Showing posts with label fire pit grill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fire pit grill. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Charcoal Companion Non-Stick Triple Fish Grilling Basket with Rosewood Handle

Charcoal Companion Non-Stick Triple Fish Grilling Basket with Rosewood HandleDon't know what they were thinking here. The basket does not take into account the thickness of the fish, so it presses down on it really tightly, resulting in a huge mess. Tried it first with salmon steaks and did not use the clip, just let it the basket lay on the fish. It still stuck and when I removed the top of the basket the steaks shredded to pieces. Ruined $30 worth of fish. Where was the non-stick part? So next, I tried it with a thinner filet and sprayed it with PAM. Better on the unskinned side, but the skin stuck and it's a mess to clean it off. Had to soak it overnight and then pick off little shreds for about 30 minutes. I wouldn't even put this in a yard sale for a buck. It's going in the trash. Or maybe I can use it for some sort of garden tool.

We're new to grilling and tried grilling a salmon fillet without a grill basket disasterous to the fillet and even dangerous as the liquid from the fish flared on the hot coals as we tried to turn it. When we got the grill basket we saw from the illustration that this was designed for lake fish and of course we had thick swordfish steaks. With a little ingenuity and copper wire we managed to close the basket over the fish (only mashing one end of the steaks. Other than issues of size (thickness) the basket was a great success. Regarding it's being non-stick and applying oil to the basket I think you'd do better to try oil on the fish (olive oil with whatever seasonings you like.) I expect we will have many a fine lake trout or bass (or veggies) grilled in this basket. We may look for a larger basket for thicker cut seafood.

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Used a few times and does save the fish from flaking apart when you turn them over, but if your good you only need to turn them over once. Cleaning is a pain, it take longer than actually cooking the fish.

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We thought a bigger one would be best, but if it was a little bit smaller it wouldn't hurt. Taking the handle on and off to be able to shut the grill takes a bit of practice but works just fine.

The design holds smaller pieces, think asparagus, bell pepper strips, pretty well. We enjoy it.

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I grill all year round and grill a lot of seafood. This was a wonderful buy. I use it all the time. If you clean right after using then it's not so bad otherwise there is a little sticking.

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Sunday, June 22, 2014

Jim Beam JB0115 Grilling Branding Iron with custom letters Set

Jim Beam JB0115 Grilling Branding Iron with custom letters SetI was really excited to find this becuase you can customize your iron to say what you want it to say. However when I got it in the mail I discovered that Jim Beam is a permanant part of the iron and what you write with the letters is the part that can be changed. So if you put initials "JAH" your brand will read:

Jim Beam

JAH

Its back on a UPS truck to amazon :( I wish they would tell you in the description that Jim Beam is a permanant part of the brand. I never would have purchased it.

As previous reviewer noted, "JIM BEAM" is "permanently" affixed to the iron. A grinding wheel easily solves that problem, however.

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I was pleased with the item, although, I wish there is more room to place more letters or words. That's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I would recommend this to anyone who grills alot.

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Monday, May 19, 2014

6" Polar Array BBQ Grill, Smoker or Pit Air Venting Damper Kit

6' Polar Array BBQ Grill, Smoker or Pit Air Venting Damper KitI used this vent to modify my Gas BBQ grill.

Placed it on top lid, now I can get higher temps by opening the vents when I need that extra sear on my meats.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Minden Grill Company MMG1000 30,000-BTU Master Grill, Green

Minden Grill Company MMG1000 30,000-BTU Master Grill, Green*****See Update Below******

Having now had this grill for over a year, I would describe it as a decent quality grill for a fair price. I use this grill frequently, probably twice a week or more, even in winter. If you are an occasional user, you may find this a more ideal product.

The Good Points-

1) It looks great and is perfect if you don't want and over testosteroned massive stainless grill on your property.

2) The quality and functionality is decent.

3) If you get a hold of a real person at Minden, they are very nice and will go out of their way to help you.

4) Heats up very quickly.

The Bad Points-

1) You MUST purchase separately the stainless steel grate. The included enameled grate will wear out in less than one season.

