Bryan > wrote:
> On Jun 23, 11:50 am

> I sometimes push freshly cracked pepper into the fat first, but
> "without anything" is great too. Charcoal is OK, but it really
> deserves a wood fire. Porterhouse combines the almost sweet flavor of
> the strip with the lovely texture of the tenderloin, and there are
> bones to gnaw on afterward. Marinating is for inferior cuts of beef.
>
> --Bryan

My thirty year old gas grill is on it's last leg. I plan on getting a new
grill this summer. I like the convenience of gas. But the other kinds of
grills are pulling on me. Perhaps why I marinate all the meats that goes on
my cheap old grill. But money is getting tighter.

I liked my old grill, it had those Lava rocks in it and it seemed to do a
good job grilling. But it is thirty years old and rusting out and shakily.
I have never seen a newer grill that uses those rocks.

I have watched that guy on occasion the has the BBQ University show on PBS
and his many grills... But have I no such grill and wonder about them.

I want a small grill because it is just me, one person. I was looking at a
small Char-Broil two burner grill at Costco's for three hundred dollars.
But those wood and charcoal grills look tempting. But they seem to be large
and I my back deck is small. Is it safe for a wood burner grill on the back
deck? I do have a large back yard and it is out in the open. Not just off
the kitchen deck.

Any thoughts?

--
Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

On Jun 23, 11:06*am, Nad R > wrote:
> Bryan > wrote:
> > On Jun 23, 11:50 am
> > I sometimes push freshly cracked pepper into the fat first, but
> > "without anything" is great too. *Charcoal is OK, but it really
> > deserves a wood fire. *Porterhouse combines the almost sweet flavor of
> > the strip with the lovely texture of the tenderloin, and there are
> > bones to gnaw on afterward. * Marinating is for inferior cuts of beef..
>
> > --Bryan
>
> My thirty year old gas grill is on it's last leg. I plan on getting a new
> grill this summer. I like the convenience of gas. But the other kinds of
> grills are pulling on me. Perhaps why I marinate all the meats that goes on
> my cheap old grill. But money is getting tighter.
>
> I liked my old grill, it had those Lava rocks in it and it seemed to do a
> good job grilling. But it is thirty years old and rusting out and shakily..
> I have never seen a newer grill that uses those rocks.
>
> I have watched that guy on occasion the has the BBQ University show on PBS
> and his many grills... But have I no such grill and wonder about them.
>
> I want a small grill because it is just me, one person. I was looking at a
> small Char-Broil two burner grill at Costco's for three hundred dollars.
> But those wood and charcoal grills look tempting. But they seem to be large
> and I my back deck is small. Is it safe for a wood burner grill on the back
> deck? I do have a large back yard and it is out in the open. Not just off
> the kitchen deck.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> --
> Enjoy Life... Nad R *(Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

I have an Aussie three burner that has lava rocks. I bought it about
5 years ago. I'm not sure but I think they still make them
with the lava rocks. I really like it because the drippings give the
smoke and flavor you want rather than the 'gas' smell and taste.
I have the Bonza 3 Deluxe but it looks like from their website that
they aren't doing the lava rocks anymore.

http://www.aussiegrills.com/products_bonza_deluxe.php

It does say it is a dual fuel grill though, you can use gas or
charcoal. That might work for you.

I really like my Aussie, it's been a really good grill. Nice heavy
porcelan coated cast iron grills and it's good lookiing.

On Jun 23, 1:06*pm, Nad R > wrote:
> Bryan > wrote:
> > On Jun 23, 11:50 am
> > I sometimes push freshly cracked pepper into the fat first, but
> > "without anything" is great too. *Charcoal is OK, but it really
> > deserves a wood fire. *Porterhouse combines the almost sweet flavor of
> > the strip with the lovely texture of the tenderloin, and there are
> > bones to gnaw on afterward. * Marinating is for inferior cuts of beef..
>
> > --Bryan
>
> My thirty year old gas grill is on it's last leg. I plan on getting a new
> grill this summer. I like the convenience of gas. But the other kinds of
> grills are pulling on me. Perhaps why I marinate all the meats that goes on
> my cheap old grill. But money is getting tighter.
>
> I liked my old grill, it had those Lava rocks in it and it seemed to do a
> good job grilling. But it is thirty years old and rusting out and shakily..
> I have never seen a newer grill that uses those rocks.
>
> I have watched that guy on occasion the has the BBQ University show on PBS
> and his many grills... But have I no such grill and wonder about them.
>
> I want a small grill because it is just me, one person. I was looking at a
> small Char-Broil two burner grill at Costco's for three hundred dollars.
> But those wood and charcoal grills look tempting. But they seem to be large
> and I my back deck is small. Is it safe for a wood burner grill on the back
> deck? I do have a large back yard and it is out in the open. Not just off
> the kitchen deck.

Any house where I couldn't have a Weber Kettle is not somewhere I'd
choose to dwell.
>
> Any thoughts?

