Best mid-range BBQ?

[Droidac]

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading through website here for a little while now - lot's of great tips and recipies!

I've been getting into bbq'ing more and more in the last couple years, and the time has come to replace my entry-level bbq. I've just installed a natural gas line to my back deck,so I'll be switching over from propane.

I see that the Webers are very popular here. I was wondering if you people could recommend what the best bbq would be to get. I'm thinking of something around the $400-$600 range (Canadian $'s). As for features, I'd like a nice big grilling area and rotisserie (either included or one that can be added on after). My current one has a side burner that I never use - does anyone use those?

Any advice would be great! From your experience, please recommend what features you like and don't like, and what is a must-have feature.

Thanks in advance!

PS - I live in Ontario, Canada and cook outdoors (covered porch) year-round, so the new grill has to be able to handle winter weather also!

[Dave C.]

Hey, there, Droidac, welcome the gang!

I don't know a whole lot about gassers, but most of the ones that run on propane can be modded for natural gas by a decent plumber. We do have a gasser on the patio with a side burner & my wife has strongly suggested (insists) that when I do anything with peppers, that I cook them outside (think pepper spray/Mace)! The side burner also is handy for warming sauces or heating your brine solution. You said that the grill will be outside year 'round in Ontario, right? If you are cooking up a brine solution in the winter then you can just leave it on the burner 'till it cools down to room temp, rather than carrying the hot pan inside. Lotsa advantages on the side burner, especially with a covered patio or deck.
IMHO, Dave

[StPeteBBQ]

I had a side burner on a gasser once. All I used it for was to fire up my Charcoal chimney for my Kettle.

For a grill, get a Weber if you can. Vermont Castings would be my second choice in your price range.

[sharky]

My father has a Jenn Air that he is very happy with as well. I've used it several times and have nothing bad to say about it. It heated evenly and rather quickly and it looked great!

[Droidac]

I guess a question I should have asked is, since Webers are so popular, what makes them so good?

[StPeteBBQ]

I guess a question I should have asked is, since Webers are so popular, what makes them so good?

They last forever and their customer service is great!

[Droidac]

That's good to know. Do they cook better than others? Do they have better heat control and more even heat?

[TomKattt]

Droidac, if you haven't picked a grill yet:

I have heard some nasty things about people buying grills from Canadian Tire. I would not buy one of their grills.

Webers are tried and true workhorse grills. They cook very well, they are very reliable, they are durable, they last forever (mine is 10 years old and still works like new) Other grills cook as well, but most don''t last like a Weber and some have pretty iffy customer service and parts availability. It's hard to go wrong with a Weber, but they do cost more than a lot of competitive grills, especially now that the market has so many cheap stainless Chinese made grills flooding in.