Buying a BBQ

[frankcastle]

I would look at how much cooking space that you want to have.

Extra features that you want if any.

Pay the extra money for them to assemble it. It's not tough but time consuming. I mistakenly opened the box and spread it out in my backyard at 8 o clock thinking it would take an hour. 3 hrs later I was done. I didn't have trouble with assembling it although a few steps would have been easier with an extra set of hands. It's just this thing came in a million pieces (okay exaggerating)

If you have or plan on getting a natural gas line do it. Never have to touch another propane tank again.

As for brand. You could go to sears and spend 400 or 500 for a decent basic bbq or you can spend the skies the limit.

 

[harryass]

Weber BBQ's are the best around. Yah, you pay more, but that's what you get quality and performance. Resale value is good if you decide to upgrade in the future.

Broil King is good value. A cousin has one and no problems for the past 6 yrs and he uses it lots. Another plus , I believe its still made in Canada.

 

[GameBoy27]

I would think that the fuel regulator would adjust and compensate for the difference in heat, would it not? I can't imagine my existing Weber would put out half the heat if it were a NG model.

I stand corrected, the btu rating on a bbq is the btu rating, regardless of the gas.

Here's a nice grill as well. http://www.blueembergrills.com/grills/BE65078-584.html

 

[blueflame]

napoleon

 

[Mable]

I would think that the fuel regulator would adjust and compensate for the difference in heat, would it not? I can't imagine my existing Weber would put out half the heat if it were a NG model.

Not sure about this. The burners are rated for up to a max. BTU. Almost none perform in that area. If you want heat you need to get a high pressure regulator.

 

[69Shooter]

I would look at how much cooking space that you want to have.

Extra features that you want if any.

Pay the extra money for them to assemble it. It's not tough but time consuming. I mistakenly opened the box and spread it out in my backyard at 8 o clock thinking it would take an hour. 3 hrs later I was done. I didn't have trouble with assembling it although a few steps would have been easier with an extra set of hands. It's just this thing came in a million pieces (okay exaggerating)

If you have or plan on getting a natural gas line do it. Never have to touch another propane tank again.

As for brand. You could go to sears and spend 400 or 500 for a decent basic bbq or you can spend the skies the limit.

Can't even remember all the times I wish I'd had an extra set of hands!

 

[wellhungone]

Weber is highly recommend and over priced. I've had one for 5 years and it's a good one. I had some no name brand for 10yrs before this one and it was good as well.

 

[FirstCaveman]

OP, if you can possibly afford it, or have a buddy with a pipefitter's licence, go for the permanent natural gas hook up ! It is so great to never run out of gas mid-way through cooking, never have to buy an LP container, never have to line up to get one filled, never have anxiety about the filler taking away your container because it is too old, and the 90 degree turn-on valve is just a flick of the wrist.

BTW, I have had my Weber Genisis II for about 3 years and am loving it! Got a great deal at Home Hardware.

 

[TeasePlease]

Real men use this

 

[GameBoy27]

Real men use this

Is that the Big Green Egg TeasePlease?

We actually have two BBQ's and a separate smoker, one gas and one charcoal. Love the charcoal for steaks. Super high heat, the perfect way to sear steaks on both sides while still being rare to med-rare inside. If you're looking for one, make sure you get one where you can adjust the height of the coals. The smoker is great for fish, duck, homemade bacon and all sorts of other culinary delights. Damn, I'm getting hungry.

Canadian Tire has a charcoal grill but I suspect it's a little on the flimsy side. Then again, it's only $200.00.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...er+Chef+Stationary+Charcoal+BBQ.jsp?locale=en

 

[slider2]

Broil King are no good, stay away from them. I'm also not a big fan of Weber. I have had 2 of them and have cooked on a number of them. The Nat Gas versions don't get hot enough to sear anything so if you are looking to go the NG route, I would stay away from Weber. Their LP version is better in the high heat category but still lacking IMO because of their burner design. Having 3 burner tubes going side to side makes it difficult to cook food using different temperature zones.....I much prefer BBQ's that have their burners running front to back as it makes setting up different temp zones much easier.

