Grill recommendations ?
 

So on Friday my girlfriend and I are moving into our first house and I've been busy shopping for things we'll need - bought the lawn mower, rakes, trash barrells etc

But like any good man, I realize I need to get a grill. Now I am a Yankee so I don't know all the tricks you Southern boys have for BBQ.

What I need to know is should I go gas or charcoal ?

Can anyone recommend some good makes/models so I don't buy some POS that will die after one burger ?

Any advice is much appreciated

Charcoal...
Weber kettles are good-
BUT
The Kingsford Pro was my all time favorite. Sadly, mine cooked it's last rib-eye just over a year ago after 16 years of faithfully, flawlessly,l cooking all means of fish, feather, and mammal.
I do miss my grill :(

Eagle

Thanks Eagle

And to anyone who gives advice and finds themselves in Whitman MASS, the steaks and beers are on me

I've got a Vermont Castings gas grill.

Best edition to my patio in years!

mp

Traeger Pellet Grill
 

While a good ol' charcoal grill will trump this in the price department, a Traeger Wood Pellet Grill is probably the finest grill a man could ask for. These grills burn hardwood sawdust pellets from different types of wood, giving the food different sorts of flavors. My father has one and grills everything on it, from pizza to Thanksgiving turkey and frequent batches of turkey jerky and salmon. And we're from the northwest, I can only imagine what the Southern boys could use it for.

With the price, it really is a once-in-a-lifetime grill. (My pa got it as a gift.) A former national BBQ champion who is also a sales rep for my Dad's business used this one, he liked it not only because of the great flavor of the meat, but because very little work and time goes into starting the thing up.

Food for thought...or thoughts toward food, I guess.

On that note Dunbar since I'm in Woosta which is only what...half way across the state?? I should contribute my .02.
My family has a Weber Genesis Gold and we love it. Never had any problems at all and its big enough to grill for a bunch of people but it kind of is a little bit of an overkill if you and the g/f are the only ones who plan on using it most of the time.

I agree completely. They are versatile also. "Quick" smoking, fire pit, s'mores, just about anything is possible. Reasonably priced in various sizes according to space and needs, not to mention great availability of spare parts and accessories.

I bought a "smokin' joe" or "little smoky" whatever the smallest one is, about 9 years ago, it has been used as a fire pit numerous times for marshmallows or drinks outside after dinner when the temp drops. It is convenient and reasonably efficient with charcoal. Additionally it has never been covered or brought inside during winter. I have replaced the top grill once.

I have a much newer full size Weber with no bells or whistles which gets used less because of the number of people in the household, but is much better for slow indirect cooking and smoking, and obviously useful in feeding the hungry masses when they arrive in the summer.

You Mass knuckles
 

are in for a hurtin next time I am up that way. I come to "Woosta Mass" every couple of years to do some work at UMASSMED in their Virology research lab. Been coming and going since '86. Nice folks them "Woostafarians" :D

Eagle

If you go charcoal I suggest a smoker where the coals are on the side as in the other thread. That way if you just want to grill on the coals you dont have to use the smoker part. But you still have it for less than the cost of buying a grill and a smoker.

If your going gas I have a Legacy LS Holland Grill.

http://www.hollandgrill.com/ls_series/legacy_ls.html

My pop had a Holland for 15 years before a Tornado knocked down our barn with it. Pop got a new one from the insurance company. It only needed the legs straightened out and I used it for 2 years before buying my stainless steel one. Even then the thing just wont die as Maas now has it.


I also hear Decane makes a nice gas grill as well.

Woostafarians??
 

Woostafarians??? If I was actually from Worcester I'd be either insulted or amused not sure which. I'm just down here for school, originally from northern Mass, up near the NH border.
I actually go to school right near UMASSMED, just actually had to pay them a visit about 2 months ago since the food company who caters for my school decided to try to kill me. :mad:

I have a Weber Genesis Silver C. Love the grill, even have the rotisserie basket/motor for it. I've replaced the grates with the porcelain-coated cast iron.

I got the plans for a smoker here: http://how-to-plans.com/bbq_smoker_plans.html

Hopefully after I'm done redoing the lawn and putting in a fence this summer I'll build it as a project with my father-in-law.

Eagle if you can find Whitman.......I'll cook til you drop !

I think I'm going to go charcoal, and most likely with a Weber

Thanks guys its much appreciated !

Hey thanks for posting those smoker plans I think you just saved me $200.

Well that is if I can manage to weld it without ending up in the ER :D

That's what I want!

But I can't fabricate worth a darn does anyone build something similar, which sells as a unit, or a kit?

Terry

Speaking of building. Has anyone built a brick fireplace for BBQ?