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-751001-2.../dp/B00004RALR
>
> --
> Enjoy Life... Nad R *(Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

--Bryan

Nad R wrote:
>
> Bryan > wrote:
> > On Jun 23, 11:50 am
>
> > I sometimes push freshly cracked pepper into the fat first, but
> > "without anything" is great too. Charcoal is OK, but it really
> > deserves a wood fire. Porterhouse combines the almost sweet flavor of
> > the strip with the lovely texture of the tenderloin, and there are
> > bones to gnaw on afterward. Marinating is for inferior cuts of beef.
> >
> > --Bryan
>
> My thirty year old gas grill is on it's last leg. I plan on getting a new
> grill this summer. I like the convenience of gas. But the other kinds of
> grills are pulling on me. Perhaps why I marinate all the meats that goes on
> my cheap old grill. But money is getting tighter.
>
> I liked my old grill, it had those Lava rocks in it and it seemed to do a
> good job grilling. But it is thirty years old and rusting out and shakily.
> I have never seen a newer grill that uses those rocks.
>
> I have watched that guy on occasion the has the BBQ University show on PBS
> and his many grills... But have I no such grill and wonder about them.
>
> I want a small grill because it is just me, one person. I was looking at a
> small Char-Broil two burner grill at Costco's for three hundred dollars.
> But those wood and charcoal grills look tempting. But they seem to be large
> and I my back deck is small. Is it safe for a wood burner grill on the back
> deck? I do have a large back yard and it is out in the open. Not just off
> the kitchen deck.
>
> Any thoughts?

Cabela's currently has a compact stainless infrared grill for $129 or
so. I picked one up and it works rather well for burgers and steaks.
It's setup for the small disposable LP cylinders, but for $20 or so you
can buy a bulk tank adapter hose that will let you connect it to a
regular 20# tank. I did find I had to adjust the regulator slightly
(there is an adjustment screw under the knob), but other than that no
issues with it.

On Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:06:13 +0000 (UTC), Nad R
> wrote:

>Bryan > wrote:
>> On Jun 23, 11:50 am
>
>> I sometimes push freshly cracked pepper into the fat first, but
>> "without anything" is great too. Charcoal is OK, but it really
>> deserves a wood fire. Porterhouse combines the almost sweet flavor of
>> the strip with the lovely texture of the tenderloin, and there are
>> bones to gnaw on afterward. Marinating is for inferior cuts of beef.
>>
>> --Bryan
>
>My thirty year old gas grill is on it's last leg. I plan on getting a new
>grill this summer. I like the convenience of gas. But the other kinds of
>grills are pulling on me. Perhaps why I marinate all the meats that goes on
>my cheap old grill. But money is getting tighter.
>
>I liked my old grill, it had those Lava rocks in it and it seemed to do a
>good job grilling. But it is thirty years old and rusting out and shakily.
>I have never seen a newer grill that uses those rocks.
>
>I have watched that guy on occasion the has the BBQ University show on PBS
>and his many grills... But have I no such grill and wonder about them.
>
>I want a small grill because it is just me, one person. I was looking at a
>small Char-Broil two burner grill at Costco's for three hundred dollars.
>But those wood and charcoal grills look tempting. But they seem to be large
>and I my back deck is small. Is it safe for a wood burner grill on the back
>deck? I do have a large back yard and it is out in the open. Not just off
>the kitchen deck.
>
>Any thoughts?

I cook for only myself, and bought the Weber Portable Table-Top
"Smokey Joe Gold".
http://www.weber.com/explore/grills/...mokey-joe-gold

Great grill for one person. 14.5" diameter with dome lid.

Nad R wrote:
>......... Is it safe for a wood
> burner grill on the back deck? I do have a large back yard and it is
> out in the open. Not just off the kitchen deck.
>
> Any thoughts?

The short answer, for wood decks, is no. HOWEVER.... there are large
protective pads which will protect a deck from hot embers spilling out onto
the decking material.
--
Dave
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."--------
----- Robert Heinlein

On Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:03:35 -0500, "Pete C." >
wrote:

>
> sf wrote:
> >
>
> > The gas tank doesn't have a gage and I
> > have no idea if it's nearing empty or not, so I just don't use it.
>
> You have got to be kidding. That city living must really rot your brain
> as the latest study indicates (see CNN.com).
>
> Those of us in the country know that:
>
> 1. A 20# LP tank last a *long* time in regular grilling use, like all
> year unless you grill every single day.

LP? No thanks.
>
> 2. We can pick up the tank and judge how full it is by weight. You can
> use a bathroom scale if you want to be really accurate. The tare weight
> is stamped in the valve collar / handle.

I am not going to pick that thing up.
>
> 3. There are inexpensive add on gauges that you can buy if you can't
> judge by weight.

Yeah, but I don't care enough about gas grilling to spend the time or
money doing it.
>
> 4. You should always have a second full tank on hand so you don't have
> to care how much LP is in the tank since the tanks can be changed in
> under a minute.

Nope. I don't change tanks.

