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Replies: 39
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Gridiron Giant [15398]
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Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 12:33 AM
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What is your favorite grill?
I just bought my first house and need to get a grill for the back patio. I'm up for good Gas vs Charcoal debate here.
My budget is around $300.
I'll mostly be cooking Steak, Hamburger.
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CU Guru [1270]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 12:42 AM
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A great first grill is the Weber. Pretty straight forward and produces well-flavored meats, just let the charcoal get hot enough to cook!
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Varsity [104]
TigerPulse: 92%
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kamado akorn
Aug 8, 2017, 1:52 PM
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I have a Chargriller Akorn from Walmart, $250 out the door.
Its just like a Big Green Egg.
I can grill burgers and brats all day.
I can sear a steak at 700 degrees.
I can smoke pork ribs, butts, brisket at 220 for 16+ hours
and I can even use it as a pizza oven.
I use Royal Oak Lump Charcoal and a chimney starter with my choice of wood chunks (usually go with peach, apple, cherry, or mesquite)
One nice aspect is how efficient it is. I smoked ribs for 6 hours and used only about a quarter of the charcoal I poured in. its air tight, its triple insulated, has an ash pan for easy cleaning.
Kamados' recirculate air and moisture internally, so no need for a water pan and you dont need to soak your wood chunks.
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Varsity [104]
TigerPulse: 92%
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more pics
Aug 8, 2017, 1:54 PM
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Here are some ribs I made, along with some baked beans (beans, brown sugar, pulled pork, and bacon) and some mac n' cheese (4 types of cheddar, cream cheese, milk, noodles, crushed up bacon, homemade bbq rub) I made all on the smoker.
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Freshman [6]
TigerPulse: 100%
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All-Pro [663]
TigerPulse: 92%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 2:56 AM
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The "experts" all seem to agree that a good sear on a steak is critical and give the nod to charcoal because it gets hotter than gas.
They are less one-sided on taste but I think you just can't beat the smokiness of real charcoal. Most detractors mention the "gasoline" smell of starter fluid but you can easily find a starter cone that works with newspaper. The only times I've noticed the fuel small were the times I got in a hurry and didn't let it fully burn off.
I grill a lot and for me the only negative to the real thing is having to buy and store the bags (I get the large double bags from Sam's.
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Varsity [104]
TigerPulse: 92%
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Never use lighterfluid!!
Aug 8, 2017, 2:39 PM
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It tastes awful and it leaves toxins in your food.
Use a chimney starter.
If that doesnt do it, take some dryer lint, ball it up, put it on the charcoal, light it, then pile 3 pieces of charcoal around it like a pyramid and let it burn.
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Valley Legend [12513]
TigerPulse: 100%
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i got a pickle bucket from firehouse subs to store my leftov
Aug 8, 2017, 4:21 PM
[ in reply to Re: Calling all Grill Masters ] |
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er charcoal in after i open a bag. these buckets have a sealing lid that keeps moisture out.
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Game Changer [2088]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 3:45 AM
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Charcoal is best, but obviously you have to plan for the coals to get hot. You'll be lucky to get 5 years out of a grill, charcoal or gas, unless you keep it covered. Start saving now for a Big Green Egg. Bought one three years ago and won't go back to anything else!
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Tiger Titan [48079]
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I am about to buy my mother a Green Egg for her Bday Sept 1.
Aug 8, 2017, 6:55 AM
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She really wants one for some reason, because her friends raves about theirs. What's so great about them? I am not an expert on grilling.
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Ultimate Tiger [33632]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2003
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Nothing.. and everything
Aug 8, 2017, 7:59 AM
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The egg shape funnels the heat upward.. and it is a thick ceramic covering.
These 2 things make it require less fuel and increase efficiency.
The trade off is cost, grill area, and weight.
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Varsity [104]
TigerPulse: 92%
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Re: I am about to buy my mother a Green Egg for her Bday Sept 1.
Aug 8, 2017, 2:41 PM
[ in reply to I am about to buy my mother a Green Egg for her Bday Sept 1. ] |
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With kamados you can grill, smoke, and bake.
You can smoke a brisket for 16 hours at 220, bake biscuits, sear steak, and even cook wood fired pizza.
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Game Changer [1683]
TigerPulse: 94%
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TigerNet Immortal [172516]
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 6:38 AM
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Holland grill for gas. Weber grill for charcoal. If you take care of them and out of the weather, the cheap grills $50-$60 will last two to three years.
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All-TigerNet [5619]
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39
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 6:45 AM
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Ultimately is good to have a gas grill and a lump charcoal smoker. I use the gas grill when I need to cook something quick without much prep time like after work etc and also if something needs a little more additional cook time and I've already started choking out the smoker. I like Weber for gas grills and Kamado Joe Big Joe for lump smoker (Get one from a Costco road show and save a ton of money). You may have to bump up your budget a bit for a Weber gas grill though. The cheaper gas grills will typically only last 3 years.
