The Product: Gas Grill

If you don’t like the hassle of charcoal and want to get started fast and clean up quickly, then a gas grill is for you. Most gas grills run off a propane tank, but you can also buy a grill that connects directly to your home’s natural gas line, which is a great feature. If you are considering a cheaper grill, such as a Charbroil or a Sunbeam, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. I have many friends with these grills and have seen the problems. First, the gas comes out too quickly, so you can easily blow your head off with the automatic lighter, which also tends to break down after one or two seasons. Second, the cheaply made cooking grates do not retain heat well and are hard to clean. Finally, the burners cook unevenly and often flare up in areas, ruining your food. Remember that more power does not mean better grilling. Buy a quality grill and it will last you for years. Read More About Why I Love Weber Grills

Recommendation: Weber Genesis E-310 Gas Grill

Launched in 2007, the new Weber Genesis lines up between the larger Summit Series and the entry-level Spirit Grills. The flagship grill in this series is the Weber Genesis E-310, which is the perfect size for most families. The 2008 Weber Genesis E-310 has three separately controlled burners (rated at 42,000 BTU), an enclosed cart to store the propane tank, a built-in commercial-grade thermometer and a warming rack. Advantages of the Genesis E310 over the Spirit Grills include 20 percent more cooking area (637 vs. 528 square inches), stainless steel work surfaces, a stainless handle and stainless steel accents and trim. The Genesis E&S grills also have an electronic Crossover ignition system, which works electronically to light the grill without having manually depressed the button. Weber's ignition system lights the grill on the first try virtually every time and will do so for years; this has always been a strength of Weber grills. I strongly recommend buying the custom Weber Premium Cover and using it on regular basis (especially during the winter) to prolong the life of your grill. But even if you don’t, Weber stands behind all its products with a best-in-class warranty that covers the major parts of the grill for 10-25 years.

Weber Genesis Models and Variations
The Weber Genesis E-310 comes in three colors: black, green and blue and in both propane (LP) and natural gas models. The Weber Genesis E-320 adds a flush-mounted side burner, which many people don’t use. The Weber S-310 and S-320 models have the same specs as the E-models, but they are all stainless and cost several hundred dollars more.

See All Weber Genesis E&S Models at Amazon or BBQ Grills and More

Devil's Advocate:

If the Weber Genesis E-310 is too pricey for your budget, I recommend the Weber Spirit E-310, Weber’s entry-level three-burner grill is very similar to the discontinued Weber Genesis Silver B. Alternately, if you really want to impress your friends, read my Weber Summit S-650 Review to learn more about Weber’s top-of-the-line grill. Also

Starting in 2005, Weber stopped including propane tanks with their grills. Plan on an additional $30 for a OPD equipped tank.