What is the best made grill under $250

OK grillmasters, it's time to lay 'Ol Smokey down to rest and buy a new grill. After doing extensive research at local stores and online I've come to the conclusion that the perfect cheap grill doesn't exist.

So, I figured who better to ask than folks who love to grill.

Looking in particular to hear opinions about cooking grates (i.e. food sticking, ease of cleaning, non-rusting), temperature moderation (even heat vs hot spots, grills not performing to their advertised temps).

Other considerations are: tall hood (we will often grill 5-6 beer can chickens at a time), surface area (growing family and having friends over), 2-3 cooking levels.

What are you using, and what do you like/dislike about it?

Have both gas and charcoal. My gas grill gets used once a yr, maybe. My little smokey joe (15yrs) gets burnt 3 times a week all yr long. Haven't done a thing to it. Accept rebend the stand do to nocking it over, and reattaching the bottom vent. Best $20 ever spent.

Weber gets my vote too. Have had a kettle charcoal for probably 15 years that sits outside year round, uncovered and it still in good shape. Neighbor has the really big kettle charcoal too which has a ton of room. If you're going charcoal I'd suggest that one. Never had a gas grill.

Weber with a removable rotiseie addition for the kettle, nuff said.

Anyone try a STOK? If so, would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

The Standard Weber. Done everything from pizza & turkey to smoked salmon & jerkey.

After endless hours of online searching, I bought the Weber Performer today, charcoal grill with propane ignition, $328 at Farm & Fleet. My first Weber, what a quality product! Easy assembly, no missing parts, I'm quite impressed! Good grillin ahead! If you are buying a new grill this year, get it soon, this warm weather has created a grill buying frenzy! I got the last Performer at Farm & Fleet Verona today, out of stock now!

WEBER I picked up a used Weber silver at a garage sale, with a full tank of propane for $35.00!!!! That was a steal to say the least!! I use it at least 2 days a week..

Been online searching for that "perfect" charcol grill for the past week, so many choices! Now I'll spend more than $250.00 if I find the right one. Never had a Weber, I want something with adjustable rack for the coals, crank it up for high heat, down for low and slow. No cheapo stuff, I like quality and something that will last for a few years. Any suggestions from the Lake-Linkers?

A $250 grill won't last. I've heard that from numerous people that found out the hard way. I have family that have bought Webers and rave about them. Unfortunately, they run $400-600 but they do last. I inherited by dad's old Sunbeam gas grill when my folk's retired. He had it for around 20 years and he's meticulous when it comes to maintaining stuff. I've had it for 12 years and it was really getting rough last summer even though I've replaced the burner and other parts a few times. I went grill shopping and even though I grill 2-3 times a week, I just couldn't pull the trigger on dropping $400-600 for a quality grill. I ended up going to Menard's and Fleet Farm and buying a new burner, new ceramic briquettes, a new grate for the briquettes, a steel shaft and two lawn mower wheels to replace the crushed plastic original wheels, and some black gas grill paint. The old girl is as good as new and I only spent around $50. When she finally gets too decrepit to fix, I'll pick an old one off the curb and do a refurb in it before I spend $400-600.

Many years ago (don't remember how long ago) bought a Brinkman "Kettle Grill". That thing was amazing. It finally went to fritz (no longer available) and I bought a Weber. I didn't think anything could replace that kettle but, I could not be happier with the Weber.

I know this isn't the answer you want to hear but I agree with the other posters. Got tired of buying grills every two years, we grill at least twice weekly. I ponied up for a Weber almost 10 years ago, still looks like new, and have yet to replace a single part. The way I figure it I am ahead at least $500 ahead.

I also am a believer in Weber had many cheaper grills that would last a year or two with taking good care of them and even replacing parts as needed. Two years ago I got tired of buying new grills from the big box stores and went to Ace after doing my research and now have a Weber with stainless flavor bars and grills couldn't be happier this thing lights every time I push the ignite button. It did cost me about 750.00 I think but it also has a great warranty. DJim

If you are looking for a good grill that will be with you years to come spend the money and buy a weber. Thats if you are looking for a gas one. I know they are not cheap but over time you might buy 2 or 3 of the $250 ones and there is no comparison to the flavor. I have had one for 15 years now with no complaints. Very good quality. You get what you pay for.