Looking to buy a (natural) gas grill...Suggestions?

[awilliamson4]

I have a Weber genesis special edition and love it. Had it for 5 years now. Sear zone is a must. Side burner is fine but doesn’t get a lot of use.

[Marshall_Gelb]

@Arif F

I just went through a similar process as I’m redoing the patio and have a built-in BBQ area. After much research and back/forth, I decided Fire Magic Eschelon Diamond (w/out infared). Ultimately, for me it came down to preferring to cook on direct heat vs indirect and wanting top quality made in the USA (I live in a fog/marine/sun environment). I’ve had a stand alone Weber Genesis for years and loved it, but it’s thrashed (after only 8 years), even though it’s always covered. The quality is just not there with the made in China product.

A good friend is going through a similar process, so I tried to do a high-level primer for him with my findings - I’ve included that below should it be of help.

"I’ve been studying grills for our new built in outdoor grilling area. There are a handful of high-end gas grills on the market, all of which are very good quality product (with prices to boot). The best manufacturers are Fire Magic, Twin Eagles, DCS, Capital, Alfresco, Lynx, TEC, Saber. The following two links are great resources for grill reviews:

http://www.bbqguys.com/ExpertReview_name_Gas-Grill-Reviews_id_2.html?source=menu

http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipment_reviews_ratings/equipment-reviews?field_manufacturer_target_id=All&field_prod_function_tid[]=1&field_fuel_tid[]=2&field_primary_capacity_value[]=3

Simply put, nowadays, grills can be all infared, direct heating (tented flame heats grill) and radiant heat (tented flame heats ceramic briquettes, which then heat the grill). I’ve been told that direct heating is akin to cooking on a gas range and indirect to an electric.

All of the high end models, as you will see when perusing reviews are very well made of 304 gauge stainless, have rotisserie, cast or ss burners, etc. There are some nuances between manufactures (some have better warranty, some have more history, some have lower failure rates on electric components, some have lower failure rates on burners, etc) and by my account the best are as follows with an asterisk on the one in each I think is best:
Close to direct heat: Fire Magic*, AOG
Radiant heat: Alfresco*, Twin Eagles
Seemingly hybrid: Lynx, Capital*
Not mentioned is the TOP, TOP of the line: Kalamazoo. When you read about it you’ll know why I didn’t mention it (it’s in it’s own league and would be the money is no object choice). So if you get it, I’ll happily help cook when I come over.

I’m leaning towards the 36" Fire Magic Eschelon Diamond 790i (analog version)."

C’mon Arif; Money is no object for my brother!

Convince him to go for the Kalamazoo! I will bring the Flannery!

Cheers!
Marshall

[Peter_Baird]

@Jay Winton

Buy a Weber period.

I overthought my gas grill purchase, did NOT buy a Weber, and have off and on regretted it. It grills well enough, but I feel like I’m constantly dealing with niggling maintenance and other issues. It won’t come close to 10 years and I doubt I put up with it for 5 now.

[Dav_d_Parta_n]

DCS. Had mine for 13 years now. Built like the proverbial brick $hithouse. Survived four years of exposure 50 ft from the ocean with $100 worth of replacement parts. I wouldn’t even consider another brand.

[Rick.T]

Just purchased a Weber S-470 natural gas grill; so far I love it. Cooked some Flannery’s this weekend, the sear station works like a charm. Burned all the hair off my right hand, won’t do that again. Just purchased longer handle grilling tools. Can’t wait to cook some pizzas on it, maybe next week. Any suggestions on grilling cookbooks?

[John_S]

I may well be the only person with a Saber. Used many Webers and prefer the Saber. Super easy to clean and impossible to flare up. Great outdoor cooking gear. Every time I use it I tell my wife how awesome it is to have such an excellent grill. With that said nothing wrong with a Weber of course.

[Marshall_Gelb]

Thanks John…still contemplating and loving my little old Weber kettle!

Cheers!
Marshall

[Chris_Presutti]

I want to thank Marshall for starting this thread. I was researching my next grill and was ready to spend almost $1,100 on a two-burner MHP and decided to take another look at Weber. I bought the Spirit E210 this week and saved almost $700. The reviews, warranty, and easily found parts and accessories sold me.

I’m breaking it in this weekend with Flannery Wagyu sliders last night and bone-in Cali Reserve Strips tonight. So far, I really like it.

[Marshall_Gelb]

You’re welcome…when should I be there?

Cheers!
Marshall