Input on Gas Grills, please?

We are considering a gas grill, but have no prior experience with them. Would appreciate some input on the two we're considering...

Looking at the Napoleon Triumph 495 (Strom White), and Weber Genesis S-330 (Tio Sam). Weber is a bit cheaper, but looks to have fewer burners (?). Either will be adequate for 2 people, with occasional use for additional guests. We've always had charcoal grills, so not sure what features to look for, what the BTU ratings mean, etc. One has stainless steel rod grates, the other has cast iron - which is better? Is one dealer better than the other for service (if needed), accessories (we might get a rotisserie later), etc.?  We have a gas hookup on our terrace - is it better to connect there, or get a tank for inside the grill?

Thanks for any pointers.

Heather

PS.. Links to relevant websites for each grill:
Weber
Napoleon

After many years of buying cheaper grills, I sprung for a Weber Silver Genesis ... The big selling point was that all of the parts were stainless steel which meant that one would not have to replace the burner in the future... We had this grill for over 10 years and it was still in excellent shape when we sold it prior to coming to Lakeside...

Having a hook up on your patio is convenient but you can only move the grill the length of your hose.. I have always preferred a tank and our Weber had a built in gauge that shows how much fuel was on board... Really tacky to run out when BBQing for friends...

Napoleon has a good reputation so I don't think you could go wrong with either...

We have purchased appliances from Tio Sams and were most happy with the service... The same for Strom White who moved us here...

Happy BBQ ing.....

I also have the Weber Silver Genesis from Tio Sam's. Both Weber and Napoleon are quality grills. I prefer the look of the Weber. Getting parts for either shouldn't be a problem. I have mine hooked to the house as I'm too lazy to get tanks filled. The only problem with hooking to the house is if you leave the grill on it will go for days before it runs you dry.....jaja.

I have to say I also like and have had Weber grills. Good product and very well made.
Check out the Consumer Reports on line. They have a great breakdown of all kinds of gas grills.
Happy Grilling

Thanks, folks. Helpful information. We're not worried about moving the grill around the terrace. In fact, if we end up using it frequently we'll probably have some cabinets built around it. Hadn't thought about leaving it on and running down the gas! Thanks for pointing that out... will definitely watch that! The Weber is $200 US cheaper, and I kinda like the SS grill from a clean-up standpoint, so I'm tentatively leaning that direction.

Heather

Some people like to burn off the grills after cooking. That is usually when it would get left on. I stopped doing that. I also turn off the wall valve when I'm finished.

Letting the gas burn off is a safety thing if you are concerned about flare ups when restarting the grill. Best way I found to do it without the senior moment is to install the wall supply lever in a handy spot, turn that off first. The gas burns off and no need to worry if you forget to turn off the Q's dials after the gas has burned off.

Quite a different idea. Infrared grills are hotter and keep meat juicier. We went with something suitable for 2, and you may want more, but the price gets steep. We got a Solair Infrared Portable Grill with about a 20" surface. Incredible for steaks and hot cooked food. Small surface for lower speed cooking of chicken, larger groups. But this stainless steel can be delivered in Mexico, is light in weight, far less expensive. Can use bottled gas (lasts far longer than you'd imagine). We have one on a propane tank used weekly for over a year. Ours came with nice cover. Can be tucked in a cupboard out of the way. We have it sitting on a large stone bench on wooden legs.. why put all the money into a stainless steel base? Looks terrific as mounted. Fits to counter top. They have mounting devices, but they aren't at all necessary. Visible on amazon. Search and you'll find Mexican dealers.

I like my Infrared Char-Broil Red grill. Easier to keep veggies from burning than direct heat. You have to learn how to cook on it like a new stove compared to direct flame grills. So far bottom tray is holding up well. Mine may be a US model as I got it with a US propane hose. Have hooked up to house gas system. No more running out. Good luck Grills are quite an investment these days.

Thanks for the input, everybody. We decided on the Weber and have one on order for delivery next week. A little cheaper and positive comments from people. We had a Weber smoker before and the thing was a tank. Now, to figure out where to buy good, thick steaks! But that's a different topic. :)

Heather

hkrause wrote:Thanks for the input, everybody. We decided on the Weber and have one on order for delivery next week. A little cheaper and positive comments from people. We had a Weber smoker before and the thing was a tank. Now, to figure out where to buy good, thick steaks! But that's a different topic.  :)

Heather

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Napolean and Weber are good brands

Good Sonora Beef @ Sam's Club . Leave in Tetra Pak and Age in your Refrigerator...
Mr Bull will cut anyway you want it... but still needs ageing... bought great Standing Rib from them :)

Thanks... I'm not with Sam's, but heard elsewhere that Costco is also good although steaks I've seen there were thinner than I like.

The filetes here at Walmart are nice and thick. As above, leave in fridge for about a week prior to cooking.

[quote="hkrause"]Thanks... I'm not with Sam's, but heard elsewhere that Costco is also good although steaks I've seen there were thinner than I like. [/quo

Sorry... I meant whole loins... cut steaks any thickness you want...
age in refrigerator 14 days.

Costco sells/promotes USDA beef... it's good, but very expensive...

Sonora Beef is best value around these parts...

I bought a Vermont Casting stainless steel grill at Costco, was like 8,000 or 9,000 pesos, had it 3 years now no problems, nice unit

Costco will cut steaks any thickness you want, just ring the bell and ask.

Thanks for the info on steaks, guys. Whoa, Spencer... Nice view from your balcony!

Heather

Was my old house, I have a bit bigger place but no view, do miss it and BBQs there.

We use a tire rim grill/hibachi fired by mesquite charcoal,it's not fancy but it does a pretty good job..

I would put a plug in for Tony's meat for steaks... Best that we have found locally...

CanuckBob wrote:The filetes here at Walmart are nice and thick. As above, leave in fridge for about a week prior to cooking.

Gotta agree. Walmart steaks are super yum yum and a great price.

Z

I find the Costco steaks, while tender, lack flavor and shrink a lot when cooked (is it injected with water or pink goo maybe or am I just grilling them wrong?). Anyway, I go for Sonora beef when I can find it. Little shrinkage and great taste.

Spence, that looks like Providencia. My old stomping ground. I miss it too.

It was Lomas Del Valle above and along Naciones Unidas going down from Vivo 47 so yes you see Priovidencia in the view.  I was at Costco today and saw nice grill, I am attaching pics.

Thanks, Spencer. We already ordered up the Weber from Tio Sams and it should be delivered tomorrow. Lots of thumbs-up for Weber, and we had a Weber smoker before that lasted through 30 years of abuse. I'm sure it will work fine for us.

Appreciate all the pointers on where to get steaks. We'll try several of the places mentioned and see which work best with my marinade.

Cheers!
Heather

rvanparys wrote:I would put a plug in for Tony's meat for steaks... Best that we have found locally...

I wonder if you need to be a regular customer to get good meat? I only go there once or twice a year and have always been disappointed. Which is why I don't go back. Do you ask for something special?