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

Nad R > wrote:
-snip-
>
>I want a small grill because it is just me, one person. I was looking at a
>small Char-Broil two burner grill at Costco's for three hundred dollars.
>But those wood and charcoal grills look tempting. But they seem to be large
>and I my back deck is small. Is it safe for a wood burner grill on the back
>deck? I do have a large back yard and it is out in the open. Not just off
>the kitchen deck.


I'm partial to charcoal and wood myself & like the char-griller. [the
barrel on its side things] Mine was $100 6-8 years ago.

I wouldn't use a charcoal grill *or* a gas grill on a combustible
surface. Grease fires are plenty hot to ignite a wood deck.

My grill is 25 feet or so from the house. I manage to carry food to
it and from it. [I will admit I got a remote thermometer to cut down
on steps on smoking days. But that also saves a ton of fuel and
smoke.]

Jim

Jim Elbrecht > wrote:
> Nad R > wrote:
> -snip-
>>
>> I want a small grill because it is just me, one person. I was looking at a
>> small Char-Broil two burner grill at Costco's for three hundred dollars.
>> But those wood and charcoal grills look tempting. But they seem to be large
>> and I my back deck is small. Is it safe for a wood burner grill on the back
>> deck? I do have a large back yard and it is out in the open. Not just off
>> the kitchen deck.
>
>
> I'm partial to charcoal and wood myself & like the char-griller. [the
> barrel on its side things] Mine was $100 6-8 years ago.
>
> I wouldn't use a charcoal grill *or* a gas grill on a combustible
> surface. Grease fires are plenty hot to ignite a wood deck.
>
> My grill is 25 feet or so from the house. I manage to carry food to
> it and from it. [I will admit I got a remote thermometer to cut down
> on steps on smoking days. But that also saves a ton of fuel and
> smoke.]
>
> Jim

It seems that those kettle grills are cheap. Put a charcoal grill in the
back yard, make a small patio. Fix my old lava rock grill or get decent gas
grill for the deck. Sounds like a hundred more dollars and get both? Over
the years maybe my back yard will look like that BBQ Universities back yard


--
Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

"Nad R" > wrote in message
...
> Jim Elbrecht > wrote:
>> Nad R > wrote:
>> -snip-
>>>
>>> I want a small grill because it is just me, one person. I was looking at
>>> a
>>> small Char-Broil two burner grill at Costco's for three hundred dollars.
>>> But those wood and charcoal grills look tempting. But they seem to be
>>> large
>>> and I my back deck is small. Is it safe for a wood burner grill on the
>>> back
>>> deck? I do have a large back yard and it is out in the open. Not just
>>> off
>>> the kitchen deck.
>>
>>
>> I'm partial to charcoal and wood myself & like the char-griller. [the
>> barrel on its side things] Mine was $100 6-8 years ago.
>>
>> I wouldn't use a charcoal grill *or* a gas grill on a combustible
>> surface. Grease fires are plenty hot to ignite a wood deck.
>>
>> My grill is 25 feet or so from the house. I manage to carry food to
>> it and from it. [I will admit I got a remote thermometer to cut down
>> on steps on smoking days. But that also saves a ton of fuel and
>> smoke.]
>>
>> Jim
>
> It seems that those kettle grills are cheap. Put a charcoal grill in the
> back yard, make a small patio. Fix my old lava rock grill or get decent
> gas
> grill for the deck. Sounds like a hundred more dollars and get both? Over
> the years maybe my back yard will look like that BBQ Universities back
> yard
>
> Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)
>
>
As a pre-geezer I'd have trouble living without having both gas and
charcoal, and for the charcoal I think the best choice by far is the Weber
kettle for a number reasons. Mine is churning along after 20+ years. Many,
I'm sure, on this NG have been using their Weber kettles for longer.
A couple of important points:
-Weber has excellent customer service when you need to replace a part. At
some point you will have to, which is better than buying a new grill.
-It must be the 22" Weber kettle. With that you can directly grill, and you
can indirectly BBQ ribs, pork butt, etc. With a charcoal grill you'll want
to both smoke and grill.
-For the Weber there is a huge amount of good useful information about any
component of it on the web. Look at
http://amazingribs.com/menumachine/s...avigation.html.
-The Weber will hold up covered outdoors in the Michigan winter. You can
grill in the winter. We used it routinely for Thanksgiving turkey in
northern Wisconsin.
Weber kettles vary in price, from $90 to $300+ for the Performer. They all
work the same, with the same kettle. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the cheap
one.
-I don't know what to tell you about gas, though the older you get the more
you want and use it. Infrared is theoretically best for grilling steak with
a good surface char. I don't think there is a good one on the market yet, at
least at a reasonable price. The charcoal Weber kettle with a good hot fire
will grill a steak much better than any home gas grill. However there are
times when you want to fire up the gas and grill a burger or fish. The gas
grill with a porcelain coated cast iron grate[mandatory] is better for fish
than the kettle, and it's OK for beef.
-As a certified tightwad I did all the math awhile back on the cost of BTU
for charcoal versus gas. At $20/20lb for gas the charcoal is cheaper if you
shop carefully and buy it on sale. Recently I bought 160lb of Kingsford for
$.25/lb at Home Depot when it was on sale.

