When someone asks me, “which grill should I buy?”, I don’t start by naming brands, I ask a few simple questions: How much time do you have to cook? What do you like to cook? Do you have kids? The answers to those tell me way more than any product brochure. I own all three: a propane grill, a pellet smoker, and a charcoal grill.  Each one fits a different kind of day, mood, and meal.

Some nights I want fast and easy. Other days I want low-and-slow smoking.  And when I really want that flame-kissed flavor, then it’s charcoal time. This article breaks down all three styles to help you answer the big question for yourself: which grill is best for you?

Propane Grills – Fast, Convenient, Clean

If you’re looking for speed and simplicity, propane is your best friend. These grills fire up with the push of a button and heat up fast, perfect for those nights when you get home, the kids are starving, and you just want to throw on some burgers without a big production. No chimney starters, no pellets, no waiting, just fire and food.

Propane grills are great for weeknight meals, quick sears, or anytime you don’t want to babysit the fire. You’ll lose a bit of that deep smoky flavor compared to charcoal or pellet, but you gain total control over the heat and super easy cleanup. And let’s be honest, when dinner needs to hit the table fast, convenience matters.

If your grilling style is more “let’s eat and get back to life” than “I’m crafting a 12-hour brisket masterpiece,” propane’s probably your pick. It’s also great if you’ve got a busy family, limited time, or just don’t want to overthink your cookout.  If you’re like me with kids, the sports take up a lot of time, so I don’t have a lot of time to grill.  And my kids love hot dogs, like most kids. So the propane is fast and easy.

Pro

• Quick heat-up time – Most propane grills are ready to cook in under 10 minutes, making them ideal for weeknight meals or last-minute cookouts.
• Precise temperature control – Turn a knob, adjust the flame. It’s that simple. No guessing, no stress.
• Clean-burning – Propane burns efficiently and leaves very little residue, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time eating.
• Low maintenance – No ash to dump or pellets to refill. Just keep an eye on the tank and you’re good to go.
• Great for multitasking – If you’re juggling kids, side dishes, and everything else, propane lets you grill without needing constant attention.

Cons

• Less smoke flavor – While you can add smoker boxes or wood chips, propane doesn’t give you that deep, smoky flavor on its own.
• Fuel management – Running out of propane mid-cook is a pain, so it helps to have a backup tank on hand or a built-in gauge.

Best For

• Families who want fast dinners without the mess
• People who grill often but don’t have hours to spare
• Anyone who values consistency and ease over smoky complexity

Propane Reviews

• Monument Eminence 605
• Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ
• Weber Spirit EP-435

Pellet Grills – Low & Slow With Flavor

Pellet grills are where wood-fired flavor meets modern convenience. These grills use compressed wood pellets for fuel, giving you that deep, smoky flavor you usually only get with offset smokers—but with way less hassle. Most pellet grills are equipped with digital controllers, so you can literally set the temperature, walk away, and let it do its thing. It’s basically a smoker, oven, and grill all rolled into one.

They shine when it comes to low-and-slow cooks—think ribs, brisket, pork shoulder—but many pellet grills can hit high temps for searing too. If you love barbecue and want consistent results without having to babysit your food for hours, a pellet grill is tough to beat. It’s like having a pitmaster assistant that doesn’t talk back.

Pro

• Incredible flavor – Real wood pellets give meat that authentic, smoky depth you can’t fake.
• Set-it-and-forget-it cooking – Digital temperature controls let you dial in the heat and walk away.
• Versatile – Great for smoking, baking, roasting, and even grilling, depending on the model.
• Consistent results – Internal fans and auto-feed systems maintain stable temps for long cooks.
• Clean-burning fuel – Pellets burn efficiently with minimal ash.

Cons

• Slower to heat up – Takes longer to preheat than gas or charcoal.
• Needs electricity – Pellet grills require a power source to run the digital controller and auger.
• More expensive – Generally pricier than standard propane or charcoal grills.
• Pellet storage – Pellets need to stay dry, so you’ll need a sealed container to store them properly.

Best For

• Backyard BBQ fans who love flavor and don’t want to manually manage temps
• Low-and-slow meat lovers: brisket, ribs, pulled pork
• People who love gadgets and precision cooking

Pellete Reviews

• Z Grill 700D3
• Z Grill 10004DE
• Z Grill 7002C2E
• Z Grills
• Traeger Pro 780

If you like wood but don’t want pellets

If you’re after pure, authentic smoke flavor, nothing beats a traditional wood smoker. These are the offset barrel-style smokers where you feed in actual chunks or splits of wood—no pellets, no gas, just fire and patience. Smokers like the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland give you that classic BBQ feel, where you’re managing airflow, fire, and temperature manually the whole way through.

This isn’t the set-it-and-forget-it crowd, it’s the “tend the fire every 30 minutes” kind of experience. But the payoff? Unreal flavor. The kind of bark, smoke ring, and depth you just can’t get with anything else. It’s more effort, for sure—but for some grillers, that’s the whole point.

Pro

• Best flavor, hands down – Nothing beats the deep, rich smoke from real wood.
• Full control – You’re managing the fire, airflow, and smoke.
• Authentic BBQ experience – This is how pitmasters do it. It’s the old-school way, and it shows in the results.
• No electricity required – Fire it up anywhere without needing an outlet or extension cord.

Cons

• Requires constant attention – You’ll need to monitor the fire and adjust vents frequently.
• Takes longer – Both the cooking time and the learning curve are steeper.
• Bulky and heavy – These smokers aren’t very portable and take up a good chunk of backyard real estate.
• Weather sensitive – Wind and cold can really mess with your temps unless you insulate or adjust constantly.

Best For

• BBQ purists who want full flavor and full control
• Weekend warriors with time and patience to spare
• Pitmaster hopefuls who love the process as much as the food

Wood Reviews

• Oklahoma Joe Smoker Review

Charcoal Grills – Classic, Bold, and Hands-On

Charcoal is the original grilling fuel, and for a lot of us, it’s still the most satisfying way to cook. Well, maybe not the true original of just a campfire, but it’s close. There’s something about lighting the coals and watching that flame roll up over a steak that just hits different. Charcoal grills bring the real fire, real flavor experience that gas and pellet grills just can’t quite replicate. The results? Bold flavor, perfect sear marks, and that unmistakable smoky taste.

That said, charcoal grilling takes a bit more effort. You need to light the coals (unless you cheat with a starter cube—no judgment), manage the heat zones, and clean up ash when you’re done. But the tradeoff is that it puts you in the driver’s seat. You control the fire, the heat, the timing—it’s a hands-on experience that rewards attention and skill. If you enjoy the process just as much as the food, charcoal might be your go-to. One of the great things about charcoal is you can still use chunks of wood so you can create a wide variety of tastes depending upon what you are cooking.

Pro

• Bold, smoky flavor – That classic grilled taste comes straight from the charcoal.
• High heat for searing – Perfect for steaks, burgers, and anything that needs a good crust.
• More control – Set up heat zones, go indirect or direct—totally customizable.
• Affordable options – You can get a great charcoal grill without breaking the bank.
• No electricity or fuel lines – All you need is charcoal and a lighter.

Cons

• Slower to heat up – Expect 15–20 minutes before you’re ready to cook.
• More cleanup – You’ll be dealing with ash after every cook.
• Learning curve – Temperature control takes a little practice.
• Less convenient for fast meals – Not ideal when time is tight.

Best For

• Grillers who want that true fire-cooked flavor
• Weekend warriors who love the process as much as the meal
• People who enjoy customizing their cooking zones and heat
• Those who don’t mind a bit of hands-on effort for top-tier results

Charcoal Reviews

• Weber Performer Deluxe Review
• IG Charcoal BBQ

So Which One Is Right for You?

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about one more type of backyard cooker that didn’t quite fit into this comparison: griddles. While they aren’t technically grills in the traditional sense, they’ve exploded in popularity lately for a reason. Griddles like the Weber Slate or Blackstone give you a flat cooking surface that’s perfect for smash burgers, bacon, pancakes, stir-fry, you name it. They don’t offer that smoky, fire-kissed flavor like charcoal or pellet grills, but if you’re feeding a crowd or love cooking everything in one spot, a griddle might just earn a spot next to your main grill.

Griddle Reviews

Weber Slate Griddle

Weber 36″ Weber Griddle

Still not sure which way to go? Here’s a quick breakdown to help point you in the right direction:

• Go Propane if you value speed, convenience, and no-fuss cooking. It’s perfect for weeknight grilling, family dinners, or anyone who just wants to fire it up and get food on the table fast.
• Go Pellet if you’re all about smoke and flavor but still want modern convenience. It’s ideal for low-and-slow cooks, brisket fans, and folks who want to set it and forget it—with results that wow.
• Go Charcoal if you want bold flavor and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. It’s perfect for weekend warriors, grill purists, and anyone who sees grilling as an experience, not just a meal.
• Go Wood Smoker if you’re ready to dive deep. If you want competition-level results, love tending a fire, and have the time to master a craft, a traditional wood smoker might be your calling.
• Add a Griddle if you want to expand your outdoor setup. From breakfast to smash burgers, a griddle brings something entirely different—and totally worth it—to your cookout game.

The best part? You can’t really go wrong. Each one brings something special to the backyard.

My Situation

I’ll be honest, I own them all: propane, pellet, charcoal, a wood smoker, and a griddle. And believe it or not, I actually use them all, just some more than others.

My go-to grill is propane, plain and simple. It’s all about convenience. I work during the day, and at night I’m running around to sports with the kids. Weekends aren’t much calmer. So it’s usually propane because it’s fast, reliable, and perfect for quick dinners, especially when the kids are asking for hot dogs or burgers. I can fire it up, cook, and clean up without much thought.

That said, once a month I like to slow things down and break out the pellet grill. I love cooking short ribs and other meats low and slow, and the flavor is hard to beat, especially with a good cut. When we’ve got a relaxing weekend morning, I’ll fire up the griddle for a big breakfast: bacon, eggs, pancakes … the works. It’s always a hit.

The wood smoker? That’s a whole different story. The flavor, texture, and hands-on experience are next level, way beyond what a pellet grill can do. But it’s also a commitment. You’ve got to tend the fire and stay close, and right now, that kind of time is hard to come by. If I use it twice a year, it’s a good year, but every time I do, I tell myself I should use it more.

Now, as for my favorite? It’s charcoal, hands down. When I’ve got a killer piece of steak, the charcoal grill is what I reach for. I’ll toss on a couple chunks of wood, season the meat with just salt, pepper, and butter, and let the grill do the rest. The flavor, the smell, the whole experience, it’s just unbeatable. I wish I had more time to cook on it, but when I do, it’s always worth it.

Wrap Up

So, which grill should you buy? The truth is, there’s no single right answer, just the right grill (or grills) for your life, your schedule, and your flavor goals. Each style has its own strengths, trade-offs, and signature experience. Whether you’re firing up a propane grill for a quick weeknight dinner, letting a brisket ride low and slow on a pellet grill, flipping pancakes on a griddle, or searing a steak over hot charcoal, it’s all about what fits your world.

I’ve been lucky enough to own and cook on all of them, and they each bring something different to the table (literally!). Some I use daily, others just a few times a year, but when I do, it’s always worth it. If you’re just starting out, pick what fits your routine. If you’ve already got one type, maybe it’s time to add another to your lineup. Whatever you choose, just make sure it gets you outside, gets the fire going, and gets something great on your plate.

Because at the end of the day, grilling isn’t just about food—it’s about the experience.

The post Propane, Pellet, Charcoal – Which Grill Is Best for You? appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I know, I know, another grilling article. You’d think I’d be done by now and honestly, I was planning to be. Just one more and that was it. But then I was out back, giving my old Monument grill a long-overdue spring clean-up, and it hit me. I remembered the time I completely ruined one of my old grills by cleaning it the wrong way. I clogged the burners,  ruined them, and it was a mess. So I figured one more article on how to clean your grill after its winter rest.

To be fair, I leave my grills outside all year long, no covers, no shelter, just out there in the wild. So when spring rolls around, they look like they’ve been through battle. But over the years, I’ve figured out how to bring them back to life and ready for another summer gilling season. So before you fire yours up, here’s a no-BS guide to getting your grill clean, safe, and ready for action… without making the same mistakes I did.

