Outdoor grills advice: pellet vs. gas vs. charcoal

Depends. How big? What's 'affordable'? Saw this on a quick search, it's a good website for various things so I'd trust them a bit (I don't know anything about any of these grills personally): https://www.thespruceeats.com/top-grills-between-250-and-500-334937

I've kept a $300ish one going for 15 years with cleaning, burner replacements and not leaving it out in the weather (under cover with a cover on it).

Here's Consumer Reports grill buying guide (their ratings are under paywall): https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/grills/buying-guide/index.htm

also this: https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-gas-grill/

 

Just fyi @Outlier if you don't need it right away, the #1 recommended grill on that wirecutter site goes on clearance sales at least a couple times a year. Regularly $500, I got one for $220 at Target when they were clearancing them out. That's actually the cheapest I've ever seen it (monitored for a couple years before pulling the trigger) but you see them for $300 or $350 every once in a while. Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc always clearance out their stock when the end of grilling season is approaching.

Just create an account on slickdeals and set a deal alert for "Weber Spirit"

 

From my experience in 2008, craigslist is fine, especially if you broaden your search and willing to travel.

Obviously, the great deals go fast. You have to be ready to jump, and search each day, if not multiple times/day. (Maybe set an alert.) You will be competing with pro/amateur Liquidators (who had same idea as me), but are looking to buy then resell.

To see market price drops, could also follow some eBay auctions, and see what ppl are actually bidding vs the original ask.

 

I had a Weber Spirit propane last uncovered for 13 years. Had to replace the ignition and a few other bits but it was still working (albeit beat up) when I finally replaced it with another Weber.

I’ve only used Weber’s but have had no issues and they have a nice warranty and are good value when they go on sale. Can’t comment on other brands

 

If you go propane, highly recommend one with a side burner. Have used it just as much as the grill itself.

 

What is a side burner and what is it used for

 

It’s like a stovetop burner that you can use to grill sides and stuff in a pan

 

Wish i could find a sale on the weber spirit e310 but home depot doesnt have one right now. Slickdeals website looks kinda suspect with all the ymmv statements ...

 

It really just depends on preference and what is suitable for you personally. I always use charcoal and wood for grilling or smoking. I have a 14 month old and then another on the way in 6 months so my all night smoking days are more limited but I find time to do it so I don’t lose the touch.

Pellet grills are really nice if you get a good one like a Traeger or similar. Some people (I know a few) think wood pellet grills are for p*****s that don’t know what they’re doing. I disagree with that sentiment but I understand their thought process on it because there’s a great feeling when you nail a badass brisket using wood vs using some compressed pellets, pressing a button, setting a timer and forgetting about it. But hey, whatever is best for you is what you want to do. You probably won’t find any BBQ joints using a pellet grill.

Think of it like this, do you want to press a button and cook or do you want to set up charcoal/wood and cook? Then think of the flavor differences that come with it. It’s all a preference and hard for someone to really point you in a good direction without knowing your budget, time you want to spend cooking, what type of cooking, etc.

 

Go lump charcoal or wood. Im a bit obsessive about grilling. Ill eat food from propane/pellet but would never want one for my oersonal use. IMO it just yields a better flavor.

Company called "The Good One" Is where I got my most recent grill it is The Open Range model. Burly steel, not too deep and a bad ass smoking compartment. It was $1100 iirc but we use 2-4 times a week year round. Ive also owned The Green Egg but found it challenging sometimes. Still both are great.

I have 4 16 oz Tajima Wagyu coming next weekend.

 

I have had Weber charcoal, then a Charbroil Infrared, and back to a Weber Genesis (connected to a gas line that I had added to the house when built). Breeze to use, never need to get propane tanks swapped or refilled. I have used the side burner once.

Looking at getting a Masterbuilt electric smoker... any experience or advice? I'm lazy, thinking I can monitor using my cellphone, so interested in one with BT.

 

Weber kettle with chimney starter and a few grate accessories. It’s what I use for anything quick. Charcoal is ready in less than 10 minutes

 

How does a Weber charcoal kettle break? Just curious because they are built to last forever.

 

Pellet is the most diverse. If you’re a snob go for charcoal.

 

Chimney starters are the best. The quickest, easiest way to start charcoal. If you don't have a lot of time, but still prefer a charcoal grill, you have to get one of these.

 

So less broken and more you have converted it into a wildlife habitat? That's pretty cool.

 

Does gas taste as good as charcoal? Specifically for hamburgers.