Just my 2 cents at 2 AM. I hope this helps.

Kent

"Kent" > wrote:
> As a pre-geezer I'd have trouble living without having both gas and
> charcoal, and for the charcoal I think the best choice by far is the Weber
> kettle for a number reasons. Mine is churning along after 20+ years. Many,
> I'm sure, on this NG have been using their Weber kettles for longer.
> A couple of important points:
> -Weber has excellent customer service when you need to replace a part. At
> some point you will have to, which is better than buying a new grill.
> -It must be the 22" Weber kettle. With that you can directly grill, and you
> can indirectly BBQ ribs, pork butt, etc. With a charcoal grill you'll want
> to both smoke and grill.
> -For the Weber there is a huge amount of good useful information about any
> component of it on the web. Look at
> http://amazingribs.com/menumachine/s...avigation.html.
> -The Weber will hold up covered outdoors in the Michigan winter. You can
> grill in the winter. We used it routinely for Thanksgiving turkey in
> northern Wisconsin.
> Weber kettles vary in price, from $90 to $300+ for the Performer. They all
> work the same, with the same kettle. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the cheap
> one.
> -I don't know what to tell you about gas, though the older you get the more
> you want and use it. Infrared is theoretically best for grilling steak with
> a good surface char. I don't think there is a good one on the market yet, at
> least at a reasonable price. The charcoal Weber kettle with a good hot fire
> will grill a steak much better than any home gas grill. However there are
> times when you want to fire up the gas and grill a burger or fish. The gas
> grill with a porcelain coated cast iron grate[mandatory] is better for fish
> than the kettle, and it's OK for beef.
> -As a certified tightwad I did all the math awhile back on the cost of BTU
> for charcoal versus gas. At $20/20lb for gas the charcoal is cheaper if you
> shop carefully and buy it on sale. Recently I bought 160lb of Kingsford for
> $.25/lb at Home Depot when it was on sale.
>
> Just my 2 cents at 2 AM. I hope this helps.
>
> Kent

Yes, that is helpful. Answered some things that were in back of my mind,
like leaving it out all winter and cost of fuel. The kind of grates to look
for. When shopping I always felt Weber was cheap junk. Because I see it at
the local discount stores. I rarely see a weber at the big box hardware
stores, the big box stores have those shiny char-broil grills. There is a
place I have not been to yet, i drive by it, and they sell nothing but
grills. I may stop there in the next few weeks. I have noticed some garden
centers sells high end weber gas grills and they are not cheap, close to
one thousand dollars and more and most are big.

Then if I am going leave it out in the yard. I see some that could be
cemented in the ground, like at the parks. Would the wind blow the kettle
grills over. My old lava rock grill was screwed down to the deck wheels
removed.

--
Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

> Then if I am going leave it out in the yard. I see some that could be
> cemented in the ground, like at the parks. Would the wind blow the kettle
> grills over. My old lava rock grill was screwed down to the deck wheels
> removed.
>
> --
> Enjoy Life... Nad R *(Garden in zone 5a Michigan)- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

The stores like Farm and fleet or tractor supply have a park like
grill that stands on a cemented in ( or buried) sturdy pole and has
the adjustable grate. I am sure you could goggle something and find
one near you oronline. They are very reasonable in cost around here.

http://www.picnicfurniture.com/home.asp?cid=242

http://www.picnicfurniture.com/home.asp?cid=242

pamjd > wrote:
>> Then if I am going leave it out in the yard. I see some that could be
>> cemented in the ground, like at the parks. Would the wind blow the kettle
>> grills over. My old lava rock grill was screwed down to the deck wheels
>> removed.
>>
>> --
>> Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> The stores like Farm and fleet or tractor supply have a park like
> grill that stands on a cemented in ( or buried) sturdy pole and has
> the adjustable grate. I am sure you could goggle something and find
> one near you oronline. They are very reasonable in cost around here.

Wide choice, but then with those who needs a ash catcher. But is see the
negatives. The covered grills are expensive, over five hundered.

I am now leaning toward a gas infrared grill, next to the kitchen deck.
Next year save my pennies for a new patio and a charcoal/wood grill next
year. Four hundred is the max I am going to spend.

I have seen this grill locally.
http://www.charbroil.com/ProductInfo...Gas-Grill.aspx

It is small, under $400, looks like it might be sturdy. I still believe it
will not be as good as my old lava rock grill. But my old grill is shot.

--
Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

On Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:28:16 -0500, "Pete C." >
wrote:


>
>Cabela's currently has a compact stainless infrared grill for $129 or
>so. I picked one up and it works rather well for burgers and steaks.
>It's setup for the small disposable LP cylinders, but for $20 or so you
>can buy a bulk tank adapter hose that will let you connect it to a
>regular 20# tank. I did find I had to adjust the regulator slightly
>(there is an adjustment screw under the knob), but other than that no
>issues with it.

