The initial cash outlay is significantly more but will pay for itself by providing years of dependable service and if there ever is a problem is backed by a well known, in it for the long haul, reputable company.
The boxed grill arrived perfect, supported in a heavy-duty plastic shipping base strapped to a wooden pallet. Assembly was quick and simple with picture type instructions.
We have owned the grill for about a month and are extremely satisfied with its performance. We were impressed by the following features: Super heavy-duty 3/8" dia. stainless steel cooking grates that leave perfect grill marks, cooking grates are mounted flush with the opening at the front making it convenient to insert a quick read thermometer sideways into the center of your food and allowing the lid to be closed on the thermometer keeping the heat in, easy to access and clean stainless drip trough, flavorizer bars provide a nearly charcoal flavor, heats up to 700 degrees in 3-4 minutes at 85 degrees outside temp, smoker burner can be switched on in normal mode providing an additional 8,000 BTU, all burners light nearly instantly with the turn of each knob, tip-up battery lights are very effective and provide a bright white light in the optimum location.
The smoker system is extremely convenient and allows you to control the grill down to the 225 degree range with just the smoker burner on that is ideal for indirect slow smoke cooking ribs, briskets, vegetables. The stainless smoker box is easily removable for cleaning and the top is hinged to provide easy access to allow additional wood chunks/chips to be added during the smoking process.
Rotisserie burner is mounted in the ideal location up along the back center of the interior shell of the unit out of the way. The spit is easily serviceable during cooking and provides an adjustable location for two items approximately 10" diameter.
The only negatives we have seen: discoloration of a small painted area on either side of the main grill cover as a result of the smoke exiting the grill only when the smoker is used, the weight of the unit made it a challenge to get it into place.