Step 1: Do a Full Inspection First

Before you start scrubbing or spraying anything down, take a few minutes to give your grill a proper once-over. I like to think of this step as a grill health check, you’re not cleaning yet, just diagnosing. Pop the lid, open the cabinet if it has one, and take a close look at what you’re working with.

Start with the inside. If you’re like me and leave your grill outside without a cover, there’s a good chance you’ll find rust on the grates, maybe even on the burners or inside the firebox. Light surface rust isn’t the end of the world, but if things are flaking or falling apart, you might need to replace a few parts.

Next, look for spider webs, nests, or anything weird tucked inside, especially around the burner tubes. It’s surprisingly common, especially in propane grills, for spiders or bugs to block gas flow. I’ve also had the not-so-pleasant experience of finding mouse droppings or chewed insulation after a long winter. But it’s better to find it now than while preheating for burgers.

Don’t forget to check the gas lines and wires. On a gas grill, make sure the hose isn’t cracked and that the regulator still feels snug. Look around the ignition button too; if there are loose wires or corrosion, it might be time to repair or replace the igniter.

This step takes five minutes, tops, but it can save you a ton of frustration (and possibly an accidental flare-up). Once everything checks out, you’re cleared to move on to the fun part: deep cleaning the grates.

Step 2: Deep Clean the Grates (The Right Way)

Let’s be real, if your grill’s been sitting all winter, the grates probably look like something out of a horror movie. That’s okay. We can fix it. But here’s the key: don’t go at them like you’re sanding a deck. The wrong method (or the wrong tool) can damage your grates, especially if they’re porcelain-coated or cast iron, trust me, I found out the hard way.

Start by removing the grates and knocking off any loose debris with a stiff nylon or brass-bristle grill brush, never steel wire. Not only can steel damage the surface, but those bristles can break off and end up in your food later. If things are really caked on, soak the grates in warm, soapy water for 20–30 minutes, then scrub gently with a grill-safe pad or sponge.  I take mine off and use a power washer.

For cast iron grates, dry them completely afterward and wipe on a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent rust. Stainless grates? You can go a little harder, but still avoid anything too abrasive.  I use Barkeeper’s Friend on stainless steel and it works great.  For porcelain-coated? Treat them like nonstick cookware—gentle is the name of the game.

If your grates are beyond saving, pitted, flaking, or warped, it might be time to replace them. But if they’re still solid, a good clean will bring them back to life and help your food taste like grilled meat, not last summer’s leftovers.

Step 3: Clean the Burners, Tubes & Drip Trays

This is where the real performance of your grill lives and it’s often the dirtiest, most ignored area. The burners and drip trays do all the behind-the-scenes work, and after sitting all winter, they’re usually full of gunk, grease, rust, or worse.

Start with the burners. If you have a gas grill, pull them out carefully and look for clogs, rust, or spider webs—yes, spiders love burner tubes. A toothpick, small brush, or compressed air can help clear out the ports. Make sure the flame holes are clean and not blocked, or you’ll get uneven heating or flare-ups.

Next up: drip trays. Most grills have a removable tray or pan beneath the burners that catches grease and debris. These get nasty fast. Pull it out, dump anything solid, and soak it in warm, soapy water. If it’s lined with foil or has a disposable pan, now’s the time to replace it.  I have forgotten to replace mine and when a little water gets in there, it’s nasty.

While you’re in there, it’s not a bad idea to scrape out the bottom of the firebox. Just use a plastic scraper or putty knife and get all the flaky carbon and old food out. Trust me your grill will breathe better, and your food will taste cleaner.

Also check the Flavor bars or the bars above the burners.  I know they usually last for a long time, but if I see rust, I replace mine.  You can still use them but it’s just a thing I like to do.

Once the insides are clear and the burners are back in place, you’re on your way to a grill that not only looks better but cooks better, too.

Step 4: Don’t Forget the Outside

We spend so much time scrubbing the inside of our grills that the outside ends up looking like it just returned from a camping trip. But if you want your grill to last and look good doing it, you’ve got to give the exterior some love too.

Start with a damp cloth and a mild soapy solution to wipe down the lid, shelves, and control panel. For stainless steel grills, use a soft cloth and go with the grain, no scouring pads. If you’ve got years of buildup, a little white vinegar mixed with water can cut through grease without damaging the finish. Just avoid harsh chemicals or oven cleaners, they’ll ruin the look and may even damage painted or coated surfaces.

Check your knobs, ignition button, and thermometer, too. Make sure everything turns smoothly and hasn’t gotten brittle from cold weather. And if your grill has side tables or a cabinet, now’s a good time to clear them out and give them a quick wipe as well.

You don’t have to do this, but after I clean everything on the grill, I light it up and let it burn for 15 minutes.

What Not To Do

Here is a list of mistakes you don’t want to make that can turn a simple clean-up into a costly replacement.

Don’t use a wire brush with loose bristles. Those cheap steel brushes can shed tiny metal pieces that end up in your food, and trust me, no one wants to bite into a burger and end up in urgent care. Stick with a nylon bristle brush or a brass-bristled one that won’t damage your grates or your dinner.

Don’t use oven cleaner. It might sound like a good idea, but those harsh chemicals can corrode finishes, especially on stainless steel or porcelain coatings. Plus, they leave behind residues that can mess with your food’s flavor.

Don’t pressure wash the inside. Blasting the inside of your grill might seem efficient, but it can force water into burner ports, wiring, or insulation – setting you up for rust, mold, or worse. Save the pressure washer for the driveway.

Don’t forget to reconnect the gas line. Seriously. If you disconnected anything to clean, double-check your connections before you light up. A loose hose or regulator can turn that first cookout into a fire drill.

Wrap Up

Giving your grill a proper clean after a long winter isn’t just about looks, it’s about performance and extending its life. A little time now saves you from uneven heat, flare-ups, mystery smells, or the dreaded “why won’t this thing light?”.

I get it. Cleaning your grill isn’t exactly the highlight of Spring, but if you follow the steps above, you’ll be grilling with confidence in no time.

Or, if you’re feeling like skipping all the mess altogether, there’s always the other option: buy yourself a shiny new grill and pretend this one never happened.

The post How to Clean Your Grill After a Long Winter (Without Ruining It) appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

As a busy dad, my time is limited. Between work, a quick 30-minute pit stop at home, and playing Uber driver for my kids, I don’t have hours to prep meals. When I do get a chance to grill, I keep it simple—salt, pepper, butter, and smoke. That’s it. So I need a grill that can deliver flavor and deliver it fast.

That’s where the Monument Eminence 605 comes in. It’s the granddaddy grill I’ve been looking for—big enough to handle a variety of picky eater requests at once, built with quality that doesn’t feel cheap, and loaded with features I’ll actually use. The searing station is a game changer for steaks, and the rotisserie is perfect for the rare weekend when I actually have time to let something spin to perfection. So let’s take a look under the hood.

Monument Eminence 605 Overview

The Monument Eminence 605 makes a solid first impression. The stainless steel finish gives it a clean, modern look without being over the top. It’s got size, presence, and feels like something built to stick around for more than a couple seasons. In fact this is a durable stainless steel grill with an enclosed back and waterproof seals.  And with a 10-year warranty backing it up, you can tell Monument stands behind it.

Once you open the lid, you really get a sense of how much space you’re working with. The Monument 605 gives you 640 square inches of primary cooking space, plus an extra 220 up top for warming or toasting. The stainless steel grates are solid—7mm thick—so they hold heat well and don’t feel flimsy. You can fit a lot on here, which is a win when everyone in the family wants something different or if you are hosting a party.

Under the grates, you’ve got stainless steel flavor bars that cover the burners. They help distribute heat more evenly and catch drippings, which means less flare-ups and more flavor. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re trying to keep things juicy without burning everything. Plus, they’re easy to pull out and clean when needed.

The 605 comes with six main burners that put out 89,000 total BTU’s, and each one has its own control knob. What’s cool is the knobs light up and change color based on the heat zone—making it easy to know what’s hot and what’s not, especially when you’re grilling at night. The electronic ignition fires things up fast with just a press, no fussing with lighters or matches.

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Over on the right side of the grill, there’s a red control knob that lights up the rear infrared burner. That’s what powers the built-in rotisserie, and it gets hot fast. When you’ve got time to throw on a whole chicken or roast, this setup gives you that slow-rotating, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside kind of cooking. It’s a nice bonus feature that actually gets used.

The bottom of the grill has two solid cabinet doors that feel more like something you’d find on a good tool chest than a cheap grill. They’re thick, close with a solid click, and actually stay shut—no rattling or popping open. It’s a small touch, but it adds to that overall quality feel. Plus, there’s decent storage space inside for your tools, tank, or whatever else you want to stash.

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Open up the doors, and there’s a nice setup inside. The propane tank is on the right side, and a wire shelf on the left side.  On the door sits a basket for waste.  If propane’s not your thing, it’s also ready for a natural gas conversion.

This is one of the smartest features on the grill. The propane tank sits right on a built-in scale that connects to the control panel, so you always know how much fuel you’ve got left. No more guessing or shaking the tank mid-cook. It’s a small upgrade you don’t see on most grills, but once you have it, you won’t want to go without it.

The grill sits on four casters that make it easy to move around the patio, deck, or my busted-up concrete driveway. While I wouldn’t mind if they were a bit bigger, they’re solid and roll well, even on uneven surfaces. They lock in place securely, so once it’s where you want it, it’s not going anywhere. For a grill this size, they do the job just fine.

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On the left side of the grill, there’s an infrared sear burner tucked under a lidded side shelf. When it’s closed, it works just like extra prep space, but lift the lid and you’ve got serious heat ready to go. The front knob gives you full control, and the burner gets hot fast—perfect for locking in a crust on steaks or getting a quick char on veggies. It’s one of those features that’s actually useful, not just for show.

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The right side of the grill doubles as a prep area and houses the main control panel. It’s IPX8 water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about a little rain or splatter messing it up. The panel gives you the grill’s internal temp, the propane level (color coded for quick checks), and readings from two included meat probes. It’s clean, easy to read, and adds a bit of high-tech.

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Around the back of the grill, there’s a fold-down access door that gives you direct access to the drip pan. It’s a smart design that makes cleanup way easier—you don’t have to crawl underneath or reach blindly from the front. Just pop it open, slide the pan out, dump it, and you’re good to go.

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The Monument app connects via Bluetooth and gives you a full breakdown of what’s going on under the lid. You can see the current grill temp, individual temps for both meat probes, and even set target temps so you get an alert when your food hits the mark. It also includes a built-in timer and a few recipe ideas if you’re looking for inspiration. The layout is clean and easy to navigate—definitely not one of those clunky apps you delete after one use.

Monument Eminence 605 Performance

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Assembly was pretty straightforward, but I’d suggest taking your time with it. I made the mistake of rushing and forgot to run a few wires under the top before bolting it down—so I had to take the whole top off and fix it. Not a big deal, but definitely one of those moments where slowing down would’ve saved time. Overall, it took a little while to put together, but the instructions are clear and the parts go together without a fight.

Once it was built, the quality really stood out. Monument is known for solid grills, but this one feels like a step up. The layout is smart, everything is where you’d want it, and the features actually make grilling easier.

For its maiden voyage, I went with a mixed bag: cod, steak, and hot dogs. Why? Because no one in my house agrees on dinner. One wants fish, one wants steak (me), and someone always wants a hot dog. So instead of keeping it simple, we go full buffet. But it was also a great way to test the grill—especially the indirect cooking and the sear station.

The grill handled everything like a champ. The cod cooked cleanly and held together perfectly in the basket (not included). The steak came out great using indirect heat, and when it was time to sear, the side burner brought the heat. A lot of grills do fine with direct cooking, but indirect heat is where some of them fall short—this one didn’t. I used the top warming rack for the dogs, like I always do, and they came out just right.

Follower out social channels because we will be showing this off with a turkey on the rotisserie, a cowboy steak, a Tomahawk steak and more.