2) The wood handle will also become moldy in less than a season. I extended it's life by using some spray varnish on it, but I would still prefer the stainless steel one (which I've seen at Williams-Sonoma on a version of this grill that only they sell).

3) The spatter plates become quickly rusty. Minden was nice enough to send me (essentially for free) 3 stainless steel ones.

4) Some of the bolts which hold the unit together become rusty over time, they should be made of stainless steel, but they aren't.

5) The grill does not evenly heat, and has hot and cold spots, which over time if you understand where they are you can compensate for them.

They really have the makings of a great grill with some small modifications, I would encourage them to change some parts to stainless steel (described above) and attempt to resolve the unevenness of the heating surface.

******UPDATE April 8, 2012********

After having this grill for about two years, I sadly have to conclude that it's not something I would buy again.

The rust has continued to the point where critical functioning parts are failing. The bracket for the trough which supplies gas from burner to burner has failed, causing the trough to fall off. I've managed to stick it back using some rocks so I can still use the grill.

The hot and cold spot issue seems to have gotten worse, and it's also now hard for me to get the grill started without pressing the start button 10 or 15 times.

Additionally, the threaded plastic gas tank hookup broke in half, and I had to replace it with a new one.

After doing some math, I've concluded that the cost of ownership of this grill is simply too high.

At 479, lasting two years, means 249/year (this does not include the MANDATORY cost of buying the Stainless Steel Grate)

***Conclusion: I've pretty much settled on purchasing the American Outdoor Grill Model 25PC (with back burner). It's basically the same physical size, but at 1650 is considerable more expensive. However, nearly every part on the grill is guaranteed for 10 years, with some parts being guaranteed for longer. Even if one figures that the all stainless steel, made in America grill will last for 10 years, the cost of ownership per year is only $165.

This Minden Grill Company 30,000 BTU Master Grill has been working perfectly for me since day one.

I received the grill in after just a couple of days (with free shipping and no sales taxes). I spent about 3o minutes assembling it without the instructions (I was hungry and it looked simple). The grill looked great. The only problem was that I assembled one piece backwards so the hose would not connect properly. I had to rewind what I did and assembled it correctly (so follow those simple directions). Soon there after the Tuna steaks were cooking.

This quality grill has worked perfectly from then on out. It fires right up with the presto igniter. You can control three internal burners quickly get the temperature to the optimum temperature (temperature gauge works fine).

The grill is the right size for most families or get together, looks great (we went with the forest green) and is simple to work with.

I realize after it arrived that I had better then expected grill for the long haul so I came back to the site and upgraded to the bamboo cutting board (heck only $14), the side burner and a cover to keep this master grill looking good.

This grill is a solid value and I highly recommend it.

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It's a very compact grill and the heat output is great. The footprint is small and it's well designed. However, the "flavor" bars (not the grate itself) are already showing some rust. My grill is only two months old and I've only used it half a dozen times. I'm disappointed that it's showing rust so quickly. Also, know that there are very noticeable hot and cold spots with this grill just like any other grillbut this is more so than my old Weber. This grill has cold spots closest to the knob side and it's hottest the farther away from the user.

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I ordered via Amazon and assembled. Apparently the natural gas supply line that came with the grill was wrong. I subsequent grease fire ( the cleaning plate could not be removed due to the supply line route ) burned the supply line and made the grill useless. I called Reno and they shipped me a new line at no cost. Installed and now the grill works great. It is difficult to find a grill from a supplier at a reasonable cost that will operate with natural gas. But for the money this is a great grill. I have a TEC grill at another of my homes, but it is a very expensive product. Great, but pricey.

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Well built, no nonsense, great looking grill. Performance is excellent. At an elevation of 3600 feet with snow on the ground and an outside temperature of 22 degrees, it can peg the thermostat in a very, very short few minutes. It holds whatever temperature you're working with and cooks evenly throughout the grilling surface. I appreciated "building" the unit in the manner I wanted it. I didn't want the side burner, but I can add it later if I choose. Contact with the company directly got me the general manager (Clint) answering the phone. He went into the warehouse, found the part I needed (a hose to connect directly to my house propane), shipped it that same day, and I received in about 24 hours. This is a company that cares about building quality equipment and backing it up with fantastic service. Definitely the opposite experience I had previously with a Weber. Obviously I'm completely happy.

