The first is the propane tank holder on the side – this lets you easily access a propane tank without needing to lift it over a bulky grill. When huge is simply not big enough, then the Weber Genesis portable bbq II E-610 is the grill you need. This gigantic 6-burner grill is a steel monster that will probably cook all the food you need for those family gatherings where 3 generations all get together at once.
The Sear Station is designed to create an intense heat zone to quickly add sear marks to your meat. The high heat from this extra weber genesis 2 burner also decreases preheat time. The weber spirit comes with upgraded burners – this is one of the nicest features.
Although that’s over twice the price of a quality charcoal grill, it’s worth the investment if you prioritize speed and convenience. The budget-oriented Smoke Hollow specializes in charcoal-gas combination grills but also offers a couple of gas models. Reviews, prices, and hands-on time convinced us they didn’t have the initial quality to compete. As for maintenance, the Spirit’s flat grates were easy to keep clean with a grill brush, and its grease trap was easy to access for dumping and washing. The same goes for the Genesis II, whose grates are identically made but slightly larger.
For making dinner, your eyes, experience, and a good instant-read thermometer are better tools. The entire Spirit II line interfaces with Weber’s iGrill 3 “smart” thermometer ; however, as with a lot of “smart” gear, we’re not sold on it. The ability to remotely monitor conditions is useful for 24/7 appliances like thermostats, security systems, and garage doors. For monitoring how your dinner is doing, your eyes, your experience, and a good instant-read thermometer are better tools.
From Bluetooth speakers to patio furniture to gas and charcoal grills, here’s what we think you need for backyard entertaining and cooking. Look for grills in the $400 to $700 range with a cast-aluminum firebox (which holds heat well and won’t rust). Don’t cheap out on a budget model if you want your grill to last, but also don’t overpay for extras you won’t use, such as a rotisserie or a side burner.