Grill Purchase

[Merkur25]

I just purchased my first house and a grill is a must. I know that I want a charcoal grill with the capability of smoking. Right now I am looking at the Master Forge charcoal grills at Lowe's.

I am leaning towards this one since it seems to be a great buy for the money. Does anyone have experience with this grill?



I would like to keep the cost to $200 max. Thanks for your input!

 

[Mick]

I used to use a charcoal grill. All aluminum one. One day, without any warning, while cooking the bottom dropped out and all of the coals ended up on the ground. Luckily the grill was in the yard and I was standing there so I was able to get a garden hose and cool the coals. Ever since that I have steered clear of charcoal in favor of propane. They too have their issues but as long as you keep every thing clean the issues are minimal.

I should say that now I grill on a wooden deck which is the main reason I no longer use charcoal.

I am thinking of build in a smoker on our concrete patio and I would use wood/charcoal as I do prefer that heat source over gas.

As to an opinion of the one you are looking at, examine it for build quality. Get a cover for it to keep it from rusting. If you can store it out of the weather (even if you have a cover) this is the best for it.

 

[Merkur25]

Thats good info and I agree, keeping any grill out of the elements is a must. I plan on purchasing a cover and also storing it in my garage during bad weather.

As for gas grills, its not that I don't like them because it is extremely easy to cook on but I really want to try smoking meats. I love to cook and the thought of smoked ribs, brisket, etc. sounds amazing.

 

[COHunter]

I have 3 charcoal and 1 gas grill. For me, nothing compares to the taste that charcoal imparts to food. Period. That said there's a bit more time involved to get one cranked up and ready for the festivities and they are a bit more of a chore to clean. For quick meals during the workweek the gas grill gets the call, on weekends one (or more) of the charcoal/stickburners get pressed into service.

For smoking (hot smoking ~225 degrees or more) I built an ugly drum smoker out of a 55 gal. drum. Cheap, and works amazingly well. Now I'm trying to figure out a smokehouse that I can build to adapt to the drum smoker for cold smoking applications....without my wife seeing it....

 

[Merkur25]

After watching some video reviews I think I am going to spend a little more and get a Weber. I wanted a Weber first off but due to price I was looking else wear. If you're going to do it, do it right.

 

[Merkur25]

Anyone own a Weber like this and what's your opinion?

 

[COHunter]

I own just the standard Weber kettle without the cart and it's the best grill I've ever owned. They just cannot be beat. The finish is the most durable I've come across even though it's a fairly thin walled grill, and I've gotten it really hot without the finish being compromised. Replacement parts are readily available if needed too. You can direct grill, if done properly you can use it as an indirect "smoker" type grill, and the cooking surface is generous. Would buy another with no hesitation at all. The only drawback to mine is it doesn't have the work surface like the one you pictured...

 

[BubblesTGB]

Anyone own a Weber like this and what's your opinion?

View attachment 332480

Yes. I own this grill in Blue and it is fantastic. 5 years and its still in perfect condition. I have always used Weber kettles and have never had a single problem. Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to light - with propane ignition.

I use it for regular grilling and also slow smoking. A great all around grill. Last night I made 2 sirloin steaks on it and over the weekend, I smoked a chicken for 4 hours. Amazing.

Also just voted as best charcoal grill by America's Test Kitchen.

 

[Mick]

As for gas grills, its not that I don't like them because it is extremely easy to cook on but I really want to try smoking meats. I love to cook and the thought of smoked ribs, brisket, etc. sounds amazing.

If you want to smoke things you are going to need a smoker not a grill/bbq. Two completely different animals.

If you want a does everything grill/smoker this one looks to be the ticket (gas + Charcoal grill + wood smoker)

 

[Mick]

For a straight smoker this one seems to be the fave with a lot of home smoker folks

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Char-Broil-Longhorn-Offset-Smoker-12201747/203340456#.UYqDy8qC3os

 

[Merkur25]

If you want to smoke things you are going to need a smoker not a grill/bbq. Two completely different animals.

If you want a does everything grill/smoker this one looks to be the ticket (gas + Charcoal grill + wood smoker)

I am fully aware of that, Turtle.

I want a charcoal grill with the capability of smoking. I do not want just a smoker. Smoking is going to be more of a hobby in very small amounts and grilling a passion, probably 3-5 times a week.

