New Grill Time! Recommendations Please

[rlj676]

So after 16+ years of good service my Weber Summit Gold has begun performing poor enough to go new. 1 perfectly cooked chicken thigh next to a near raw one put me over the edge.

I have an upper and lower deck, and ordered a Kamado Joe Classic III (w free joetiserie) for smoking and serious cooking (also replacing a crummy master built electric smoker).

So now I need something for upstairs deck with natural gas line. Main use is quick chicken cooking on a weeknight. I went top of line on the Kamado so looking for something a little more budget friendly, but not a 3 year disposable.
- new Weber Genesis seems made overseas and is different company (private equity) vs years ago and ugly (to me)
- Napoleon rogue is what I’m eyeing, anyone have one?
- only feature that seems cool is infrared side burner for searing
- broilking is NA made and looks nice, but unsure of longevity

Anyone have any other ideas or feedback on recent models above? Trying to stay as much under $1k as possible that will last?

[gnuyork]

Have you tried ordering a new burner and parts for your Weber? I have one of similar age, and I have replaced the burner and bars. It's like a new grill.

One of my clients is the founder of Primo grills, he says that Webers are not made like they used to be, and he would recommend I keep mine and not replace it with a new one.

Napoleon was also a client. Their stuff is pretty nice. Some of it is made overseas as well if I recall, but quality.

[brandrea]

I’d just replace the Weber with another Weber

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

Have you tried ordering a new burner and parts for your Weber? I have one of similar age, and I have replaced the burner and bars. It's like a new grill.

One of my clients is the founder of Primo grills, he says that Webers are not made like they used to be, and he would recommend I keep mine and not replace it with a new one.

Napoleon was also a client. Their stuff is pretty nice. Some of it is made overseas as well if I recall, but quality.

Thanks, Yes, I have considered that as it is a good idea. Did a light restoration last year and cleaned all burner holes etc. Could just get new flavorizers and have some improvement. However the cart has given up the ghost haha. Bottom is rusted through, I’ve painted a few times and rust quickly is back and staining concrete deck etc. I can’t figure out how to get replacement cart.

I also found some of Napoleon is now done in China, one of 3 plants. Hard to determine what models but I assume they’re freestyle for sure.

[Watch This]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’d just replace the Weber with another Weber

this

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’d just replace the Weber with another Weber

Unfortunately they’re not the same anymore as stated above.

The summit is likely to at least be US made still (not clear to me based on what local shops have said). However it is $2800 and full of gadgets I don’t need that I fear won’t last. Pop up rotisserie (handled by joetiserie), smoke box wasting grill space, etc. I know there are even more expensive grills of course but not looking at that level after also buying the Kamado I plan to use for fun cooking.

[AzPaul]

In keeping with the current trend of simplifying and scaling back . . . . .

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

In keeping with the current trend of simplifying and scaling back . . . . .

Nothing wrong with that

IMO spending huge on BBQ’s isn’t worth it. Buy a grill that gets supper hot and maintains heat and that’s about all you need to grill great meals.

Flame away if you must

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

In keeping with the current trend of simplifying and scaling back . . . . .

Ah. The deluxe model with the teak handles. So jealous.

I have a lousy old Cuisinart.

[swils8610]

Weber forever!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Nothing wrong with that

IMO spending huge on BBQ’s isn’t worth it. Buy a grill that gets supper hot and maintains heat and that’s about all you need to grill great meals.

Flame away if you must

That’s where I’m at. But I want it to last and be big enough to entertain a few folks… and that’s where you end up around $1k lol.

[Mendota]

I am in a similar situation with an aging grill. I am a huge proponent of repairing as needed if it's a good grill. I have a really nice Brinkmann that I got in 2004. It is charcoal and has dual zones, so you can practically feed an army with it if you have both sides going. It has grates for the charcoal that you can raise or lower for doing searing or other things. It has been a champ but they don't make parts for it anymore, so I have been repairing and fashioning makeshift parts out of other materials as various components eventually rust through. The biggest problem is the actual grilling grates, as they are cast iron and are a very specific and odd size. Nobody sells grates of this size, so once the grates eventually go out I'll probably have to get a new grill unless I can eventually find some.

I recently got a wood fire pizza oven and there are some cool contraptions you can get for these where you can do grilling inside the wood fire ovens.

[AzPaul]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Ah. The deluxe model with the teak handles. So jealous.

I have a lousy old Cuisinart.

Not as aesthetically pleasing, for sure, but having that lid can be a real plus.

[enjoythemusic]

Another vote for another Weber.

It's always sad when you know a great grill finally dies. My old Vermont Castings was like that.

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Another vote for another Weber.

It's always sad when you know a great grill finally dies. My old Vermont Castings was like that.

Has anyone priced Weber lately? Really proud… Napoleon seems to be same or better for a little less. Warranty is better.

I am struggling w the looks of the genesis as well but they still seem well built with innovative ideas. Just feels like for the money I get more w a Napoleon.

If anyone can figure how to get a new cart I’d be up for restoring mine again lol.

[twitch54]

my Weber Genesis lasted 17 seasons before the caster /leg area gave way to rust, etc. Bought a new Genesis II last year. To say it's not as good as the old one is pure BS, it is indeed better and that's coming from zero complaints with my old unit. I use it on avg 3-4 times a week and 1-2 times a week in winter.

