Grill for Condo deck

We have been tasked with getting a new gas grill for our condo deck (charcoal is not allowed - we also have propane, not a gas line). It's a common deck for the whole building with a capacity of 75 people. Most parties are significantly smaller, though they run the gamut. We have 65 units in our building, but the deck isn't reserved all that often - tops twice a week, and sometimes none at all. So far this year it's been reserved once.

The last grill was a cheapie and has died. We have a limited budget (the board doesn't want to spend a lot) but I could get them to spend more if I had some logical reasons.

There is a grill at Costco for $600 that is very basic - no side burners etc - but has a LOT of grill surface and a stainless cover (it folds over onto itself). I like the idea because you could have a large party if you wanted and not run out of space and it doesn't have any other parts to break - it just grills. The condo board isn't sure we need anything that large.

So, I thought I'd ask the folks here what you think.

How much grill space would you think would be needed? I'd like for people to comfortably be able to cook for at least 15-20 people.

Does anyone know if we would really get more for more money in terms of years of use? And, how many years should we get out of a grill?

Anything in particular I should look for? I've read Consumer Reports recent ratings and a few other articles. It seems that I should look for porcelain coated iron grates and cast brass or cast stainless burners. I also am thinking I don't want things like a rotisserie - too may people using it that won't know how - more stuff to break. But, that could be faulty thinking.

Thanks in advance.

What you describe sounds like the best thing to do. Burners, storage, etc. is just unnecessary crap that you don't need.

The big question is what is everyone cooking? Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken or steaks. Steaks usually take up a lot more room plus you want a hot fire to get a good sear. Grill area and an even distribution of burners would be what I would focus on. If it stays outside, stainless steel would help it last longer.

I suggest you check for NFPA Local Fire Code. I would be surprised if any type of open source of ignition is allowed. -Dick

Hi,

The info may be two years old, I am sure there are some good ideas. RevrendAndy has a similar dilemma buying a grill for condo association.

I hope you let us know the outcome.

Regards,

Cook's Illustrated really liked the Weber Genesis (I think the one they particularly liked was the Silver B). That was for a home grill, not a commercial one, which may be what you are more in line for. I think it runs around $500-$600

When we were living in our condo downtown, we purchased a Weber Genesis Silver B. That was in 1999 and we still have it today.

The only thing I don't care for is that since there the three controllable burners go horizontally across the grill, it's very hard to cook indirectly. The next grill I buy will have burners on the left and right.

The grill has definitely served its purpose though and I do not regret the decision to get it.

Good luck!!

John

Thanks for the input.

Well, decision made. Not mine, but I don't have a vote.

After Consumer Reports, many BBQ blogs, etc., Lowe's is delivering a Charbroil Commercial series in the morning. It has the largest surface we could find locally without going to a commercial grill. It doesn't have a rotisserie and only one side burner. We discussed removing it, but decided to leave it on.

There logic was that unless we spend a LOT more money, it's going to get beaten up by the users and won't last anyway - if we have to replace it in 5-8 years, why spend $800 when we could spend $400? We couldn't find anything that said we would get many more years out of one than another in the price range they wanted to spend and the Weber's were too small in that price range. They didn't like the stainless grate on the one that was larger (at Costco) and that they were either cast iron or stainless burners. I suppose it makes sense that the stainless burners wouldn't conduct as well and would never be kept clean.

This has five brass tube burners, so should have pretty good heat. I will use it this weekend (instead of my own grill) to see how it works.

ViewsAskew wrote:Lowe's is delivering a Charbroil Commercial series in the morning. It has the largest surface we could find locally without going to a commercial grill.

Does anyone else see the irony in this? (my bolding)

i didn't read this in time, but i'd like to chime in on the costco grills.

i have 2 friends that both have the big Kirkland Signature stainless steel grills... they are really really great grills. i'd take one over my weber probably, and clearly for the same amount of money you get more grill out of the KS one than a weber.

some of the best steaks, lamb chops, etc. i've had have been cooked on these grills... i don't know if that's a testament to my grill or their cooking though, but knowing their cooking style i think it's probably the grill just as much..

also, you cannot beat the costco lifetime return policy...

one of the two of them just had a problem with it... the burner wouldn't light. (i have a hunch they didn't clean it much...). it's a 4 year old grill, mind you... they took it into costco and got a store credit for the full amount of the grill, no questions asked. name another store that does that.....

nr706 wrote:

ViewsAskew wrote:Lowe's is delivering a Charbroil Commercial series in the morning. It has the largest surface we could find locally without going to a commercial grill.

Does anyone else see the irony in this? (my bolding)

Yeah, the irony is that Charbroil would call their grill a Commercial series when it's made with cheap stainless and will rust etc. in short order