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Old May 3, 2016 | 11:04 am
  #209  
dchristiva
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Originally Posted by Duke787
Buying my first grill in a few weeks as a graduation present to myself and hoping to tap into the collective FT wisdom for some advice.

I'm really leaning towards the Weber Spirit E-310 and Lowe's is offering free delivery and installation right now on grills $498 and up (which the Spirit qualifies for). Plus I figure I'll buy a Lowe's gift card from Kroger and get 5x on my Chase Freedom and then go through a portal for another 2-3x to get a nice double dip.

What other key elements should I look for as a first time grill buyer? Thermometer fork? Grill cover? Brush for cleaning? Anything else?

I'm okay with paying a bit more for the grill for quality (which is why I'm looking at the Weber) but for everything else definitely looking for value purchases, don't need the name brand. Thanks in advance!

Mods: I saw an old grilling thread but it was 6 years old so I'm starting a new one feel free to merge if you see fit (or move to OMNI if appropriate)
I'll second the recommendation to upgrade to the Genesis. I've been using a Weber Silver B for over 15 years. I've replaced a few internal parts over the years, but, by and large, the components have held up really, really well. And the firebox is is awesome shape. I know it's more money, but you will never, ever regret the purchase. You're gonna have this grill for a very, very long time if you look after it.

I would add a decent grill brush, an instant read thermometer, and a grill cover (assuming it will be exposed to the elements when not in use) to your list of "must haves". I would not spend crazy money on the brush, as you're likely to replace that annually or so. Put the extra dollars towards a good instant read thermometer. Last but not least, get a decent grill tool set - tongs and spatula in particular. Spring-loaded tongs are best, and long handles are almost a must. You don't have to buy a "matched set", but I have some Williams Sonoma tools that have held up perfectly over 10 years of use. For starters, I would go to a decent restaurant/chef's supply store and pick up the basics. They will have instant read thermometers, too. You might want to look at a decent cutting board/carving board there, too.
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