Monument Eminence 605 Value

When you stack the Monument Eminence 605 up against other grills in this size range—with six burners, over 89,000 BTUs, a sear station, and a rotisserie—it holds its own, no question. Grills with a similar feature set from big-name brands can run you hundreds more, and some don’t even include things like the motorized rotisserie or built-in tank scale.

You’re getting a lot here: solid build quality, smart layout, real cooking power, and bonus features that you’ll actually use—not just marketing fluff. It’s not a cheap grill, but it doesn’t feel overpriced either. For the money, it delivers performance and features that compete with much higher-end models, and that 10-year warranty helps seal the deal. Bottom line—this thing feels like a solid investment, not a summer throwaway.

My Final Thoughts

The Monument Eminence 605 checks all the boxes for me. It’s big, built well, loaded with features I’ll actually use, and it looks great on the patio. From fast weeknight cooks to weekend rotisserie sessions, it handles it all without overcomplicating things. If you’re looking for a serious grill that performs like a premium model without the insane price tag, this one’s worth a hard look.

The post Monument Eminence 605: Big Heat, Big Flavor, Big Personality appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

The National Hardware Show (NHS), a leading event for the home improvement industry, launched in New York City in 1945, relocated to Chicago in 1975, and has been held in bustling Las Vegas since 2004. The show is a mecca for networking, education, and discovering new products for the home and construction. And oh the products. Not only do you get to see the newest and latest up and coming trends, you get to see the twinkle in inventors eyes, as they show you the latest gadget that is going to change the industry. With the warmer months ahead – let’s start outside with my favorite outdoor living and construction products to elevate your home for summer 2025!

Monument Grills NEW Eminence Series Grills

Nothing says outdoor living like a gourmet outdoor kitchen, and Monument Grills Eminence series is affordable luxury.

You are greeted with its heavy-duty premium stainless steel construction from hood to wheels with the grates, lid, and body; with a fully enclosed storage space for an upscale, polished appearance. Lots of power to cook evenly on the entire grill with side and rear infrared burners, along with six high-performance blaze flame tamers, basically, this all means it delivers even heat for perfect grilling results. The dual gas option allows cooking with propane or natural gas.

Of course it’s smart, these grills sync with the mobile app and LED touch-panel for easy temperature control, propane level monitoring, and adjustable knob lighting with 3 modes, which include ambient lighting modes – my favorite part, keep the party going all night long!

Learn More from TIA: Monument Grills Launches Eminence Series with Three New Smart Gas Grills

Where to Buy: The E405, E425, and E605 are all available on the Monument Grills site.

RESCUE!: Ant Baits, Spider Traps, Fly Pads

RESCUE! Pest Control Products

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Everyone is invited to the party this season – except the bugs. I love RESCUE! as they are all Made in the USA, no mess, easy but very effective ways to eliminate unwanted visitors. I’ve been using all of these options for years, and highly recommend:

• Ant Baits: Child-resistant bait stations with a gel-based bait formula that won’t spill. Dual-bait formula contains sugar and protein baits to wipe out the whole colony.
• FlyPad: TouchSafe ridges keep glue away from fingers while still trapping flies. Low-profile design can go where other fly traps can’t.
• Spider Traps: Blends in with home décor, and a unique glue dot pattern allows more spiders to be caught in the trap.

Where to Buy: Shop all RESCUE! anti-pest products on Amazon.

Midwest Innovative Products MADE IN USA – Rhino Cart

When you need to move things around, literally, anything around, use the Rhino Cart. Rhino Cart is the most rugged all-terrain moving cart on the market. It’s a heavy-duty moving dolly specifically designed to conquer thresholds, uneven surfaces, and even hard packed dirt & gravel while carrying up to 2,000 lbs. The patented design and eight heavy-duty urethane wheels make it virtually unstoppable. Easily expands from 6″ – 46″ to accommodate small, large, and oversized objects. Sides can be completely separated and used to move oversized objects, and proudly Made in the USA. Whether you are a DIY’er or professional landscaper, the Rhino Cart is perfect for helping you move those larger items to curate your dream outdoor living space.

Where to Buy: Rhino Cart site, Amazon.

Like-Nu Concrete Restoration Kit

Before & After Like-Nu Concrete Repair Kit

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As temperatures rise, more parties move outdoors, but cracked driveways, patios, and walkways can make us self-conscious about hosting. Then you’ll love Like-Nu an easy concrete restoration kit that will restore your outdoor living space to “Like-Nu” condition.

This spray-on solution makes it easy to transform distressed concrete surfaces including driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, and more, to their original glory. There is no product like this on the market, it makes curb appeal attainable in a few hours! Unlike traditional resurfacing products that may be difficult to apply, Like-Nu’s solution offers an easy spray-on application that is quick to use and cost-effective. Complete a restoration project in just one to two hours, with surfaces drying in as little as 30 minutes.

With the Like-Nu Concrete Restoration Kit, the cost is under $1 per square foot, offering significant savings compared to traditional resurfacing, which averages $3 to $7 per square foot, or full concrete replacement, which can range from $20 to $30 per square foot.

Where to Buy: Like-Nu site.

Convert a Bench

Need a bench to sit on? Need a table to eat at? Need a picnic table to host? No problem, Convert a Bench does it ALL! The unique Convert a Bench instantaneously converts a bench to a 3-person table, and in combination with a second bench, you can create a full 6-person picnic table! Now your outdoor spaces can accommodate everyone you invite.

Note: Prices are for one Convert A Bench. Purchase two Benches to make a complete table.

Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, or save up to 48% during the “Spring Cleaning” sale at Convertabench.com.

A-iPower Made in USA!

A-iPower is a premier brand of outdoor power equipment that gives you the power you need to take on every project with confidence, with generators, inverters, pressure washers, walk mowers, and portable power stations. A-iPower established a 200,000 sq. ft. production/distribution facility in Olive Branch, MS, with assembly lines for gas walk mowers, pressure washers, and generators. This expansion shows their commitment to meet demand while ensuring quality, reliability, and faster distribution across North America. By manufacturing in the USA, they reinforce their commitment to American jobs, innovation, and industry growth. 

Where to Buy: Amazon, The Home Depot.

Cuisinart Outdoor Wok Station

Wok This Way! Create fast, fresh, and fabulous meals in minutes with the Cuisinart Outdoor Wok Station. Bring the magic of Wok cooking outside with a premium hand-hammered carbon steel wok, powerful 50,000 BTU burner system and precision haptic knob sensory control. The Outdoor Wok Station is easy to use and move around, featuring large rear wheels for mobility, an integrated 20 lb. propane tank holder, stainless steel protective burner cap, convenient paper towel holder, generous prep area, and easy-clean stainless-steel top. Don’t just cook it…Wok it!

Where to Buy: $299 from Cuisinart and Amazon.

Benefits of Elevated Outdoor Spaces

Loving your home extends beyond its walls. Even modest outdoor living spaces boost the moods and health of homeowners and residents. So while it can feel unnecessary to invest in outdoor spaces, especially if it’s only seasonal. The results can be an extension of yourself and a space to create memories with friends and family. Maybe that’s a little greenery and landscaping, a table for intimate conversations or unwinding with a good book, or creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience for those closest to you. Whatever the ideal outdoor living space is for you, I hope these products help you create a space to make memories this summer, and many summers to come.

The post Enhance Your Outdoor Living Spaces with Trending Products for the National Hardware Show appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Monument Grills has redesigned their grills from the ground up with their new Eminence Series Smart Gas Grills. Experience three new grills that have been retooled to cook higher and faster and with better accuracy, plus have a durable, yet minimal modern finish. This just scratches the surface of all the deluxe features and ratings you get with Monument Grills new Eminence Series, along with a 10-year warranty. Get the inside scoop with us as we look deeper at this new flagship series.

What’s New

• About Eminence Series
• Exterior Upgrades
• Performance Upgrades
• Smart Tech Upgrades
• Where to Buy

About Monument Grills Eminence Series

As we said, the Eminence Series brings you three new grills. Each grill gives grillers an amazing 60,000-89,000 BTUs, temperature sensing knob-lights, upgraded stainless steel bodies, and more. 50% of the parts used on these grills are also redesigned from parts from previous Monument Grills for an updated and elevated grilling experience. However, each grill has its own features that set it apart from one other, whether you are going with the more affordable priced Eminence 425, the versatile Eminence 405, or the gourmet grill Eminence 605.

We took a look at each Eminence smart gas grill and found what’s unique about each one so you can pick the best Eminence model for your type of grilling.

Eminence 405

• Model #: E405
• Gas Type: Propane
• Highlight Features: Upgraded heating system with 48,000 BTUs in the main burners alone and 60,000 BTUs overall heats the E405 up to up to a consistent 700°F in just 10 minutes. Grillers will love the full Blaze Zone, infrared side sear station, and 680 sq-in. of cooking surface. The Bluetooth-enabled “smart App-sync full-color LED touch panel” is reimagined for intuitive easy use whether you are grilling up close or from a distance. Built with an upgrade stainless body, porcelain-enameled cast iron for even high heat distribution and natural nonstick surface, clearview® lid, weight-bearing soft-close grill doors, and upgraded metal-coated and impact-resistant locking wheels.
• Construction Ratings: 4000V lightning surge endurance tested, IPX8 control-panel water-proof tested, 1000F temperature difference tested, 100k times ignition tested, and 500H high temperature and pressure endurance tested.
• Additional Grill Kit Options: With cast iron cooking plate, or with cast iron cooking plate and smoker box.
• Price: $949-1,025 from Monument Grills. Grill cover not included.

Eminence 425

• Model #: E425
• Gas Type: Propane
• Highlight Features: This matte-black grill made from dual-layer stainless steel molding and die-cast aluminum panels keeps heat in and keeps its timeliness finish despite weather and age. Achieve perfect sears and consistent max temp of 700°F thanks to 60,000 BTUs, high-performance burners, side burner, porcelain-enameled grates, and 680 sq-in. of cooking surface. Know the temperature of your grill and burners at a glance with the exterior temperature gauge and three-mode knob lights.
• Construction Ratings: 4000V lightning surge endurance tested, IPX8 control-panel water-proof tested, and 100k times ignition tested.
• Additional Grill Kit Options: With cast iron cooking plate, or with cast iron cooking plate and smoker box.
• Price: $749-825 from Monument Grills. Grill cover not included.

Eminence 605

• Model #: E605
• Gas Type: Propone. Natural gas conversion kit is available.
• Highlight Features: Propane and natural gas users can rejoice! Both grillers can experience the 89,000 BTUs, full blaze zone, infrared sear station, stainless steel rotisserie, and 890 sq. in. of cooking surface. Also equipped with the reimagined 3rd Generation LED touch panel with Bluetooth and App-sync integration for easy grill control whether you are near or far from your grill. You also get gas tank display and temperature sensing grill knob-lights.
• Grill Lights: Monument Grills six-color coded grill knob lights allow you to know the temperature of your grill at a glance. Blue = <200°F, cyan = 200–300°F, green = 300–400°F, yellow = 400–500°F, orange = 500–600°F (ideal for searing), red = >600°F.
• Party Mode: Knob lights aren’t just for cooking. Mode 2 has turns on “rainbow lights”. Double tap to cycle through a single-color rainbow. Triple tap to cycle through 10+ colors. Great for parties and creating a fun atmosphere!
• Additional Grill Kit Options: With natural gas conversion kit, or with cast iron cooking plate and smoker box.
• Price: $1,349-1,425 from Monument Grills. Grill cover not included.

Back to Guide

Shared Features

As you can see, each Eminence Series grill is impressive on its own with many of its own unique features. But there are a few overall qualities that each grill shares.

Eminence Gas Grill Exterior

Monument Grills says that its Eminence Series “adopts a whole new mold with half of the parts retooled” resulting in a new flagship series of grills that are precisely constructed for better and accuracy and performance.

While each grill body has its own unique design, a shared exterior feature is the integrated full sear stainless steel and die-cast aluminum steel side panel. Not only does this look great with its modern finish, but it results in better heat retention in the grill and warm storage, and improves durability. The double doors have also been reinforced for better load-bearing with a smooth and soft-close operation. And a grill can’t be great without a great base. The metal-coated locking wheels provide better load-bearing and maneuverability.