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Associate AD [1095]
TigerPulse: 99%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 6:55 AM
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Weber gas for the money and time....save for an egg like others have said. But need one of each IMO
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Rival Killer [2729]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Go Charcoal! And get a Weber Charcoal Chimney ($15)
Aug 8, 2017, 6:58 AM
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Gas is great for quick grilling (kids chicken and hot dogs etc) but a charcoal grilling experience is second to none.
Beer, tunes, and smoke from a charcoal grill.
Football is here!
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Tiger Spirit [9192]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Go Charcoal! And get a Weber Charcoal Chimney ($15)
Aug 8, 2017, 7:24 AM
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Ditto on the chimney
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Paw Warrior [4951]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Go with a charcoal grill
Aug 8, 2017, 6:59 AM
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Get one with a fire box off to one side ( for smoking). It also allows for wood burning to add flavor. I only use a gas grill for keeping food warm. If you are smoking, on the side away from the fire, use aluminum pan for cider vinegar, soft drinks or beer to keep the meat moist.
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Oculus Spirit [43142]
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Joined: 1998
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Gas is not grilling...period. Get a Weber charcoal grill.
Aug 8, 2017, 7:10 AM
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You can cook both direct and indirect and they are great for smoking as well. Plus the grill will last 10-15 years easily.
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Clemson Icon [26977]
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Re: Gas is not grilling...period. Get a Weber charcoal grill.
Aug 8, 2017, 7:30 AM
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Now, now Neal! My Lowes Charbroil (gas) lasted me 12 years, and I just bought another one - also for a bit less than those Webers. I've never had anyone complain about my ribs, steaks (or whatever), and the bourbon tastes just the same while I'm there cooking...
hth CC? Especially if you're on a budget (or poor.... I mean frugal) like me!
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Dynasty Maker [3506]
TigerPulse: 90%
34
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 7:28 AM
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gas + seasoned wood
Charcoal not so go for ya.
buy the stainless walmart,loves or home depot.
walmart
Product - Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 500 3-Burner Gas Grill
Product Image
Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 500 3-Burner Gas Grill
Price$281.66
Free shipping
Free store pickup
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Varsity [104]
TigerPulse: 92%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 1:55 PM
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There is nothing wrong with charcoal as long as you dont use matchlight or any lighter fluid.
Use a chimney and let the coals come up to temp and youre fine.
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Commissioner [908]
TigerPulse: 95%
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I have had weber charcoal for
Aug 8, 2017, 7:32 AM
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8 years. Looks
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Ultimate Tiger [33632]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Posts: 36054
Joined: 2003
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Let me tell something to you
Aug 8, 2017, 8:07 AM
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There are thousands of different setups now a days. Starting out, I'd just get a simple 24 inch weber. .
But but but... my only true reccomendation is to get a charcoal starter.
They only cost a few dollars but will save you time and monies.
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Ultimate Tiger [33632]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Posts: 36054
Joined: 2003
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And a mother trucking "reliable " cooking thermo meter.***
Aug 8, 2017, 8:30 AM
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Rock Defender [72]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 8:09 AM
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Get a combo grill that has a three burner gas grill on the left, same size charcoal in the middle with a side firebox attached to the charcoal side for smoking. All options in one grill and you can get them reasonably priced($300 or so).
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Varsity [217]
TigerPulse: 100%
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An excellent resource right here...
Aug 8, 2017, 8:33 AM
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Visit: http://amazingribs.com/
Lots of reviews, buying guides, techniques, forums and the science behind grilling, smoking, etc. Great for us engineer geeks, and pretty entertaining to boot. If you're like me you will find yourself referring back to this site a lot.
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All-Conference [423]
TigerPulse: 100%
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My opinion....sorry it's a long opinion
Aug 8, 2017, 8:58 AM
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Any grill will last years if you keep it covered. I just picked up a 12 yr old Ducane from my father in law. Ducane is now owned by Weber. It took a while to clean it and some new burners and igniter but it works better than any $260 steel gas grill from Lowes or HD. Charbroil has a nice SSteel two burner grill at Lowes for $250. Gas is good for needing stuff cooked within 30 minutes. Make sure to have an upper tray for things like bread or vegetables. Spend the extra $30 on a cover and it will last for a long time. I also like to put tin foil on bottom of my grills. Most cheaper grills have thin painted steel and usually that's the first thing to rust out. I'm a big huge fan of Weber grills. The best grill imo but the costs can be steep but you get a lot of grill for the money. Find a friend that's in military and get another 10% off the sale price.
