Windproof Grill

[JLR]

We have a Magma gas grill on a rod holder stand on our cockpit. It is almost useless in any type of wind. If the flame does not go out in the wind, the wind enters from the openings and the grill doesn't get hot enough. Any suggestions on a small, gas grill suitable for either a rod holder mount or table mount that works well in a calm to moderate wind? Thanks.

 

[captainwjm]

I feel your pain. We bought a rectangular Magma to replace the round one for just that reason, but the new one is as bad or worse. I tried lining the inside of the box with aluminum foil in an attempt to block the wind, but that has only limited effect. When it's calm, it works great.

 

[Artzco]

I gave up on gas grills 6 years ago when I bought my Kenyon electric portable. It also comes in a surface mount. No effect from wind and cooks evenly and a pleasure to clean. Here is the link with some info.

http://www.samsmarine.com/forums/showthread.php?22213-Aft-Deck-Grill-Update&highlight=kenyon

 

[Boatsb]

Can't say anything good about the magma grill so ill move on


I have seen smaller ss home grills adapted to be used in rodholders.

 

[rsmith]

Nothing will work in the wind. I usually get a throw away for our Bahama trips but the drill is to do it on the dock and arrange the coolers as wind blocks

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Never have a problem with the Magma. When anchored, you put in on the back rail out of the wind.

 

[Fanfare]

Had a round Magma for several years in my rod holder. Always blew out. No plastic on our aft deck. After gassing many burgers I developed a taste for steak tartare.

Bought a Magma charcoal grill. After carrying it around for ten years unused due to fear of burning varnish off the rail finally gave up and donated to the local library.

Last year I saw 240v electric grills in Amsterdam, giving some thought to this. But then have to figure out a 240v outlet on deck or somewhere. Is there a 240v Ground Fault Interrupter? Most grilling would be done before dark, so I should have adequate excess generator capacity for this.

 

[Artzco]

That is why the 110v Kenyon is so well suited for boats. I've cooked everything from pizza to steak and wind is not a problem.

 

[JLR]

Do the so called infra red grills do any better in the wind? Also, as far as electric grills go, I was never really happy with the Jenn Air electric I had on the last boat and it too suffered in the wind. Just trying to make sure that if I replace the grill I have, I take a step up and do not have to worry about not be able to use it in any kind of light wind.

 

[rsmith]

The problem I've had is the cooling effect from the wind not the ability to maintain flame. I tried an electric but it was too slow on preheat. Back in the day when we first got the boat we had one of those cast iron hibachi grills that folded in two. The thing was great but I didn't like carrying charcoal around.

 

[Robby]

We like plain ole charcoal.I have a small Weber that I sit in a washtub with about 6 inches of water in it .Kind of redneck but its safe and works well.ask Freebird about the meal we cooked while crossing the bay on the way to Orange Beach.

 

[GJH]

We have a big rectangular, two separate burner Magma mounted in area up on an outer rail on the FB very exposed to wind that became more and more susceptible to blowing out. Was advised that new regulator and thorough cleaning would help, perhaps cure. Actually the whole burner system needs to be almost completely rebuilt to the tune of $100 or so in parts. It's a very very nice grill when in works and we use a grill a lot.

Soooo, I have been too lazy to rebuild it the past winter or two, Last year I bought on several recommendations on another boating forum, and closed on it by a guy on a Defever who slipped next to us for awhile, a Weber Q, I think ours is a 120, has a temp gauge on it. About $150 bucks at Lowes. I use it on the table on the flying bridge or if we have a lot of guests, the FB console; put a large cutting board under but it doesn't really need it. Guy on the Defever has his hard mounted to a starboard table mounted on an outside rail. I'll see if can remember to get pics, the guy s passing through here again for a few weeks.

Bottom line: the Q is really fantastic. It can still get pretty windy up there where I use it and never an issue. Seems to light and stay lit regardless of wind. Cooks beautifully. Not quite as big as the Magma but we have fed 7 or 8 people easily from it. Highly recommended. Plan was to fix the Magma and bring the Weber to our new place. Don't know if I will ever get around to fixing that Magma.

Edit: Did a search, here is what I have:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_5118-505-516501_0__

 

[gbharrington]

I have experience with infrared grills. Mine I would categorize as a true infrared, as it uses a ceramic honeycomb burner, similar to what you would see in an outdoor heating lamp. Many of the grills marketed as infrared these days are simply standard burners covered with a perforated shield.

Having said all of that, they still blow out in a stiff wind.

 

[jim rosenthal]

I have the same Weber grille at my NC house and it works great. I am going to get another one for up here in Annapolis. Magma may look prettier, esp on a boat, but the Weber grills better. And I am done with charcoal.

 

[PeterK]

Another Weber Q user here. We grill, roast and smoke on it. Made a 10 pound Boston butt for pulled pork last week. Fed 16 people and they loved it (NC style with vinegar mop sauce & sandwich slaw)). Can be used with Coleman tank, propane torch tanks or with an adapter for large tanks. We do fine with the Coleman tanks (one tank lasted five hours on low for the pulled pork). We have two round tables on the flybridge that swivel. I set it on one of them and rotate it to get the best wind flow heat combination.