Eminence Gas Grill Performance

Yeah, these grills look nice, but what can you expect once you fire them up?

All-around these grills are heating faster and higher, hitting up to 700°F within 10 minutes and a range of 60,000-89,000 BTUs across the three grills. This is about a 100°F increase in heat, 10 minute faster cooking time, and an improved heat retention and distribution across grates.

Eminence Smart Grill Tech

The E405 and E605 are both equipped with a reimagined 3rd generation LED touch screen that is easier and more intuitive to use. These smart grills are also enhanced with Bluetooth and App-sync so you can monitor and adjust grilling temperature, set timers and more up to 65 ft. away from your grill, and allowing you be a part of the party again.

The coloring sensing grill knob-lights have also been retooled to have a three-color coded system on the E405 and E425, and a six-color coded system plus party mode. So not only can you know the heat of your grill at a glance, but you can create a festive atmosphere!

Back to Guide

Where to Buy Eminence Series Smart Gas Grills

You don’t have to wait, the Eminence Series smart gas grills are available now through Monument Grills. The three grill models range in price from $749-1,425. So, whether you are a modest weekend griller or a gourmet grill master, there is an Eminence gas grill for you. Again, each grill comes with a 10-year warranty and Monument Grills has a strong customer support staff to troubleshoot any issue that arises.

Now that you’ve learned more about the Eminence Series Smart Gas Grills, what features are you most excited about and which Eminence Grill do you just have to have? Let us know in the comments.

The post Monument Grills Launches Eminence Series with Three New Smart Gas Grills appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

One of our nation’s most important holidays is coming up…Super Bowl Sunday.

Whether you love football or hate it, Super Bowl Sunday is an unofficial holiday enjoyed by most Americans and it’s hardly to do with the game. After the stressful holiday season, Super Bowl Sunday is a necessary holiday where we don’t deal with fancy clothes and instead wear our favorite jersey, let loose with our friends, eat all the best food, trash talk the halftime show, and laugh at Oscar-worthy commercials. Hosting a Super Bowl Sunday party is one of the highest honors our friend’s can bestow upon us and we cannot let them down.

We put together all of the essential items you need to host a championship Super Bowl Sunday party. We will make sure you have the best Super Bowl Sunday food, the best Super Bowl Sunday games, your TV will be big enough (even if it’s not), and you will have enough seats.

This will be the best Super Bowl Sunday party your friends and family have been to, you just need to keep reading and trust us.

Have the Best Super Bowl Sunday Party Foods Thanks to Monument Grills 

The Super Bowl and grilling go hand-in-hand whether you’re tailgating or grilling at home. You need a grill that can handle going on location and the all-day cooking and volume that Super Bowl Sunday demands. Fortunately, Monument Grills has a wide variety of stainless steel propane gas grills that step up to the game day challenge. On top of providing top-tier gas grills, Monument Grills has a wide variety of signature grilling recipes perfect for your Super Bowl Sunday menu.

In celebration of Super Bowl Sunday, Monument Grills is taking over $100 off the 77352 Stainless Steel Gas Grill. This six-burner with 880 square inches of grilling area comes with its own rotisserie attachment and is only $619 while supplies last. However, this is only one of Monument Grills products worthy of your Super Bowl Sunday party.

Best Grills for Your Super Bowl Sunday Party:

• Over $100 OFF Monument Grills 77352 Stainless Steel Gas Grill — ONLY $619!
• Tailgater’s favorite Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ Stainless Steel Gas Grill — ONLY $475!
• Grill master’s gourmet Monument Grills Denali 605Pro Stainless Smart Tech Gas Grill — ONLY $899!

LEARN MORE by checking out our TIA Monument Grills reviews.

MORE Super Bowl Party Food Essentials

Now that you have your main event handled thanks to Monument Grills it’s time to focus on the smaller but still delicious snacks and drinks.

Amazon Basics Triple 2.5 qt. Slow Cooker

Perfect for keeping hot dips and side dishes warm all Super Bowl Sunday long!

Customer Review: “It was a Christmas gift. My mother opened it early to use it for Christmas dinner and just fell in love with it. She was able to use it for dressing, beans and sweet potatoes on her countertop letting her prep other things without worry.” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: $76.82 on Amazon.

Latitude Chilled Charcuterie Board

Equipped with its own secret chamber ice pack, the Latitude Board ensures your charcuterie board will stay fresh for the entire party. The outer moisture-resistant teak is ideal for serving meats and cheeses on, and a fully frozen ice pack keeps it a chill 50-55°F for 3 to 4 hours. Perfect gift for the party host in the gang!

Customer Review: Genius product! A must have!! – “Ok, so I can’t say enough about how smart this board is!! I often use this in the Florida heat and it’s a game changer!! I love that it has ice packs that keep the surface cold and my spread fresh, and safe. It looks good too, such a well made product. The carry pouch was very handy when I recently had to bring a dish to a party, it was so easy to make my presentation and transport it to the party nice and fresh and ready to go, plus I had another icepack to make it last for hours. Once you have this you will never use any other!!” – Amazon reviewer

Where to Buy: Amazon

Inflatable Football Field Cooler

Fill with beer, soda, bottled water, or whatever drinks you’d like to keep cold for your guests.

Customer Review: “This was so fun for our fantasy football party!! Its very large which was awesome but we did have to leave it on the floor. Didn’t spill at all even in the AZ heat and ice melted.” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: $15.99 on Amazon.

Craftmix Cocktail Mixers

There’s a lot to juggle when hosting a party: the food, the TV, making sure everyone has a chair and is entertained — Craftmix cocktail mixers keep the drinks simple for you.

Each Craftmix bag contains at least 12 individual powdered cocktail mixers that can be mixed with alcohol or water (or any liquid) for a quick refreshing cocktail OR mocktail. You can choose single flavors, variety packs, or even low-calorie and sugar-free options. Craftmix mixers blend smoothly with no chalky taste or texture left behind.

Finally! A way to service drinks that everyone will love!

Customer Review: “Craftmix is such a great concept and luckily they’re also delicious! I like to have an occasional cocktail but rarely have all the ingredients on hand and this makes it so much easier to have a variety of drinks on hand for myself or when hosting. I enjoyed all four flavors in the variety pack, with my favorite being the mango margarita. I also tried the mango margarita and strawberry mule as mocktails and they were delicious! I am planning to put together a gift basket with these and a bottle or two of liquor for a good friend soon, I think she’ll love it!” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: $14.99 for 12-pack on Amazon.

EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Icemaker

Did you know the ice in your freezer can take on the taste of the food surrounding it? And no one wants hints of frozen chicken and Hungry Man dinners in their game day cocktail. A countertop icemaker is a worthwhile investment for the hostess with the most-est or the at-home mixologist.

There are a lot of icemakers on the market and a lot of it comes down to ice preference. The EUHOMY Countertop Nugget Icemaker has nearly 16k reviews and a 4.3 star rating on Amazon!

Customer Review: “I LOVE this appliance! The ice is small, soft ‘sonic-style’. It works well and is fairly quiet – just a low hummmm. It’s portable and lightweight enough to carry in our travel trailer. We make ice every morning and it last all day for me and my husband (and3 dogs who love ice treats). If we make some in the evening, I turn it off and still have ice the next morning. I’d by it again!” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: $189 on Amazon.

DIY Your Super Bowl FEAST Area

We shared a Christmas 10-person dining table hack that works for a variety of occasions. Use it to turn your standard 6 ft. or 8 ft. folding table and transform it into either a 10-person dining table for or to hold the smorgasbord that is your epic Super Bowl Sunday feast.

Make Sure Everyone Can Watch the Game

Is your TV big enough? Do you have enough chairs? Does it feel a little crowded inside?

HAPRUN Google TV Projector with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4k Support

Have a great space, great food, great games, but your TV is a little…meh? Upgrade it instantly with the HAPRUN Google TV Projector. It provides a clear 4k image and is packed with a ton of other great features for after the big game. For those in warmer climates, a projector allows you to move the game outside, which might give everyone more room to stay comfortable throughout the game.

Customer Review: “I am incredibly impressed by the quality of this little thing. For about the price of a “cheap” replacement bulb for my old DLP projector that cost 6x as much, this thing is visually outperforming it in a big way. Sure it only has one HDMI input, but that can be easily fixed with a splitter – I wasn’t expecting it to be chock full of features at around $100. But at approx. 10′ distance, I’m getting a super crisp 100″ 1080p image that is bright enough and quite vibrant to my eyes. It also accepts a 4k signal, which looked even more incredible, though it’s 30Hz (fps)” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: ON SALE for $249.99 on Amazon (originally $369.99)

VINGLI 6ft. Plastic Folding Bench

Stop stressing about not having enough seats. These 6 ft. Folding Benches from VINGLI are sturdy and lightweight. You can even cover them with a tablecloth in your team’s colors to bump up your decorations.

Customer Review: “I got them to use at my destination wedding. I ordered the brown ones. They came quickly and were packed well. I loved how way they were to travel and store. They were sturdy and easy to fold. Easy to use and lightweight” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: $89.99 for a 2-pack on Amazon.

Get the Best Super Bowl Sunday Party Decorations

Teams vary from year to year. Instead of going all out on specific team decorations, why not use football-themed decorations instead? Here are some of our favorite football-themed decorations for your party.

• Custom Super Bowl Party “ticket” invitations
• GatherFun Football-themed Table Covers, Party Banner, Plates, Cups & Napkins
• GatherFun Football-themed Food Trays
• Amscan Large Football Party Bowl

Play the Best Super Bowl Party Games & Activities

Anyone can come to a Super Bowl party, including Ricky from work and his wife and three kids who have no interest in the actual game. So whether you just have some time to kill, or you need entertainment for anti-football party crashers, we found some Super Bowl Sunday party games to keep everyone entertained.

Football-themed Photobooth Props

Customer Review: “People loved this frame. We made a photo area and they had at it. Such a cute tailgate piece.” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: $12.99 on Amazon.

GoSports Inflataman Football Toss Game

Customer Review: “GoSports Inflataman Football… the product was outstanding , it with held everything we threw at it product was built really good the kids loved it . Loved that it came with the pump and 4 balls the balls were made out a strong product even though they were plastic we had a great time playing with it” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: $44.99 on Amazon.

Big Dots of a Happiness “The Big Game” Commercial Bingo Card

Customer Review: “Took to a Superbowl party and it added a whole new level of fun. People were going to the bathroom during the football game so as not to miss the commercials. Probably shouldn’t report this, but we charged a per game price and the first bingo won the pot. Got 4 bingo games in before the 4th quarter. Would recommend to my friends, and it would work for any tv event that you would be entertaining for.” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: $15.99 on Amazon.

Civaner Inflatable Football Goalpost Ring Toss Set

Customer Review: “My kids had a Superbowl Party and I ordered this to go along with decorations, etc. They had so much fun with this all throughout the game and really loved it. There are two sets included so you can throw back and forth at each other. Good enough quality that I was able to deflate and put away for use again next year.” – Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy: $16.99 on Amazon.

Who Will Win Super Bowl LIX?

We have no idea which team will win the game. But your epic Super Bowl Sunday party will leave you feeling like a winner.

The post Monument Grills Helps You Host the Best Super Bowl Sunday Party appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Swap out the holiday ham for perfectly cooked ribeye steaks this Christmas. Monument Grills recipe for perfect ribeye steaks with hot butter gives your table a new, bold and buttery bite that doubles as a beautiful centerpiece meal that challenges tradition. Yes, holiday cooking can be stressful and steaks for a crowd can be intimidating. But when prepared with one of Monument Grills newest grill models, such as the Denali 605Pro or the Mesa 415BZ, quality construction and tech features, like app-integration, eliminate the guesswork for a consistent cooking experience that allows anyone to know how to grill the perfect ribeye steak.

Monument Grills was founded by a group of friends in Atlanta who believed the best memories were created around the grill. This led to a mission to build the best gas grills that brought people together. This Monument Grills ribeye recipe is guaranteed to bring everyone together this holiday season and looking forward to the holidays yet to come.

How to Grill the Perfect Ribeye Steak

What makes a great steak? To us the most important elements are the seasoning, the sear, and achieving that perfect cook throughout. This Monument Grills recipe for perfect ribeye steaks with hot butter has it all.

