New outdoor grill

[Chicken Chaser]

I know there are many charcoal connoisseurs on PH but I've just sold a 57cm Weber premium through lack of use.

I'm going to gas for the first time.

Im after the same premium quality so likely continue with Weber. I still have a charcoal Go Anywhere which I use both at home or in the caravan however id like the convenience of gas with a growing family and potential time limited cooking.

Looking at the Weber Q series, got my eye on the 2200 for family size use and relative portability. Anyone used one and could comment on versatility?

I know the hardened charcoal nuts will say there is no substitute however id be interested in whether or not you can achieve a similar finish with a box full of smoking chips in a gas grill?

[Royal Jelly]

At my holiday home I have a charcoal Go Anywhere, also. It’s ace. I also have a Q1200 for the balcony of my high-rise gaff.. As a once devout charcoal burner, I have a left-field suggestion.

How about... 2 Q1200 grills?

The reason I suggest it, is that one is sufficient for most 4-person cooks. It’s incredibly efficient compared to the bigger Q grills, and one will work for most of your needs. It also gets up to temp very swiftly, though I’m not sure how it compares to bigger ones. The second is on standby mode for your bigger cooks or when you need 2 temperatures (only one burner on the 1200)..

You can get a collapsible cart for it, so you can drag it away like a suitcase..

That said, the efficiency may not bother you - I use mine nearly every day so it makes a difference to me.

I am a massive advocate of the Q series though. They’re simple, great quality, easy to maintain with excellent quality where it counts (the burner and the cast iron grate). As with all things Weber, plenty of accessories available..

[fttm]

Personally no I don't think you can get the same finish , I add chips or pellets for effect occasionally and that's all it's for . Nothing can beat results from a proper smoker . Plus the satisfaction of your results

[wisbech]

Agree, a Q1200 is fine for a family, unless you are planning on having lots of kids... Ours is fine for feeding 4 people, have done 6 with a bit of organisation. Fits in a car boot easily.

[Chicken Chaser]

Thanks for the advice on sizing. The Go anywhere is a bit small for our needs now, although can do a quick few burgers and sausages or a small chicken.

As I haven't been able to see these things side by side Ive tried to compare it with the size of the 1200 and 2200 using the given measurements. My kids are only young but are increasingly bigger eaters.

I guess with gas and one burner, there isn't really direct and indirect areas so the whole grill can be useable? If I'm taking it away with us I'd be looking at the pizza stone and griddle for starters

[Raging Bu11]

The Q is an awesome bit of kit and really quite versatile. It's fantastic for steaks which is its forte - Searing hot, lid down.Awesome steaks every time !!
It's also great for things like plank soaked salmon as you still get the smokiness from the plank. If I were doing a leg of lamb though I'd still use the kettle as it's better for indirect cooking. You can get a roasting shield for the Q that helps with indirect cooking, but I've never tried one so can't really comment. You can also get a rottisserie attachment that works really well for roasts (yum). You couldn't do a beer can chicken on it as it doesn't have the height, but TBH rotisserie chicken is better anyway :-)


All in all the Q is a fantastic bit of kit, very versatile and would throughly recommend. I had mine for about 4 yrs and used it on average 3 times a week all year round. My parents have it now as I've upgraded to a bigger set up and it's still going strong.

[Chicken Chaser]

Just to update this, bought a Q2200 shortly after postiing and i've been using it heavily for the last 2 months. Due to the speed and ease (and weather) its meant that we've barbecued at least twice a week. I've also taken it away in the caravan which has been a great result. I bought a Weber griiddle which has been good for cooking breakfasts, garlic bread, warming pastries and cooking pizza.The only downside of the griddle is that it restricts your cooking space around it. I thought it would be useful to use as indoors also hence why I chose it over the plate to fit the Q specifically. I might end up buying one of those too and seeing how it compares. Found it really easy to keep clean too.

Fully recommend it if anyone else was looking to buy one.

[number2]

If you're using it and enjoying it that's a good result in my book .

Can't beat cooking outside.

I'm in need of an undercover area so I can be more 'all-weather' but unfortunately it's got to wait .