[Stu Pitt]

After living in an apartment with no back yard for the past 6 years, I finally moved to a place where I can get a grill.  My wife and I bought my father in law a grill about 7 years ago.  It was pretty cheap, price wise.  Is it just me, or have the prices sky rocketed?

I thought about $200 would get me a good grill.  I think I have to double that.  Speaking to some friends, it seems like they need a new one every two - three years tops.  My father in law's Char-Broil is still going strong, but he rarely uses it.  Certianly doesn't use it during the winter.  I can't really use his grill as a reference in reliability.

Looking around, the Weber E-210 seems to fit what I'm looking for.  It seems a little small, but it's just my wife and I and a little one on the way.  I don't need a burner on the side (don't really see the point in it anyway), or any other of what seems like tricks to get you to think you're getting more for your money.  I want something that won't need to be replaced for several years because it rotted out, heats up relatively quickly, and heats evenly.  The biggest thing in my book is buying it and being done with that process.

Anyone have any experience with Weber in general?  Any alternatives that are equal in alleged quality, that are around the same price or a few bucks cheaper?  Here's a link to the grill -

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Grills-Accessories-Grills/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xlbZasfe/R-100657542/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

If I could find an alternative that would save me a few bucks and not compromise on the quality (I'm pretty sure the major parts are warrantied for 10 years), I'd be all over it.  Weber makes a line called Ducane that's a few bucks cheaper, but I can't find a dealer in my area.

So experts, what are you using?

I'd go with a charcoal grill, but I'd rather have a gas grill to make things a bit simpler in the cold NYC area winter months.

[hmen]

I live in Westchester and I use my Weber 12 months a year. It's still inpretty good shape after ten years. You're right about the side burner. It's a gimmick that you won't use. 

[HsvHeelFan]

I've got the Weber Genesis E-310.  I wish I had spent more money and gotten one of the larger Weber's such as the S-640. 

I generally cook 5 nights a week on my grill.  I also wish I had gotten the side burner.  I'd use it once a couple of times a week if I had it rather than cooking on the stove.

Every Char-Broil I've had has lasted no more than 3 years.  They just didn't last.

HsvHeelfan

[Stu Pitt]

Thanks hmen.  I just moved to Stamford from Irvington.  Now that I can get a grill, I want to do it right.  Just like my stereo, its all about quality over gimicks.

I just thought of a use for the side burner - tailgates.  I don't plan on bringing it along with me, so the only use I could think of is pointless.

I don't mind spending $400 if its going to survive being outside for a decade.

Thanks HsvHeelFan.  I'd go for a larger one, but I don't think I'll need it.  I'm pretty sure I'll have enough room for everyday cooking.  If I'm going to have a big party (not likely as my home isn't very big), maybe I'll ask someone to bring a grill with them and have a grill-off!  I can think of a few suspects who'd enjoy that.




My only fear at this point is buying one this weekend and having it go on clearence in two weeks.  I wonder if Home Depot has a 30 day price guarantee?

[Stu Pitt]

Picked up the Weber E-210 from the Home Depot.  I compared it compared to everything else they had, and everything else seemed like junk (except the better Webers).

My wife liked a stainless steel Char-Broil, which looked pretty nice and seemed solid until I opened the lid.  Its basically thin gauge sheet metal that's low quality stainless steel.  Knocking on the side of the lid made an odd sound.  My opened it up and looked at the burners.  I pinched it a bit and could have easily bent one of them if I wanted to.  If it'll bend that easily, I'm sure it'll rot out pretty quickly.  It looked pretty nice, had a bunch of features, was a good deal bigger, and was about $130 cheaper.  I'm pretty sure a lot of people think the Webers are a total rip off compared to it.  Here's a link to it -

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Grills-Accessories-Grills/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xlbZasfe/R-100507584/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

The Weber is the real deal.  The grill itself is all cast iron.  The grates alone are probably heavier than that Char-Broil grill*!  The burners are almost as solid as lead pipes.  My wife even said that everything else seemed like a toy.  She thought I was out of my mind for contemplating a $400 grill.  After opening up the others, she said it makes total sense why the Webers are all at least twice the price as the other ones.  How often does that happen?

Didn't mean for this to turn into a review.  Thanks for the advice on Weber!

*The grates on my grill are upgraded from the ones that come with the E210 from everywhere else.  They're porcelin coated cast iron, rather than the lighter ones.  Somehow, the Home Depot is the only one who gets it this way.

[Stu Pitt]

Just cooked some filets and portabellos on the Weber.  Came out perfect!   I started it up, went into the house to get the steaks, added salt and pepper, and the grill was already at 500 degrees. It couldn't have been more than 6 minutes.  Never seen that before.  I know it'll take a little longer as it ages, but not much longer. 

Only drawback to the new grill is that it doesn't have that old grill flavor just yet.   That seasoning on the grates that can't be added anyway except for time. 

I think I'll cheat a little bit and get one of those smoke boxes that you put soaked wood chips in.  The Mrs. is pregnant, so not sure if she'll dig the added flavors or not though.   

[jackman]

Hey, I was about to chime in but you already made the right decision. My wife and I gave away our old Craftsman grill about three years ago to get the "Commercial"Char Broil complete POS from Lowes.
 
We beat on the old Craftsman and it lasted ten years without any issues. The Char Broil looks really cool with it's stAinless cover and sides but despite the fact that my wife and I hardly used it and kept it covered at all times, it is completely rusting out the non-stainless parts are made of cheap pot medal in some Chinese sweat-shop.   It is literally falling apart while my neighbor's ten year old Weber is still going strong.

I will never get a Char Broil grill, no matter how cool they look or how cheap they are. Complete piece of crap.

Good luck with the new grill you made a good choice. 

[jtwrace]

You might find this thread helpful.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80733.0

[jackman]

Thanks I will check it out nmh wife is bugging me to get a new grill. She has a birthday coming up maybe I will kill two birds with one stone.

[Stu Pitt]

jtwrace -

Your experience with Weber is intriguing.  My manual states that the burners and "flavor bars" ate covered by a 10 year warranty.  Did you try to contact them to get replacements?    I've heard they're great with customer service.

Re-reading this post, it seems like I don't believe you.   I don't doubt what you wrote at all; I'm just trying to find out what went wrong.