Summit Gold Built-in vs. Vermont Castings 5005 vs. BBQ Galore ???

[JeffGrimes]

OK, I'd like to keep my costs around $1000 or less. I am custom making a grill island, and need a stainless steel built-in.

Brands like DCS, Altima, etc are nice, but way out of my price range.

Weber has the reputation...I have a Genesis right now...about 8 years old, and it cooks unevenly...I'm thinking it needs new burners...but...I'm wanting a built-in, and the Geneisis with side-mounted controls doesn't lend itself to that.

The VC's, I've looked at at Home Depot. Very impressive...but, I'm as much into quality and longevity as looks...even more so. I'd also like to hear from those who've cooked on these grills. In their NG form, will one cook "better" than the other...I'm thinking in terms of taste.

Thanks in advance

[snapshotmd]

To tell you the truth Jeff, I don't think gassers vary in terms of taste. Cooked food vs. burnt food, which lends itself to how evenly distributed the heat is and how well one grill handles flare-ups vs. another.

I guess if you like charred food, you may want to look over to the BBQ Galore or VC grills since these have a higher BTU ratio than the Weber.

snaps

[JeffGrimes]

Thanks, snapshotmd...Looking at that...that wording makes me sound more naive than I am...

II was THINKING in terms of flareups and control...not so much "flavor" as I stated.
The more I look at these, the more I think the Summit is a better choice (higher quality materials, better customer service, higher liklihood of parts down the road...

I'm just hemming on the price difference. The VC 5005 built-in is larger than I need, but the 3505 is too small. The 5005 is around $750 + Shipping, the best price on the "Silver D" Summit is around $1000...

That $250 can pay for my fountain. But I have no idea how reliable the materials are in the VC...is the thin grease pan a PITA versus the drip "trays" on the Weber?

Any feedback in that sense would be appreciated.

[snapshotmd]

Jeff,
I've been where you are now. I'd say don't skimp on what you feel is best. If your gut says get a Weber then do so. IMO, if you're doing a built-in, it's gonna be there a while so you might as well do it right the first time. Weber can definitely out last the other grills.

The fountain can come later.

snaps