I just went and looked and for one person that grill and a Weber
kettle would be a nice setup. It's a little weak on the BTU's though
and it doesn't say 304 stainless. The IR back burner on my grill is
bigger than that. I've cooked on IR but it was a Solaire and over
three grand which isn't in the op's budget. They make a tabletop unit
but it's almost three times the price of what you suggested.

This one's pretty cool and reaches 800 degrees. Pretty high end
though.

http://www.northlineexpress.com/item...e&kw=6SG-IR17B
Lou

On Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:05:49 -0500, Sky >
wrote:

>Check "CraigsList" for a nice used gas grill. I've seen those listed
>often in my local "CL". There's always a gem if one keeps an eye out.

For grins I just looked an CL and there's some very good values on
grills in my area.

Lou

Lou Decruss wrote:
>
> On Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:28:16 -0500, "Pete C." >
> wrote:
>
> >
> >Cabela's currently has a compact stainless infrared grill for $129 or
> >so. I picked one up and it works rather well for burgers and steaks.
> >It's setup for the small disposable LP cylinders, but for $20 or so you
> >can buy a bulk tank adapter hose that will let you connect it to a
> >regular 20# tank. I did find I had to adjust the regulator slightly
> >(there is an adjustment screw under the knob), but other than that no
> >issues with it.
>
> I just went and looked and for one person that grill and a Weber
> kettle would be a nice setup. It's a little weak on the BTU's though
> and it doesn't say 304 stainless.

Having used it for several batches of burgers and a few steaks, it does
just fine. The BTU number may seem low, but it's a relatively small
cooking area and the burner is under the food, not behind it.

> This one's pretty cool and reaches 800 degrees. Pretty high end
> though.

The $129 unit gets plenty hot:

http://wpnet.us/ir_grill.jpg

Kent wrote:
>
> -I don't know what to tell you about gas, though the older you get the more
> you want and use it. Infrared is theoretically best for grilling steak with
> a good surface char. I don't think there is a good one on the market yet, at
> least at a reasonable price.

$129 IR tabletop grill from Cabela's

http://wpnet.us/ir_grill.jpg

Nad R wrote:
>
> pamjd > wrote:
> >> Then if I am going leave it out in the yard. I see some that could be
> >> cemented in the ground, like at the parks. Would the wind blow the kettle
> >> grills over. My old lava rock grill was screwed down to the deck wheels
> >> removed.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)- Hide quoted text -
> >>
> >> - Show quoted text -
> >
> > The stores like Farm and fleet or tractor supply have a park like
> > grill that stands on a cemented in ( or buried) sturdy pole and has
> > the adjustable grate. I am sure you could goggle something and find
> > one near you oronline. They are very reasonable in cost around here.
>
> Wide choice, but then with those who needs a ash catcher. But is see the
> negatives. The covered grills are expensive, over five hundered.
>
> I am now leaning toward a gas infrared grill, next to the kitchen deck.
> Next year save my pennies for a new patio and a charcoal/wood grill next
> year. Four hundred is the max I am going to spend.
>
> I have seen this grill locally.
> http://www.charbroil.com/ProductInfo...Gas-Grill.aspx
>
> It is small, under $400, looks like it might be sturdy. I still believe it
> will not be as good as my old lava rock grill. But my old grill is shot.

It seems to have pretty bad reviews, even on Charbroil's own site (2 out
of 5). I'd suggest you look seriously at the small tabletop IR unit I
noted from Cabela's, it's a good value and works well.

Nad R wrote:
>
> pamjd > wrote:
> >> Then if I am going leave it out in the yard. I see some that could be
> >> cemented in the ground, like at the parks. Would the wind blow the kettle
> >> grills over. My old lava rock grill was screwed down to the deck wheels
> >> removed.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)- Hide quoted text -
> >>
> >> - Show quoted text -
> >
> > The stores like Farm and fleet or tractor supply have a park like
> > grill that stands on a cemented in ( or buried) sturdy pole and has
> > the adjustable grate. I am sure you could goggle something and find
> > one near you oronline. They are very reasonable in cost around here.
>
> Wide choice, but then with those who needs a ash catcher. But is see the
> negatives. The covered grills are expensive, over five hundered.
>
> I am now leaning toward a gas infrared grill, next to the kitchen deck.
> Next year save my pennies for a new patio and a charcoal/wood grill next
> year. Four hundred is the max I am going to spend.
>
> I have seen this grill locally.
> http://www.charbroil.com/ProductInfo...Gas-Grill.aspx
>
> It is small, under $400, looks like it might be sturdy. I still believe it
> will not be as good as my old lava rock grill. But my old grill is shot.
>

The link for the IR grill:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/EZ-Gr...h-All+Products

On Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:19:34 +0000 (UTC), Nad R
> wrote:

