Recommend a Grill for under $500

[muddywings]

My sears Kenmore from 2000 has had a good life but it's time to retire her to the trash can.
Need a simple backyard propane grill for under $500. Nothing fancy (aka don't care about side burners or rotisseries).
I have few targets from Amazon but could use some outside opinions.
and go...

[kwando]

I use to always buy cheap $100-200 grills, yes they lasted 5+ years. But when I moved I bought a new Weber Genesis grill and boy are they nice! Better heat, way easier to clean, drip trays are awesome, well worth it to step up to a weber. That is what my recommendation is.

[Great-Kazoo]

Buy once cry once, providing you're not planning on moving the next 3-5 years. Weber is good, but look at the higher end Char-Broiler. We picked up a scratch n dent (floor model) CB that's lasted 4.5 years.

[Erni]

Dont get another kenmore. My old one which lasted 15years with some minor fixes was great. Replaced with a new kenmore. Stainless, etc, looked really nice. Uneven heat, always blazes up due to the way they did the lighter setup. I will be buying a new grill when funds allow.

If you just need the 3 burner version then look at the weber and pay a bit more.

[Ramsker]

I traded up to a Weber (E310) this summer after running my old grill into the ground and really like it. Ace Hardware was running a deal with $50 gift card included with purchase. They may still be doing that. I don't think you generally find a ton of variance in pricing--at least there wasn't when I was looking.

[mjzman]

Try a Broil King. Lowe's carries them but may have to order. Canadian company. Equal to perhaps slightly better specs than equivalent Weber at a slightly lower price.
I bought one last spring to replace an eight year old Char Broil which would not go over 350 degrees. The Broil King heats to 700 degrees.

[Sawin]

How are you guys disposing of your old grills? Putting them out by the curb on trash day or with a “free” sign?

[Eric P]

They are steel. Put on curb and post a Craigs list ad. Scrappers will take care of it for you

[Ramsker]

How are you guys disposing of your old grills? Putting them out by the curb on trash day or with a “free” sign?

Yup. In Highlands Ranch, if you put almost anything of value out the night before trash pickup . . . someone will come by and pick it up. I don't know if they use the stuff or try to resell it, but my grill was on the driveway for about 3 hours before it was gone.

[gnihcraes]

Had two weber propane, love them. Get many years of service out of them, parts are usually available. (flavor bars, burners) Grant it, this is after 10+ years use.

Their small Q line is great for camping, uses small propane bottles or extended hose to normal sized tank if needed.

[Bailey Guns]

We spent the money for a Weber Genesis E330. It was more than your $500 limit, though.

I would rate this particular grill as WAY above average for materials and construction, the igniter is the best I've ever used on a grill, but...for cooking, it's just, "Meh..."

The side burner is pretty much useless. The flame can't be regulated. Well, it has a dial but it's either "High" or "Higher". There's no way to put something on there just to simmer or to keep warm. Way too much heat. The "Flavorizer" bars that they make such a big deal out of should be called "Flamerizer" bars. I was told they keep the flareups from happening. They don't. This grill flames up just like charcoal. And even with the "Sear Station" burner it only gets marginally hot enough to really get a good sear on a steak. It works but has to be pre-heated for a long time. Heating across the grill surface is fairly even, though, which is a good thing.

So, after spending $799 on a Weber and getting a grill that performs no better than a $150 grill from Home Depot, I would not recommend one. On the other hand, I have no doubt it will last many years because it's definitely made stronger and with better materials than the cheap grill. So what that means is I'll have a mediocre performing grill for a really long time. Great.

Now that I've said that I don't really have a recommendation. We went to the Weber from an 8-10 year old Char-Broil RED Infrared grill that worked much better. That one has been discontinued but they have newer models available in the $300 price range. I looked on Consumer Reports for grill recommendations and the NexGrills from Home Depot were actually the highest rated. The Webers were mostly in the "average" category. If Consumer Reports means anything to you. I just use them as a place to start comparison shopping...I don't take their words as gospel.

[BladesNBarrels]

Yup. In Highlands Ranch, if you put almost anything of value out the night before trash pickup . . . someone will come by and pick it up. I don't know if they use the stuff or try to resell it, but my grill was on the driveway for about 3 hours before it was gone.

Morning of Recycling/Trash pick up, a scrapper in an old pick-up picks up curbside (not in the recycling container) items too big for the trucks.
When I asked what he does with it, he said he takes for recycling and gets paid pennies per the pound.
Works for me!

[muddywings]

going to hold until black friday and save a few more pennies. Weber e310 or equivalent is where I am now. I would like 400+ sq inch main cooking area. will look at a few of the other recommendations too.
thanks for the info on the scrappers...helpful too

[Gman]

Yup. In Highlands Ranch, if you put almost anything of value out the night before trash pickup . . . someone will come by and pick it up. I don't know if they use the stuff or try to resell it, but my grill was on the driveway for about 3 hours before it was gone.Yep. This is one of the best services I never had to sign up for.

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[lurchnp81]

I have a Napoleon and couldn't be happier with it thus far.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Grill Master from Lowes. #0134489 .... this particular model isn't available anymore, but I feel confident in the product line.

Never had a problem with it, does a great job, have had it for 6 years and no signs of needing replacement anytime soon.

