Costco Junkies - Kirkland Signature Grills are Coming!

[WayneT]

I just read, in the latest issue of Costco Connection, that they are introducing Kirkland Signature gas grills this season. They will feature 6 - 12 burners, easy conversion from propane to natural gas, an overhead infrared searing burner on some models and primarily 304 grade SS in the construction. I wonder who they commissioned to build them?

https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-stainless-steel-6-burner-gas-grill.product.4000098457.html

[HawkerXP]

I noticed a lineup of Weber gas grills in my Costcow last week.

[jfmorris]

What the heck? 6 to 12 burners? They must be ginormous! That may include a rotisserie and side burner, maybe sear burner. I.e. a 3 burner grill with a sear, side and rotisserie burner becomes a 6 burner grill, and so on.

I *ALMOST* bought a Weber Genesis II 6 burner on clearance in January 2019 for $599, after they had discontinued the Genesis II 2 and 6 burner models. Kinda glad I didn't get it, and went with the 4 burner model (also on clearance for $399), as it was almost too big, especially as I use a conventional gas grill less and less these days.

[Mosca]

I was looking at gassers the other day, when I was in HD. What with the BGE + table, the Weber Performer, and the Pit Boss 3 burner griddle, there is pretty much no room for anything else. Even the 3 burner Webers are huge. A 2 burner would fit without the side shelves, but not comfortably.

[WayneT]

jfmorris If you haven’t already visited the Costco website to check them out, here is a link to their 12 burner outdoor cooking center, which includes a flat-top griddle.

https://www.costco.com/online-offers.html?COSTID=MVM_header

[jfmorris]

I can't see anything at that link other than their sales flyer for March through April...

[Mosca]

I noticed that if you buy five of them, you get $400 off.

[BBQPhil]

https://richmedia.ca-richimage.com/ImageDelivery/imageService?profileId=12026540&id=1825624&recipeId=729

[Spinaker]

Interesting. They kinda look like a Broil King Grill. I wonder if they are making them for Costco.

[ecowper]

Kirkland is Costco's product brand .... so probably ;-)

[WayneT]

I had that same question. If they are making them under Kirkland design/build criteria and supervision that would be good.

[jfmorris]

Ok - I eventually found them. Looks like the 6 burner model is 5 burners + rotisserie burner (no sear burner or side burner). The 12 burner is a monster outdoor island/counter unit with a 6 burner grill, TWO separate rotisserie burners (two short ones versus one long one), a 2 burner griddle and a 2 burner cooktop.

The standalone grill at $999 I can see if its quality construction, but that $3500 monster 1- foot long island/grill/griddle/cooktop I can only see if that is the perfect thing to complete your all in one outdoor kitchen. With both, while I know Costco stands behind their products, I kinda worry about parts and repairs years down the road. I've been able to maintain a 20 year old Weber Genesis quite well with either OEM or 3rd party parts. Are parts going to be available in even 10 years for these Costco monster grills?

[smokenoob]

Back in 2008 I bought a monster Kirkland grill/sear/oven unit that worked on propane or natural gas, loved it! Sold it with the mountain home 🙄, wish I kept it!

[troymeister]

WayneT Funny you mentioned this. I was just at Costco and they had a display model set up. Of course I was very curious and inspected quite thoroughly. It looked real decent. Not lightweight and not heavyweight either. It was missing some pieces as it was just for display. The grill resembled very much the lower end of Ducane gas grills. I can't be certain but I'm leaning in that direction. I'm curious also if anyone is in the know.

[STEbbq]

Costco smokers and grills are interesting. I spent a while looking at their pellet smokers, which include Traeger smokers made specifically for Costco.

Basically, I don’t doubt the product itself will be made to fairly high standard especially under the Kirkland name. I wouldn’t be surprised if the grills were several hundred dollars cheaper than comparable models elsewhere.

The problem is accessories and parts as jfmorris mentioned. Covers for the pellet smokers are an inch or two off, or not available. It wasn’t super clear who would be supporting them for repairs or parts: Costco or Traeger.

In this case, with Kirkland, I’d actually also worry that the grill might not sell well enough to be offered a few years down the road, making it a real problem for support. Then buyers would have to figure out parts etc. using third party parts which would be cumbersome.

I’d buy them if I had already lined up replacement parts for items of common failure from third parties. I’d also buy them if I was using them for very vanilla cooks that wouldn’t rely on the use of fancy accessories that wouldn’t work with the smoker.

Then again, the longest I have kept a smoker is 6 years so far. 10 years with a smoker might never arrive though I do hope my current pair last that long. My wife may be unhappy if they do not!

[jfmorris]

With my current set of cookers, I fully expect the SNS Kamado to be with me the next 20 years, unless I break it or get rid of it for some reason. While the 2019 Genesis II doesn't feel as well built as the 2002 Genesis it replaced, I *hope* I get 20 years out of this one. And I think I'll be able to get parts for the Weber, regardless, if needed.

If you are gonna spend $1000 plus and plan on keeping a cooker for a long time, I think you are best served sticking with the "name brand" cookers

[STEbbq]

jfmorris Agreed. I think for some here that are very handy with tools and enjoy fixing stuff when it breaks, they could be a good option. But it is a niche.

[tenphases]

Not everyone can see

[GolfGeezer]

Looks very similar to the Nextgrill line Costco used to carry. Maybe made by them per Kirkland specs?

[bbqLuv]

Really, MCS is lurking around the corner. Looking forward to hands-on the local Costco

[WayneT]

The inclusion of a top mounted searing burner makes me wonder who or what group of influencers thought this was a good idea or a selling point. I don’t recall anyone on AR complaining about having to flip a piece of meat for searing on both sides. I’d think the radiant heat wouldn’t give the same sear characteristics as the direct, conduction heat from a CI skillet.

I really like the slide out tank tray.
The led lighted knobs are cool too for nighttime cooking and bling.
With 5 main burners and a sear station burner, I’d think there would be more even heating than on a 3 burner + sear station grill.

I’m not trying to justify this purchase, I think my Weber is doing just fine.