Gas grill recommendation please

[73mountaineer]

Can't wait to see what you end up with!

[mattnick]

Echo the Weber Genesis recommendations. A little above your price point, but you get a solid well proven performer. There are cheaper models that might be just as solid, but it's hard not to consider one of the benchmark products.

[slugg77]

Well, I got stuck at work for an extra few hours, so no chance to check out grills No big deal, I will try again later in the week. My research has really got me leaning toward a Weber, so I am fairly certain I will end up with one unless I really hate them in person. Now I have decide which one, exactly.

[bhtoad]

You can't go wrong with a Weber. The Genesis is a great grill, if you can find the budget for it. I've owned the current style Genesis and can't sing it's praises enough. The Spirit is imported, but the Genesis is made in US. Older Genesis models (that look like the current Spirit) were made in the US. I haven't used a current Spirit, so I have no idea of the quality level. That being said, my parents have a Genesis Silver B that's almost 10 years old. Cost twice as much as what they typically purchased, but so far, it's lasted five times longer. I'm currently using an old Weber 1100 (circa 1998) that I found on the side of the road with a sign "$25. It works!" Replaced the wooden parts, filled the tank, and use it year round (in Massachusetts). Craigslist and yard sales could yield some good finds.

To get into the details of why, IMHO, the Weber is so good...
The burners are much lower in the chassis than many of the newer style grills. My brother has a Perfect Flame that has the burners less than three inches from the top of the cooking great. Very difficult to do indirect grilling or smoking.
The flavorizer bars significantly reduce flare-ups. This is one item that will need to be replaced every few years. The good news is that new grills, and new replacement bars, are made of stainless steel, which lasts much longer than the enamel coated steel bars of the past.
The holes in the burner tubes are not all the same size. The holes closer to the side are larger to off-set heat loss through the side of the chassis.
The front-middle-rear burner arrangement allows for indirect grilling. You can easily do "low and slow" cooking, like pulled pork or prime rib.
The burner knobs have a wider turning range. Typically 180-270 degrees. The large range gives you better flame control for fine-tuning the heat.
The rear gap, at the hinge is very narrow when compared to the competition. This keeps more of the heat and smoke in the grill and improves convection cooking.
There are lots of other great things about the Weber, but I don't want to steal your joy of discovery!

Hope this helps!

[musicman1951]

I had a Weber (Spirit price range) for 10 years and then gave it to my son - who is still using it years later. I got the Genesis Espresso at Lowes, but I think that's now a little out of your price range (I think I paid around $525). If you find a cheaper price on line and print it they will match the price.

[slugg77]

Well gents, through a contact at work I got a pretty good deal on a Kitchenaid model. It is made by a different company that licensed the name. 4 burners, side burner, and rotisserie burner. I will have it Monday and post some reviews.

At the end of the day, I made a deal with my wife. If we get less then 6 years out of this, I will buy a Weber next time and she can't argue. But from a features per dollar standpoint, I had to get way out of budget to get the same stuff in a Weber Genesis and the Spirit was too small.

I appreciate the feedback from all of you, thanks!

[73mountaineer]

Glad that you found one that you like, and in the end, your opinion is the only one that matters! Congrats!

[Duke of the Deck]

I also have a Ducane 4 burner that I purchased at Ace last year. I've been extremely pleased with the quality. There is also a rotisserie attachment and side burner attachment that I think can be added later. Last year they did have a model with those features already included according to their website but I wasn't able to find a retailer that carried it. Weber warranties the grill and some of the Weber parts such as drip trays fit perfectly.

Marc

[drocu]

Weber Spirit is what I have and it is much, much better than the Kenmore's, Char-Broils, etc. It's a bit cheaper than the Genesis but is much smaller. I'd say get the Weber Genesis if you can. I purchased that for a gift for someone and it is much nicer to have the larger cooking surface.