Reliability and what to buy

[old sarge]

Howdy folks,
I am giving a lot of thought to getting my son and his family a new gas grill, maybe for Christmas, maybe a little later.  I have looked at a lot of gas grills of the stainless variety. I was not tied to any particular brand.  When possible I have done the touchy feely on the grills, much to the chagrin of store employees as I would wriggle lids (sort of a slight twisting), disassemble down to the bottom of the cook box in order to check the stoutness of burners and metal flame tamers and the like as well as look over the grease management, etc. I have looked at Weber, Master Forge (Lowes), Kitchen Aid, Broil King, Sears Kenmore, NexGrill, Dyna-Glo.  So I am looking for info on the grills I cannot see personally:  Bull, Urban Island (mfg Bull for Costco), Lion, and Blaze. Anyone here have one of these?  How do you like it?  Problems? And I thank you for your time.
Dave

[Savannahsmoker]

For an example I have a Weber E-330 on the patio for 6 years uncovered and not one problem.  It is use at least once a week.

One item though is I have found is the sear burner is not necessary and we make better steaks without it.

[old sarge]

Thanks Art. The kids have a Ducane 5005, converted to natural gas.   They could use a grill with a little more real estate but I am having trouble finding something built as well as the old Ducane.   I have found something negative (in my opinion) on every grill I have physically looked at.  The more money it costs, the more critical I am getting. Thanks again.

[tomcrete1]

Ok,, In my opion you can't go wrong with a Weber Gas Grill, I have owned several and they have been great and have lasted. Weber would be my choice

[old sarge]

Thanks.  I appreciate the input.

[teesquare]

Weber......no other gas grill represents as solid a value.

Parts for almost any Weber ever made are still available. They have the BEST customer service...and the durability that you pay extra for - will make it the cheapest to own as the years roll by.

[Smokin Don]

I agree with Weber, can't go wrong. Don

[muebe]

Weber is a great grill. As others have stated they are worth every penny.

Broil-King is also top notch. They have been in the grill business for a long time.

Bull also makes a very good grill.

Kitchen aid and Kenmore are hit/miss since they don't actually make their grills. They are made by different manufacturers and then badged.

Lion and Blaze I have not had any personal interaction with.

Stay away from Nexgrill and Dyna-Glo.

[jimsbarbecue]

We have a 41 inch Viking.Lots of real estate.When we purchased it we paid less the half the asking price as it had been a demo unit and needed a all week cleaning. it was still $2000. It has lasted at least 10 years and needed different repairs and some like the rear burner for the rotisserie and the rotisserie we gave up on. It will get hotter then a weber. It has been worth what we paid for it. When it is replaced we will look at a Weber first.

[tlg4942]

 I like Muebe's list... 
   Weber would be the first choice. The Genesis if possible. I'm not completely 100% sold on the Spirit.  But its still right at the top of the list.
 Broil King would be second. I bought my Daughter in law one of these a couple years back and its holding up well. (And shes not one to take over good care of it).
   

[smokeasaurus]

Weber...................cry once.......................they will have a dependable grill for a long long time.................

[old sarge]

I see a lot of recommendations for the Weber line.  They are good grills with a great reputation.  I was looking at the Simmut as their high end.  My biggest concern with Weber is the thin wall of the burners and their grease management system. I doubt that it would be a problem but for the money I would expect a stouter burner and thicker metal on the flame tamers. On the Broil King, a similar concern.  On the smokers I have not been able to see in person, the Blaze Pro seems the most robust. There is a video on youtube () that was pretty impressive as far as material in and around the burners is concerned.  But it is very expensive. And I believe it is an import, but not sure. Bull  is similarly expensive thus my quest for information.  Champagne taste, beer budget. Many thanks for all the input.

[Savannahsmoker]

Sounds like you are comparing Apples and Oranges,

As far as the thin wall on Weber it is warrantied for 10 years and I have 6 years on mine which stays uncovered with no issues except for a knob which Weber sent a full set of four 2 day shipping.

The Blaze Pro seems the most robust as you stated but it is in a much higher price and level of grills.

In any case enjoy the chase as I and I am sure other have and will.

[skidog]

May as well bite the bullet and get a Kalamazoo. You'll be the best Dad ever! And the most broke! 
On a serious note I have a weber from 1985. Last burner, grates and igniter were installed around 16 years ago and are finally giving out. It sits uncovered year round. From -22 degrees to 105. Tough to beat.

[old sarge]

Thanks Art.  I sure don't know how the video popped up when all I wanted to post was a link.  That is kind of intrusive. Yes, I have been comparing warranties as well and Weber has a real dandy.  And Weber has the side burner which is a lot handier, in my opinion than a rotisserie.  Yes it is higher in many ways which is why I was looking for input from folks who may have some experience (the lights and rotisserie are not pluses in my book).   A lot of times, a high price is no guarantee of matching quality. But sometimes it is. So the chase is on. Not in a rush. This may take months.  But it is good to know that Weber is spoken highly of and there is one vote for the Broil King. So life is good.  Thanks again.