This is actually a pretty sweet little grill. I have one specifically for tailgating and it works like a charm. You can even buy a little stand for it if you want.
OP: you should really look at this Weber
My dad has a big weber and a smaller version of this one. He uses the big one only when a ton of people come over. It's really a waste to heat the huge thing up for 4 steaks.
The one I linked to will be big enough to cook for 8 people if need be. You can go down in size easily to get to 4 people if you like.
The grill on it is fantastic, and it starts up like a charm every time. It won't take up a huge amount of space, and you can put it away in the shed, or on a shelf when you aren't using it.
Another vote for the Weber Q series, especialy if you're not huge into grilling yet. Go with a Q120 and a portable cart. Easy to clean, easy to store. I actually just store it right inside the kitchen slider and roll it outside when I want to grill (I use a full size propane tank that is stored outdoors). If you ever want to take it somewhere just toss it in your car and use a portable propane tank.
You can always invest in a larger grill later. If you do buy a big one and leave it outdoors keep in mind you need to rat proof it, they love the drippings. I had to get rid of my last grill because a rat pooped in it (it was a cheapo anyway). Actually a friend came and took it, I don't think he told his wife why he was getting a free grill though....
You threw your grill away because a rat shit in it?
I have a gas Weber grill.
That being said, the cheaper lines of Weber are actually made in China. If you want one of their better grills, which are also the ones made in the USA, then you are going to have to look at their $600 or higher MSRP lines. Anything less is a Chinese version and sucks in comparison. Why do they suck? Cheaper stainless is used which actually does rust. Thinner stainless, cheaper burners, and a whole hosts of cut corners are used that are not for the USA made grills.
However, if you are looking for just a cheap, but good grill for occasional weekend grilling there is plenty out there. Hell, just about anything will work so long as you keep it covered when not in used. That Chargriller that has been linked to many times a pretty darn good cheap charcoal grill.
Those that prefer charcoal over gas because of the flavor don't have a clue. Just get a burn cup and get the same smokey flavor added with a gas grill as a charcoal grill. Basically a burn cup is a tin cup with some holes in it that you place in wet wood chips of your choice while you cook. The wood chips are also cooked and release smoke while they burn slowly into your food and add their flavor just as a normal charcoal style grill.
The reason people like Weber though is they use porcelain enamel coated cast iron grates. This allows for a bit more even heating than you would get with just a grate of stainless steel. Not only that, the cast iron will season and be easier to clean. The seasoning will impart some nice flavors to your future cooking endeavors that you will never get with a cheapie grill that has stainless steel cooking grates.
Personally I own a Weber Genesis E-310 I got for a STEAL a couple years back. Every so often these go on clearance at various stores. A few years back the HEBs (which are grocery stores here in Texas) had a clearance on their Weber grills. I picked mine up for $180.
During spring is typically not the best time be buying a grill. Winter and Fall are the best as they are clearing out older models for the newer ones. Newer ones are usually the same thing sometimes as the Genesis E-310 hasn't changed much in the last 5 years that I know of.
The Q series are made in America. The Spirit is the Chinese model.
I have a gas Weber grill.
That being said, the cheaper lines of Weber are actually made in China. If you want one of their better grills, which are also the ones made in the USA, then you are going to have to look at their $600 or higher MSRP lines. Anything less is a Chinese version and sucks in comparison. Why do they suck? Cheaper stainless is used which actually does rust. Thinner stainless, cheaper burners, and a whole hosts of cut corners are used that are not for the USA made grills.
However, if you are looking for just a cheap, but good grill for occasional weekend grilling there is plenty out there. Hell, just about anything will work so long as you keep it covered when not in used. That Chargriller that has been linked to many times a pretty darn good cheap charcoal grill.
Those that prefer charcoal over gas because of the flavor don't have a clue. Just get a burn cup and get the same smokey flavor added with a gas grill as a charcoal grill. Basically a burn cup is a tin cup with some holes in it that you place in wet wood chips of your choice while you cook. The wood chips are also cooked and release smoke while they burn slowly into your food and add their flavor just as a normal charcoal style grill.
The reason people like Weber though is they use porcelain enamel coated cast iron grates. This allows for a bit more even heating than you would get with just a grate of stainless steel. Not only that, the cast iron will season and be easier to clean. The seasoning will impart some nice flavors to your future cooking endeavors that you will never get with a cheapie grill that has stainless steel cooking grates.
Personally I own a Weber Genesis E-310 I got for a STEAL a couple years back. Every so often these go on clearance at various stores. A few years back the HEBs (which are grocery stores here in Texas) had a clearance on their Weber grills. I picked mine up for $180.
During spring is typically not the best time be buying a grill. Winter and Fall are the best as they are clearing out older models for the newer ones. Newer ones are usually the same thing sometimes as the Genesis E-310 hasn't changed much in the last 5 years that I know of.
uhhh, not exactly true. I was doing a TON of research before I bought my first grill. I mean like 5 months worth and signed up with a few forums for info. Although it's been a few years since I did all that research, I do know at least at that time your statement was not true. I just remember that as a general rule, anything at that time less than $400 was more than likely chinese in origin.
Here is one article I just found.
http://bbq.about.com/b/2006/10/11/webers-china-line.htm
Even still over at chowhounds and others, the USA lines still don't have all their pieces made in the USA. Parts come from Mexico or China or India and are all assembled here. At this point in the game, I think only their Summit series and higher is entirely 100% USA.