About to buy Nexgrill Grand Classic

[DMack]

I could use some expert opinions here. First of all, I'm new to the board, just happened along, you all seem pretty knowledgeable.
I am a barbeque addict. Not a master barbeque chef by any means, but I grill the basics year round. I live in the Pacific northwest where it rains a lot, so I built a nice big cover over my patio, plumbed gas out there for my grill and even wired speakers outside so I can entertain, grill and spend as much time outside as possible.
I am looking to get a decent, moderate-priced SS grill. I first saw the Kirkland Signature at Costco and thought that was it for me. $799 is a lot of money to me, but it seems like a good grill, and I'm tired of buying a Charbroil every 5-7 years that usually starts falling apart by it's 2nd year of use. So I started investigating this Kirkland private label, supposedly made by Virco. It's nice. 896 sq. inches surface, infra red rotis burner, side burner, etc.....good storage. Then the last time I was at Costco, I saw the Grand Classic and it was love at first sight. At $1270, it's a harder sell to my wife, but this thing is incredible. Smoker, roller guided grease tray (very well hidden), 1140 sq inches, 2 side burners, flame tamers with ceramic briquettes.......a LOT of goodies on this grill.
But I know grills can look nice and pretty and in 2 years they start to lose a piece here, a piece there, ignitor starts going on the fritz, etc. Do any of you folks have any experience with this grill? Any thumbs up, down? Or would you suggest any other brands for around a thousand?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[sharky]

HI Dmack!
Welcome to the board!

I too have seent he Nexgrills around and have been rather impressed initially. However, when doing research based on another post here in the forums I found that Nexgrill is considered an average mid-range grill. You can see my post here:
http://www.sharky.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393&p=2648

However, with that said, I do know that Nexgrill also produces the Jennair line. My father has one of their $750-1000 models and is VERY happy with it, using it 2-3 times per week.

Now, doing a little more search for Nexgrill, I found this bit of info:

http://bbq.about.com/od/gasgrillreviews/gr/aapr060304b.htm

"First of all I need to clear up some confusion about this grill. The Jenn-Air name is being licensed by Lowe's, the exclusive seller of this grill. The grill itself is actually made by a company called Nexgrill (formerly Virco), who also make grills for Target, Costco and Char-Broil. Nexgrill doesn't appear to provide much support for the units and Jenn-Air won't even answer questions about it. "

I found another comment here:
http://www.thegrillingweb.com/zorum_3_4/index.php?method=showhtmllist&list=message&rollid=1%2C334&clearoff=1&

"I bought a Nexgrill Grand Classic last year at Costco. The same type products offered at Barbques Galore, of comperable quality, sell for $4,000.00 to $5,000.00. I paid $1,235.00. After converting the unit to natural gas, at an additional investment of $75.00, I can truly tell you that this is the absolute best investment that I have ever made. There is more than enough BTUs to satisfy even the most discriminating grill cook. "


For those of you wondering which grill he is talking about, here are some pics:

http://d7510921.x44.xepher.com/virco/grand-classic.htm

http://d7510921.x44.xepher.com/images/virco/grand%20classic/grand%20classic1_sm.jpg

[Ghost of Winter]

LOTS of eye candy, but it can't back it up huh Sharky?

[DMack]

Although everything sounds pretty subjective to me. All the reviews I've read from users seem very positive, eith the only draw-back being lack of customer support. Sounds like I'm going to get similar quality and support from Jennair and the GC. I really like the size and the quality of materials of this GC, it is extremely heavy. I like that I can grill a lot of meat at one time, as we host many family functions, and there are usually many mouths to feed.
In short, for the buck spent, do you think this GC is worth it? Can I get a flat out better grill that is as big (1140 sq. in.) and can handle as much grilling at one time as this? Or would I have to spend $2000 or more? Like I said, I pamper my grills, keep them under cover, clean 'em, shine 'em up, tuck 'em in......can a Joe Six-Pack get away with something like this or is there a specific competitor at this price range for this size that you would recommend?
Thanks again, I enjoy your site!

[sharky]

In my opinion, take care of it, and it will take care of you. It certainly won't be any worse than your Charbroil!

[Phone Guy]

I have a Grand Classic and find it to be 1 awsome grill. I have contacted Nexgrill customer service. On hold for awhile but got through and explained the insulated cover for the GC was seperating on a seam (just a missed sewed seam) They are sending me a new cover. The inportant thing about this grill is the quality burners. This grill weighs about 500 pounds. I found nothing but quality construction. You won't be sorry for purchasing one.

[TomKattt]

Costco has an extremely liveral return policy if you are not happy with this grill for any reason. That should help ease the minds of people who are scared off of the Nexgrill reputation.

And from what I am hearing, Nexgrill may have made some big improvements in their customer service, and maybe they will be putting their problems behind them (finges xx'd).

[Dibbavnuz]

Where you get it???