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Another Outdoor Grill Question

16 years ago

Ok, we've done all the research now and have decided on what brand of grill to get and the fuel source. The only question now is how big of a grill do we really need? So my question to everyone is how many people do you normally cook for and what size outdoor grill do you use? We are deciding between a 30 and 36" lynx (were going to get the alfresco, but all the reviews swayed us to the lynx). Also, what is the most people that you have every comfortably cooked for on your grill? Thanks!

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Comments (5)

guadalupe
16 years ago
The designer of Lynx SRS sold Lynx and designed Alfresco, the lynx does not compare with the Alfresco. The Alfresco has a real smoker with its own 7,000 btu burner, Alfresco has a drop down control panel with an air baffle, Alfresco has an integrated rotisserie motor so that it does not hang off the side of the unit, the sear zone on the Alfresco has a channeled grate to return flavor to the product you are cooking, the Lynx uses the same grate over the sear zone as it does over the burner, the Lynx sear zone has difusser pads that reduce the searing area and on and on
robnj_2006
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, but we already decided purely on the basis of the way the burners are manufactured. also, we decided not to go with the sear zone anyway since we're more a grilled chicken and fish household than a grilled steak household.
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I have cooked on all three and the TEK IR is the only gas grill that cooks as well as charcoal. It's advantages over charcoal are that it is quick to set up, easy to clean up and does an excellent job of creating the charcoal taste. As many here know, the flavor is created by the smoke from the fat striking the hot surface be it charcoal or something else. The higher the IR energy (from gas or charcoal) and the less the flame, the more smoke generated rather than being turned into additional flame. The TEK creates a great deal of smoke because the IR glass sits between the flame and the dripping grease. On older style IR burners there is still an open flame to ignite the grease drippings reducing the amount of smoke to add flavor. With charcoal, once the embers are glowing red, it is emitting a lot of IR and much less to no flame and hence produces a lot of smoke and flavor. I have owned the FireMagic and I would not purchase another. The burners are cast SS but they still do rust over time and the flavor grills wear out too. They are very hard to clean and the heat was not anywhere near as good as the advertisements. If you are the type that never clean a grill and don't mind a gritty looking grill it may not matter. I am the type that wants it to look clean and inviting each time and the self cleaning feature along with the dishwasher removal panels makes the TEK a breeze to clean and keep looking nice. For me that was worth a lot. The more conventional grills like the Firemagic, even with their ceramic infrared burner are not even a close match.
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Today's mail brought the Frontgate catalog, which featured their professional grill. It looks capable and seems nicely priced at $2,299. I wish I could see one locally, as there's no way I'd make such a major purchase sight unseen. Is anyone here familiar with this grill? Does anyone know who makes it? I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's another product of the Lynx factory. Unmatched Construction: Â Non-corrosive 304 stainless steel will endure for seasons Â Painted 38" ceramic brick firebox Â Distinctive granite work surface is highly scratch-resistant Â Double-walled hood construction guards against heat discoloration Â Heavy-duty locking casters provide safe and secure mobility Â 10-year warranty on primary burners Peerless Performance: Â 107,000 total BTUs Â Four 13,000 BTU cast stainless steel primary burners Â Two 12,000 BTU side burners Â 18,000 BTU infrared searing burner Â 13,000 BTU infrared rear burner with included rotisserie kit Premium Features: Â Push-and-turn electronic igniters for effortless grill lighting Â Convection-style cooking vents for enhanced heat distribution Â Stainless steel warming shelf removes for easy cleaning Â Spacious utility drawers store your cooking utensils Â Full-width stainless steel drip pan for easy grease management Â Commercial-quality stainless steel grill grates Â Under-hood interior lights keep you cooking after dark Â Included all-weather vinyl cover guards grill from the elements Here is a link that might be useful: Frontgate Professional Grill
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gatorguy
16 years ago
I can say that my old Ducane is appx. 416 sq. inches on the main level, not incl. the warming rack. We have entertained for as many as 20 people and there were definitely times where I had to cook in stages. The new Firemagic is 660 sq inches (sitting in the garage) and I anticipate it being large enough although 1/3 of the bottom has the sear zone. I say if you can afford it go w/the 36. BTW, the comment above is one of the few things I dont like about this site. People who dont answer your question but instead only comment on what a poor decision you are making. (you should have gone with the firemagic LOL)
freedee
16 years ago
One thing to keep in mind with a large cavity, is that if you want to make 2 lamb chops, you have to use most of the burners to get the heat up. When I was growing up, my parents had a grill with two chambers. I don't know if anyone is make those, but I wish I had that.
robnj_2006
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks. From a pricing standpoint, I could get two 30" grills for only $800 more than one 36" inch. So if 30" ened up being just too small, we could end up with 60"! Although that would definitely be overkill...I think.

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