BdoUK Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 So I'm closing on my new home tomorrow and one of the few things I'd like to buy for the new place is a decent propane grill. I love grilling out in the summer and my old cheap Target grill bit the dust after only a year and a half. Any suggestions on a quality brand? I'm looking at a $250-$300 price range. I'm sure a grill recipe thread won't be far behind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lutter Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 Do NOT waste your money on anything other than one of these: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=242266-82210-463268007&lpage=none Charbroil grills. Stainless Steel. End of Discussion. Move along. That's lower-end... my dad has a higher-end model that actually has built-in LED llights so you can see your meat in the dark, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce B Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 Do yourself a favor. I kept buying $200.00 grills that would last for two years. They would rust(even though they were covered) the wind would blow them over and shit would break. Definitely go stainless and spend a little more. I bought a Vermont Castings grill at Home Depot 4 years ago and its still mint. Also on the cheaper grills, they have the tendency to not want to light all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainmaykr Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 The Vermont Castings VM400XBP got Consumer Reports highest rating and best buy. Recently, Home Depot clearanced the regularly $400 grill down to $200. If you live near a Home Depot and can find one in stock, it's easilly your best deal for a quality stainless grill. Others at the top of the list include Broilmaster P3, Kenmore (Sears) 16324, Vermont Castings VM450SSP, Char-Broil Advantage Series 463453305 (Lowe's) (best buy award), and the Weber Genesis Silver B 6221411 (Home Depot). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon H Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 I've got a Weber Genesis, three-burner, with stainless steel drip bars and grates. Not the cheapest -- I think I paid about $400 at Lowe's, and I paid another $75 to upgrade to heavy-duty stainless steel (solid, welded bars, not a hollow grate) but it lights every time, is easy to clean, offers great temperature control, and heats evenly. Properly cared for, it will last a long time. Remember, when cooking with gas, keep the lid down! Makes a huge difference in cooking speed and quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exile Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 By a Weber and avoid the cheapos. You'll save more money in the long term. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolemite Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 Here's a pretty good article that discusses the top 10 rated grills under $500: Best Grills Under $500 I ended up getting the Fiesta Grill, which took some time to find, but was definitely worth it in the end. An absolute amazing bargain for the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisBardon Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 I bought a Napoleon a about 4 years ago and it's still working really well (just needs a good cleaning). As for what I looked for when I was buying: -I'm a fan of the metal "wave" heat distributors as opposed to tiles/rock/etc. Just a personal preference, but I like not having to replace things. -Some of the higher end grills have a tubular burner assembly (as opposed to the H shaped ones you usually see) that seems to be a LOT more robust. Worth looking for. -Clearance on the lid is a big deal. Not sure what other manufacturers have it, but the lid on my Napoleon pivots in the middle (not at the back), which means that you don't need to have quite as much space behind the grill for the lid to open. Very smart design feature. -A rear rotisserie burner is great to have. Not something you'll probably use every day, but I use it often enough that it was worth getting. -By contrast, I find side burners kind of useless, and not getting one is a good way to save a few bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob B Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 theres a man in Arlen TX. you should talk to. Works at a place called Stirctland Propane his name is Hank. Very knowlageable int the area of propane and propane accesseries such as grills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BdoUK Posted April 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 Thanks for all the recommendations guys. Rob, I saw the model you referenced at Home Depot yesterday. Looked like a good grill and they had it on sale for $259. I'm not going to be moving for another month so I'm hoping that price sticks. I also hate the side burners. I'll never use them for anything, but it seems like most stainless steel grills in my price range come with them. I'm going to go back to Home Depot and look at the Weber's, but I have a feeling there is going to be some sticker shock! On a side note I purchased my first lawn mower yesterday. It's amazing all the things you have to buy once you go from renting to owning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelley Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 What lawn mower did you buy? We got a Honda self-propelled Quadra-Cut last summer and it fucking rocks. You'll be needing a trimmer also, we have a Craftsman one that has changeable heads on it and their easy string system, it too has made yard work much more enjoyable. We started out with the cheapest stuff we could find and upgraded it all and believe me there is a huge difference between the $99 stuff and the $300+ stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkz Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 On a side note I purchased my first lawn mower yesterday. It's amazing all the things you have to buy once you go from renting to owning! As a new home owner of about a year ago, just thought I'd throw in a couple of other things you may not have yet that you'll want, so hopefully you can pick them up while you are already going to Home Depot and save yourself a trip. Of course, you will probably be making numerous trips to Home Deport or the local Hardware store anyway no matter how much planning you do. Outdoor garbage cans if the previous owner didn't leave them Yard waste Bags Garden hose Outdoor broom Those are just to name a few that I took for granted and had an immediate need and wished I had thought ahead to purchase. Enjoy the new grill! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave C Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 Another vote of confidence for Weber grills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BdoUK Posted April 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 I ended up with an electric start Toro mower (Seen Here). I really wanted a Honda but I couldn't justify the extra expense right now and most of the models they carried were out of stock. From what I have heard Toro seems to hold up well so I shouldn't have any major issues with it. Luckily the city of Lexington provides all outdoor garbage recepticles so I'll be in good shape there. I do need a push broom and garden hose though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exile Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 Toro is pretty good. Like Kelley, I have a Honda and wouldn't have it any other way. I ended up getting the Fiesta Grill, which took some time to find, but was definitely worth it in the end. An absolute amazing bargain for the price. Mine crapped after a year. I would never recommend these cheapo grills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainmaykr Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 I ended up with an electric start Toro mower (Seen Here). Excellent choice. I may opt for the same without the electric start, but I definately want that Toro platform. I'd go for a Honda, but unlike some here, I ain't made of money. Also, Craftsman mowers rate really well, and they have a few models that sport a Honda engine. Their others offer some compelling Briggs & Stratton powerplants. Something to think about for others looking to get into a proper mower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BdoUK Posted April 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 I didn't need the electric start, but after listening to all the women at work bitch about how hard it was to start their mowers I figured it might save me same grief when I eventually get married. It was only $30 more for the electric start model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exile Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 I'd go for a Honda, but unlike some here, I ain't made of money Neither am I. The $300 I spent now is less spent long term. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainmaykr Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 Neither am I. The $300 I spent now is less spent long term. Hrm. The cheapest Honda mower I've seen was $400, with the "nice" ones starting at $460. You sure you didn't get a Hando or a Hyundai? :lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exile Posted April 26, 2007 Report Share Posted April 26, 2007 No, I got a good deal locally. I try to avoid places like Home Depot. I believe mine was $329+ tax. Even at $400 I would have no issues pulling the trigger on it. This is money saved not money spent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoisonJam Posted April 27, 2007 Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 You won't go wrong with that Toro...Honda's are nice for sure but I have owned both and the Toro has done just as well and lasted just as long, for about 60% of the price. Great choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave C Posted April 27, 2007 Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 I have a Craftsman 5.5HP FWD with a Honda engine. No problems ever. Never had a pull start problem. I do maintenance (blade sharpening, oil) every 2-3 years or so. My only issue is that I should have gone with a Rear Wheel Drive model instead of Front Wheel. When the catch bag get about 3/4 full most of the weight sits on the rear wheels and the front wheels start to lose a bit of traction. However, the good thing about FWD is it seems easier to make turns and reduces the chance of damaging your lawn due to RWD spin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BdoUK Posted May 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2007 Any thoughts on Kenmore grills? After looking around the net it seems they are pretty highly regarded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlucci Posted May 1, 2007 Report Share Posted May 1, 2007 For Grills, I spend very little. I don't like cleaning them as I subscribe to Al Bundy's "Yesterday's ashes for tomorrow's burgers" philosophy. So I buy the cheapo grill at Walmart and when it starts to get too bad,I replace it. I've been through 3 in the 7 years of living in my house, which is not too bad, I guess. Spend a lot on a lawnmower, though. You'll be glad you did. Carlos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce B Posted May 1, 2007 Report Share Posted May 1, 2007 Cmon guys. Spend some money, you only live once. This is a lawnmower! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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