As far as charcoal grill, they are my favorite for true grilling taste. It screams out TAILGATING!!!! Nothing like sitting around a charcoal grill, beer in hand watching some Tiger Football! But charcoal takes time to prepare. Plus my wifey isn't that strong to do all the things needed to be done for charcoal grilling. So it does has its limits compared to gas grill. I've noticed lately that there are hybrid grills such as Oklahoma Joe (at Lowes) for around $400. You get the best of three styles of cooking. One side is gas and other side is charcoal with a smoke box on the side. I've heard a lot of great reviews as long as you seal the chit out of it. Most experienced grillers will want to put together these types of grill so they can use hi temp RTV at all the seams. If you buy the preassembled one then you may be disappointed when it comes to smoking a nice pork shoulder. Smoke should only be coming out of the stack and not the door or lump box. Again I'd put aluminum foil down bc these types of grills are mild steel and will rust. One important note to do before grilling is to preseason it. I've smeared bacon grease all over (inside and out) mine and heat it for a few hours. This helps reduce rust on outside and gives a good flavor smell on inside. Eventually that bacon grease will harden up and leave a thin coat of protection.
Regardless what you get, make sure it's easy for ur wifey to use. Stainless steel parts will last way longer than ceramic coated parts. Use hi temp sealant if you go with a smoker. Go online and research Best Grills and you will open up a world that you never thought existed!
Happy grillin',
Matt
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Paw Warrior [4788]
TigerPulse: 100%
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For a gas grill, get a Weber. Very well built and very
Aug 8, 2017, 9:24 AM
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sturdy. I've had CharBroil gas grills over the years and they generally don't last 2 - 3 years before you have to start replacing burners, etc. Weber is more expensive, but will last a lot longer. Plus, the heat is even around the grill (no cold spots). If you can't get the smoke box option, they do make a stainless steel smoker box for around $30 that you place on the grates that works pretty good.
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Associate AD [1052]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 9:27 AM
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Master the Weber first... then proceed to the green egg.
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Commissioner [1280]
TigerPulse: 97%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 1:44 PM
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First question is when, what, and how fast do you normally cook?
Growing up, we exclusively cooked on charcoal as a ritual, with lead times of a few hours of getting coals ready, allowing them burn off a bit/settle, then taking time to cook.
Currently now own a Weber charcoal and one of the new Gen2 4-burner gas ones (after cooking on an earlier version Weber Genesis for 15 years - literally rebuilt it 3 times).
The MOST important thing for a gas grill is getting stainless steel on the grates/bars inside vs. the cast iron or porcelain - it is well worth it.
If cook time isn't critical, I'd start with a mid-size Weber charcoal at around $100. Have fun and learn heat, searing and indirect cooking. Then save a few more $s and watch for late summer deals on Weber gas (getting stainless).
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All-In [29076]
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All-In [29076]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2011
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Hall of Famer [23994]
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 4:11 PM
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I have a Weber Genesis S-330 that works great.
If its not a weber its not worth grilling on
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Standout [328]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 4:33 PM
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I had someone make a grill for me out of a 55 gallon drum. They used a stainless steel expanded metal grate for the grilling surface. They also made a shelf / tray on 3 sides of the grill. The drum has a few small slots cut in the bottom for draining into a channel. Probably the best grill I've ever owned. Cost me about $300. It is a gas grill and it is very easy to remove the burner and clean.
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TigerNet Eternal Icon [187981]
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Have not seen any pellet grill users here
Aug 8, 2017, 4:41 PM
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but do some research and you will find this to be a great type of grill.
That being said, if I were to advise someone to get a grill and start learning, I would go with the Webber Kettle. You cannot beat the price, versatility and taste of food properly prepared on this grill.
Gas grills are definitely simpler to use, but lack the taste to me. Pellet grills are super easy to use, but are more expensive and if you want a direct grilling option, even more expensive - not in your price range.
With a Kettle, you can direct grill, indirect grill/cook and smoke - you are just going to have to add some thermometer cost so you can learn to control heat for smoking.
As someone else said, get a good meat thermometer - either a constant read like a Maverick, or an instant read like a Thermapen - over cooking meat is the main problem of new/inexperienced griller, imo.
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CU Medallion [20860]
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Charcoal far superior to gas, even if just straight
Aug 8, 2017, 4:46 PM
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Kingsford briqs, though there are a lot of great chunk hardwood charcoal options to add a little sputzch to the flavor.
Had a gas grill for a long time out of habit and can't imagine ever going back. It doesn't take that much longer at all than gas when it comes down to it, and well worth the results.
The basic Weber bowl is a gem. You can do a lot with it and get a good feel for the different woods, coal, and temps.
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All-In [27366]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2011
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Charcoal --> Clemson, Gas --> UCLA***
Aug 8, 2017, 5:11 PM
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Trainer [36]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Calling all Grill Masters
Aug 8, 2017, 7:12 PM
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Hey I bought this grill: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Huntington-Cast-4200-2-Burner-Propane-Gas-Grill-665154/206087913
I had a Char-Broil before that and it rusted quickly and fell apart. I did a good bit of research before buying another one. The grill above is cast and a little more simple with the construction. I keep a cheap cover on it and have been very happy. It seems very resistant to falling apart and it is a good bit cheaper than Weber stuff. Charcoal grills are probably more for those who are "grill masters" but I like to be able to quickly grill whenever I want to (or the wife wants me to) with propane.
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Replies: 39
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