Posted by aegeanblue on May 26, 2005 at 15:18:18:
In Reply to: Brinkmann Grand Elite @ Costco.com posted by rtcage on May 25, 2005 at 13:19:46:
I just purchased this grill from Costco - I took a risk after coming across it on Costco's web site. It was just delivered and I have looked over it - missing the manual and the rotisserie rod - contacted Brinkmann and they are sending.
I was originally looking at the equivilant DCS grill (36" w/ Side Burners and Cart) but the price was just too much. Poured over the DCS grill - reviews, visited a number of retail outlets to check it out, etc.
After coming across the Brinkmann Grand Elite Pro on Costco's web site I scoured the internet and found nothing. So I checked out Costco's return policy and even called the Brinkmann Corp - found out nothing other than this is part of a whole new line of grills they introduced this year.
Anyway - I just put it together last weekend and tried it out. Fantastic! Heats up fast, burns off the grease, retains the heat and recovers quickly when the cover is opended and closed - nice and solid! Overall its identical to the DCS Grills with a couple of exceptions.
The minor exceptions include the grill lid isn't as sezy as the DCS rounded/sloped lid - but its still very attractive - just angled. Second, the grill grates are not truly double sided as the DCS grill grates - the DCS grates are more rounded and allow for dual use - standard grilling/searing and more gentle treatment of foods such as fish on the reverse side. The Brinkmann version is more squared off and the reverse side could be used to handle the more delicate foods but its obvious it wasn't meant to be that way. Also, the included grill cover is cheap and very flimsy vinyl that barely stays on in a gust of wind - needless to say I'm looking for another one - probably a DCS version.
The big difference is in the implementation of the ceramic radiant system and the "grease Management" system that DCS touts. The Brinkmann version doesn't use ceramic rods like DCS - rather they use 6 large ceramic flat bricks with slits to allow heat to penetrate. The Grease Management capability isn't truly as elegant as DCS but it still there - Brinkmann doesn't channel the grease as well as the DCS but it trys.
Anyway - overall the construction is right on par with DCS - welds and screws are pretty close to DCS if not exact from what I have observed, everything has a nice feel - it passes the magnet test with the 304 Guauge stainless steel. I'm not expert but it seems pretty good and I'm satisfied thus far. One other thing - its made in Taiwan so I'm not sure if that automatically cheapens it in anayway.
It was worth the money considering what you get - not sure of the arrangement (if there is one) between Brinkmann and DCS but this is definitely something to consider as an alternative.
Source:
rpa.metlife.com
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