Great comments guys. Thanks a bunch. I kinda like the weber kettle idea for summer, but i like to grill all winter as well. Not sure if i would be exited about lighting a charcoal grill at 7 pm just for 2 steaks is all. But i have zero experience with charcoal, maybe there are fast ways to get up to temp if just doing 15 mins worth of fast cooking. And I have done some steaks on the Mak with the searing grate and it works pretty well ( providing i have some extra time is all ).
Some further thoughts and opinions:
My personal setup includes a MAK 2 Star w/ the MAK searing grates, a 26.75" Weber kettle with a Slow n Sear, Vortex and GrillGrates (I tell you that, because these items make it a VERY versatile cooker), and 2 Blackstone griddles (17" and 36"). There's really nothing that I cannot cook with my current setup.
I have a large and very busy family, and more often than not we are pressed for time... so I do understand the need for speed, especially during the work week.
No matter which cooker I choose on any given night, I will always ignite it before starting any food prep, that way if it takes 20-25 mins to come up to temp, it's no biggie. It always takes that much time at a minimum to get the food ready for the grill anyway. During the winter, my MAK gets used for 95% of my cooks. During the warmer months, it's probably closer to 50/50 between the MAK and Weber. I can actually have the Weber up to grilling temps a bit quicker in the winter than I can the MAK, but the MAK is sooooo much easier when it's cold and dark outside. Both units make for an amazing grill.
If you have never cooked on charcoal, in my opinion, you are really missing out on an enjoyable experience (not to mention some tasty results). I will be the first to say... charcoal is not for everyone. Some do not like to get there hands a bit dirty, or wait the extra few minutes, and just prefer the ease of turning a gas knob (nothing at all wrong with that).
If you want pure ease and speed for those quick weeknight cooks and what I am describing above just doesn't quite sound like it would be to your liking, than I think you'd be quite happy with a nice gas grill (sitting right next to your MAK). If that's the case, you are really going to be hard pressed to beat a good ole' Weber. As mentioned, my preference would a Weber Genesis with added GrillGrates. I used to have that setup, and it made for a fantastic grilling experience. If you decide to go with the gas grill/GrillGrates setup, please let me know... I have a few pointers to share... things that I learned from experience.