The step-by-step instructions and full ingredient list with measurements can be found on the Monument Grills site.

Seasoning

This ribeye recipe gets its flavor from getting double seasoned. First the steak is seasoned all over with Monument Grills Texas Beef Rub and then placed directly on the grill for seared-in flavor.

Once off the grill the steak is topped with compound butter made from a blend of softened butter, fresh chopped garlic and parsley, Monument Grills Texas Hot Pepper Sauce, and Monument Grills Texas Beef Rub. Multiple layers of flavors coat the steak as the butter melts, resulting in a flavorful and succulent steak.

Sear

A hot grill is the key to a perfect sear. This recipe calls for a 600° F preheated grill, which is easy for the Mesa 415BZ and Denali 605Pro. These grills only need 10 minutes to hit 650-700° F and burn between 62,000-78,000 BTU’s. Both grills have dedicated side burners that are perfect for searing, but the Denali 605Pro has its own built-in ceramic infrared sear burner on the grill itself.

The porcelain enameled cast iron grates also provide an even heat throughout to provide a perfect even sear and provide a natural non-stick surface to prevent your perfect ribeye from sticking to the grill.

Perfect Temperature

There are a few different ways to guess the “done-ness” of your steak, but the only way to know without cutting your steak is to check the temperature. The Denali 605Pro comes with two meat probes, perfect for this recipe, that monitor your steaks’ temperature via the Monument Grills app. No more guessing. You’ll know when your steak is cooked to your preference.

Not sure what temperature you or Uncle Eddie likes his steak? Here’s a quick steak temperature chart:

• Rare = 120° F
• Medium Rare = 130° F
• Medium = 140° F
• Medium Well = 150° F
• Well Done = 160° F

To learn more about the Denali 605Pro and Mesa 415BZ read our TIA Article: Monument Grills – A Gift Idea for this Christmas Season.

MORE Christmas Dinner Ideas

Now that you know how to grill the perfect ribeye then you might be looking for other dishes to fill your table this Christmas. Monument Grills has over 100 grilling recipes that range from meat, to seafood, and veggies. You can find sweet and savory dishes from appetizers to desserts, so there’s something to grill for everyone at Christmas dinner this year.

The post How to Grill the Perfect Ribeye Steak for Christmas Dinner appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

This holiday season, give a gift that brings warmth, togetherness and unforgettable flavors – give a Monument Grill. Known for quality, innovation and reliability, Monument Grills are designed to make every outdoor cooking experience memorable, whether it’s a winter family reunion or a cozy get-together with friends. Their newest models, the Denali 605Pro and Mesa 415BZ, are designed to inspire and elevate every meal, even on those cold winter evenings.

Imagine grilling a savory feast while the snow dusts the ground, surrounded by friends and family bundled up, sipping warm drinks and sharing laughter by the warmth of the fire. Monument grills make it possible to enjoy hearty, flavourful meals all winter long, from perfectly seared steaks and rotisserie chicken to rich roasted vegetables. The Denali’s powerful Blade Infrared Burner and app-controlled temperature settings ensure each meal is as precise as it is delicious. The Mesa’s versatile side burner and full-clear window lid make it easy to multitask without losing heat.

With Monument Grills, you’re giving more than a grill – you’re giving year-round experiences of laughter, celebration, and connection. Perfect for everything from holiday get-togethers to spontaneous gatherings, Monument Grills bring warmth to any outdoor setting and make every grilling session a cherished winter memory.

Monument Grills – About

Monument Grills is an American brand with roots that go back to 2016, founded by three friends in Atlanta who set out to create high-quality, user-friendly grills tailored for the American backyard. Every grill is crafted for durability and ease of use, making it an ideal addition to any outdoor kitchen. Designed by a U.S.-based team, these grills prioritize reliable performance and longevity, so grilling enthusiasts can enjoy gatherings without worry.

Inspired by the steadfast nature of mountains, Monument Grills embodies reliability, strength, and a dedication to the community it serves. Their mission is simple yet impactful: to bring people together by fostering memorable outdoor cooking experiences. Guided by their core values of creativity and innovation, Monument Grills embraces the slogan “Share the Moment”—a reflection of their goal to turn every cookout into a cherished memory.

Denali 605Pro

• Model – Denali 605Pro
• BTU’s -78,000
• Cooking Area – 900 Sq In
• Fuel Type – Propane
• Grill Finish – Stainless Steel
• Ignition Type – Electronic Ignition
• Number of Main Burners – 6
• Number of Side Burners – 1
• Learn More – Monument Grills Denali 605Pro

Main Features

The Monument Denali 605Pro grill is packed with impressive features designed to take your grilling experience to the next level. At the core of this powerhouse is the Patented Blade-Infrared burner system, which delivers a remarkable 78,000 BTUs of heat, ensuring fast and even cooking. Premium cast iron grates and a stainless steel firebox provide exceptional durability and heat retention, making this grill as reliable as it is effective.

Adding a touch of modern convenience, the Denali 605Pro includes a Bluetooth app that allows you to monitor and control temperature settings right from your phone, complete with alerts to simplify your cooking experience. The UPGRADED Clearview® Lid gives you a clear view of your food as it cooks, while the real-time LED temperature display ensures precise temperature monitoring. With a multi-functional sear zone for achieving perfect grill marks and a built-in rotisserie kit for juicy, evenly cooked meats, this grill offers unparalleled versatility for any outdoor chef.

Memorable Meals

The Monument Denali 605Pro isn’t just a grill—it’s your ultimate BBQ companion. With its sleek design, it adds a touch of sophistication to your backyard, while the powerful sear station and precise controls demonstrate its cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re searing steaks to perfection or preparing a slow-roasted rotisserie meal, this grill is built to handle any cooking challenge, making every meal a memorable one.

Craftsmanship

The Denali 605Pro grill exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship and is designed with a range of features that redefine outdoor cooking. Whether you’re grilling, frying, steaming, or stir-frying, this grill’s innovative design and premium build quality make it a standout. Monument’s advanced Blade-Infrared burner system, paired with the ceramic infrared sear burner, can reach an impressive 700°F in just 10 minutes, giving you the ability to create perfectly seared crusts and a variety of flavors. The hybrid cooking grates further enhance your culinary options, making every meal an opportunity for creativity and delicious results.

Precision Cooking

The Denali 605Pro grill takes precision cooking to the next level with its intelligent PID algorithm-based temperature control. This advanced system ensures consistent and accurate heat management, allowing you to cook your food to perfection every time. With real-time temperature alerts sent directly to your mobile device, monitoring your cooking becomes effortless and stress-free. These comprehensive solutions make it easy to keep track of your meal’s progress, giving you full control over the grilling experience and ensuring optimal results.

Mesa 415BZ

• Model – Mesa 415BZ
• BTU’s – 62,000
• Cooking Area – 630 Sq In
• Fuel Type – Propane
• Grill Finish – Stainless Steel
• Ignition Type – Electronic Ignition
• Number of Main Burners – 4+1
• Number of Side Burners – 1
• Learn More – Monument Mesa 415BZ, Amazon, Wayfair, Home Depot, Lowe’s

Main Features

The Mesa 415BZ grill from Monument Grills is packed with features that elevate the grilling experience. One of its standout components is the Patented Blade-Infrared burner Searing Zone, designed to deliver high heat for perfect searing and enhanced flavor. The grill also boasts an UPGRADED Cast Aluminum Lid, which not only offers exceptional durability but also helps to retain heat more efficiently for even cooking. Additionally, Monument stands by the quality of this grill with an impressive 8-Year Warranty, offering peace of mind and long-term reliability.

For added convenience and visibility, the Mesa 415BZ is equipped with an Upgraded Full-Clear Window Lid, allowing you to monitor your food without having to open the grill and lose heat. The 12,000 BTUs side burner provides additional cooking space, making it perfect for preparing side dishes or sauces while grilling. Together, these features make the Mesa 415BZ a versatile and durable grill that’s perfect for any outdoor cooking enthusiast, whether you’re hosting a big barbecue or enjoying a simple family meal.

Modern, Stylish, and Versatile

The Mesa 415BZ stands out with its sleek, modern design and versatile cooking features, making it a perfect fit for any stylish outdoor setup. Despite its compact size, this grill is a true powerhouse, delivering high performance that backyard chefs will appreciate. It’s designed for those who want top-notch cooking capabilities without sacrificing aesthetics, making it ideal for everything from casual weeknight meals to impressive weekend barbecues. With the Mesa 415BZ, you get the perfect blend of form and function, elevating both the look and the utility of your outdoor cooking space.

Craftsmanship

The Mesa 415BZ grill is built with superior craftsmanship and designed for long-lasting durability. It features an upgraded cast aluminum lid that enhances heat retention and provides robust protection against the elements, along with stainless steel burners that ensure consistent performance over time. The patented Blade-Infrared searing zone is a standout feature, delivering exceptional heat distribution for perfectly seared steaks and juicy meats every time. With these high-quality components, the Mesa 415BZ is designed to withstand the demands of frequent grilling while delivering top-tier results.

Performance & Convenience

The Mesa 415BZ is all about performance and convenience, featuring a powerful 12,000 BTUs side burner that expands your cooking options beyond just grilling. Whether you’re sautéing vegetables or simmering sauces, this grill can handle multiple cooking tasks seamlessly, making meal prep more efficient and versatile. The upgraded Full-Clear Window Lid is another thoughtful addition, allowing you to monitor your food without lifting the lid, which helps retain heat and maintain consistent cooking temperatures. With these features, the Mesa 415BZ ensures a hassle-free and efficient grilling experience, perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Wrap it Up

The Denali 605Pro and Mesa 415BZ from Monument Grills are the ultimate gifts for any grilling enthusiast. Both models combine exceptional durability with advanced features, ensuring a top-notch grilling experience that will impress even the most seasoned backyard chefs. The Denali 605Pro delivers powerful performance with its Blade-Infrared burner system and precise, app-based temperature control, while the Mesa 415BZ offers versatility and efficiency with its compact design, upgraded cast aluminum lid, and side burner. These grills aren’t just built to last; they’re engineered to make outdoor cooking more enjoyable, efficient, and flavorful, making them thoughtful and impressive gifts for anyone who loves to grill.

What sets these grills apart is their attention to both performance and convenience. The Denali 605Pro’s real-time temperature monitoring, Bluetooth app integration, and multi-functional sear zone elevate your cooking game, while the Mesa 415BZ’s side burner and Full-Clear Window Lid make multi-tasking a breeze. Both models feature premium craftsmanship, with high-quality materials like stainless steel burners and corrosion-resistant components that promise reliability for years to come. If you’re looking to gift someone an exceptional grilling experience that combines style, technology, and unbeatable performance, the Denali 605Pro and Mesa 415BZ are standout choices that will keep the grilling going all year long.

The post Monument Grills – A Gift Idea for this Christmas Season appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

The end of summer does not mean the end of grilling season. In fact, we are restocking our grilling accessories with five new items from Monument Grills. These five grilling accessories include items that will add versatility to your grill time, or can help you extend the life of your grill. As we said, these items are made by Monument Grills, so you know each has the high-quality construction to last you through multiple grilling seasons.

Grilling Accessories

• Cast Iron Grill Plate
• Gas Grill Cleaning Brush
• Smoker Box Insert
• Gas Grill Rotisserie Kit
• Heavy-Duty Grill Cover

Reversible Cast Iron Cooking Plate for Stainless Steel Gas Grills

Cast Iron Cook Plate

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Grilled veggies, meat, and seafood all taste great – but we have all experienced the heartbreak of food that falls between the grill grates. The Monument Grills Reversible Cast Iron Cooking Plate is the grilling accessory of your dreams. Grill smaller or skinny veggies and meat like asparagus or shrimp without losing anything.

This versatile cooking plate also allows you to turn your grill into a flattop griddle without taking up more space on your deck or patio. Plus, you can bring new cooking styles outside, such as stir-fry or making pancakes. This reversible cast iron cooking plate gives your gas grill tons of new cooking possibilities for no more $50.

For the grill master, this cooking plate is a must-have grilling accessory.