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Friday, January 24, 2014

Cast Iron Heat Diffuser with Handle by Ilsa 8.25 Inch

Cast Iron Heat Diffuser with Handle by Ilsa 8.25 InchThis is a must if you have a gas stove. Simmering Spagetti sauce, pea soup, chili etc. If you want it to cook slow and not burn this is your answer. This diffuser is the best one I have found. It will last a life time, unlike the cheaper variety that burns up over time. This one also has a little handle that can be added or removed as it is needed. A perfect product! Thanks.

This is a 8.25 cast iron disk pretty much as shown. It works fine for turning the "simmer" flame on our gas range into a wider heat source that doesn't burn stuff in the pan. Since we do marinara sauce a couple times a month, this is important. Won't work on a flat ceramic cook top.

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For years I have been dangerously stacking one burner grate on top of another on my gas range when I made things that needed simmering to keep them from burning on the bottom of the pan. A friend recommended I try this item, and I love it! I can't believe I ever mades sauces, chili, or soups without it.

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Decided to write this review as I didn't see any others reviewing this for a ceramic top or induction range. Took a chance and ordered it anyway and am so glad I did. I have an induction hybrid range (2 regular electric + 2 induction electric burners)with a ceramic surface. I needed a diffuser for 2 reasons: to use my tagine and to convert an induction burner for use with non cast-iron cookware. Works great for both. It does have a ridge on the bottom which I think is designed for a gas range but it works fine on my largest burner, which is induction, as well as the regular electric burners, as long as the ridge makes contact with the burner. Does not scratch the cooking surface of my smooth ceramic cooktop. Very happy with my purchase!

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Well made, works great. Well packaged. I can now work outside and let the soup simmer without fear of burning. Rice does not burn. Wish I had know about this before.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Grill Rotisserie - Battery Powered, Self Spinning Rotisserie for Grills and Campfires

Grill Rotisserie - Battery Powered, Self Spinning Rotisserie for Grills and CampfiresThe concept is absolutely fabulous but the manufacturing is substandard.1.) For a device that is supposed to be in close proximity to a fire, its heat resistance is miserable. I was cooking a whole chicken over the old campfire this summer when the noise from the motor stopped. It turns out that the heat from the campfire melted the internal soldering that connected the power wire to the rotisserie motor. It also melted the plastic (yes plastic) battery cover right off. I had to play MacGyver and use a steak knife and some aluminum foil to fix it. 2.) Not only is the motor susceptible to heat but the batteries have a problem staying connected. The two D Cell batteries balance on top of two metal prongs which provide the positive connection point. The weight of the batteries actually bends these prongs, causing the circuit to break and the motor to shut off. I had to once again play MacGyver and use wads of aluminum foil as structural supports for the battery connectors.3.) Other areas that need improvement are the spit forks that come with the set. They are very small and only two pronged. If you want to cook a chicken, for example, you have to manually bend the spit fork prongs outward to fit in the chicken properly. I would recommend creating a bigger spit fork with more prongs. 4.) The spit itself is susceptible to corrosion in storage and is a bit on the thin side, in my opinion. So, I guess, in summary, I would say that the idea is great but the follow through needs some work. I wouldn't mind paying up to $80 a set for a campfire spit that is constructed well and takes the problems identified above into account.But, for what is out there on the market, this is the coolest thing you can buy if you want to cook caveman style when you go camping. How many people can roast whole animals over the fire without paying an arm and a leg?

This spit was really disappointing. The mechanism that turns the metal rod (where the batteries are held) is not even fire resistant! The PLASTIC MELTED and started dripping into our fire ring!! We had to remove the device and turn the meat by hand -a set up we could have put together with sticks and a metal rod. Really not worth the money AT ALL.

