Decent starter grill

[Trick Pony]

I like my Weber a lot. I've had it since '05 and it still cooks like a mofo. It gets up to 500F+ pretty easy and does a good job on everything I cook on it for a gas grill. They cost a bit more than what you are talking about though.
I actually prefer the taste of charcoal or smoking myself but I agree that the gas is quick and convenient if I want to grill up something quick on a week night after work.

[jimithing]

Honestly at that price range if you don't want to go with charcoal then I'd buy a used Weber off craigslist. Anything you buy new for $300 isn't going to last that long.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/app/2824508341.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/for/2808140043.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/app/2823941653.html

Weber parts are easy to find and relatively cheap in case any of those need any work. If you go look at any make sure you take off the grates and the flavorizer bars to check the burners. You can see what brand new burners look like in that last ad. It'll be obvious if they're bad - there will be big holes in the tubes where there shouldn't be.

[bcoop]

lmfao @ "flavorizer bar" Stupid marketing asshats.

[LS1Goat]

Just go buy a Weber. It'll most likely be the last gas grill you'll ever buy. Mine is 11 years old and still going strong. It's just now getting to the point where the original ignitor is starting to go bad. Cheap and easy fix.

[jimithing]

lmfao @ "flavorizer bar" Stupid marketing asshats.

What should they call it instead? "Metal bar that diffuses heat and vaporizes the fat drippings"?

[Silverback]

What should they call it instead? "Metal bar that diffuses heat and vaporizes the fat drippings"?

flame guard

[ram57ta]

Weber 22" charcoal...available at any walmart, Home depot, etc....about 80 bucks.

[bcoop]

What should they call it instead? "Metal bar that diffuses heat and vaporizes the fat drippings"?

The industry term is 'radiant'. Weber's marketing people just want to make it sound like they have something everyone else doesn't have. Which is their job, I suppose. Marketing people just crack me up with their snake oil bullshit.

[stang]

Find something stainless steel cover and with a cast iron grill coated with porcelain.

[cool cat]

A little over your price, but this is what I'd go with if I were you. That way you have the option for charcoal if you want. I have a $600 s/s Perfect Flame gas grill, and a cheap ass charcoal grill, because I like to use both. I prefer charcoal flavor, but the convenience of gas is nice. My PF grill is awesome, but if I were to do it over again, I'd go with this one, simply to save space. I have to keep my smoker at a friend's house down the street because of the space dedicated to having two damn grills.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM6044680607P?sid=IDx20101019x00001a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=SPM6044680607

My buddy has had this one for 5ish years, and it's been great. Jluv has one as well. Jeremy's has held up awesome, and it's been stored outside (though under a cover).

I've got the same one and I love it.

[TexasT]

I ain't a balla like most here, so i went budget. I picked up one of these at lowe's a couple of years ago. It has cast iron grates and three burners. Lots of meats n veggies have past across it.

http://www.chargriller.com/

http://www.chargriller.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_tabbed.tpl&product_id=3&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

under $200 but ya gotta pony up for a bottle n fill

[Cobra86]

I have gotten reprimanded for not posting on the correct forum before so shouldn't this be on the food section? Just kidding, hold your money and buy a Big Green Egg. The BGE costs more but you will not be disappointed.

[ceyko]

The BGE is a nice grill.

Your best bet is to just shop around a bit. I've had Sears grills last 10 years...etc. If a rust spot comes up, sand and paint it.

I like charcoal, start it - final prep food, by the time that's done grill is ready...cook...done. Heat basically dries everything out...etc. I have both, wife uses gas I use charcoal.

I do like the recommendation where they offer both in one grill. There maybe times you just want to cook something over a wood fire or slowly with coals. Best of both worlds there.

[Kenny_Stang]

I ended up going with the Chargriller 5050 Duo (similar to the one that bcoop recommended) from Lowes. It's $299 and has the versatility of both gas and charcoal.

Here's the link to the grill on Lowe's page: http://www.lowes.com/pd_5050-49769-5...7C1&facetInfo=

[kingjason]

I got this one at Academy last year for 249.00 or so on clearance. They always have great sales.