Hello,

Looks like a really interesting forum
Am enjoying reading the posts.

I don't have a grill myself, but do wish to purchase one as a gift.
Usage would be on the light side; probably no more than once a week or so.

Frankly, know next to nothing about them, and after looking at them at HD,
Lowes, and Sears has confused me even more.
Wouldn't be at all surprised if every brand available comes out of the same
factory in China, but maybe not.

I can go up to $400, but really don't want to go any higher.

So, what brands, and models, should I consider, and more important, which
should I stay away from, please ?

I've heard that Weber, and perhaps Charbroil also, are the gold standard in
this price range.
True ? Charbroil seems to have a Commercial Series for about the right
price.
Worth considering ?

Also, Charmglo, which I guess is a house brand, to stay away from.

Also saw at Lowes today a line of grills called NexGen.
Who are they ? Worth considering ?

Many have also seemingly cut down on the amount of stainless they are using.
Cost consideration, I guess. Will the painted ones last as long ?

Lowes would probably be good for me, as they, apparently, will assemble them
for free.

If I drop down to only three burners, would this be a mistake ? Again,
probably no more than once a week use by husband and wife. Perhaps another
couple or two over on weekends.

The idea of a Propane tank, even on an outside Deck is scary to me.
Are these things fairly safe these days ? e.g., if a hose gets cut or
damaged while on, etc. ?

Would sure appreciate some advice.

Much thanks,
Bob

Robert11 wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Looks like a really interesting forum
> Am enjoying reading the posts.

Welcome!

> I can go up to $400, but really don't want to go any higher.
>
> So, what brands, and models, should I consider, and more important, which
> should I stay away from, please ?
>
> I've heard that Weber, and perhaps Charbroil also, are the gold standard in
> this price range.
> True ? Charbroil seems to have a Commercial Series for about the right
> price.
> Worth considering ?

In that range, my personal opinion is Weber is the only one worth while.
I had CG's in the past and they didn't hold up. I never had a
"commercial" series though.

Problem is for 400 I think about the only Weber would be the 300 which
for two people would be big enough. Not sure about for four. I have a
Genesis Silver B. Have had it for 8 or 9 years in upstate NY. It sits
out and is used all year round. Snow, whatever, doesn't matter and it's
still going great. In a humid climate though I would steer people away
from the CI grates. no matter how well you take care of them, they're
going to rust..

http://www.grillsdirect.com/gas-gril...grill.cfm#tabs


I'm sure others will pipe in with opinions on the other brands that you
mention who have experience with them. It's not fair for me to comment
as I haven't used them. But I'll stick with Weber. OH, and their
Customer Service is top notch too.

>
> The idea of a Propane tank, even on an outside Deck is scary to me.
> Are these things fairly safe these days ? e.g., if a hose gets cut or
> damaged while on, etc. ?

I don't know how you're going to damage a hose while in use. Only
caution would be to check for leaks when changing tanks but that's no
big deal.

On 25-Feb-2009, "Robert11" > wrote:

> Hello,
>
> Looks like a really interesting forum
> Am enjoying reading the posts.
>
> I don't have a grill myself, but do wish to purchase one as a gift.
> Usage would be on the light side; probably no more than once a week or
> so.
>
> Frankly, know next to nothing about them, and after looking at them at
> HD,
> Lowes, and Sears has confused me even more.
> Wouldn't be at all surprised if every brand available comes out of the
> same
> factory in China, but maybe not.
>
> I can go up to $400, but really don't want to go any higher.
>
> So, what brands, and models, should I consider, and more important, which
>
> should I stay away from, please ?
>
> I've heard that Weber, and perhaps Charbroil also, are the gold standard
> in
> this price range.
> True ? Charbroil seems to have a Commercial Series for about the right
> price.
> Worth considering ?
>
> Also, Charmglo, which I guess is a house brand, to stay away from.
>
> Also saw at Lowes today a line of grills called NexGen.
> Who are they ? Worth considering ?
>
> Many have also seemingly cut down on the amount of stainless they are
> using.
> Cost consideration, I guess. Will the painted ones last as long ?
>
> Lowes would probably be good for me, as they, apparently, will assemble
> them
> for free.
>
> If I drop down to only three burners, would this be a mistake ? Again,
> probably no more than once a week use by husband and wife. Perhaps
> another
> couple or two over on weekends.
>
> The idea of a Propane tank, even on an outside Deck is scary to me.
> Are these things fairly safe these days ? e.g., if a hose gets cut or
> damaged while on, etc. ?
>
> Would sure appreciate some advice.
>
> Much thanks,
> Bob

The odds on favorite grill manufacturer is Weber. Their 3 burner
grill is more expensive then many but it lasts forever and I've never
heard a bad word about them. Weber service is actually real. They
take care of their customers.