[laportecharlie]

Last time I needed a grill I did A "Consumer Report" search for medium sized grills. The one they rated best was a "Backyard Grill" sold by Walmart. $149.00 delivered to my front porch in two days. I've had it for going on three years now and it still works perfectly. When it shoots craps I will get another one just like it.
PS: There was some assembly required.
Charlie

[Mtneer]

OP, you didn't mention how many people you're cooking for and what you like to cook. I have a Weber Genesis SE that has been great when cooking for bigger parties. But it's rather inefficient when it's just the two of us (though the rotisserie attachment is really nice). As others have said, Weber's are built really well and have lots of accessory options but probably aren't any better than cheaper alternatives.

Now that I have a CampChef pellet smoker with the sear unit (I blame this forum), my propane grill hasn't been used since last summer. The sear grill can indeed get blazing hot and is big enough for 4 people; perfect for burgers, hot dogs, or anything to grill even if you aren't smoking. I use far less propane than with the Weber and get a better sear. The Weber was never anywhere close for smoking, even with all the aftermarket gizmos I tried.

I'm only hanging on to the propane grill at this point in case we have a large party. But I suspect I'll put it on Craig's List next year if it doesn't get any more use (still too valuable for the street recycling option). Outdoorcooking.com has good prices on CC pellet smokers with free shipping and no tax, plus there are discount codes much of the time. The basic unit with a sear grill is about $100 over your budget but a quantum level above any propane or Komodo style grill if taste matters.

[muddywings]

Just the two of us.... sometimes 4-6. Pretty small groups at the most


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[fj605]

I would avoid Nexgrill (aka Home Depot special). Very uneven heating, ignitor lasted about a day, flames up like crazy, and I had to replace the regulator right away. All in all, it wasn't worth the sale price. I still use it because I'm cheap and hot dogs don't need a fancy grill.

[MarkCO]

After several cheap grills, bought a Weber Genesis. No side burner but with the cabinet underneath. I think it is the 310. It is great and cooks well, even when it is below freezing outside.

[newracer]

Char-broil TRU-Infrared, get the size/model that suits your needs. I went to one after having a Weber for 10 years, way better IMO.

[muddywings]

leaning toward the weber genisis e210. finally convinced the wife we don't need anything to large. I mean the dog usually wants a steak too but thats about as big of a group as i have around (i'm anti-social)
waiting till black friday.

[Zman]

I will second the vote for Broil King at Lowe's. Made in Canada and Indiana. Great customer service.

Z

[fitterjohn]

Char-broil TRU-Infrared, get the size/model that suits your needs. I went to one after having a Weber for 10 years, way better IMO.

+1 on this got the same thing and love it. Grill on it about 3 time per week

[Shooter45]

Another vote for the Weber. When I was at Lowe's around 3 years ago I talked to one of the associates. He explained it you buy a $200 grill every few years as they break. Well after a few years you can invest into a Weber and it will still be there. Everyone I talk to has had their Weber grills for 10+ years and they're still working fine. I'm impressed with mine from the way it cooks, the heat retentions with cast iron parts, flavor, etc.. Spend a few bucks more or wait for a sale/rebate on them and get it. You won't be disappointed in any way.

[Hummer]

I like the convenience of propane grills but sometimes we use an outdoor wood fired grill.

[Hummer]

We grill year around about four days a week. Steaks, fish, roasted veggies. I've had a 4-burner w/side burner from Sam's for four years and it's worked well. The Sam's Member's Mark. I have used the side burner for frying odorous things and boiling big kettles of water for making European mounts. It's good to do that outdoors.

We needed a new grill for the cabin last winter so I looked carefully at Weber because most people seem happy with them. Nice grills but whoa the price. I went with the very similar two-burner from Sam's and it has worked great.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/mm-5-b...op:product:1:2


https://www.samsclub.com/sams/mm-red-patio-grill/prod20612731.ip?xid=plp16700409-shoproduct:1:5

I also have a 5-burner Char-Broil Red smoker grill but it has issues. Not sure if I'll keep it.


So far, so good....

[whitewalrus]

leaning toward the weber genisis e210. finally convinced the wife we don't need anything to large. I mean the dog usually wants a steak too but thats about as big of a group as i have around (i'm anti-social)
waiting till black friday.

I have the Weber spirit e210. Great smaller grill and I highly recommend it. The genesis is the next step up.

[muddywings]

I have the Weber spirit e210. Great smaller grill and I highly recommend it. The genesis is the next step up.

how does it heat up. the e210 is only two burners and about the same sq-in as my current four burner grill. i'm assuming the burners are better tech but seems odd that the same size uses half the burners.

[muddywings]

kinda thread-revival.
while i'm waiting for black friday, I was in Bass Pro killing some time and I saw a Mr. Steak grill. went over to look at how cheap it was and gotta say, the thing is solid! very few reviews and only on Bass Pro. But it is built like a tank when you compare it to the dynoglow right next to it. pretty good specs too.
far less expense than a Weber e310 too.

got me pondering....

Anybody seen one in the wild before?

[ChadAmberg]

I just picked up one of the Green Mountain Grills with wifi for 300 bucks. It's their smaller tailgate model, but big enough for everything I need it to do.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/green-mountain-grill-sv-bundle/prod21222064.ip?xid=plp:product:1:1

[Great-Kazoo]

I just picked up one of the Green Mountain Grills with wifi for 300 bucks. It's their smaller tailgate model, but big enough for everything I need it to do.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/green-mountain-grill-sv-bundle/prod21222064.ip?xid=plp:product:1:1

I've looked at one of those for a road trip & camping unit.