My old BBQ shit the bed this past fall. To be fair, we've always bought cheap BBQ's which never last for more than a few years. This time I want to buy a proper BBQ. IT's between Weber, Napoleon, and Broil King.
I'm leaning towards Weber. I want a decent 4 burner BBQ. I don't care for any 'extra' features like side burners or anything. I just want a decent quality, basic BBQ that will last. I'm thinking something like Weber Genesis S-315 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-genesis-s-315-gas-grill?_pos=75&_fid=a2683aa7d&_ss=c). I think I prefer the stainless steel cooking grate over a cast iron grate, as it should be longer lasting, and more tolerant of poor maintenance and abuse. While I like the price of this one, I could wish that it was a little larger, and had an extra burner. When I cook wings on the BBQ, I tend to cook a LOT of wings, and space to move them around is appreciated.
Then there's something like the Napoleon Rogue Pro 425 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/napoleon-rogue-pro-425-ir-sib-gas-grill?_pos=138&_fid=d74ea1a27&_ss=c).
It's also a 3 burner grill with stainless steel grate, but this one has a side burner, which comes in handy perhaps a few times a year.
Finally, we have the Broil King Baron 420 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/broil-king-baron-420-pro-shadow?_pos=170&_fid=431ffe838&_ss=c). This is a proper 4-burner grill, also with a stainless steel grate. No frill on this grill. Does a Broil King hold up to a Weber when it comes to overall quality and longevity?
Somebody here must have some thoughts, experience, and preferences?
I'm a Weber fanboy. My current one is about 35 years old and still on the original burners. The biggest thing is that you can easily get replacement parts for grills of any age. And there's lots of after market options. For Weber's, the Genesis line is the way to go. And the sear station(4th burner) is nice if you grill lots of burgers and steaks, but not mandatory. Definitely get the stainless gates if you can, but stainless replacements aren't crazy expensive.
Napoleon grills are also very good, but I am not sure the parts availability is the same as Weber.
We had a lower tier Broil King at the cottage. It was good for a few years but eventually started falling apart. In my experience, they don't hold up as well as a Weber.
For my money, I be getting a last gen Genesis Weber (with the controls on the front) from FB Marketplace. Even if it needs $200 in replacement parts to get it back to new, you're way ahead. I managed to find a mint Genesis with stainless grates for the cottage for $200. And I brought it home in the Highlander!
But, there's deals on the Genesis II models as well: https://www.facebook.com/share/18Y42GYLah/ (natural gas, but you get the idea)
Hmmm, used grills. I'm not gonna lie, I've bought used grills off Kijiji before. I bought a Broil King one time and got a few years out of it. I think this time, I'd like something new that I can keep for 10-15 years.
If I stick with Weber (which I'm really leaning towards), I could spend a little more money and get something with some more features, like this one: Weber Genesis S-335c (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-genesis-s-335c-gas-grill?_pos=27&_fid=f49fe7f08&_ss=c). This one has a side burner, and a sear zone. At least, I'm assuming that's what that little red knob does?
Are these features worth the additional $300?
If you're keeping it for 15 years, that's 20 bucks a year extra. I'd say they are worth it. I prefer the enamel lids, but they don't come with stainless grills. You could save a few bucks with this and replace the grates in 5 years or so: https://www.weber.com/CA/en/gas/genesis/genesis-e-335c-gas-grill/1500583.html
A used Weber will still likely last you 10-15 years, and it's only frame rust that will do it in. The one I bought for the cottage has to be about 10 years old, still looks and works great.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczO4oPgSDArlnBreqWVAlesr-HmQ5C_3iKLh_aWg_N9t9VaADGUVOtLe6Vh2H6Vvou47veXws5MvdBuum7nUHPcPxixgc-8M7cynLLE6jS4CmBqqN3QQ=w2400)
I was a LONG time Napoleon fan boy, having bought one in 96. Kept it until about 2020. Just wanted something smaller, 2 burner. Was still running like a champ and sold it for decent money, too.