The current propane valves are pretty failsafe. I just found
mine with the connector loose and the valve wide open.
It did not leak. I simply closed the valve, retightened the
connector and fired up the grill. Yes, they're pretty safe
short of firing a bullet into one or throwing one into a fire.

--
Brick WA7ERO (Youth is wasted on young people)

"Robert11" > wrote in message
...
> Hello,
>
> Looks like a really interesting forum
> Am enjoying reading the posts.
>
> I don't have a grill myself, but do wish to purchase one as a gift.
> Usage would be on the light side; probably no more than once a week or so.
>
> Frankly, know next to nothing about them, and after looking at them at HD,
> Lowes, and Sears has confused me even more.
> Wouldn't be at all surprised if every brand available comes out of the
> same factory in China, but maybe not.
>
> I can go up to $400, but really don't want to go any higher.
>
> So, what brands, and models, should I consider, and more important, which
> should I stay away from, please ?
>
> I've heard that Weber, and perhaps Charbroil also, are the gold standard
> in this price range.
> True ? Charbroil seems to have a Commercial Series for about the right
> price.
> Worth considering ?
>
> Also, Charmglo, which I guess is a house brand, to stay away from.
>
> Also saw at Lowes today a line of grills called NexGen.
> Who are they ? Worth considering ?
>
> Many have also seemingly cut down on the amount of stainless they are
> using.
> Cost consideration, I guess. Will the painted ones last as long ?
>
> Lowes would probably be good for me, as they, apparently, will assemble
> them for free.
>
> If I drop down to only three burners, would this be a mistake ? Again,
> probably no more than once a week use by husband and wife. Perhaps
> another couple or two over on weekends.
>
> The idea of a Propane tank, even on an outside Deck is scary to me.
> Are these things fairly safe these days ? e.g., if a hose gets cut or
> damaged while on, etc. ?
>
> Would sure appreciate some advice.
>
> Much thanks,
> Bob
>
When you buy a grill a primary concern is what do you do when something self
destructs, and you need a part? Will the company be around in 1-2-5 years?
Those shiny stainless steel grills we see for $250+ look great but what
about repair and do they grill? I suspect if there was a way to poll all the
veteran gas grill users on alt.food.barbecue, the grill used by a very
substantial number is the now discontinued Weber Genesis Silver B. I've used
one for over 12 years. The closest replacement for that grill is the Weber
Spirit.
http://www.amazon.com/Weber-4431001-...5611212&sr=1-1 .
The new Weber Genesis is a larger grill.
Weber has excellent customer service and replacement parts are usually easy
to find, frequently at Home Depot. You do, however, pay a premium price for
all that. I suggest getting a grill with at least three burners, and one
with porceleinized cast iron grates. You don't need a "side burner".

Hope this helps,

Ed,.

"Robert11" > wrote in message
> I don't have a grill myself, but do wish to purchase one as a gift.

> I can go up to $400, but really don't want to go any higher.
>
> So, what brands, and models, should I consider, and more important, which
> should I stay away from, please ?
>
> I've heard that Weber, and perhaps Charbroil also, are the gold standard
> in this price range.


Go for looks. In that price range, there is little to differentiate one
from another. If you can find a $400 Weber, they have an excellent
reputation. I've never considered Charbroil to be the gold standard in the
past. No better or worse than others in the same price range.

Please ignore my recent post, I see you folks have already answered my
question!

