Dan Wicker
TVWBB Fan
Hey all,
I've actually had great luck with my 4 year old, $129 Wal-Mart special Char-Broil gasser. I'm surprised it has lasted as long as it has. It has always gotten up to temp quickly for me, puts a great sear on a steak, and has decently even heating. But a couple weeks ago, the regulator started leaking. Of course, it's not a universal regulator, but some weird design that clips on. It's a special-order part from Char-Broil, costs $52 (ouch!), and won't be in stock for at least a month. And after waiting that long, I'd still be left with a pretty well-used, 4 year old grill that needs a little TLC, only now it safely delivers propane to the burner.
So my second option was looking at Lowe's and seeing if I could convert to using all new universal parts - regulator, ignitor, burner. And while I'm at it, I may as well replace the grates, Flavorizer bars, and put a new coat of paint on it. Just shopping online, that will run me nearly $100 with tax. Yikes! So I'm thinking that for only $30 more, I can get a very similar grill, brand new for 2009.
But the Weber enthusiast in me is trying to justify getting a real Weber gasser. My wife nearly choked on the price of a new Genesis - not really an option for us, especially with a little one entering our lives in less than a month. A Spirit E-310 is a different story. Home Depot is selling the 2008 model online through the end of the month for only $299. That's a fantastic deal. Yes, I know it's made in China, but it's gotta last longer than the Char Broil.
So what are your thoughts? We're not rich people, but we have some tax refund money coming back (although a good bit of that will be spent on diapers and such).
Thanks!
I've actually had great luck with my 4 year old, $129 Wal-Mart special Char-Broil gasser. I'm surprised it has lasted as long as it has. It has always gotten up to temp quickly for me, puts a great sear on a steak, and has decently even heating. But a couple weeks ago, the regulator started leaking. Of course, it's not a universal regulator, but some weird design that clips on. It's a special-order part from Char-Broil, costs $52 (ouch!), and won't be in stock for at least a month. And after waiting that long, I'd still be left with a pretty well-used, 4 year old grill that needs a little TLC, only now it safely delivers propane to the burner.
So my second option was looking at Lowe's and seeing if I could convert to using all new universal parts - regulator, ignitor, burner. And while I'm at it, I may as well replace the grates, Flavorizer bars, and put a new coat of paint on it. Just shopping online, that will run me nearly $100 with tax. Yikes! So I'm thinking that for only $30 more, I can get a very similar grill, brand new for 2009.
But the Weber enthusiast in me is trying to justify getting a real Weber gasser. My wife nearly choked on the price of a new Genesis - not really an option for us, especially with a little one entering our lives in less than a month. A Spirit E-310 is a different story. Home Depot is selling the 2008 model online through the end of the month for only $299. That's a fantastic deal. Yes, I know it's made in China, but it's gotta last longer than the Char Broil.
So what are your thoughts? We're not rich people, but we have some tax refund money coming back (although a good bit of that will be spent on diapers and such).
Thanks!