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I have had my Grizzly Spit for years now and haven't had any problems with it! I've cooked my Thanksgiving turkey on it for the last 4 years and it's been the best turkey I've ever had. I do agree the first spit forks needed to be upgraded, but now it does comes with the 4 prong variety which is a huge improvement! I have since bought another set of spit forks so I can rotisserie 2 chickens or 2 tri-tips with no problem. As far as the motor melting, I haven't encountered that problem, maybe my fire wasn't as big or I probably had my uprights spread further apart. Overall, I would recommend this product to everybody who loves to cook outside!

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This product was great, my family and i will use this time and time again. After a couple simple adjustments it worked fine. I had to raise the end away from the motor as it kept walking out of the gear, and the pie pans used to stop heat from getting to motor and gears....other than those,it work great.........I am really looking forward to using it again.

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After reading a couple of the other reviews I was hesitant to purchase this rotisserie. I purchased it anyway because it was the only reasonably priced one I found. Very happy I took the risk! Used it over the 4th of July weekend Roasting a whole chicken the first night camping and a duck the second night. Both birds turned out amazing! (I definitely recommend buying a bird with the Pop Timer).

The total cook time between both uses was just shy of 7 hrs and the Grizzly Rotisserie showed no signs of wearing out the battery life. In fact, after the second use I needed the batteries for my air pump and they were like brand new.

Not getting that 5th star because I would like the Skewer to be longer and I did use a make-shift heat shield to prevent what other reviewers experienced. I just poked a hole in a pie tin (at first in the very center and then at the top for better protection)and put it on the skewer right in front of the motor.

I would give 4.5 stars though. Can't wait to use it again!

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Thursday, November 14, 2013

Aroma Aeromatic Turbo Convection Oven - AST910DX

Aroma Aeromatic Turbo Convection Oven - AST910DXI have had several different counter top models starting with the Jet-stream over which was great for cooking but .... cheap plastic and keep I needed to reorder plastic parts all the time until the motor burned out. Out of all the ovens the aroma aeromatic flavorwave Turbo Convection oven is THE BEST. Large enough for meals to feed a family of 5 or 6 and simple enough to operate with just two dials. A temperature control dial and a timer dial knob. The cord unplugs from the back and all the racks store inside the glass bowl. The bowl goes right into the bottom rack of the dishwasher for easy clean up. The handle on top will shut the unit off when you lift up and Cakes , pies with top crusts , meats , veggies and even cookies come out perfect . I use a bundt can now for all my cakes and I haven't used the main oven on my stove in months . This years I am planning on giving these as Christmas gifts .

Took awhile to try all features I was truly impressed saves me time and cleanup. Very impressed with roasting features.

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I use it many years and I have to say that is... SUPER!!!

I suggest to everybody buying this product!!!

Life is... simple!!! ;-)

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I bought this when my microwave broke. It is a convection oven so it works faster than a regular oven. Granted, it does not work as fast as a microwave, but it does its work without creating the health problems microwaving does.It works well.

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I bought it as a gift. They love it so Im calling it a hit! The food was moist and tender as stated.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

West Bend 6113 Nonstick Countertop Grill and Panini Press

West Bend 6113 Nonstick Countertop Grill and Panini PressThis lil panini press definitely gets the job done. It upgrades my boring sandwiches into hot little morsels from heaven. But it is very far from perfect. On taking it out of the box, I couldn't tell if it had been used or made in the most crazy, destructive, dysfunctional factory in the world. It had quite a few little dings and scratches on the plastic handles. It is so disappointing to wait for something to come in the mail, get excited about it and have it come out of the box looking like someone else returned it the day before they sent it out to me. Luckily, the grey "stainless steel" surface was fine and still protected in factory plastic. I'd been craving a panini for a week and didn't feel like dropping another 10$ at the cafe down the street, so I bit the bullet, washed it VERY thoroughly and it's now sitting on my counter. One of the reasons I gravitated towards this model was the price and that is advertised as having a floating hinge, which in my understanding, means that the top lid comes down directly on top of the sandwich, ie like a press should, and would not come down at any kind of angle like the George Forman grill. There is a slight swivel, but all in all, it comes down at an angle and depending on how tall the sandwich is, pushes the contents off. If I had seen this product before purchase, I probably would've just picked up a George Forman grill of the same size for half the price. The only differences, in my opinion, are that it looks better sitting on the counter than a Forman grill and the way this grill can open flat (for flat grilling on both the top and bottom grill) . But it is a feature I haven't used and probably won't ever use. Bottom line, I think this model is a glorified and overpriced George Forman Grill, and if I could do it again, I would either buy the George Forman Grill or spend double than what I spent to get a better product.