• Model Name: Monument Grills Reversible Cast Iron Cooking Plate
• Model #: 96333 (415 mm X 240 mm X 10 mm) & A005 (415 mm X 40 mm X 10 mm)
• Features: Made from high-quality enameled cast iron for super heat retention and distribution, and creates the perfect non-stick searing surface. This double-sided cooking plate provides a flat surface on one side and grated surface on the other for grilling and cooking versatility. 10 mm thickness and durable construction that can withstand temperatures up to 900°F. Comes with 2-year limited warranty.
• Price: $39.99 – $49.99
• Where to Buy: Monument Grills site, Amazon, Wayfair

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Stainless Steel Gas Grill Cleaning Brush & Scraper

Stainless Steel Grill Cleaning Brush

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Cleaning your grill is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your grill – and grills are expensive! So, treat your stainless steel gas grill right by cleaning it with this high-quality grill cleaning brush from Monument Grills.

It is 17.5 in. of full stainless steel construction for durability and a long life. Equipped with a scraper head and stainless steel bristles so no food is left behind on your grill. This brush also comes with a replaceable steel bristle head so you can changeout if needed. This cleaning brush also has an angled handle with a comfortable overmold grip.

I know, cleaning accessories don’t always excite us. But this grilling accessory will get you excited to clean your grill. Monument Grills suggests these steps when cleaning with this brush:

1. 1. Preheat your grill
   2. Soak the grill brush in water while brushing
   3. Scrub in the direction of your grill grates, and wipe away the gunk as you go

• Model Name: Monument Grills Cleaning Brush
• Model #: A006
• Features: Measures 17.5 in from end-to-end and equipped with stainless steel bristles and scraper head to effortlessly clean your grill. Made entirely out of 430+TPR+PP stainless steel for longevity, except for the ergonomic rubber overmold grip for comfort and control while cleaning. Comes with a replacement bristle head and a 1-year limited warranty.
• Price: $29.99
• Where to Buy: Monument Grills site, Amazon, Wayfair

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Smoker Box Insert for Gas Grills

Smoker Box for Gas Grill

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Loved smoked food but not ready to invest in a full smoker? You don’t have to! This versatile smoker box allows you to add smoky, herby, or whatever flavors you like to the food you make on your existing gas grill.

This compact smoker box goes below the grates. Just fill the box with whatever flavors you want to infuse and the vent-integrated lid will evenly disperse those flavors. The smoker box even collects all the ash. Just empty out the box once cool, and it’s ready to use again.

This grilling accessory really makes it that easy to add smoked flavor!

• Model Name: Monument Grills Smoker Box
• Model #: A007 & 98457 
• Features: Compact insert that allows you to burn wood chips, pellets, herbs and more to infuse unique smoky flavors into your grilled foods. Box also collects ash for easy cleanup. Made of stainless steel. Easy open lid allows you to easily add flavor and makes for easy cleanup, and the integrated vent evenly distributes aromas. Comes with 1-year limited warranty.
• Price: $25.99 – $35.99
• Where to Buy: Monument Grills site, Amazon, Wayfair

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Gas Grill Rotisserie Kit for 4-burner & 6-burner Gas Grills

Rotisserie Kit for Gas Grill

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Nothing beats a succulent roast chicken, but it’s so hard to master at home. This gas grill rotisserie kit makes it not just possible, but easy to roast the perfect whole chicken, beef roast, or tenderloin.

Designed for 4-6 burner gas grills up to 29 in. with a built-in firebox. The forks can hold small to large cuts. Mount the kit on the left or right, and the 120V kit and enclosed housing will allow you to roast your cut to perfection regardless of the outdoor temperature or weather.

• Model Name: Monument Grills Rotisserie Kit
• Model #: 97222 (4-burner) & 96222 (6-burner)
• Features: Grilling accessories designed for gas grills up to 29 in. with firebox. Powered by a 120V electric motor. Versatile chrome-plated forks can hold small and large cuts of meat so you can roast a whole chicken, pork loin, beef roast, and more. Flexible mounting allows you to mount on left or right side of grill. Comes with 2-year limited warranty.
• Price: $59.99 – $64.99
• Where to Buy: Monument Grills site, Amazon, Wayfair

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Heavy-Duty Grill Cover

Heavy-Duty Gas Grill Cover

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Covering your grill is single-handedly the easiest thing you can do to protect your grill and keep it working for years to come. However, you want a grill cover that is well crafted, durable, and actually holds onto your grill in bad weather. This Grill Cover by Monument Grills can offer your grill the exact protection it needs.

The cover is made of a nylon and PVC blend that is UV-proof and waterproof. It’s thick and provides a strong barrier from the elements. This cover also has a drawstring giving a custom fit to your grill so the cover doesn’t blow away in the same weather you’re trying to protect it from.

Grilling accessories can make grilling more fun. But all that fun comes to a halt if you need to empty your wallet every few years to replace a grill you didn’t take care of. This makes grill covers the most underrated grilling accessory. So invest in a good one!

• Model Name: Monument Grills Grill Cover
• Model #: Various models
• Features: Made of a thick and protective blend of nylon and PVC to protect your grill in all types of weather. Provides UV protection and waterproofing. Drawstring allows for a custom and secure fit that will hold onto your grill, even in turbulent weather. Comes with 2-year limited warranty.
• Price: $49.99
• Where to Buy: Monument Grills site, Amazon, Wayfair

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Recipes for Your Stainless Steel Gas Grill

In addition to a variety of stainless steel gas grills, smokers, and grilling accessories, Monument Grills also has a tons of FREE delicious recipes on the Monument Grills website. These recipes are the perfect way to play with your new grilling accessories or try out new techniques on your stainless steel gas grill.

Hmm…I think I know what you’re thinking: “A NEW Monument Grills grill would pair perfectly with my new Monument Grills grilling accessories. But what grill do I pick?”

Lucky for you, we have a variety of Monument Grills Reviews to help you pick the perfect stainless steel gas grill.

The post 5 New Grilling Accessories for Your Stainless Steel Gas Grill appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Monument Grills has only been around since 2016, but they have already earned a reputation for producing high-quality grills with innovative features at a competitive price tag. Today we have the Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ Stainless Steel Gas Grill. This four-burner grill provides premium features, such as an innovative sear burner, side burner, Clearview® lid, and more to make this grill feel like an all-in-one outdoor kitchen experience – and for under $500!

Keep reading as we provide a 360-degree view of the Mesa 415BZ.

Guide

• Mesa 415BZ Stainless Steel Gas Grill
• Features Review
• Value
• Where to Buy

Mesa 415BZ Stainless Steel Gas Grill Overview

• Product Name: Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ Stainless Steel Gas Grill
• Model #: Mesa 415BZ
• Features: Compact but powerful stainless steel gas grill that is equipped with four stainless steel burners, a sear burner, and a side burner for maximum grilling options and perfectly grilled food. Provides up to 62,000 BTUs across a combined 630 (sq. in.) cooking areas. The “Broil Zone” reaches 630°F searing heat in 10 minutes. The Clearview® lid allows you to monitor the cooking process without heat loss from opening the lid, plus additional control from the built-in thermometer for accurate and consistent cooking outcomes.
• Color Options: Stainless steel, black, blue, green, and red
• Price: $475
• Where to Buy: Amazon, The Home Depot, or direct from Monument Grills
• Learn More: Watch Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ YouTube video

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Mesa 415BZ Features Review

The Mesa 415BZ was designed to give you a premium grilling experience in a compact yet powerful grill. Here we dive into each of the main features to show you how Monument Grills is innovating the grilling game.

Versatile Burners, Side Burner & Broil Zone

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This four-burner stainless steel gas grill includes a sear burner designed for a higher fire and heat output that can reach up to 800°F, and a versatile side burner. The two burners on the right and a sear burner are located in the “Broil Zone”, the area on your Mesa 415BZ that can reach those high temps providing more custom grilling options.

The side burner is great for sautéing or cooking smaller items that may fall through the grates. It kind of transforms the Mesa 415BZ into an all-in-one outdoor kitchen without having to deal with additional items like grate covers. Plus, you don’t lose any of your grilling surface. I also like the compartment cover the side burner has. It converts the burner into additional work space and protects the burner when not in use.

Monument Grills also equipped these burners with their heat indicator LED safety lights. Each burner is backlit with red and blue LED lighting. The red light indicates that burner is hot and it turns blue when the burner cools. It’s also a great indicator for when your grill and burners are hot enough to achieve the perfect sear. Or, if you’re just forgetful, these lights are an easy quick indicator to let you know if you remembered to turn the grill off.

Check out the heat sensitive burner lights in Dan’s video from the National Hardware Show.

Cast Iron Grill Grates

Made from cast iron, the grill grates on the Mesa 415BZ heat evenly throughout and maintain a consistent temperature. The grill grates are further enhanced by a porcelain-enameled coating that provides a non-stick barrier and protects the cast iron from abrasion, corrosion, and build-up.

Grilling out is great, but the clean-up can take away some of the fun. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates make for easy cleanup, but Monument Grills didn’t stop there. The drip tray is designed to be fully removable. You can just slide it out, which makes for easy, thorough cleanup, and also helps to prevent grill fires.

Clearview® Lid

No need to lose heat checking on your food. This grill has a Clearview® Lid that allows you to see how your food is cooking without opening your grill.

630 sq. in. Cooking Area

The grill from left to right is 27 in. and has two racks which comes to 630 sq. in. of grilling space. What’s nice about the Mesa 415BZ is that it’s a good size, not massive, but compact enough in design to fit on smaller decks, maybe even an apartment balcony (though two-burner models are available), but this grill can easily feed 8-10 people and fit up to 23 burgers.

Built-in Thermometer

Located just below the Clearview® Lid is the temperature gauge. The built-in thermometer lets you know the exact temperature of your grill without temping it yourself. We like the Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ Stainless Steel Gas Grill has just enough convenience features to let you relax while you grill, but doesn’t “dummy proof” the experience so you’re still encouraged to be hands-on.

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Value

The Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ Stainless Steel Gas Grill with four burners is consistently priced at $475 across various retailers like Amazon, The Home Depot, and even direct from Monument Grills. The Mesa 415BZ also comes with an 8-year limited warranty.

Again, this is a very efficiently designed grill. It packs a lot of cooking options without taking up too much space. Plus, it has a really economic price tag for all of its premium features, such as the Broil Zone with dedicated sear burner, and the side burner. A four-burner Weber GENESIS will cost you over $1,000 and you won’t even get those additional features. There may be some cheaper grill options out there, but for $475 we feel that the Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ Stainless Steel Gas Grill offers the best features, provides great control and user experience, and its well constructed. It provided even heating for us and consistent cooking outcomes.

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Where to Buy

As we mentioned, the Mesa 415BZ is available through popular retailers such as Amazon, The Home Depot, and direct from Monument Grills. This is a great grill option for so many people whether you have a standard home, or maybe a smaller grill space such as an apartment or condo balcony. This is a great grill for a beginner as well as a grill master. You will enjoy the convenience features, but you still get a very hands-on grill experience.

The post TIA Checks Out Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ Stainless Steel Gas Grill appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Monument Grills Day comes around once a year to provide Monument customers with the best deals and giveaways. This year Monument Grills is giving away three grills and providing a discount of up to $150 off select Monument Grills.

Want to know how to enter? Want to know what grills you can win? Keep reading and we’ll tell you!

“What FREE Monument Grills can I win?”

When you visit the Monument Grills Day Giveaway page you see the three Monument Grills you can win. These grills are:

• Monument Grills Denali 605Pro Stainless Smart Gas Grill ($899.99 retail)
• Monument Grills Denali 405 Stainless Smart Gas Grill ($599.99 retail)
• Monument Grills Mesa 200 Colorful Gas Grill ($355 retail)

“Are there any other promotions with Monument Grills Day?”

Unfortunately, we can’t all win a free grill. So, Monument Grills is slashing the price and providing a discount of up to $150 OFF 13 Monument Grills.

Want to know which grills qualify?

Head to the Monument Grills Day Giveaway page, scroll down to “Exclusive Offer” and select “view all” to see all the discounted grills.

“How do I enter to win during Monument Grills Day?”

