Tonight at my gun club meeting I cooked hot dogs for 30 people on an old, falling apart Charbroil gas grill. Someone had "appropriated" the propane tank, a long time ago. The grill was usable only to hold two disposable charcoal grills that cost $2.98 each. I proposed that the club should consider replacing the grill with something that would allow me (the chief-cook and part-time bottle-washer) to do burgers and dogs, at a minimum. I was tasked with finding a replacement for under $500.
My role has turned out to be pretty important. Without the food incentive, we might get 20 to 25 members to show up. Apparently if you provide food, they will come in greater numbers. A big meal in April brought 40 members to the meeting. We only have 100 members, total. Over the summer I plan to cook burgers or dogs monthly.
I am looking for a grill with sufficient capacity to cook more than burgers and dogs. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which grills I might choose from? I am thinking that the primary fuel should be charcoal. Other people will be using the grill when we have monthly major matches where they sell food. So, I want something that is well-built and can withstand a certain amount of "abuse" by others.
I know that there are a lot of sales going on now for Father's Day. I also know that it won't be long before the big stores will start having "seasonal closeouts and sales". I am open to any and all ideas.
Art