Need a new propane grill. What's your opinion of the best of the best?

[Libohunden]

Thanks again! 

My only worry is that I'll find the 500 model too small on occasion.  I'm sure it will be fine most of the time though.  Decisions decisions!

Just checked out that article.  Sounds like a Napoleon of some sort may be in my future!  The CR subscription has just been approved by my 5 year old!

 

[1stlink]

Okay good luck and I hope you make the right decision  Incidentally did you notice that that post that I listed is almost 3 years old  and this same product is still available so I would think that would be a good thing.  8)

Ps,  made in Canada

 

[1stlink]

Here's another one in your target price range

http://www.napoleongrills.com/grills/product-details/productid/12/ccd/en-ca/lex-mirage-730-with-side-burner-and-infrared-bottom-rear-burners

 

[Libohunden]

She looks plenty big!  What are the reviews on that baby? 

I don't get the ice bucket like the reviewer in the blog post said.  But this one does have a warming bin.  That would be nice!

 

[1stlink]

Consumer Reports rates that model a 70 compared to their Weber at 81

Two of the three reviews posted were negative.

 

[DivotMaker]

Libo - if you have a $2k budget, why not just go with the best?  Parts, support, longevity, great build quality.  I know if I had that budget for a grill, this would be the one!  Some of the "here today, gone tomorrow" no names scare me.  Too much money to not have support a year or two down the road, when Costco (or Sam's) no longer carries it!

Weber S-620

 

[old sarge]

I have a 42 inch Ducane Meridian that was actually made by Twin Eagles.  Wonderful grill.  Other premium grills are Kalamazoo, Lynx, DCS.  It's a;; abut the price. The Kalamazoo is rather unique.  If you have seen the cooking show, Mexico, One Plate at a Time, with Rick Bayless, Kalamazoo is the grill he uses.  His stove is a 5 Star, made by the Brown Stove Works.  Anyway, here is the link.

http://kalamazoogourmet.com/products/hybrid-fire-grill/

 

[DivotMaker]

Dave, the Ducane's are very nice.  I remember when the only place you could find them was at the propane stores!  That Kalamazoo is one bad-a$$ grill, but YIKES!  A little out of my price range!!

 

[Libohunden]

Divot, I'm not sure it is the best. It looks nice and I know Webers have a good reputation.  But for the same price the Napoleon seems to have more features.  The Napoleon also seems to be pretty highly rated (at least by CR).  Obviously some of what you are paying for in a Weber is that reputation.  The Napoleon may be as good or even better quality with more features because they haven't been around long enough to build that reputation yet.  The verdict is still out until I do more research (I've got a few weeks before I need to buy). I did notice that the Weber doesn't kick out the kind of heat nor does it have a searing station.  Heck for that matter, it doesn't have a lot of the bells and whistles of the Napoleon.  So far the Napoleon is looking very attractive to me.  However, I've never owned a weber so I don't have that brand loyalty yet.  Also, I'm not too worried about the parts issue.  I doubt they'll go away but that is a risk you take in not buying the big name brands.

 

[Libohunden]

Dave, the Ducane's are very nice.  I remember when the only place you could find them was at the propane stores!  That Kalamazoo is one bad-a$$ grill, but YIKES!  A little out of my price range!!

Yikes!  That thing is crazy expensive!

 

[DivotMaker]

Divot, I'm not sure it is the best. It looks nice and I know Webers have a good reputation.  But for the same price the Napoleon seems to have more features.  The Napoleon also seems to be pretty highly rated (at least by CR).  Obviously some of what you are paying for in a Weber is that reputation.  The Napoleon may be as good or even better quality with more features because they haven't been around long enough to build that reputation yet.  The verdict is still out until I do more research (I've got a few weeks before I need to buy). I did notice that the Weber doesn't kick out the kind of heat nor does it have a searing station.  Heck for that matter, it doesn't have a lot of the bells and whistles of the Napoleon.  So far the Napoleon is looking very attractive to me.  However, I've never owned a weber so I don't have that brand loyalty yet.  Also, I'm not too worried about the parts issue.  I doubt they'll go away but that is a risk you take in not buying the big name brands.

Napoleon's Pro500 looks like a formidable grill.  I also like many of the additional "bells and whistles" you talked about.  There are some really fine options out there, these days.  Seems like even the super-cheapie "big box" grills are even a cut above what they used to be!  Looks like Napoleon has been around awhile, just not so long in the grill biz.  I guess I do have a "brand loyalty" to Weber - 18 years of proof!  But, that doesn't mean there may not be better options.  I just threw the S620 into the ring, and I appreciate your comparison!  Good luck in your quest for grilling perfection!

 

[jcboxlot]

On what planet !

http://kalamazoogourmet.com/products/hybrid-fire-grill/freestanding-grills/

"Argentinian-style Gaucho Grill"

 

[old sarge]

OK, the Kalamazoo is way over the top.  But it is sweet.  I looked up the Napoleon and found this commercial:

http://www.napoleongrills.com/tv

Nice grills!

 

[jcboxlot]

Libohunden


Think long term and find (know how to find) replacement parts.  Any $800 + gasser should last 15 + years.

Nep has been around for a while, but go and touch / see each one vs weber large grill in person. 

You'll know when you lift the lid which one you want. 

Oh wait, I had cars and an ex wife that didn't pass that test!  Just get the grill you want and enjoy
 

 

[OFFSHORE GINGER]

I just purchased a Spirt-E-310 and to tell you the truth it really is one of the best grills I ever purchased for the price . http://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-Spirit-E-310-3-Burner-Propane-Gas-Grill-Featuring-the-Gourmet-BBQ-System-46513101/204706696

 

[Walt]

The Weber Genesis EP-330 also has a searing station & can be had for about $850.

 

[OFFSHORE GINGER]

http://www.hollandgrill.com/

 

[OFFSHORE GINGER]

http://www.broilmaster.com/bm/

 

[RSNovi]

I just replaced my still working gas grill with a Cookshack pellet grill.  It arrived today and I cooked my first steak on it this evening.  Getting a smoker left me desiring more flavor than the gas grill was providing.

 

[old sarge]

The smell of wood smoke and the taste it imparts is hard to beat. Congrats on the pellet pooper.