I have a Weber kettle that I bought on-sale for my birthday in 2022. Had an Ace Hardware coupon added to bring it down to $179 plus tax. After three months I had to have the top lid replaced under warranty as the ceramic coating was flaking off. The same is now happening to the bottom bowl. Very disappointing as my parents Weber kettle was purchased new in 1988 and skill rock solid. Their grill is much heavier duty.
Back Yard Grills
- Thread starter Passport1
- Start date
We had the same grill but with the enclosed bottom and stainless steel doors, still going strong for about the same period of time. Left it behind in our moves to a new home March of 2023. We replaced the grates and burner tube too. The one that connects the the front and back burner. (or did we? not sure if I ever got around to it)
New home, new grill, the Webers are pricey for sure now but worth it to us. Last forever, well made.
We now have a 3 burner Weber Genesis purchased April 2023, open bottom on this one.
This one, (dont feel like going outside to take the cover off)
I am so happy with our new E-335, Costco Weber. $799. ($949 now) Absolute steal deal IMHO. I have pics of before and after of our old 2000 Weber Genesis Gold in the pictures thread. Rebuilt/replaced almost all parts except lid and cast heat box. Worth it to do that at the time, and I nursed it along - like a frog in slowly boiling water. I really just adapted to the crappy cooking and massive flame up and mess.
With the new design, perpendicular burners, sear burner, etc wow. Perfect.
The only drawback and mentioned in a way is the grill itself, but even then this comes with seasoned cast iron grates, not sheet metal enamel porcelain I see in the Home Depot/Lowe's versions (in fact seems like the Costco version is different than Weber site, even the side burner on right v left). That said Weber wants over $215 for the 9mm stainless grates and they are out of stock (wow). So I bought these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NMCDM82?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Now we have two sets of (heavy) grates, just store them in the base. Both work fine, the cast grates are flippable for skinny or fat grill marks.
Anyway been grilling almost every day, beef, lamb, pork, wurst, chicken/chicken wings. Completely luxurious. I even did a big pot of boiling water outside on the side burner without heating the AC house. Sweet.
With the new design, perpendicular burners, sear burner, etc wow. Perfect.
The only drawback and mentioned in a way is the grill itself, but even then this comes with seasoned cast iron grates, not sheet metal enamel porcelain I see in the Home Depot/Lowe's versions (in fact seems like the Costco version is different than Weber site, even the side burner on right v left). That said Weber wants over $215 for the 9mm stainless grates and they are out of stock (wow). So I bought these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NMCDM82?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Now we have two sets of (heavy) grates, just store them in the base. Both work fine, the cast grates are flippable for skinny or fat grill marks.
Anyway been grilling almost every day, beef, lamb, pork, wurst, chicken/chicken wings. Completely luxurious. I even did a big pot of boiling water outside on the side burner without heating the AC house. Sweet.
Weber Spirit from around 2011. 2 Burner, easily serviceable and has surprisingly good cooking space for a family of 6. Paid $70 for it at an estate sale years back in mint condition. Weber Kettle as well for mostly smoking but the occasional grill. Recently contacted Weber because the battery cap for the ignitor cracked. They wanted to sell me the whole ignitor assembly so I passed and did the next best thing...
25 years ago I bought an MHP natural gas grill and it's been good, at least as far as that goes. I've replaced the burner a couple of times and the igniter, as well as the ceramic briquettes once and the SS grate they sit on. But the cast aluminum housing has been durable. I just sand blasted the lower section this summer and repainted it so hopefully it will last a few more years.
It wasn't until I got my Big Green Egg that I learned charcoal briquettes aren't made out of charcoal, but CHARed wood byproducts and COAL. Invented by Henry Ford to get rid of wood waste products from auto manufacturing. Cooking over coal. Ewww. Until then the only thing I'd use a gas grill for is to light my briquettes or cook an occasional burger or dog.
Now I have the Egg I don't use the gas grill at all. I light the Egg using alcohol and a cotton ball (or paper towel) and by the time the meat is seasoned it's ready to go. Fuel is charcoal and large block wood chunks, mostly mesquite.