Bought a Weber as a replacement. Big mistake. Quality not up to par compared to Napoleon. I essentially bought the same grill you're looking at...but not stainless and only 2 burner. Same guts.
It's been a disappointing BBQ. It just feels cheap. Had a wheel fall off. Igniter failures. Parts have been readily replaced..but still. Definitely feels cheap and like a step down.
That being said, it cooks fine.
Since I cook most of my steak Sous Vide these days, it's mostly used for burgers, dogs and the like. I'll probably replace it with a Camp Chef flat top and a searing burner. If I get rid of my smoker too, I'd likely replace with a Camp Chef Woodwind.
If you had a two burner you had the Spirit model, which are indeed not as good as the Genesis models.
^^^That answers my next question: I can find Spirit models for less money, but it sounds like they're not up to par with quality, therefore I should just stay with the Genesis.
Regardless of what you get, I've been using Grill Grates for YEARS and will not own a grill without them. They work that well.
https://www.grillgrate.com
Quote from: Tortoise on Today at 11:11 AMIf you had a two burner you had the Spirit model, which are indeed not as good as the Genesis models.
My bro looked at the Genesis line and compared it to the Rogue and Lex Napoleons.
Weber Genesis was inferior to both. In both our opinions.
They just feel cheaper than Napoleons.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 11:16 AM^^^That answers my next question: I can find Spirit models for less money, but it sounds like they're not up to par with quality, therefore I should just stay with the Genesis.
Correct.
I've actually heard from a few different people that Weber Genesis is the one to get, and online reviews back those statements up. So, I'm not entirely sure where you're coming from, RRocket.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 11:37 AMIand online reviews back those statements up. So, I'm not entirely sure where you're coming from, RRocket.
Well I bought my Weber based on those same people...and here we are! LOL 😆
If you want to bury yourself in research, AmazingRibs.com has a truly exhaustive BBQ test area. A very good website IMO (my grill had the highest award there, too) Also bought my smoker based on their recommendations, too. And it has been spectacular! Just for fun, I checked pricing. I paid $500...they now retail for about $1500 now!! Yikes!!
Also, Napoleon Prestige is made in Canada, and the Rogue in China. In case that matters to you.
As nice as the Prestige is, they start at $2300.
Let me tell you, I walked into our local BBQ specialty store (luxe BBQ Company), and honestly, even though I'm planning on spending $1000-$1500 on a BBQ, I'm looking at the lower end of quality BBQ's. Most of their stock were in the $2300 - $5000 range, and they even had a few at $12k - $16k, and even one at $20k. Just insane!!!!
I'm thinking that BBQ's are like mountain bikes. You've got your budget brands that you can buy at Home Depot and Superstore. Those are like the Canadian Tire and Walmart Bikes. Then, when you got to a specialty BBQ store, that's like walking into an actual bike shop, with quality stuff, and sales staff who know what they're talking about.
Honestly, I felt like the average non-cyclist Joe Blow who would walk into my bike shop and not have any idea what he's looking at, and have to be guided through the process.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 11:55 AMAs nice as the Prestige is, they start at $2300.
Let me tell you, I walked into our local BBQ specialty store (luxe BBQ Company), and honestly, even though I'm planning on spending $1000-$1500 on a BBQ, I'm looking at the lower end of quality BBQ's. Most of their stock were in the $2300 - $5000 range, and they even had a few at $12k - $16k, and even one at $20k. Just insane!!!!
I'm thinking that BBQ's are like mountain bikes. You've got your budget brands that you can buy at Home Depot and Superstore. Those are like the Canadian Tire and Walmart Bikes. Then, when you got to a specialty BBQ store, that's like walking into an actual bike shop, with quality stuff, and sales staff who know what they're talking about.
Honestly, I felt like the average non-cyclist Joe Blow who would walk into my bike shop and not have any idea what he's looking at, and have to be guided through the process.