>Jim Elbrecht > wrote:
>> Nad R > wrote:
>> -snip-
>>>
>>> I want a small grill because it is just me, one person. I was looking at a
>>> small Char-Broil two burner grill at Costco's for three hundred dollars.
>>> But those wood and charcoal grills look tempting. But they seem to be large
>>> and I my back deck is small. Is it safe for a wood burner grill on the back
>>> deck? I do have a large back yard and it is out in the open. Not just off
>>> the kitchen deck.
>>
>>
>> I'm partial to charcoal and wood myself & like the char-griller. [the
>> barrel on its side things] Mine was $100 6-8 years ago.
>>
>> I wouldn't use a charcoal grill *or* a gas grill on a combustible
>> surface. Grease fires are plenty hot to ignite a wood deck.
>>
>> My grill is 25 feet or so from the house. I manage to carry food to
>> it and from it. [I will admit I got a remote thermometer to cut down
>> on steps on smoking days. But that also saves a ton of fuel and
>> smoke.]
>>
>> Jim
>
>It seems that those kettle grills are cheap. Put a charcoal grill in the
>back yard, make a small patio. Fix my old lava rock grill or get decent gas
>grill for the deck. Sounds like a hundred more dollars and get both? Over
>the years maybe my back yard will look like that BBQ Universities back yard

No kind of grill should be placed on a wood deck or near any
combustible materials, it's also against the law, fire codes forbid
it... and when there's a fire and your house burns to the ground your
homeowners insurance won't pay. Do you have any comprehension of what
will occur when a bottle of propane is on a burning deck. One of my
coworkers lost his house and everything in it, includinjg his two
small children when he left the grill on his deck lit while he went
out front to look at a friend's new wheels... was gone less then five
minutes when the propane bottle exploded and instantly teh entire hose
was engulfed in flames. His kids were in their upstairs bedroom, they
were cremated. His homeowners didn't give him a dime, in fact he
almost went to prison for causing his children's death. His wife was
out shopping, she divorced him.

"Pete C." > wrote:
>
> The link for the IR grill:
>
> http://www.cabelas.com/product/EZ-Gr...h-All+Products

That does look neat. My style... Two star rating. But the neat part they
are cooking on a wooden table. I could take it with me to places.

--
Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

"Pete C." > wrote:
> Nad R wrote:
>>
>> pamjd > wrote:
>>>> Then if I am going leave it out in the yard. I see some that could be
>>>> cemented in the ground, like at the parks. Would the wind blow the kettle
>>>> grills over. My old lava rock grill was screwed down to the deck wheels
>>>> removed.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)- Hide quoted text -
>>>>
>>>> - Show quoted text -
>>>
>>> The stores like Farm and fleet or tractor supply have a park like
>>> grill that stands on a cemented in ( or buried) sturdy pole and has
>>> the adjustable grate. I am sure you could goggle something and find
>>> one near you oronline. They are very reasonable in cost around here.
>>
>> Wide choice, but then with those who needs a ash catcher. But is see the
>> negatives. The covered grills are expensive, over five hundered.
>>
>> I am now leaning toward a gas infrared grill, next to the kitchen deck.
>> Next year save my pennies for a new patio and a charcoal/wood grill next
>> year. Four hundred is the max I am going to spend.
>>
>> I have seen this grill locally.
>> http://www.charbroil.com/ProductInfo...Gas-Grill.aspx
>>
>> It is small, under $400, looks like it might be sturdy. I still believe it
>> will not be as good as my old lava rock grill. But my old grill is shot.
>
> It seems to have pretty bad reviews, even on Charbroil's own site (2 out
> of 5). I'd suggest you look seriously at the small tabletop IR unit I
> noted from Cabela's, it's a good value and works well.

I did not notice the reviews, more reading needed and I am in no hurry.

--
Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

Nad R wrote:
>
> "Pete C." > wrote:
> >
> > The link for the IR grill:
> >
> > http://www.cabelas.com/product/EZ-Gr...h-All+Products
>
> That does look neat. My style... Two star rating. But the neat part they
> are cooking on a wooden table. I could take it with me to places.

Look at the actual reviews, one is from some idiot who doesn't know how
to use an IR grill, the other is 5 star.

"Nad R" > wrote in message
...
> "Pete C." > wrote:
>>
>> The link for the IR grill:
>>
>> http://www.cabelas.com/product/EZ-Gr...h-All+Products
>
> That does look neat. My style... Two star rating. But the neat part they
> are cooking on a wooden table. I could take it with me to places.
>
> --
> Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)
>
>
It obviously gets hot! However you have to decide what you want to use it
for. It seems it would only be usable for direct "hot" grilling. Infrared
grills generally don't cook at low temps very well. It's hot or nothing.
With a grill this small you won't be able to do some of the other things you
might want to, like ribs, turkey, etc. Can you get parts for it if it breaks
down in some way.

I've got baby back ribs going on my Weber kettle this minute, struggling to
keep the temp at 250F. As you enter the pregeezer phase of life, the gas
gets used more, though not today.

