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Grills Performance

Grill reviews for any given model can be few and hard to find, especially for newer models since so many models are available only from certain vendors. Cooking performance is the most common subject of the barbecue grill reviews we found, while durability is a close second.

Users and experts also comment on ease of use and assembly in BBQ grill reviews.

Even Heating.

A fundamental "must have" in a top barbecue grill is the ability to cook food evenly. Based on comments from consumers and experts, all our picks fare well on this front.

The Char-Griller Grillin' Pro 3001 (starting at $186, Amazon) earns praise from users posting reviews at Lowe's for consistent heat across its three burners. In reviews posted on Amazon, consumers say the grill heats up and cooks food quickly. In grill reviews at Home Depot, where the Brinkmann Grill King 810-2410-SB ( Available at Home Depot from $199) is exclusively sold, numerous users find that the grill heats up fast and cooks very evenly. The Weber One-Touch Gold 22.5 (starting at $149, Amazon) earns top ratings in grill reviews at Walmart, where users praise Weber's indirect cooking method, which keeps foods such as chicken and turkey from drying out.

Review continues below

The Char-Broil Two-Burner Gas Grill (starting at $80, Amazon) doesn't fare so well in a grill review on About.com. The site's resident expert evaluates a version exclusive to Sears and reports that the heat output is decent but not even, and the thin body doesn't hold in heat.

Durability.

Perhaps surprisingly, many consumers provide positive feedback on the lifespans of the best budget grills. Reviews on Amazon deem the Char-Griller 3001 durable and seem to consider it an excellent value for the money. Many consumers posting grill reviews appreciate the sturdy construction. One used the grill at least once a week for three years before having to spend $5 to replace a worn-out flame deflector. On the other hand, among the nearly 200 mostly positive reviews of the Char-Griller 3001 at Lowe's, we noted a few that complain about rusting, leaking grease and propane, and problems with the ignition.

The Char-Griller Wrangler 2123 (starting at $110, Amazon) gets a thumbs-up from The Gas Grill Review, which declares the grill more solidly built than its cheap price might suggest. One user vouches for that in a grill review at Home Depot: Since she bought it for her husband more than five years ago, she says, it's stood outside through snow, rain, and wind and been used three to four times per month, and it's still going strong. The Weber One-Touch Gold likewise wins praise from grillers for its durability. A grill review at Bobby's Best notes that Weber grills come with a 10-year warranty and wagers that this grill will last for 25 years.

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In a review of the Brinkmann Grill King 810-2410-SB on Home Depot, one user writes that the grill is still holding up well after six seasons. However, there are some reports of rust developing after a few years and some reviewers say the wheels are a bit flimsy.

The Char-Broil Two-Burner Gas Grill is the subject of an alarming report on Amazon: A repeat buyer who was happy with a previous version for five years says flames flared out the front of this model and melted the knobs. Other consumers echo comments from that reviewer about the flimsy construction of this grill.

by Raechel Conover (Google+ Profile)

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Best Cheap BBQ Grills

Char-Griller Wrangler 2123

 Read why »
Where to buy

Char-Griller Grillin' Pro 3001

 Read why »
Where to buy

Good Cheap BBQ Grill

Brinkmann Grill King

 Read why »
Where to buy
Available at Home Depot from $199

Weber One Touch Gold 22.5

 Read why »
Where to buy
 
 
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Char-Broil Two-Burner Gas Grill

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