Truth be told, they'll all get the job done..especially so with mods like Grill Grates. Just be sure to do a bread test when you get your new grill to see if and where you have cold spots if you care about such things.
I'd say have a look at a Woodwind if you want to smoke, too. They used to be $1200 or so. But I'm scared to see what they are now!
I bought our Weber off my parents about 5-6 years ago and it was about that old when I bought it. I love that Weber has actual parts availability and its built well. Call me a Weber fanboy, but I've never met anyone that has one and had problems with it or didn't like it.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 11:55 AMAs nice as the Prestige is, they start at $2300.
-gasp!-
$2300 is too much for a grill.
I have read that the grills in the big box stores (HD, Lowes, etc) are not the same as those in the dedicated shops. But I haven't been able to confirm for myself.
Damnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
I have a Saber that I bought about 14 years ago. Its been great. Solid construction, stainless fasteners. I don't think I've seen a better built grill. That said, the Saber website seems to be going downhill, with little information about parts, etc. I wonder if they're on their way out. I could be wrong.
I'd be looking at the same brands you are if I was buying in that price range today. I haven't looked close enough at a Weber or Napolean lately to know which I'd prefer. I did buy a beaten up Broil King Regal for the lake and am surprised how solid it is, better than I was expecting. I had to replace a few parts and they were easily attainable from a Canadian grill site. Not much help I guess, but get your hands on all three if you can and see what you like.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 02:00 PMDamnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
Anyone I know with a pellet smoker also has a gas grill. I don't have a pellet smoker so I can't say for sure, but I think it comes down to convenience of gas when you just want to grill something (faster heat up, less clean up, etc). The other thing to consider is do you always want that smoker flavour?
I'd still scour FB Marketplace & Kijiji for grills. I got lucky back in 2021 and found a brand new in the box Napoleon LEX on Kijiji, the Costco version for $200 less than retail. It replaced my Vermont Castings (that I bought used 12yrs earlier) that was Made in Canada and still solid. I ended up giving the Vermont Castings away to one of the kids buddies and it still might be going. I do like the Napoleon, its' been fantastic!! It does have the side sear station, that I used MORE often than anticipated to sear certain cuts, and I've used it to boil water during power outages. It does also have the rear rotisserie burner that I have yet to use. I looked into purchasing the rotisserie for it, just never have bothered. I use my BBQ's year round, so between the Napoleon & the Louisiana Grills egg, they get a lot of use and both are still in fantastic shape & operating condition.
Quote from: Bridgecity on Today at 02:03 PMQuote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 02:00 PMDamnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
Anyone I know with a pellet smoker also has a gas grill. I don't have a pellet smoker so I can't say for sure, but I think it comes down to convenience of gas when you just want to grill something (faster heat up, less clean up, etc). The other thing to consider is do you always want that smoker flavour?
I asked these questions, specifically about needing a gas grill to accompany. And for most pellet smokers, yes that is the case. But with this Weber pellet grill, it's intended to completely replace gas, and be just as convenience. Maintenance is a little higher, as you need to routinely empty the ash tray, but as far as day-to-day cooking, it should be just as convenient as a gas. Also, at higher heat it produces less smoke, as it's burning the wood more completely in order to make that heat.
Quote from: Bridgecity on Today at 02:03 PMQuote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 02:00 PMDamnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
Anyone I know with a pellet smoker also has a gas grill. I don't have a pellet smoker so I can't say for sure, but I think it comes down to convenience of gas when you just want to grill something (faster heat up, less clean up, etc). The other thing to consider is do you always want that smoker flavour?