Robert11 skrev:

> Would sure appreciate some advice.
>
> Much thanks,
> Bob
>

I would go for a Weber Q300, love mine (-:


Morten

On Feb 25, 6:01*pm, "Robert11" > wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Looks like a really interesting forum
> Am enjoying reading the posts.
>
> I don't have a grill myself, but do wish to purchase one as a gift.
> Usage would be on the light side; probably no more than once a week or so..
>
> Frankly, know next to nothing about them, and after looking at them at HD,
> Lowes, and Sears has confused me even more.
> Wouldn't be at all surprised if every brand available comes out of the same
> factory in China, but maybe not.
>
> I can go up to $400, but really don't want to go any higher.
>
> So, what brands, and models, should I consider, and more important, which
> should I stay away from, please ?
>
> I've heard that Weber, and perhaps Charbroil also, are the gold standard in
> this price range.
> True ? *Charbroil seems to have a Commercial Series for about the right
> price.
> Worth considering ?
>
> Also, Charmglo, which I guess is a house brand, to stay away from.
>
> Also saw at Lowes today a line of grills called NexGen.
> Who are they ? *Worth considering ?
>
> Many have also seemingly cut down on the amount of stainless they are using.
> Cost consideration, I guess. *Will the painted ones last as long ?
>
> Lowes would probably be good for me, as they, apparently, will assemble them
> for free.
>
> If I drop down to only three burners, would this be a mistake ? *Again,
> probably no more than once a week use by husband and wife. *Perhaps another
> couple or two over on weekends.
>
> The idea of a Propane tank, even on an outside Deck is scary to me.
> Are these things fairly safe these days ? *e.g., if a hose gets cut or
> damaged while on, etc. ?
>
> Would sure appreciate some advice.
>
> Much thanks,
> Bob

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4328293

"Brick" > wrote

> The current propane valves are pretty failsafe. I just found
> mine with the connector loose and the valve wide open.
> It did not leak. I simply closed the valve, retightened the
> connector and fired up the grill. Yes, they're pretty safe
> short of firing a bullet into one or throwing one into a fire.


My buddy in north Florida is wanting to get rid of a pop up camper. He's
contemplating putting a propane tank in it and shooting it from a semi safe
distance.
Look forward to youtube footage from me when it happens. <G>

TFM®

> "Brick" > wrote
>
>> The current propane valves are pretty failsafe. I just found
>> mine with the connector loose and the valve wide open.
>> It did not leak. I simply closed the valve, retightened the
>> connector and fired up the grill. Yes, they're pretty safe
>> short of firing a bullet into one or throwing one into a fire.

About ten years ago we had the flexible connecting hose fail on a propane
gas grill while in use and it proceeded to turn the tank into a blow torch
spewing a 10 foot flame against the back side of our house. Burned off half
the roof, a bedroom ,bathroom, the kitchen and a 40 foot pine tree before it
burned itself out as the firemen were unable to shut it down. The
restoration company that worked on our house said ours was the 3rd, and
worst, gas grill fire they worked on that summer. I know it was too close to
the house but when you look around most gas grills are. And I also know
those flexible lines are supposed to be periodically replaced but I don't
think many are. We now use a natural gas grill with multiple in-line manual
shut offs.

TFM® wrote:
>
> "Brick" > wrote
>
> > The current propane valves are pretty failsafe. I just found
> > mine with the connector loose and the valve wide open.
> > It did not leak. I simply closed the valve, retightened the
> > connector and fired up the grill. Yes, they're pretty safe
> > short of firing a bullet into one or throwing one into a fire.
>
> My buddy in north Florida is wanting to get rid of a pop up camper. He's
> contemplating putting a propane tank in it and shooting it from a semi safe
> distance.
> Look forward to youtube footage from me when it happens. <G>
>
> TFM®

I recall Mythbusters doing a shoot the propane tank segment and finding
you really need a separate ignition source if you want an explosion.