I ordered this to replace an older George Foreman grill. I could not be happier with this product. This is so much more than just a great panini press. I have used it to grill chicken breasts, pprk chops, burgers, et.. This is a great alternative to using my outdoor grill during the winter months. It heats up quickly, cooks evenly and, best of all, the removable plates make cleaning so much easier than what I had before.

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I bought this on sale at TJ Maxx (the only one I ever saw there) for only $24.00.) At that price, I had to try it, and am I glad I did! I pre-seasoned the grill with a bit of olive oil on a paper towel, wiping off the excess. I have used it about 10 times since and have had absolutely no problems with cleaning or grilling, tho' thus far I have only made sandwiches. When I am finished and while the grill is still hot, I simply take a piece of paper towel and wipe off the griddle. Even melted cheese comes right off, and it takes me less than a minute to have the whole thing spotless again. And no, I do not butter the bread, or use any additional oil, which is another great thing....no added grease!) I have never even had to remove the plates for cleaning. I loved the hinged lid; it makes it very easy to put a fat sandwich on and have the whole thing compressed nicely. I use thick cheese, and it melts easily and evenly. This is such a snap to use I keep it on my counter, even tho' I tend to like the uncluttered look. I would highly recommend this machine. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles of more expensive machines (such as temperature controls) but I find that I don't need them. If you are looking for a panini machine to make panini, and not looking for a one machine does everything kind of appliance, I can't imagine that you won't be thrilled with this. It's sure got me hooked on hot sandwiches, especially with cold weather just around the corner.

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Somehow I thought the top part of this unit would rotate just a bit so it would lay flat on top of the sandwich I want to grill. But it doesn't. Anything more than about 1" has to be turned around halfway through to get the outside edges grilled as well as the original inside ones. It works well and the vendor was just fine but I am disappointed with it. Wish the top rotated more.

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I love how this grill opens up flat to two grilling surfaces for burgers, chicken or fish. It has a place for the fat to drain like a Foreman Grill only the clean up is much easier. I have enjoyed many panini sandwiches such as a tuna melt, chicken articoke spinach, and turkey BLT. They were all delicious and toasted to perfection. I found it was better to butter the bread first even though the intructions say you dont need to. I had trouble at first getting the top of the grill to lay flat on the entire piece of bread which left it mostly toasted on one side. But I use a hot pad to move and tilt the top grill at an angle so that it lays flat and toasts the bread evenly. The grills slide off easily when a button for each grill is pressed. The easy non-stick surface wipes clean. I dont regret purchasing this grill. It has been a fun tool in the kitchen.

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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

IQ110 Kit with Small Adjustable Kamado Pit Adapter

IQ110 Kit with Small Adjustable Kamado Pit AdapterI've now used this for brisket and pork shoulder. I cooked brisket before on my kamado and it was good, but not perfect. With this controller it was, without question, perfect. The biggest smoke ring I've ever seen. Just set the temperature and go play golf, take a nap or whatever you like. Come back in 12-14 hours and you are all set. Wonderful product.

This is a well made and designed product. Works very well and simple to use. Purchased at a good price and got great shipping as always. I'd certainly buy another one for other my other smokers!

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Saturday, July 27, 2013

Jalapeno Pepper Grill Rack Set

Jalapeno Pepper Grill Rack SetThis is a sturdy jalapeno pepper stainless steel rack for your grill. The rack works as advertised but you need to choose peppers of just the right size. If they are too big, they tip over. If they are too small, they fall through the holes.

