Small BBQ grille, need rec.

tom p. · 07-17-06, 11:52

Guys, I need suggestions on a small (portable) charcoal BBQ grille. I've got Weber's "Smokey Joe" but have never liked that unit since the food sits about 1" above the charcoal and ends up singed or way too smoky....and I mean way TOO smoky.

We have a large propane fired Weber that's excellent but the wife likes a real charcoal fire every now and then.

Anybody find a decent unit that doesn't rot out in a year or two and works well?

Thanks.

G35stilez · 07-17-06, 12:56

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=73568

I went with the Weber Performer Series: http://www.buy.com/prod/Weber_841001.../90145972.html

$299 with free shipping, can't complain. Plus, Buy.com is in PA. They ship same/next day and it only takes a day to get here with UPS Ground.

Regarding the grille, it should be here today so I will give a report soon

.

tom p. · 07-17-06, 01:19

LOL. Thanks, Sean. I'll look forward to hearing your comments.

Congrats on the new ride - - I hope you're enjoying it.

TnM6i · 07-17-06, 02:59

We sell the Weber Performer like Sean posted at my work. They are very popular. If I were in the market for a grille, I would definately buy the Weber. Food cooked on charcoal is so much better than with LP. The Performer is cool in the fact that it has a gas ignition via small Coleman LP bottles available nearly everywhere. No more lighter fluid and guessing if the heat is going or not.

tom p. · 07-17-06, 03:08

Guys, I need something small

. I need a unit that would be considered table-top and can easily be moved around for picnics, etc. Must be charcoal-burning.

TortoiseAWD · 07-18-06, 08:04

tom,

Maybe this will help:

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...Search+Froogle

Good luck finding something,
Tort

gusbubba · 07-18-06, 03:52

Check Lowe's.....I was wandering around there the other day and they had some some very nice (stainless steel) models decently priced that should suit your needs.
They were of the "table top" variety you mentioned and they had both gas and charcoal.

kompressornsc · 07-18-06, 04:37

Now...wasn't I the one who recommended the Performer series in the other thread?

you can send me a package of Omaha Steaks...my address is....

I'm about ready to buy a new one myself becasue I can't use the tank anymore (old style valve) and I am just horrible @ getting an even fire.

If you're just looking for something small, the Smokey Joe might be a good choice.

The Little Pal Grill was probably the best protable ever made, but my research shows that they are no longer making them. But I did find a listing in EBay's 'Want it Now' for someone willing to pay up to $75 for one....like the one I have in my garage.

tom p. · 07-18-06, 05:38

Guys, thanks for the suggestions. I'll check at Lowe's...have to get out there later this week.

Most of the portable units look like junk that will rot out in no time. This company seems to have a better quality unit made from cast iron. It will likely last longer and retain some heat. LODGE

gusbubba · 07-18-06, 06:29

Those look promising....don't see much cast iron around.
Good luck.....

kompressornsc · 07-18-06, 06:40

Lodge is a good Mfg. I have used a few of them before. They tend to be very small (like 2 burgers small), and heavy as anything. But, they're good grills. The only ones I have seen from them are open top though, so not as much control as something with a lid. Lodge is a big name in camping & RVs, so you might check that type of store.

tom p. · 07-19-06, 06:26

I've looked at one store and the guy kept trying to get me to buy a Smokey Joe...couldn't get him to understand I already have one. Will check at Lowe's and see if they have anything of interest. It looks like Blue Rhino makes a compact unit of above-average quality.