Costco’s Kirkland Signature grill is
the ultimate outdoor cooking machine,
complete with side burner, accessory
tray, drawers, rotisserie and more. And
at $799, it scorches the competition.
#778627) is one well-built, handcrafted, solid
piece of equipment. Its hood edges, control
panel and sides are constructed with expensive and time-consuming seamless hand
welding and topped off with a hand polish.
These methods are superior to other processes used in cheap grills, such as spot welding
and rivets, which can loosen, pop open and
rust over time.
I asked about knobs, because inexpensive
breakable plastic ones are a grilling pet peeve
of mine. I was relieved to learn that Costco’s
knobs are made of an insulated zinc alloy that
is virtually unbreakable. They’re also larger
and ergonomically shaped for easy use.
There are many different compositions of
stainless steel, and the best for outdoor gas
grills is rustproof, high-grade 304. It has ele-
thThrei vated levels of nickel and chromium, which
means the grill will last longer and not cor-
of the rode. There is another cheaper, lower grade of
stainless that can be used: 430. This grade
will deteriorate and rust over time.
gllof the
gllrill All stainless steel components of the
Kirkland Signature gas grill are made of 304.
This includes all three 17,000-Btu burners,
the rotisserie skewer and forks, the doors, the
frame and all nuts, bolts and washers. No 430
stainless is used anywhere.
PHOTOS: IRIDIO PHOTOGRAPHY
Some manufacturers try to get away with
using 430 in grills because it looks like 304
when new. But consumers can easily differentiate between the two with the help of a mag-
Costco’s Kirkland Signature net. Since there is no magnetic pull with 304
stainless steel or hollow stainless steel tubing,
a magnet will not stick to it.
grill is one hot deal Conversely, a magnet firmly attaches to
cheaper-grade 430 stainless. So, test out floor
models by using a magnet.
I’m hard-pressed to think of anything price when most professional-grade, outdoor Another item of particular importance is
more gorgeous on a sunny spring day stainless steel gas grills run $3,000 to $5,000. the material used for gas grill grates, because
than a shiny, top-of-the-line stainless With no answer readily available, I tracked no one wants rust eventually seeping through
steel outdoor gas grill, bedecked in all down Costco’s outdoor grill-buying team to into food. Costco’s grates are individually
of its exceptional finery and ready to do a little grillin’ of my own. welded and made of solid 8-mm-thick, rust-
work its magic. Just the thought of such a lus- My first question was not about materials proof 304 stainless steel. Steer clear of grates
cious hunka burnin’ love is enough to ignite or the number of British thermal units (Btu) made of chrome-plated steel or porcelain on
my food lover’s passion. available for the Costco grill (that would come cast iron, because these materials will wear
Happily, Costco warehouses offer an later). I wanted to discuss craftsmanship, offovertimeand willrust.
exceptional professional-grade outdoor gas because nothing sends a message of “cheap” Irecommend doing the magnet test on
grill under Costco’s Kirkland Signature TM more quickly in the grilling world than a rick- the cooking grates: A magnet shouldn’t stick.
brand. What’s more, it’s selling for the ety, poorly constructed outdoor grill. Also, the grates should be nice and heavy.
unimaginably low price of $799 (except in One last point: Many manufacturers are
Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico). Built to last using aluminum and powder-coated steel
Curious types, such as yours truly, might Jim Nelson, Costco’s outdoor grill buyer, parts in place of 304 stainless steel as a cost-
ask how Costco could craft such a grill at this reports that Costco’s gas grill (Item saving measure. Unfortunately, these substi-
