Buying a new gas grill

[NavajoNPaleFace]

I am in the market to buy a new gas grill as the one we have is getting "tired".

I'd like a model that has a large enough BTU that it'll sear when you want it to sear and burners enough to have minimal cold/hot spots.

Features like a side bruner are nice but absolutely necessary.

Ditto on the upper warming rack, etc.

I'm willing to pay a reasonable price for one and I'm wondering if anyone has a preferrence they are happy with or would suggest I might look at.

BTW...I have a smoker and a charcoal grill. The gas grills serve their pruposes as do charcoal and smokers.

[okie shooter]

A couple of years ago, I got a Brinkman, with the cast iron or cast brass burners, they seem to be the first thing to go then the grates. The grate in mine is cast also, seems to be holding up well. That said I found the Brinkman at big lots for 149, thus far less than they bring at the stores. I would look for those cast burners if you can find them but they seem to only come on the pricer grills(400+ type of money any more) most have stainless steel tube burners, they should hold up ok too, just the huge cast burner really seems stout.

I just have seen too many grills burners burn up(they used to use aluminumized steel, most now use some sort of stainless)

[SteelCore]

If you can, get one with a rotisserie...they are mighty cool.

Also, a word of warning--do not attempt to assemble the grill you get by yourself! Pay them to do it...many a marriage has ended over such a grill-assembling adventure...

[M1 Tanker]

I cook out 4 to 5 days a week on my grill and for 15 years I think I have become an expert on gas grills. Mine gets used all year long, to include the 3 winters we lived in Alaska. I've bought more then a few and have learned a lot along the way. Here is the important stuff:

1. Stainless body/lid - Even with a cover, those steel grills don't hold up to the weather.

2. Brass Burners - These will last forever, unlike the steel burners that rot away in 2 to 3 years. Mine are guaranteed for life.

3. 3 or 4 burner system - The only true way to control temps and cook multiple meats/veggies/etc and use indirect grilling. Hot/Cold spots are not a problem.

4. Porcelain cast iron cooking grate - Who wants rust on their food?

5. Side Burner - My grill cooks everything but bread and green beans. The side burner is great for baked beans, corn on the cob and and seafood. I do everything from shrimp boils/crab to frying fish in a cast iron skillet on mine. No stinking up the house.

Here is what I recommend since I'm guessing a Weber is out.

Charbroil Commercial Series. They can be had at Lowe's with all the above features for $300.00. i have one and its the best grill I've ever owned. I put it together without issue in less then 2 beers.

http://www.charbroil.com/consumerwebhome/463268007.aspx

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=242266-82210-463268007&lpage=none

My dad has my dream grill, but I don't have $3000 for it :(

http://www.kitchenaid.com/catalog/product.jsp?src=Outdoor&cat=309&prod=1101

[SteelCore]

Note to self--try to get an invite to M1s for a cookout!:evilgrin:

+1 on te stainless, especially if you store outside.

[Milsurp]

+1 on M1's advice. I have the same grill and it's really hard to beat in that price range. I've had mine for over two years and use it alot with no problems yet. I looked at others and liked it the best.

[Bulletboy]

I have a giant stainless steel Jenn Air that kicks ass, its got the side burners and racks and all. Problem is it cost about 800 bucks or so, which actually kicks it out of the range of stuff I would normally buy. Luckily for me, I didnt buy it :) my buddy did, and then didnt have anything he could do with it when he moved.

[bullseye]

I got this one a few months back and use the heck out of it. Has 3 burners and a side burner too along with a higher rack to throw more stuff on. You can pick it up at Lowe's for 169.00 assembled and another 15.00 for the cover. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=196124-52491-GGPL-2100&lpage=none