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 02:09 PMQuote from: Bridgecity on Today at 02:03 PMQuote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 02:00 PMDamnit, I just muddied the waters, and changed the whole game. At lunch I popped into Luxe BBQ, as I had questions for the guy there. I had my mind 98% made up to go with the Weber S-335, and just had a few questions. ONE of the questions I had was 'could a pellet grill replace a propane grill for daily use?' And he brought me over and showed me this:
Weber Searwood 600 (https://luxebbq.ca/products/weber-searwood-600-pellet-grill?_pos=3&_sid=5e5b82b0b&_ss=r)
So, this thing is a digitally controlled pellet grill. Self-ignites. Preheats in about 15-min, so similar to a gas grill. Digital temperature control. And it heats up to 600F, which while it isn't quite as hot as a gas grill can get in the sear zone, is pretty darn close. And the guy told me if I wanted to sear meat, I just take off the heat distributor plate, and sear right over the firebox. The best part is that it can do super low temperature with smoke, so you can slow cook ribs, smoke a brisket, etc.
I've got some thinking to do over the next little bit, but darn it, I'm leaning towards the pellet grill. It costs less than the S-335, too.
Anyone I know with a pellet smoker also has a gas grill. I don't have a pellet smoker so I can't say for sure, but I think it comes down to convenience of gas when you just want to grill something (faster heat up, less clean up, etc). The other thing to consider is do you always want that smoker flavour?
I asked these questions, specifically about needing a gas grill to accompany. And for most pellet smokers, yes that is the case. But with this Weber pellet grill, it's intended to completely replace gas, and be just as convenience. Maintenance is a little higher, as you need to routinely empty the ash tray, but as far as day-to-day cooking, it should be just as convenient as a gas. Also, at higher heat it produces less smoke, as it's burning the wood more completely in order to make that heat.
Yep, same as the Woodwind.
Not only can you control the heat..you can also control how much smoke.
I'd look into the cost of pellets before making that call.
A friend of mine bought the previous version of the Weber Searwood. Once he realized the thermometer was reading in Celsius he seemed to like it.
Already did. They're about $33/40lb bag, and the average burn rate is 1 lb/hr. So, given how often I BBQ in the summer, I'd get about a month out of a bag of pellets, perhaps a little more. I usually get about a month or two out of a tank of propane, and these days, a propane fill is $25 at Co-op. So the wood pellets will end up costing more, but not like an astronomical amount.
I am by no means a grill expert, but I will chime in a couple of thoughts.
One is definitely purely go with stainless steel grill grates. I had one with cast iron and rust becomes an issue.
Secondly, while that pellet grill is good concept, I still think it might be more of a pain than a gas grill. I can't imagine having to wait 10-15 minutes to grill some hotdogs and burgers. Sure if you are doing steak it's more acceptable.
I will most likely be replacing the current one I bought from Costco, Nexgrill is the brand name. It's a bigger grill, 4 burner, side sear zone, even has a rotisserie burner and came with the motor and spit. Honestly haven't used the rotisserie before. I believe I bought it around 9 years ago and it's the heat shield that is rusting out, just put an old baking pan over it and will get through another summer.
I will probably go with a Weber Genesis grill of kind in similar size, maybe find an end of season special this fall.
I have a cheap electric smoker that is about the size of a mini fridge and it's been excellent. I think it's 5 years old and we paid around $250 for it. It's nice because it's a digital display so easy to set and forget. I call it my "man slow cooker" because it's about the same amount of effort in cooking to a traditional slow cooker. Every 1.5 hours I empty the chips and replace with new ones and spray the meat with some kind of liquid, usually apple cider vinegar.
Like most things, a dedicated "tool" is typically better than one that does multiple jobs and I would assume a pellet grill/smoker might be the same.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Today at 04:05 PMAlready did. They're about $33/40lb bag, and the average burn rate is 1 lb/hr. So, given how often I BBQ in the summer, I'd get about a month out of a bag of pellets, perhaps a little more. I usually get about a month or two out of a tank of propane, and these days, a propane fill is $25 at Co-op. So the wood pellets will end up costing more, but not like an astronomical amount.
I've used $8 bag hardwood pellets from CDN Tire for smoking many times. Would be great in a BBQ UNLESS you're looking for a very specific smoke profile.
I also have chunks of apple, cherry, mulberry and some 10+ year aged whiskey barrel chunks.