I now have a Vermont Castings which I love. Also I would recommend both Napolean and Crown Verity, although the price of the CV is getting up there.

 

[whobee]

Any good results from the various discount brands sold at Walmart and similar places?

 

[Possum Trot]

Weber's are great. I love my Napoleon.

Best value I've seen this year - Costco (Scarborough) has the Vermont Castings 4 burner (plus rotisserie and side burner) on sale. From $999 to $799. I'd snap that up if I were in the market.....

+1 my last Napolean lasted 15 years of extensive use, bought another this year mainly because I wanted the look of stainless steel at my new place.

 

[TeasePlease]

Is that the Big Green Egg TeasePlease?

We actually have two BBQ's and a separate smoker, one gas and one charcoal. Love the charcoal for steaks. Super high heat, the perfect way to sear steaks on both sides while still being rare to med-rare inside. If you're looking for one, make sure you get one where you can adjust the height of the coals. The smoker is great for fish, duck, homemade bacon and all sorts of other culinary delights. Damn, I'm getting hungry.

Canadian Tire has a charcoal grill but I suspect it's a little on the flimsy side. Then again, it's only $200.00.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...er+Chef+Stationary+Charcoal+BBQ.jsp?locale=en

BGE indeed. Although, its far cheaper to buy south of the border. The Canadian distributor must have to pay huge royalties.

I was looking at the Vermont Castings again this morning at Costco. Just trying to come up with reasons to toss my Napoleon!

 

[GameBoy27]

BGE indeed. Although, its far cheaper to buy south of the border. The Canadian distributor must have to pay huge royalties.

I was looking at the Vermont Castings again this morning at Costco. Just trying to come up with reasons to toss my Napoleon!

Nice!

 

[GG2]

I'm not sure if Broil King still makes BBQ's but mine is 7+ years old and works like a charm. Even cooking, only think the starter doesn't work. Best BBQ for the buck if you ask me.

I have a Broil King too. It's the only brand that was available to buy using my RBC points. Great grilling.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

Real men use this

Is that the Big Green Egg TeasePlease?

There is a large choice of Big Green Egg komado style BBQs around. Canadian Tire has their own version and Costco has one as well. I chose the Big Steel keg because it is the modern version of the ceramic oriental BBQ that has been used for thousands of years. The Komado BBQs are ceramic and are porous on the inside. The seal is a piece of felt. The Big Steel Keg is slightly smaller and has a Nomex gasket seal. It is a matter of choice, but I say that the Big Steel Keg is easier to keep clean.

I love the way it bathes the food in a convection of heat to roast the food so that it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. With my old propane smoker which I use as a warmer I can cook and feed quite a few people. I take chicken legs with the back thigh and tie them together and convection bake them to perfection. The skin is crisp like at BBQ restaurants and the insides are juicy. ( I call it Kentucky Tied Chicken )

 

[Anynym]

Broil King make great barbecues. I had one for about 15 years before the burner finally went (and rather than special-ordering a replacement part I decided to upgrade to a newer model.) Just stick to their primary brand labels which are Made in Canada (and go with a mid-range model or better, for best results). If you're willing to spend $2000 on a Weber, why not spend $1500 on a Broil King?

They also have a line of BBQs which are made in China and sold at a lower price, which aren't as solid in my experience (hmm. Is it their "Broil Mate" line?). If you're only going to spend $500 on a BBQ, your results won't be the same as on a $1500 or $2000 unit.
http://www.broilkingbbq.com/
http://www.omcbbq.com/

Weber has a good name, but you're paying more for it.

And the BBQs at Home Depot tend to be imported from China. I'm sure they'll do fine for a year or two, but don't plan on including it in your will.