Entering to win during Monument Grills Day is super easy. You might already be partially entered to win. Either way, here are the three easy steps to enter:

1. Follow Monument Grills on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, or Pinterest).
2. Like Monument Grills giveaway post, comment, and tag your friends so they too can enter to win during Monument Grills Day!
3. Go to the Monument Grills Day Giveaway page, click “WIN NOW”, fill out the form, and submit to be entered to win a FREE Monument Grill!

That’s it! Do that and you’ll be entered to win. Did you enter? If so, let us know in the comments which Monument Grill you are hoping to win.

The post ONE DAY ONLY! Win a FREE Monument Grill with Monument Grills Day! appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

The sun’s out. The warm weather is back. It’s time to fire-up the grill and invite friends over and you do…but the deck is a mess, guests are getting eaten alive by mosquitos, and you didn’t make enough food! Not being prepared is every hosts worst nightmare. Well never fear, we created a Summer Party Checklist to take away the guesswork so your next summer party is a success!

I’ve broken our TIA Summer Party Checklist into a few main categories…

How to Prepare for a Summer Party Checklist

1. Cleaning & Setup
2. Food & Drink Planning
3. Entertainment
4. MORE Summer Party Essentials

Alright, let’s get party planning!

Summer Party Cleaning & Setup Checklist

All great summer parties start with a clean and inviting space for everyone to gather. This will look different depending on where you live. However, a few basic maintenance steps will ensure your party space is inviting, guests are comfortable despite weather, and even minimize pests.

1. Get Your Yard “Party Ready”

In my opinion, basic lawn and yard maintenance is the bare minimum you need to do before hosting a party. Even a sloppy mowing job can instantly boost the appearance of your yard, and it can also cut down on pests like mosquitos.

Basic “pre-party” cleaning checklist

• Mow and trim your lawn.
• Clean up grass clippings, leaves, and debris.
• Trim any overgrown brush (once at the beginning of spring/summer can be enough).
• Water plants.

Doing this just makes me feel more confident before having people over.

If you’re interested in new outdoor power equipment (OPE), you can read TIA OPE Reviews for product recommendations.

2. Clean Your Outdoor Party Space

Now that your yard no longer looks like a jungle, you can turn your attention to your patio, deck, or whatever outdoor living space your friends and family will gather in.

Outdoor living space cleaning checklist

• Clean up any garbage and items that don’t belong.
• Clean surfaces, such as patio tables, chairs, etc.
• Sweep or use a leaf blower to remove yard debris. We also love this RIDGID NXT Shop Vacuum.

In addition to those cleaning steps, at the start of each season, I like to deep clean my outdoor living area. Here are two products I recommend depending on your situation.

Tools for annual outdoor living space deep clean

• RYOBI Patio Cleaner for deep-cleaning patios (watch TIA video).
• Power washer for decks and siding. You can rent one or purchase a Power Washer Hose Attachment.

Cleaning your deck, patio, or siding is an optional step. I do recommend doing these at least every couple of years and before any painting projects.

3. Prevent Mosquito/Bug Bites and Stings

Nothing can kill your party’s vibe faster than pests like flies buzzing around your food, or getting eaten alive by mosquitos. Here are a few options for eliminating yard pests.

How to get rid of bugs, bees/wasps, mosquitos and more

1. 1. Prevent wasps by hanging a faux wasp nest.
   2. Repel bugs and mosquitos with citronella candles and garden torches.
   3. Plant a garden that repels bugs and mosquitos, and/or attracts their predators, such as dragonflies. Check out our TIA Pest Control Pins.
   4. Try the mosquito dryer sheet hack. Let a dryer sheet hangout of your pocket to repel mosquitos and set out a box of sheets for your guests to use.
   5. When in doubt, use personal bug and mosquito spray and share with your guests.

4. Protect Guests (and food!) from bad weather

Sometimes the rain sneaks up on us (or you “forgot” to check the forecast). A Pop-up Canopy provides your guests and food protection from rain and wind. A model with mesh, zipper walls is also a great way to keep bugs away from food.

TIA recommendation: COBIZI 10 ft. x 10 ft. Pop-Up Canopy

Amazon Review: “This side wall is an excellent wind blocker. We recently had a party and used 4 pop-ups to create a large covered area. It was chilly and windy so we added side walls around the perimeter. This worked well to block the wind and provide a nice party space. It attached easily to the pop-up canopy and it was nice to have the window to let the light in. Definitely recommend.”

5. Have a Party Trash Station

No, this doesn’t have to be fancy, but guests appreciate an obvious, designated area for trash. I do suggest keeping a roll of trash bags nearby for convenience.

Check out our Outdoor Storage Board on Pinterest.

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Summer Party Food & Drink Checklist

Alright, onto my favorite part: food and drink planning. Here we give you a few tips to help you calculate how much food and drinks to make or buy, grilling tips, recipe suggestions for a crowd, creating a food prep and buffet area, and some grill and smoker recommendations.

6. Plan your summer party food menu

When it comes to cooking for a crowd, I suggest going simple. You can’t go wrong with classic cookout items like hamburgers and hotdogs. Cooking one large protein, like a pork shoulder, tenderloin, skirt steak, or brisket, and cutting it up to serve a crowd is another great plan.

How much food do I make to feed a crowd?

This great food calculator suggests estimating 1 lb. of meat for an adult, and a 1/2 lb. for a child, with 6-8 oz. of that being protein (about one burger patty). So, first get a headcount, then I like to round up by a few pounds. In a worse-case scenario you end up with some leftovers.

You also need some side dishes. You can estimate around 1 cup of food per person. I suggest going with something simple, like salad and/or pasta dish. You can also save time, money, and stress by asking guests to bring a dish to pass.

7. Grill vs Smoker for your Summer Party

How you plan to cook your food can be equally as fun as planning what to cook – or the reason you invited people over in the first place.

Generally, grill items are quicker, but higher stakes. You need to pay more attention while you’re actually cooking and can’t step away as easily. A smoker on the other hand, smoking or slow-roast bbq can be very hands-off, but your cook time starts much earlier.

For grilling tips, read our TIA article How To Grill the Perfect Hotdog.

Want to know the difference between a cookout vs a bbq? This TikTok video gives a fun distinction between the two.

Grill Recommendations

• Grill: Monument Grill Mesa 400
• Price: $529.99
• Where to Buy: Amazon

Grill/Smoker Hybrid Recommendation

• Smoker: Halo Cordless Pellet Smoker
• Price: $549.99
• Where to Buy: Amazon

For more grill and smoker recommendations you can read our TIA Grill/Smoker Reviews.

We also saw a lot of great grill and smoker products at our recent trip to Weber. You can read about it in our TIA article A Look at the History of Grilling: Our Trip to Weber.

Stock-up on fuel!

Whichever you choose, don’t forget to stock-up on fuel, pellets, charcoal, or whatever your outdoor kitchen requires!

• You can order charcoal, lighters and a charcoal starter from Amazon.
• Grill Pellets.
• Large Grilling Propane Tanks and Small Camping Propane Tanks.

8. Prep Your Food Ahead of Time

Alright, your menu is decided, the food is purchased, now save yourself some stress by prepping as much as you can beforehand. We love this Bamboo Cutting Board. It comes with multiple prep containers for staying organized, and has a built-in mandolin slicer.

Sometimes you can also season your proteins ahead of time. This can actually help draw out moisture and make food crispier. We like Blue Hog Seasonings and use them often when we’re testing grills and smokers.

9. Plan Your Summer Party Drink Menu

Planning your drink menu should be a little easier. It mostly comes down to headcount and whether or not you’re serving alcohol.

First of all, you should always have a non-alcoholic option plus water. This drink calculator suggests estimating two non-alcoholic drinks per person for the first hour, and one drink per person for each hour after that. If serving alcohol, estimate about one drink per person drinking per hour.

How to serve alcohol to a crowd

You can very easily be hands-off and just serve bottled beverages. This is nice and easy and makes cleanup a breeze. However, you can have a designated bar section, or make a large batch of cocktails for easy serving.

For large batch cocktail ideas, check out this article 19 Big Batch Cocktails for a Stress-Free Party.

How to keep drinks cold all party long

I know you know to put bottled drinks on ice. However, we included a few great tips for making ice last and how to keep your drinks cold longer in our TIA Cooler Challenge article.

Now, for drinks that aren’t bottled you have a few options…

• Store pitchers in a fridge.
• Keep cold with either large ice cubes or reusable ice cubes to prevent watered-down drinks.
• Store pitchers and cold beverages on a bed of ice with a splash of water.
• Store drinks in an open container like a clean barrel or metal water trough for easy access (great option for non-alcoholic and kids drinks).

10. Prepare Your Outdoor Kitchen

Alright, this part is easy but essential. Make sure you have a clean and open area to cook in,  a place to set food that’s waiting to go on the grill and a place to put it once it comes off.

If you don’t have a nice outdoor kitchen, then invest in 1-2 folding tables available on Amazon. Not only are they great for food prep, but they can double as an outdoor buffet table once the food is ready.

Not necessary, but I also like to use disposable tablecloths for easy cleanup. You can find them at your local dollar store, or buy this pack of 12 tablecloths for $23 on Amazon.

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Summer Party Backyard Entertainment Checklist

Alright, your yard is clean and ready, your menu is picked, now you just need guests to feel welcome and enjoy themselves. Here are a few tips and items to help guests feel relaxed and enjoy themselves at your summer party.

Use a Bluetooth Speaker to Get Your Summer Party Started

It’s amazing how a little background music can help guests loosen up and feel more at ease. And don’t worry, you don’t have to spend hours crafting the “perfect playlist”. Choose from a variety of summer playlists available on music platforms like Spotify.

Make It Fun with Summer Party Games & Activities

Depending on how long people will be over, it’s nice to have a game or activity to pass the time. Kids especially appreciate a game to play.

Summer party games for teens and adults

• GoSports Regulation Cornhole Set
• EastPoint Sports Easy Setup Badminton Set

Summer party games and toys for kids

• Reusable Water Balloons
• 30 Piece Water Gun set
• Twist & Splash Water Mat
• Toss & Catch Velcro Adhesive Ball Set
• Saucer Swing

More fun outdoor summer activities

• Outdoor Projector with Screen & Stand

Just Give Guests Your Wi-Fi Password

I know, I know. Summer parties are about spending time together and hanging out outside. However, sometimes guests want downtime to play on their phone, check emails, or check social media.

Just make your Wi-Fi password easy to find, you can even incorporate it into your home decor. While you’re at it, create a summer party hashtag so friends can post about the #BestPartyEver!

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MORE Summer Party Essentials

You’re pretty much all set to have a great summer party. Here are just a few extra items to go the extra mile on your Summer Party Checklist.

• Keep guests cool with the EGO Misting Fan.
• Keep the party going after the sun goes down with this EGO Panel Light.
• Stock-up on extra sunglasses for only $25.
• Sunscreen basket.
• Bug spray basket, with those dryer sheets too!

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Summer Party Checklist Wrap-up

That’s all we got. Is there anything else you do to make sure guests have a good time? If so, let us know. Aside from that…time to party!

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Monument might be a name you may not have heard of but they have been turning heads and making a splash in the grill industry.  While they are a newer company that started in 2016, they have a ton of experience with grill design and manufacturing, in fact over 20 years of experience.  Today we are looking at the Monument Grill Mesa 400.

Monument Grill Mesa 400 Overview

While there is a lot to love about these grills, two things stand out to me.

The first is the quality or should I say the value.  These grills are made to last.  They are built like the more expensive grills but without the hefty price tag.  So you can now get a high-quality grill for an affordable price.

Second, the window.  These are the first grills that I have seen with a window, which makes all the sense in the world.  Every time you open a grill, you lose heat.  When you lose heat, you slow down cooking which is bad for obvious reasons.  With the glass, you can now take a peek at your food and you won’t interrupt the cooking process.

As you will see, there is a lot more to love about Monument grills. So let’s see what features the Mesa 400 has to offer.

Monument Grill Mesa 400 Features

The Monument grill has a nice stainless steel finish that is easy to clean and keep looking nice.

Right on the front of the grill, there is a glass window so you can see your food cooking.  In the center of the window is a temperature gauge to see how hot the inside of your grill is.