 

[Merkur25]

For a straight smoker this one seems to be the fave with a lot of home smoker folks

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Char-Broil-Longhorn-Offset-Smoker-12201747/203340456#.UYqDy8qC3os

I did look at this one. My friend has a Char-Broil similar in design to this and he likes it a lot. He just got the side smoker and started smoking but seems to be very happy with the purchase.

 

[smalltank]

just a thought..what about a big green egg grill?

 

[Merkur25]

I like the design of the Weber and having to transport this to and from the garage puts the Weber at the top of the list.

The Char-Broil I know is a lot longer and bulkier. I cant count on the wife helping since she works most weekends and for one person could be awkward transporting it to and from.

As for that enormous gas / charcoal / smoker hell of a grill, maybe one day I will be able to own such a beast but for now there is need for it

 

[Merkur25]

just a thought..what about a big green egg grill?

I want one really bad but the price tag is killing me

 

[Tim_McD]

I want one really bad but the price tag is killing me

The upfront cost is a tough one, there is no denying it, but over the long term - you will save money. I bought a Bar-B-Chef charcoal grill about 12 yrs ago (featured on Good Eats) and thought I was done. But the truth is that cast iron grates and plate steel break down over time from the heat and corrosive ash.

The ceramic and stainless steel construction, the high insulation factor and low charcoal consumption make the BGE (and other's like it) a cost effective solution. Mine has lived out in the open all through a brutal winter and looks brand new. I used it at least weekly during the winter, just making sure that the bottom vent was clear and I could open the lid and it would sear steaks like a hot summer's day.

Buy once and be done.

 

[BubblesTGB]

If you want to smoke things you are going to need a smoker not a grill/bbq. Two completely different animals.

Turtle - while you are absolutely correct, the Weber can still be used to do some smoking. You can adjust the vents, charcoal amounts, woods (with practice) and get a great smoke out of the kettle. I made an 18 hour brisket on the kettle and it was as good as from a dedicated smoker. I've cold smoked cheeses, lox, etc... More work and not as turnkey as a dedicated smoker but it CAN be done with the right tools and techniques.

I live in a condo and my garage space is limited. So I find the Weber Performer a great all around grill that can do quick, hot grills and long, slower smoking.

 

[intotheforge]

I want one really bad but the price tag is killing me

For the price you get certain satisfaction and zero buyer's remorse. BGE recommended!

 

[ddillas]

For a straight smoker this one seems to be the fave with a lot of home smoker folks

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Char-Broil-Longhorn-Offset-Smoker-12201747/203340456#.UYqDy8qC3os

+1

The offset fire box smoker grill was first created in the 1970's in West Texas using oil pipeline. One of the first commercially available was from the New Braunfels Smoker Company, as far as I recall... I think this is by far the best style for the average backyard chef that wants to have the options for both smoking and grilling. I personally have an New Bruanfels Hondo that I purchase around 1997 and it is still going strong... just fired it up for the first cook of the year this past weekend.

These things were built like tanks... every 3-5 years I knock the rust off and hit it with a coat of high temp black paint and then get back to business. I say "were built" because NBSC was bougth out by Char Broil then shut down in the early 2000's... but since then there has been a proliferation of the offset fire box style of grill... first by Brinkmann and Char Broil making big box store knock offs then by lots of smaller companies like Oklahoma Joe, Horizon, Lange and many other making high quality heavy steel offset smokers.

One I can recommend in the low end of the price scale is the Char Griller... get lots of good reviews, comes in a variety of sizes and a close friend of mine has one an loves it. A Char Griller Smoking Pro comes in well under $200 and they also have a Duo Model that has propane gas on one side and charcoal on the other for the best in flexibilty. Now the steel thickness / guage on these is more in line with what you will find a Weber constructed of and not eh heavy rolled steel that a Oklahoma Joe or old NBSC are made of... but moving my 150lb moster can be a PITA at times... I've only kept this long because it cooks so darn good and is made to last...

Here's a link to some good general information on offset fire box smokers...

http://www.amazingribs.com/tips_and_technique/offset_smokers.html

Good luck and happy smoking to you.

 

[Merkur25]

There is no way I will be able to afford a BGE since I would want the Xlarge one. With just buying a house that is way out of price range.