Kent

Kent wrote:
>
> "Nad R" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Pete C." > wrote:
> >>
> >> The link for the IR grill:
> >>
> >> http://www.cabelas.com/product/EZ-Gr...h-All+Products
> >
> > That does look neat. My style... Two star rating. But the neat part they
> > are cooking on a wooden table. I could take it with me to places.
> >
> > --
> > Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)
> >
> >
> It obviously gets hot! However you have to decide what you want to use it
> for. It seems it would only be usable for direct "hot" grilling. Infrared
> grills generally don't cook at low temps very well. It's hot or nothing.
> With a grill this small you won't be able to do some of the other things you
> might want to, like ribs, turkey, etc. Can you get parts for it if it breaks
> down in some way.
>
> I've got baby back ribs going on my Weber kettle this minute, struggling to
> keep the temp at 250F. As you enter the pregeezer phase of life, the gas
> gets used more, though not today.
>
> Kent

Yep, as I noted in my other post, the only real drawback IR grills is
that they don't do indirect cooking or smoking. They certainly beat
charcoal for hot grilling though, with far less mess, waste and prep
time than charcoal. That little tabletop IR grill is great for burgers,
steaks and similar and is nice and portable. It doesn't replace a
smoker, but between the IR grill and a dedicated smoker it's a great
combination. For the pregeezer set, I recommend the Bradley digital
electric smoker for it's ease of use and minimal attention required when
in use.

On Sat, 25 Jun 2011 21:36:29 -0500, "Pete C." >
wrote:

> Yep, as I noted in my other post, the only real drawback IR grills is
> that they don't do indirect cooking or smoking.

Why can't they just make the bigger grill portion bigger to offset the
heat?

<snip>

> For the pregeezer set, I recommend the Bradley digital
> electric smoker for it's ease of use and minimal attention required when
> in use.

What makes Bradley better than the others?

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

"Pete C." > wrote in message
ter.com...
>
> Kent wrote:
>>
>> "Nad R" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > "Pete C." > wrote:
>> >>
>> >> The link for the IR grill:
>> >>
>> >> http://www.cabelas.com/product/EZ-Gr...h-All+Products
>> >
>> > That does look neat. My style... Two star rating. But the neat part
>> > they
>> > are cooking on a wooden table. I could take it with me to places.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)
>> >
>> >
>> It obviously gets hot! However you have to decide what you want to use
>> it
>> for. It seems it would only be usable for direct "hot" grilling. Infrared
>> grills generally don't cook at low temps very well. It's hot or nothing.
>> With a grill this small you won't be able to do some of the other things
>> you
>> might want to, like ribs, turkey, etc. Can you get parts for it if it
>> breaks
>> down in some way.
>>
>> I've got baby back ribs going on my Weber kettle this minute, struggling
>> to
>> keep the temp at 250F. As you enter the pregeezer phase of life, the gas
>> gets used more, though not today.
>>
>> Kent
>
> Yep, as I noted in my other post, the only real drawback IR grills is
> that they don't do indirect cooking or smoking. They certainly beat
> charcoal for hot grilling though, with far less mess, waste and prep
> time than charcoal. That little tabletop IR grill is great for burgers,
> steaks and similar and is nice and portable. It doesn't replace a
> smoker, but between the IR grill and a dedicated smoker it's a great
> combination. For the pregeezer set, I recommend the Bradley digital
> electric smoker for it's ease of use and minimal attention required hen
> in use.
>
>
The Bradley looks good, especially for very low temp. smoking but those
little wood chips are very expensive. As we know, it doesn't take plain old
wood. Does anyone make a product that will substitute for the Bradley chips?

This is where manufacturers really rip you off. HP printers should be free,
as you have to buy an HP inkjet cartridges. Glucose test devices should be
free. The money comes from the strips that you put a drop of your blood on.
Actually I once was given one free, and after I tried to get test strips for
the device I realized why.

Kent

sf wrote:
>
> On Sat, 25 Jun 2011 21:36:29 -0500, "Pete C." >
> wrote:
>
> > Yep, as I noted in my other post, the only real drawback IR grills is
> > that they don't do indirect cooking or smoking.
>
> Why can't they just make the bigger grill portion bigger to offset the
> heat?

Because the unit I noted is a portable tabletop grill (or tailgate).
Bigger floor/ground standing IR grills may have separate zones or
additional conventional burners to give more flexibility.

>
> <snip>
>
> > For the pregeezer set, I recommend the Bradley digital
> > electric smoker for it's ease of use and minimal attention required when
> > in use.
>
> What makes Bradley better than the others?

Extreme ease of use. It is an electric smoker, with an automatic pressed
wood biscuit feeder for the smoke generator and a programmable digital
control. You program the chamber temp, cook time and smoke time, load
the food and a stack of the desired wood biscuits and basically ignore
it until it's done. No adding fuel, adjusting dampers to regulate
temperature, etc. You can readily get the smoker going in a safe outdoor
location and go off shopping for several hours while the food smokes.