Opening up the grill you can see and experience the 542 sq. in. of cooking space.  Monument claims this is roughly enough cooking surface space to cook 18 burgers, or 2 racks of ribs, or 5 whole chickens, or 18 chicken thighs, or 5 pork butts, at one time.  While we didn’t test all of these, it does seem reasonable.

There are three long-lasting, removable cast iron grids that provide even, tasty cooking.

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The grill has four burners that can produce a total output of up to 52,000 BTU’s.

There is adequate workspace on both sides of the grill. On the left side, there is a stationary shelf.

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On the right side, you have a single burner for extra cooking capacity. Or it can also be used as a shelf when the burner is not in use and the lid is closed.

The grill features four lockable wheels.

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Below the grilling area are two doors that open to storage and give the user access to change the propane tank.

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On the back side of the grill, you can access the drip tray and the drip pan.

The grill features an easy-to-start push-button ignition.

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One cool feature is the push-button lights.  So as day turns to night, you can push a button and get nice illuminated blue LED rings on the gas knobs.

On the side of the grill, you can hang any grilling accessories, which do not come with the grill.  I do like this as they are easily accessible. These are also a much better design than the usual “S” ring style on a lot of grills that always seem to fall off.

Monument Grill Mesa 400 Performance

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OK first, let me say, yes I like my butter.  Actually, I wanted to use it because it was going to expire, plus who doesn’t like butter?

We cooked steak, bacon, burgers, and more with this grill. There were three things that stood out to me.  First, the grill warms up rather quickly.  Second, the grill maintains a consistent temperature, which is important for obvious reasons.  Lastly, the grill is extremely easy to clean.

Normally when you get a mess on the outside of a grill, it stains or is hard to clean off.  We cooked eggs and as you would expect, the egg dripped on the outside of the grill where we cracked the shell.  Once we were done cooking, the egg easily wiped right off, even though the drips were basically cooked on.

Overall, there is nothing to complain about with the performance of the grill.  From the wheels to the glass, the grill performs great.

Monument Grill Mesa 400 Value

You can pick this grill up on Amazon for about $400.  For the quality, the power, and the cooking space, it’s a great value.  Considering the experience I have had with these grills, a $400 grill for this quality can’t be beat.

Monument Grill Mesa 400 Wrap Up

Bottomline, the Monument Grill Mesa 400 is a great addition to their family.  The grill does a great job holding the temperature and having the glass window in the lid is a great feature.  Our experience with Monument Grills in the past is these hold up over the long run.  For a grill that delivers 52,000 BTU with 542 square inches of cooking space, well it’s hard to beat.

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Tis the season for grilling.  I am not sure about you but nothing says summer like a good grilled steak, hamburger, hot dog or some other tasty food.  Monument is a grill we were introduced to at the beginning of the season.  Monument is new to the market and they have made a big splash and have turned some eyes this season.  We reviewed the 6 burner grill a couple of months ago but a lot of you have been asking about the 4 burner grill.  Since this model and the 6 burners are pretty close to being the same grill, we aren’t going to cover everything all over again, we are going to approach this a little different.  Besides two more burners, a sliding propane tray and a better accessory hanger, there really isn’t much difference with the Monument gas grill. Well except size.

I have been using this grill for over two months and pretty much 6 nights a week so I do have a ton of experience with this grill and wanted to go more in-depth on certain areas of this grill.

Monument Gas Grill – Information

• Name – Monument 4-Burner Propane Grill, Side & Sear Burners
• Model – 35633
• Price – $390
• Where to Buy – The Home Depot
• Link to Website – Monument Grills

Monument Gas Grill – Features

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When it comes to grilling, it’s like building a house.  You can get away with cheap tools but it’s just not going to be the same as when you’re using quality tools.  Same for grilling, you can use a cheap grill but it’s much better with a quality grill and that is where Monument grills come into play.  They offer a great bang for your buck and have plenty of features.

• ClearView glass so you can see the food without opening the lid and changing the temperature.
• 8-year burner warranty
• 723 sq. in of total cooking space – 513 sq. in of main cooking space
• 4 stainless steel burners
• 1 side burner
• 1 searing burner
• 72,000 BTU
• Built-in thermometer
• Swivel and locking casters

Monument Gas Grill – First Impressions

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Before this grill, I had been using a Weber Spirit grill for a long time.  For me, I would love to support Weber because they are a local company but from my experience, Weber has gone downhill.  The grills aren’t built like they used to be.  While the grill has held up, it doesn’t have the quality we have seen from them in the past.

The monument grill is much larger, built better and $250 less than my Weber grill.  So what is there not to like about this grill?  For the time I have been using it, I am a huge fan of this grill.

In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how well it would hold up such as will the glass crack, will it get too dirty to see, will it still roll well after sitting outside?  So far, it has been awesome.  Sure the glass gets a little dirty but I heat up the grill and most of the mess comes right off the glass.  The casters still roll great which is a huge plus to me since I am always moving it around when the kids want to play basketball in the driveway. I still question the searing burner as mine is pretty dirty but it has been easy to clean and still works great.

So far, I am still excited to use this grill as it heats up quickly, stays hot and has a large working space.

As a hint, if you like slow cooking, you might get frustrated when all the burners are on low, it’s hard to get the temp below 300 degrees.  I found that if I put the 1st and 3rd burner on low and the 2nd and 4th off, the grill will sit at the 200-degree temperature and it works great.

Monument Gas Grill – Wrap Up

As with the 6 burner grill we reviewed, the 4 burner is just as good.  While it lacks a better accessory hanger and propane tray, it’s large enough for a family of 5 and the family who throws those occasional parties.  I love the stainless steel design with the searing burner.  The casters work well and having the glass makes all the world of difference, especially in the winter which I will update you on Instagram.  For the price, this is a hard grill to compete with.

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Grilling season is here, well I guess grilling season is all the time. I live in Chicago so in the winter months it gets pretty cold, but I am still out there grilling.  For me, grilling is not only a way to bring me back to the early days of man but it also tastes great and doesn’t leave a huge mess in the kitchen.  Recently we discovered a new company in the grilling arena called Monument.  Since I love new companies and I love grilling, it only seems like a perfect fit to set up a Monument Grill Review.

Monument Grill Review Overview

If you are into grilling or looking for your first grill, you know this is a very crowded space.  There are so many names that your head won’t stop turning.  You can buy anything from a cheap no-name grill to a fancy grill that cost thousands of dollars.  So what grill is right for you?

When I was first introduced to Monument grills, I have to admit, I didn’t give it a second thought, just because there are so many companies out there.  Then I was pushed a little bit more to just take a look at them, so I started doing a little research.  Here is where I was intrigued.  For me, I saw a new company that was manufacturing a quality grill but at extremely reasonable prices. I have always been a fan of Weber because they are a local company and that is what I am familiar with.  However, I do feel slided by Weber as I feel like their quality has tanked but not their prices.

So after doing some research, I wanted to give one of these grills a shot and see what it’s all about.

Monument Grill Review Features

This is their top of the line grill. This features 6 stainless steel main burners and puts out 96,000 BTU’s.  There is a total of 900 sq. inches of total cooking area.  634 sq. inches of primary cooking space and 266 sq. inches of warming racks.

One cool feature of this grill is the appliance glass front.  This lets you take a peek at the food without having to lift the lid and let out the heat.  It may not be a game changer when it’s 90 degrees outside, but when I am cooking in the colder months, this is huge.

The grill features a built-in thermostat which is easy to read with the larger numbers.

On the front of the grill, you can control each burner plus the push button ignition located right in the middle.

There are two double doors located below which store your LP tank and enough room for other items you want to store, such as a backup tank.

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Another cool feature is the slide-out tray for the LP tank.  As you know, inserting a full LP tank can be a pain since you’re bent over and trying to fiddle with the hookup.  This unit has a slide out tray where you can place the tank on, hook up the hose and then slide it back into the base of the cabinet.  Very nice and well thought out.

At first, I wasn’t impressed with the casters but when we rolled it over a hose with ease, I was sold.  For me, I move my grill around since I have a small driveway.  We use the driveway for basketball, hockey and more.  When it’s time to grill, I have to move the grill onto the driveway so casters are a big deal for people like me who have to move their grill around.

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On the right side of the grill, you have a side burner with its own temperature control.  When not in use, you can use it as a side table.

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On the left side of the grill, there is a searing station.  As with the side burner, this has its own separate temp control and also has a lid to cover it when not in use.

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Opening up the grill is where the magic happens.  You can see the large cooking area with the 304 stainless steel grates.

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For those who like to smoke some meats, it comes with a smoke box.

On the back of the grill, you can access the grease pan for easy emptying and cleaning.

Another cool feature is the included USB LED light.

When you turn on the LED lights, the knobs also has a blue accent so you can see what temperatures you have set.

Monument Grill Review Performance

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This grill does get hot. In fact, we had this well over the 700 degrees in under 5 minutes.

I never thought about adding appliance glass to a grill but after using it and seeing it first hand, I ask, why not have it on all grills?

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There is more than enough room to cook a ton of food on this grill.  What you see there is over $116 worth of food and there is plenty more room if we wanted to add more.

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I have never owned a grill with a side burner but after using this one, it is great to be able to cook something on the side.  I like being able to control the temperature for this burner only.

This is my favorite part of the grill, the searing station.  I know we are supposed to sear our meat first but I have been using reverse searing and loving it.  With a searing station, you can do everything at once.  I slow cook the meat, then about 5 minutes before the meat is done, I crank up the searing station and finish off the meat.

So I do want to cover a couple of points that I have seen in other reviews.  I try not to look at other reviews as I don’t want to be swayed with my opinion but since this was a new company to me, I wanted to do a little research before I tried this project.

I have seen three common complaints.  The three complaints are assembling, temperature control (can’t get the grill below 400 degrees) and rust and would like to address them.

First, is assembling.  Yes, you do have to assemble these grills.  Some complained that it took a long time to put together.  If you have a little knowledge and some tools, it shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes.  The directions were easy to follow.  We did have a couple of little hiccups but nothing painful.  Let’s face it, grilling is awesome.  You should take your time and have fun putting this together.  Think of the meal you will enjoy once it’s done.  Don’t look at it as job putting it together.

Next was the temperature.  Yes, this grill gets extremely hot but some complained that they couldn’t get the temperature under 400 degrees.  So here is how this grill or any 6 burner grill works.  If you have all six burners on high, you will get this to crank well over 700 degrees.  If you have all six burners on low, the lowest temperature you will get is around 400 degrees.  If you want to lower the temperature, just turn some of the burners off.  You have to remember the temperature control is on top of the grill and in the center.  This is a big grill.  By turning off some of the burners and moving the food around, you can customize the temperature to whatever you want.  So this is more user error than manufacturer error.

Last on the list was rust.  This I can’t speak of since we have only had it a couple of weeks.  I will update this down the road but here are my thoughts.  I only saw this from a couple of people so maybe there was an issue with a certain run of grills.  Since I am not seeing it all over the place, I am assuming there were a couple of defects.  So I will put that on the manufacturer but it happens with all manufacturers.  My Weber rusted out in 4 months and that was smaller and more expensive. Again, I think it was a fluke.  But I am only paying $550 for a grill when I see the same grill with price tags well over $1,000.  It really doesn’t affect how the grill works, so for me, it’s not a concern even if it does rust out.  Again, I will update you but I don’t think this is a wide issue.

Monument Grill Review Value

So I just got done mentioning this grill is $550 and can be bought at Menards. I think the price tag is more than reasonable and a great deal for what you get.  Again, I have seen grills cost a ton more for a lot less quality.  This was one of the reasons that I wanted to test this grill out because of the price and what it had to offer over other grills.

Monument Grill Review Final Thoughts

As of now, I am a fan of Monument grills.  I love the price and I love the quality.  While time will tell, it seems to be a great grill for the price.  Now you have to remember the most important thing is the price.  If you are comparing this to $1,500 grills, yes you will see a quality difference and be disappointed.  But if you are comparing this to other grills in the same price range, this has better quality than other grills of this size and class.  Next time you’re at Menards, check this grill out and let us know your thoughts.

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