Now I have the Egg I don't use the gas grill at all. I light the Egg using alcohol and a cotton ball (or paper towel) and by the time the meat is seasoned it's ready to go. Fuel is charcoal and large block wood chunks, mostly mesquite.
I lost you there.
I recently bought a Monument grill. They are rated very high in terms of customer satisfaction by Consumer Reports. The price point is very good considering it came with both a sear station and side burner. Its not as sturdy as my 25 year old Weber was but performs very well. You can buy direct from its website and save a little by applying available online coupons.
My parents had a Broil King natural gas grill on the patio when I was growing up. I'm a fan of charcoal grilling, but natural gas grills should be more popular IMO.
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2023
- Messages
- 865
I prefer a Texas style barrel grill with cast iron grates & smoker firebox. Charcoal and Briquettes are my preferred fuels for natural smoke flavors, searing and ease of portability. Though for the most part I mostly do BBQ at home.
I currently own a Char Griller, for about 2 years, upgrading from a smaller sized one. Only complaint I have to add is you'll need to a little aftermarket modding such as sealing the hatch leakage points with high temp RTV & insulating liner to get good heat seal.
The charcoal holding tray on mine is starting to show severe rust from heat oxidation by repeated use. I might have to order a replacement tray in the next year or two. The grill overall has worked well for us without having to think about getting a replacement.
Also to get a good flame the secret is getting a charcoal lighter chimney, stay away from lighter fluids. Only 15 minute prep time for a hassle free hot batch of coals.
I currently own a Char Griller, for about 2 years, upgrading from a smaller sized one. Only complaint I have to add is you'll need to a little aftermarket modding such as sealing the hatch leakage points with high temp RTV & insulating liner to get good heat seal.
The charcoal holding tray on mine is starting to show severe rust from heat oxidation by repeated use. I might have to order a replacement tray in the next year or two. The grill overall has worked well for us without having to think about getting a replacement.
Also to get a good flame the secret is getting a charcoal lighter chimney, stay away from lighter fluids. Only 15 minute prep time for a hassle free hot batch of coals.
I recently retired a 20+ year old Broil King. Inherited it from my FIL and converted it to propane 8 or 9 years ago. It was still working fine but the frame was rusting and it needed a complete rebuild.
But that seemed like a lot of work so we bought a Weber Spirit 3 burner.
If anyone wants the old Broil King they can have it, along with the natural gas burners. As I say it was working just fine. It's located on Vancouver Island.
But that seemed like a lot of work so we bought a Weber Spirit 3 burner.
If anyone wants the old Broil King they can have it, along with the natural gas burners. As I say it was working just fine. It's located on Vancouver Island.
There's a new one . Every piezoelectric igniter including my trusty old Weber doesn't need a battery.
Engineers complicating things.
Last edited:
I would love an offset burner. But I am near out patio space - grill, griddle and vertical smoker!
Plus with 50/50 duties cooking my wife loves propane muchly. I have to admit the convenience and speed weigh largely in favor.
I might build a stand alone cooking hovel out back
Plus with 50/50 duties cooking my wife loves propane muchly. I have to admit the convenience and speed weigh largely in favor.
I might build a stand alone cooking hovel out back
Lump charcoal is 100% charcoal. Charcoal briquettes are a combination of things. Like Kingsford (a popular brand) briquettes are made from coal, charred wood (effectively charcoal), starch (as a binder) sawdust and sodium nitrate.
Lump charcoal is natural, charcoal briquettes use waste products in their makeup. That doesn't necessarily mean they are bad for you, but I grill and smoke a lot. I don't want unnatural additives in my smoked meats. I get enough carcinogens as it is.
Ahha right I see. Well I guess I’m not too worried about that in light of what happens during the grilling process. If I’m okay with that then I’m going to be all right with the charcoal - especially if you grill out a lot.
An old 2 burner Weber that is over 20yrs old now if I remember correctly. Burners were replaced once and it is a gem. Love it. Also have a little barrel type smoker my kids gave me about 6 or 7 years ago
I also have a Weber, and part of my thinking at purchase time was that I'll probably always be able to get parts for it.
Similar threads
