u/albanyfunny420

I've been a bbq geek for sometime, but I haven't been as into lately as I was in the past, and I'm looking to save some space and have an "easy button" for some long cooks.

Currently on my deck is a 22.5" Weber Kettle, a Weber Genesis Gas Grill, and a modified Oklahoma Joe Offset Reverse Flow with multiple modifications that I added over the years, including a flame boss fan temp controller.

The gas grill is fine and still works (even though it is almost 20 years old) but it's time to replace it. The offset is great, but I'm too old now to stay up all night and feed a fire. I'll never get rid of the Kettle grill ...I'm thinking of buying a pellet grill to replace the gas grill and the OJRF Offset to save space but not functionality.

I have a budget of trying to stay close to $2000, but would consider up to $2500 with tax and shipping altogether.

What would you buy?

I'm currently leaning towards the Reqteq Dual Fire 1200 as it seems perfect. I almost ordered this morning, but then I realized they took the folding front tray out of the bundle deal I was going to buy, and it really just turned into an excuse for me to not click the purchase button.

Is there another deal or brand out there that I should be looking at? Needs to be able to do some high temps for direct grilling, but also excel at low and slow smoking with a solid temp. controller.

Anyone know why this isn't available anymore on the site? it was in the bundle I was going to buy, but now it is gone, and not even available as an accessory to purchase.

Guess I can order one from PMG or something, but I'm disappointed.

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger and buy a pellet grill for ease and space (I currently have a Weber Genesis Gas Grill, A Weber Kettle, and and Oklahoma Joe Reverse Flow offset) and I'd like to get rid of the gas grill and the offset. While I love smoking food, I'm not as into it as I used to be so the "easy button" seems like a dream.

I am confident that the direct side of this grill will work perfect for normal needs, has anyone done direct heat type cooking on the indirect side? I have a large party coming up and I'd love to have all the space for burgers and such. The direct side looks great for small cooks, but what if I want to do 20+ burgers at once? Can you use the indirect side for more direct high heat?

I'm sorry if this is a stupid post, I've never used a pellet grill before.

I know there are a lot of posts about this, but things change so frequently, I figure asking the wealth of knowledge here would be helpful.

I am hosting a work dinner on Thursday night for 7 people, and I'm looking for the best steakhouse and cocktails I can find with a budget of around $300 a head ,($2100 total). I called and left a voicemail for the Bears, but I am gonna guess it's too short notice there for Thursday and wanting the chateaubriand. We've done 677 and Black and Blue a bunch of times. Want to stay away from the big national chains like Ruth's Chris and Mortons.

Any other great suggestions?

EDIT: Due to meetings scheduled I am hoping to stay in Albany/Schenectady/Troy/Latham/Clifton Park/Bethlehem/Guilderland. Closer to everyone's hotels. They are all staying at Wolf Road hotels.