Kent wrote:
>
> "Pete C." > wrote in message
> ter.com...
> >
> > Kent wrote:
> >>
> >> "Nad R" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> > "Pete C." > wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> The link for the IR grill:
> >> >>
> >> >> http://www.cabelas.com/product/EZ-Gr...h-All+Products
> >> >
> >> > That does look neat. My style... Two star rating. But the neat part
> >> > they
> >> > are cooking on a wooden table. I could take it with me to places.
> >> >
> >> > --
> >> > Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)
> >> >
> >> >
> >> It obviously gets hot! However you have to decide what you want to use
> >> it
> >> for. It seems it would only be usable for direct "hot" grilling. Infrared
> >> grills generally don't cook at low temps very well. It's hot or nothing.
> >> With a grill this small you won't be able to do some of the other things
> >> you
> >> might want to, like ribs, turkey, etc. Can you get parts for it if it
> >> breaks
> >> down in some way.
> >>
> >> I've got baby back ribs going on my Weber kettle this minute, struggling
> >> to
> >> keep the temp at 250F. As you enter the pregeezer phase of life, the gas
> >> gets used more, though not today.
> >>
> >> Kent
> >
> > Yep, as I noted in my other post, the only real drawback IR grills is
> > that they don't do indirect cooking or smoking. They certainly beat
> > charcoal for hot grilling though, with far less mess, waste and prep
> > time than charcoal. That little tabletop IR grill is great for burgers,
> > steaks and similar and is nice and portable. It doesn't replace a
> > smoker, but between the IR grill and a dedicated smoker it's a great
> > combination. For the pregeezer set, I recommend the Bradley digital
> > electric smoker for it's ease of use and minimal attention required hen
> > in use.
> >
> >
> The Bradley looks good, especially for very low temp. smoking but those
> little wood chips are very expensive. As we know, it doesn't take plain old
> wood. Does anyone make a product that will substitute for the Bradley chips?
>
> This is where manufacturers really rip you off. HP printers should be free,
> as you have to buy an HP inkjet cartridges. Glucose test devices should be
> free. The money comes from the strips that you put a drop of your blood on.
> Actually I once was given one free, and after I tried to get test strips for
> the device I realized why.

The biscuits really aren't that expensive. You use about 4 or 5 for a
smoking session, since you can program the smoke time independent of the
cook time, i.e. a 4hr total cook with 2hr of smoke. Since food doesn't
really absorb smoke after the first couple hours of the cook, there is
no need to keep generating smoke for the rest of the cook.

If you really wanted, you could make your own biscuits by using your
chain saw to chip your smoking wood to size and using a hydraulic press
to press the chips into biscuits. I may try it some time since I have
the saw and press, and a friend of mine has the Bradley smoker.

On Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:11:39 -0500, "Pete C." >
wrote:

>
>Lou Decruss wrote:
>>
>> On Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:28:16 -0500, "Pete C." >
>> wrote:
>>
>> >
>> >Cabela's currently has a compact stainless infrared grill for $129 or
>> >so. I picked one up and it works rather well for burgers and steaks.
>> >It's setup for the small disposable LP cylinders, but for $20 or so you
>> >can buy a bulk tank adapter hose that will let you connect it to a
>> >regular 20# tank. I did find I had to adjust the regulator slightly
>> >(there is an adjustment screw under the knob), but other than that no
>> >issues with it.
>>
>> I just went and looked and for one person that grill and a Weber
>> kettle would be a nice setup. It's a little weak on the BTU's though
>> and it doesn't say 304 stainless.
>
>Having used it for several batches of burgers and a few steaks, it does
>just fine. The BTU number may seem low, but it's a relatively small
>cooking area and the burner is under the food, not behind it.
>
>> This one's pretty cool and reaches 800 degrees. Pretty high end
>> though.
>
>The $129 unit gets plenty hot:
>
>http://wpnet.us/ir_grill.jpg

Yeah, that's hot. How high is the grate from the flame?

Lou

Lou Decruss wrote:
>
> On Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:11:39 -0500, "Pete C." >
> wrote:
>
> >
> >Lou Decruss wrote:
> >>
> >> On Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:28:16 -0500, "Pete C." >
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >> >
> >> >Cabela's currently has a compact stainless infrared grill for $129 or
> >> >so. I picked one up and it works rather well for burgers and steaks.
> >> >It's setup for the small disposable LP cylinders, but for $20 or so you
> >> >can buy a bulk tank adapter hose that will let you connect it to a
> >> >regular 20# tank. I did find I had to adjust the regulator slightly
> >> >(there is an adjustment screw under the knob), but other than that no
> >> >issues with it.
> >>
> >> I just went and looked and for one person that grill and a Weber
> >> kettle would be a nice setup. It's a little weak on the BTU's though
> >> and it doesn't say 304 stainless.
> >
> >Having used it for several batches of burgers and a few steaks, it does
> >just fine. The BTU number may seem low, but it's a relatively small
> >cooking area and the burner is under the food, not behind it.
> >
> >> This one's pretty cool and reaches 800 degrees. Pretty high end
> >> though.
> >
> >The $129 unit gets plenty hot:
> >
> >http://wpnet.us/ir_grill.jpg
>
> Yeah, that's hot. How high is the grate from the flame?
>
> Lou

Without measuring, I'd say 3"-4".