Grills, Episode II
So, I looked at grills at Lowe’s and Home Depot last night. I don’t have a really good feeling about any of them that don’t cost $300 or more. I don’t think I’m being a “product snob” either. Well, maybe a little. The Weber’s I saw were really nice. They were solid and heavy. The cheapest one I saw was $300 though and it was on sale, and probably is an “open” item. The cheaper Char-Broil ones for the most part seemed cheap and flimsy. At Home Depot, some of them weren’t even fully assembled and parts were missing. The most expensive Char-Broil one I saw was a three burner that was about four feet long. I guess that’s not a bad thing, but I didn’t really want something that big. So I’m completely undecided about what I’m going to do. My dilemma is this: I can’t spend a lot of money right now on a grill, and don’t really want to. On the other hand, do I buy one now and not get something that I think will last?
I bought a $200 Char-Broil gas grill about 5 years ago, and it’s still together, and still works. I don’t use it as often as I used to, but it’s not because of the grill, it’s because I’m lazy and don’t get home in time most times to grill out. It hasn’t weathered well, as a thunderstorm took my cover away one evening, but the important parts are still intact. In the end, I think it’s a preference thing. Do you want a big name pretty grill that will last? Or will a grill that’s simply sufficient get you by? Whatever you do, I’d replace the fake ceramic briquettes that come in the package with some good, cheap lava rock… the first time I cleaned my grill, I realized the ceramic briquettes were partially made of wood?! I replaced with lava rock, and they still radiate heat quite well. I guess this isn’t that helpful, but oh well…
I would go with a Weber grill. That is what I had, and it was awesome. Sturdy and worth every penny. I sold it when we moved because grills don’t store well!:)
If you have not purchased a grill yet, and you are going to spend over $300 you should think about a big green egg. (www.biggreenegg.com) It is one awesome outdoor cooker? You can smoke at low temperatures or grill at higher temps. The flavor can’t be beat!
I did purchase a grill this past Saturday. I bought a Kenmore (made by Char-broil) gas grill that was on sale. It has three burners and seems to be very sturdy. It also cooks food very well. :)
Here’s a picture.