Is there a better grill out there........not for the $$ spent !!

and yes, the Napoleon's look mighty nice as well !

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by twitch54

my Weber Genesis lasted 17 seasons before the caster /leg area gave way to rust, etc. Bought a new Genesis II last year. To say it's not as good as the old one is pure BS, it is indeed better and that's coming from zero complaints with my old unit. I use it on avg 3-4 times a week and 1-2 times a week in winter.

Is there a better grill out there........not for the $$ spent !!

and yes, the Napoleon's look mighty nice as well !

Feature wise there is definitely innovation, build qualityseems good. How long will it last? Can’t say for 17 years more if that’s as good. In general though it seems the reputation for this is down. Competitors have better warranties.

I’m turned off by the offshoring though while priced at a premium still (relative to competitors, not luxury grills)

Also take a look at the new genesis this year (no more II), funky looks.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by rlj676

Has anyone priced Weber lately? Really proud… Napoleon seems to be same or better for a little less. Warranty is better.... If anyone can figure how to get a new cart I’d be up for restoring mine again lol.

Very much understand, not about price but about wishing to keep the old unit going. If this was your main outdoor cooking surface I'd recommend the Lynx Pro all-Trident.

[twitch54]

Originally Posted by rlj676

Feature wise there is definitely innovation, build qualityseems good. How long will it last? Can’t say for 17 years more if that’s as good. In general though it seems the reputation for this is down. Competitors have better warranties.

I’m turned off by the offshoring though while priced at a premium still (relative to competitors, not luxury grills)

Also take a look at the new genesis this year (no more II), funky looks.

at my age if I get another 17 years out of GenII at that point I'll probably be lucky if I remember how to turn it on !

As for the Napoleon, there are no dealers in my area, seems like they are bigger out west

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Very much understand, not about price but about wishing to keep the old unit going. If this was your main outdoor cooking surface I'd recommend the Lynx Pro all-Trident.

Those are very nice but out of the budget I’m wanting right now given I just got the Kamado joe classic iii, a hot tub and will be needing a tv etc out there :)

I am curious about the infrared like lynx or Tec, maybe in 15 years.

I think I’m going w the Napoleon Prestige 500. Made in Canada, lifetime warranty, good buikd quality.

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by twitch54

at my age if I get another 17 years out of GenII at that point I'll probably be lucky if I remember how to turn it on !

As for the Napoleon, there are no dealers in my area, seems like they are bigger out west

Haha well here’s to replacing it w a genesis X in 20 years.

[Spanky4888]

Originally Posted by rlj676

Those are very nice but out of the budget I’m wanting right now given I just got the Kamado joe classic iii, a hot tub and will be needing a tv etc out there :)

I am curious about the infrared like lynx or Tec, maybe in 15 years.

I think I’m going w the Napoleon Prestige 500. Made in Canada, lifetime warranty, good buikd quality.

I have this exact grill and it’s been amazing. Build quality, fit, and finish are excellent. Very sturdy. Can’t say enough good things about it…I’ve used all its features and it’s been great. FWIW I’m a mechanical engineer and am usually very critical and picky about these things.

[Sperry]

Southbend HDC-36 36" Heavy Duty Gas Charbroiler w/ Cast Iron Radiants

With a fabricated stainless shell and pivoting cover.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Spanky4888

I have this exact grill and it’s been amazing. Build quality, fit, and finish are excellent. Very sturdy. Can’t say enough good things about it…I’ve used all its features and it’s been great. FWIW I’m a mechanical engineer and am usually very critical and picky about these things.

[scarlet knight]

We have a MHP grill. Made in America. Hot flame cooks like a flame thrower. It is a gas grill hooked up to a gas line. We are on our second one since 2001. Highly recommended. We try to get superior things, this is one of them.

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by Spanky4888

I have this exact grill and it’s been amazing. Build quality, fit, and finish are excellent. Very sturdy. Can’t say enough good things about it…I’ve used all its features and it’s been great. FWIW I’m a mechanical engineer and am usually very critical and picky about these things.

Great feedback, thanks! I’m an ME (well by degree) and am drawn to design and build quality as well. I’m actually wanting the one with no features, just 4 burners lol.

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by scarlet knight

We have a MHP grill. Made in America. Hot flame cooks like a flame thrower. It is a gas grill hooked up to a gas line. We are on our second one since 2001. Highly recommended. We try to get superior things, this is one of them.

I like these and the broilmasters. Simple, classic and should last forever. However they are not so appealing to the wife and they are fairly small while being more money than what I’m looking at.

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by Sperry

Southbend HDC-36 36" Heavy Duty Gas Charbroiler w/ Cast Iron Radiants

With a fabricated stainless shell and pivoting cover.

You use a commercial grade indoor grill outside w a cover? Pics? I love commercial grade stuff and wouldn’t think of this lol. Price is too high for me right now in any case …

[dkg1616]

Just go back with the Weber - napoleon is a little step above.

I have a green egg and Weber now!

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by dkg1616

Just go back with the Weber - napoleon is a little step above.

I have a green egg and Weber now!

Which do you use more out of curiosity?

Weber pricing is very high now, a genesis is over $1k and a summit $2800. The competing Napoleons are actually less I think.