Baste the peppers with melted butter and garlic salt. Use sharp cheddar cheese sticks for convenience. Roll the cheese in salt. Put a half stick of cheese in each pepper and grill at low heat until the peppers feel tender when grabbed with tongs. Yum!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Weber Q 6505 Griddle with Handles

Weber Q 6505 Griddle with HandlesIf 2 1/2 stars were an option that is what I would give the griddle.

The biggest problem I have is the outside lip is only around 1/4 inch tall. When making eggs or other foods with a high liquid content it will spill over far too easily. I use the griddle and Weber Q220 grill mostly for tailgating at football games so perfectly flat ground is difficult to find. If the lip were a half inch or more taller than the cooking surface it would handle bacon grease, eggs, and the olive oil I use to cook with much better.

Foods that are more solid, such as french toast, pulled pork bbq, and sausage work fine on the griddle. Call it 4 stars in those situations.

The griddle is cast iron so it is heavy, but you know that going in.

Since Weber is so good at what they do I don't want to second guess them on this, but I don't understand why it is so much smaller than the grill. I've read reviews about it being small, but was unaware that it only covers 2/3 of the grill surface (front to rear). I like that it is enameled cast iron with handles and it is well made. But I had to rate it down because it only covers part of the grill. If there is an advantage to this, it may be that link sausage can be grilled at the same time that I'm frying eggs or making pancakes. Except for the size, I'm very happy with it, and with the extended usefulness it creates for the Weber Q when I'm camping.

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Very good product, porcelain-coated cast iron really holds in the heat well. The lip around the edge measures 9/16" high, with pouring spouts at all 4 corners, which were very handy. It does add some real weight to the grill, and can take another 5 minutes or so for the grill to heat up adequately, as you are adding so much more mass to heat. Made excellent french toast, bacon, eggs, and sausage for us, and nothing stuck to it at all, even my fried eggs. The handles that come with it are very handy for lifting the hot griddle off the Q. Do your research, though; there are different griddles that fit the different Weber Q sizes.

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Great add on to my Q, I use when it all the time when I go camping and it works well. I do wish the cook surface was just cast iron & not a coated cast iron, the coating is a little rough and could be smoother. but it does work good.

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When the griddle arrived I was disappointed to see how small it is. I was hoping for a griddle to cover the entire cooking surface of the grill. Guess I should of paid closer attention to the dimensions. Griddle was returned and I ordered a Camp Chef CGG24 griddle. The Camp Chef griddle is just what I was looking for. I can cook for a huge crowd on this oversized griddle. Beware it is big and heavy. Also, it is easier to use if the Q220 cover is removed. I replaced the standard hinge pins with quick pull pins so that the cover can be removed/installed in seconds.

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Minden Grills 94922-89461-8 Master Propane-Gas Grill, Cobalt Blue

Minden Grills 94922-89461-8 Master Propane-Gas Grill, Cobalt BluePoor design ...almost dangerous

The Gas tank can only be turned off and on from behind the unit...

The wheels are located on only one side .. they do not swivel.. thus the unit is moved by dragging it

These items work together to make this a very poor design ...how could anyone think this is a good design?

To turn on the gas you have to crawl behind the unit or drag it out from the position you placed it in.. here I make an assumption that you (like most people) have the unit backed up against a wall or something.. Remember those wheels that are only on one side and do not swivel... that means you have to drag the unit. Hard enough to do to turn it on.. even harder when the unit is hot ... that is dangerous.

I am sorry .. I so much wanted to like this unit ... small and nice to look at .... but the design is so flawed as to make me think the company never even tested this unit in the field

Some one please disagree with my comments ... what am I missing

Great looking grill. It's a basic grill that meets my needs. I rarely use a rotisserie or a side burner, so why buy them. Looks better than S/S and should last as long, as the burners, venture tubes, and flame diverters are rarely S/S and rust out. Threw out a S/S grill that looked good but required over $300 in parts to repair. This grill heats up faster and takes up less space.

