Recommend a Grill for under $500

[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.