Robert11 wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> Looks like a really interesting forum
> Am enjoying reading the posts.
>
> I don't have a grill myself, but do wish to purchase one as a gift.
> Usage would be on the light side; probably no more than once a week or so.
>
> Frankly, know next to nothing about them, and after looking at them at HD,
> Lowes, and Sears has confused me even more.
> Wouldn't be at all surprised if every brand available comes out of the same
> factory in China, but maybe not.
>
> I can go up to $400, but really don't want to go any higher.
>
> So, what brands, and models, should I consider, and more important, which
> should I stay away from, please ?
>
> I've heard that Weber, and perhaps Charbroil also, are the gold standard in
> this price range.
> True ? Charbroil seems to have a Commercial Series for about the right
> price.
> Worth considering ?
>
> Also, Charmglo, which I guess is a house brand, to stay away from.
>
> Also saw at Lowes today a line of grills called NexGen.
> Who are they ? Worth considering ?
>
> Many have also seemingly cut down on the amount of stainless they are using.
> Cost consideration, I guess. Will the painted ones last as long ?
>
> Lowes would probably be good for me, as they, apparently, will assemble them
> for free.
>
> If I drop down to only three burners, would this be a mistake ? Again,
> probably no more than once a week use by husband and wife. Perhaps another
> couple or two over on weekends.
>
> The idea of a Propane tank, even on an outside Deck is scary to me.
> Are these things fairly safe these days ? e.g., if a hose gets cut or
> damaged while on, etc. ?
>
> Would sure appreciate some advice.
>
> Much thanks,
> Bob

One thing to consider is that gas grills are fast and convenient for
grilling, but don't do well for smoking. A decent offset smoker on the
other hand does pretty well for both tasks since they usually have the
option to use a grill directly in the firebox for grilling, but of
course it takes a bit longer to get charcoal going than to turn on and
ignite a gas burner.

I have a gas grill, but I haven't used it since I got a smoker. A
charcoal fired offset smoker smokes great BBQ in the smoker section, and
grills great steaks and chops in the firebox section. Grilling in the
firebox section is much hotter than a gas grill (unless it has an IR
burner) and does a better job of grilling. Figure an extra 10-15 min to
get charcoal going vs. a gas grill.

TFM® wrote:
>
>
> "Brick" > wrote
>
>> The current propane valves are pretty failsafe. I just found
>> mine with the connector loose and the valve wide open.
>> It did not leak. I simply closed the valve, retightened the
>> connector and fired up the grill. Yes, they're pretty safe
>> short of firing a bullet into one or throwing one into a fire.
>
>
> My buddy in north Florida is wanting to get rid of a pop up camper.
> He's contemplating putting a propane tank in it and shooting it from a
> semi safe distance.
> Look forward to youtube footage from me when it happens. <G>
>
> TFM®


Hey man, good to see you!

On the tank thing though... don't get your hopes up. It would be very
anticlimactic. No flame/spark - nothing's gonna happen over and above
the sound of the .06 goin' off...

"Pete C." > wrote in message
ter.com...
>
> TFM® wrote:
>>
>> "Brick" > wrote
>>
>> > The current propane valves are pretty failsafe. I just found
>> > mine with the connector loose and the valve wide open.
>> > It did not leak. I simply closed the valve, retightened the
>> > connector and fired up the grill. Yes, they're pretty safe
>> > short of firing a bullet into one or throwing one into a fire.
>>
>> My buddy in north Florida is wanting to get rid of a pop up camper. He's
>> contemplating putting a propane tank in it and shooting it from a semi
>> safe
>> distance.
>> Look forward to youtube footage from me when it happens. <G>
>>
>> TFM®
>
> I recall Mythbusters doing a shoot the propane tank segment and finding
> you really need a separate ignition source if you want an explosion.

I also recall Mythbusters doing a segment on 2 hammers chipping when struck
together. They said it just doesn't happen, but in 20 years of carpentry I
never met a man who hadn't seen it happen or experienced the shrapnel
personally.

We've had great results with the small propane canisters. I will keep the
separate ignition source in mind though.

TFM®

TFM® wrote:
> "Pete C." > wrote in message
> ter.com...
>>
>> TFM® wrote:
>>>
>>> "Brick" > wrote
>>>
>>>> The current propane valves are pretty failsafe. I just found
>>>> mine with the connector loose and the valve wide open.
>>>> It did not leak. I simply closed the valve, retightened the
>>>> connector and fired up the grill. Yes, they're pretty safe
>>>> short of firing a bullet into one or throwing one into a fire.
>>>
>>> My buddy in north Florida is wanting to get rid of a pop up camper.
>>> He's contemplating putting a propane tank in it and shooting it
>>> from a semi safe
>>> distance.
>>> Look forward to youtube footage from me when it happens. <G>
>>>
>>> TFM®
>>
>> I recall Mythbusters doing a shoot the propane tank segment and
>> finding you really need a separate ignition source if you want an
>> explosion.
>
> I also recall Mythbusters doing a segment on 2 hammers chipping when
> struck together. They said it just doesn't happen, but in 20 years
> of carpentry I never met a man who hadn't seen it happen or
> experienced the shrapnel personally.
>
> We've had great results with the small propane canisters. I will
> keep the separate ignition source in mind though.