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My experience with this product reinforced the fact that there are still reasons to buy products at brick and mortar locations, rather than ordering from amazon.com.

First, the shipping took forever... over a week. For Amazon Prime, this is a long time. I could have gone to a local retailer and picked up the grill, fully assembled and had it home the same day to grill on.

When it arrived, over a week after I ordered it, it came unassembled. I started to unpack it and discovered that there were several scratches and one large enamel chip on the hood of the grill. Also, the Allen wrench they give you, didn't fit the screws that were supplied, so I had to purchase one that fit. By this point, there was no way to get the grill back into the packaging to return it to Amazon.

Next, the starter is a silly design. The spark, which only works some of the time, only lights the middle flame. You are supposed to use a flimsy match extender to light the other two flames (which turns out to be easier than the spark starter).

Also, the images for this item are deceiving and incorrect. They show a bamboo prep board on the side. However, rather than coming with the nice prep board that is featured in the images for this item, you get a flimsy brown plastic prep board, which cheapens the entire look of the grill and you question weather you want to place food on it.

The wheels are silly too. there should be 4 wheels on this. Because the fuel tank is accessed through the back of the unit, you have to move the grill every time you use it, and having only two wheels, it makes things very difficult.

I thought this was a great looking grill when I purchased it, but I was highly disappointed with is when I got it. Now I'm stuck with it. I would not recommend this item.

Read Best Reviews of Minden Grills 94922-89461-8 Master Propane-Gas Grill, Cobalt Blue Here

This is a copy of my review for the exact same GREEN model of this grill. For some reason they are not listed as one item with color choices so I have posted the review for the other colors, having actually purchased the Green model.

*****See Update Below******

Having now had this grill for over a year, I would describe it as a decent quality grill for a fair price. I use this grill frequently, probably twice a week or more, even in winter. If you are an occasional user, you may find this a more ideal product.

The Good Points-

1) It looks great and is perfect if you don't want and over testosteroned massive stainless grill on your property.

2) The quality and functionality is decent.

3) If you get a hold of a real person at Minden, they are very nice and will go out of their way to help you.

4) Heats up very quickly.

The Bad Points-

1) You MUST purchase separately the stainless steel grate. The included enameled grate will wear out in less than one season.

2) The wood handle will also become moldy in less than a season. I extended it's life by using some spray varnish on it, but I would still prefer the stainless steel one (which I've seen at Williams-Sonoma on a version of this grill that only they sell).

3) The spatter plates become quickly rusty. Minden was nice enough to send me (essentially for free) 3 stainless steel ones.

4) Some of the bolts which hold the unit together become rusty over time, they should be made of stainless steel, but they aren't.

5) The grill does not evenly heat, and has hot and cold spots, which over time if you understand where they are you can compensate for them.

They really have the makings of a great grill with some small modifications, I would encourage them to change some parts to stainless steel (described above) and attempt to resolve the unevenness of the heating surface.

******UPDATE April 8, 2012********

After having this grill for about two years, I sadly have to conclude that it's not something I would buy again.

The rust has continued to the point where critical functioning parts are failing. The bracket for the trough which supplies gas from burner to burner has failed, causing the trough to fall off. I've managed to stick it back using some rocks so I can still use the grill.

The hot and cold spot issue seems to have gotten worse, and it's also now hard for me to get the grill started without pressing the start button 10 or 15 times.

Additionally, the threaded plastic gas tank hookup broke in half, and I had to replace it with a new one.

After doing some math, I've concluded that the cost of ownership of this grill is simply too high.

At 479, lasting two years, means 249/year (this does not include the MANDATORY cost of buying the Stainless Steel Grate)

***Conclusion: I've pretty much settled on purchasing the American Outdoor Grill Model 25PC (with back burner). It's basically the same physical size, but at 1650 is considerable more expensive. However, nearly every part on the grill is guaranteed for 10 years, with some parts being guaranteed for longer. Even if one figures that the all stainless steel, made in America grill will last for 10 years, the cost of ownership per year is only $165.

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