust me this grill will turn a hot dog into a gourmet meal in 15 mins
Neutral
karen said 5-08-2010 @11:38AM
I bought one years ago at Home Depot; it was a bbq & smoker...it was about waist high and in a dome shape. Cobalt Blue..very cute and did the trick...it had some lumps of flavored chips in it and tasted just like bbq. Once I smoked a salmon in it and turned out great also. But the best thing was it was ready in a few minutes, turn it off and on easily, kept it outside my patio door under the eaves in the winter and all I had to do when it was snowing was not even step outside LOL. Sorry I do not remember the brand but I have seen them on an internet search for about $70
Neutral
mya said 5-08-2010 @1:41PM
This complex has a no charcoal or wood burning anything in the contract, too, and someone gave us a George Foreman BBQ grill, upright, larger, that works just fine. We miss the wood (we used wood rather than charcoal to BBQ) but this is nice too. It grills fish (Salmon) especially well and you can adjust the temp on it as well.
Neutral
pippan said 5-08-2010 @7:03PM
I lived in a condo for 9 years where I could only use an electric grill. Went on line via Google and typed in electric grills. There are all kinds for all kinds of prices. I bought a big one and the barbecue is as good as gas or propane.
Highest Rank
CINDI said 5-08-2010 @10:11AM
we live in central fl. so we grill all year long, so we got a med. priced grill 4 burner, with a side burner for you'r pot's,called brinkmann, we like it alot!
replyHighest Rank
bob said 5-08-2010 @9:43AM
I will stick to my traeger grill burning hardwood pellets really nice .
replyNeutral
cathy said 5-08-2010 @10:32AM
Best and newest grill is the electric Aussie lock n' go grill. Can be taken anywhere, just needs an electrical outlet. Clean and easy, only 45.00 on sale. Use in apartments or on patios. No charcoal. Use wet wood chips if you need that taste or smell.
replyNeutral
tom said 5-08-2010 @10:46AM
You can take it anywhere? Were there is electricity..hahahahaha you made my saturday..hahahhahaha..
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ARNOLD MERCADO said 5-08-2010 @10:48AM
These are not for barbecuing; they are GRILLS! How about showing us some steals and splurges for real barbecuing.
replyNeutral
Texasfire said 5-08-2010 @12:19PM
Big Lots has some really good deals right now ....
replyOne of the bigger ones was selling for 130.00...charcoal or propane ...your choice ....
Neutral
Chris said 5-08-2010 @12:21PM
I loveeeee to BBQ!!
replywww.domainelectronics.com