I'd just put a road flare, stuck upright in a coffee can full of sand, near
the tank.

--
Dave
What is best in life? "To crush your enemies, see them driven before
you, and to hear the lamentation of the women." -- Conan

=?iso-8859-1?B?VEZNrg==?= > wrote:
> [ . . . ]
> I also recall Mythbusters doing a segment on 2 hammers chipping when
> struck together. They said it just doesn't happen, but in 20 years of
> carpentry I never met a man who hadn't seen it happen or experienced the
> shrapnel personally. []

Even back in the 50's, hammer heads were case hardened. I got shrapnelized
driving a hatchet (with opposing hammer head) into a tree root with a
hammer.

--
Nick, KI6VAV. Support severely wounded and disabled Veterans and their
families: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Thank a Veteran!
Support Our Troops: http://anymarine.com/ You are not forgotten.
Thanks ! ! ~Semper Fi~ USMC 1365061

"Dave Bugg" > wrote:
> TFM® wrote:
> > "Pete C." > wrote in message
> >> TFM® wrote:
> >>> "Brick" > wrote
> >>>
> >>>> The current propane valves are pretty failsafe. I just found
> >>>> mine with the connector loose and the valve wide open.
> >>>> It did not leak. I simply closed the valve, retightened the
> >>>> connector and fired up the grill. Yes, they're pretty safe
> >>>> short of firing a bullet into one or throwing one into a fire.
> >>>
> >>> My buddy in north Florida is wanting to get rid of a pop up camper.
> >>> He's contemplating putting a propane tank in it and shooting it
> >>> from a semi safe
> >>> distance.
> >>> Look forward to youtube footage from me when it happens. <G>

> >> I recall Mythbusters doing a shoot the propane tank segment and
> >> finding you really need a separate ignition source if you want an
> >> explosion.
> >
> > I also recall Mythbusters doing a segment on 2 hammers chipping when
> > struck together. They said it just doesn't happen, but in 20 years
> > of carpentry I never met a man who hadn't seen it happen or
> > experienced the shrapnel personally.
> >
> > We've had great results with the small propane canisters. I will
> > keep the separate ignition source in mind though.
>
> I'd just put a road flare, stuck upright in a coffee can full of sand,
> near the tank.

IIRC TFM® likes to keep a 5 gallon plastic can of gasoline near his rig.

--
Nick, KI6VAV. Support severely wounded and disabled Veterans and their
families: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Thank a Veteran!
Support Our Troops: http://anymarine.com/ You are not forgotten.
Thanks ! ! ~Semper Fi~ USMC 1365061

"Dave Bugg" > wrote in message
...
> TFM® wrote:
>> "Pete C." > wrote in message
>> ter.com...
>>>
>>> TFM® wrote:
>>>>
>>>> "Brick" > wrote
>>>>
>>>>> The current propane valves are pretty failsafe. I just found
>>>>> mine with the connector loose and the valve wide open.
>>>>> It did not leak. I simply closed the valve, retightened the
>>>>> connector and fired up the grill. Yes, they're pretty safe
>>>>> short of firing a bullet into one or throwing one into a fire.
>>>>
>>>> My buddy in north Florida is wanting to get rid of a pop up camper.
>>>> He's contemplating putting a propane tank in it and shooting it
>>>> from a semi safe
>>>> distance.
>>>> Look forward to youtube footage from me when it happens. <G>
>>>>
>>>> TFM®
>>>
>>> I recall Mythbusters doing a shoot the propane tank segment and
>>> finding you really need a separate ignition source if you want an
>>> explosion.
>>
>> I also recall Mythbusters doing a segment on 2 hammers chipping when
>> struck together. They said it just doesn't happen, but in 20 years
>> of carpentry I never met a man who hadn't seen it happen or
>> experienced the shrapnel personally.
>>
>> We've had great results with the small propane canisters. I will
>> keep the separate ignition source in mind though.
>
> I'd just put a road flare, stuck upright in a coffee can full of sand,
> near the tank.


Sweet. Failsafe. Thanks.

TFM®