Kirkland Signature 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill (Item 2327661)
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Grill of one’s dreams

It’s time to get all fired up about the new Kirkland Signature propane gas grills

by ANDREA TOMKINS

Get ready to get your grill on this summer, because the new Kirkland Signature™ propane gas grills are coming! The six-, seven- and 12-burner grills feature some of the newest advancements in outdoor cooking, such as LED knobs, an innovative grease management system and a top sear infrared burner that will immediately upgrade anyone’s grilling game.

As with the development and launch of many new products at Costco, it started with a simple question: What would Kirkland Signature grills look like?

“It was a lengthy process,” recalls Sierra Lowe, a Costco buyer who oversees this department. “We wanted to make sure we built the right grills. We wanted to build the best of the best.”

While Lowe and her team were already aware of the latest innovations in grilling technology, it took over a year of visits to trade shows and analysis of marketplace trends to design and build the Kirkland Signature propane gas grills.

What helps, of course, is a keen understanding of what Costco members are looking for in top-tier grills and a great rapport with a supplier that can provide an extra level of expertise. This collaboration—with a shared goal of designing a quality product—was significant in the development process.

Enduring quality

One thing was clear from the beginning: These grills would be a premium product and made to last. No one wants a grill that lasts only one summer, which is why the grills are built with a grade of stainless steel specifically chosen for its high level of corrosion resistance.

While there are many grades of stainless steel, the three most used in grill manufacturing are 304, 445 and 430; 304 will not corrode in normal atmospheric conditions, 445 is corrosion-resistant, and 430 is the most affordable (not to mention pretty and shiny) but not as long-lasting.

“We wanted to have as much 304 stainless steel in this grill as we could, because 304 stainless steel is what will have the most longevity and is the most resistant to rust,” says Lowe. “These grills are going to be a staple in your outdoor cooking environment for many years to come. That’s what members expect from a Kirkland Signature product.”

The hood, cooking grates, warming rack and firebox are constructed from 304 stainless steel. What’s more, special attention has been given to each component. It’s the Costco way.

“For us it’s really all about quality—everything down to the hinge, the casters, the thickness of each and every single piece,” says Lowe. “We go into all of those details to make sure it’s a premium-quality product for our members. These are the kind of grills that are typically sold at specialty retailers.”

The grills will be appreciated by everyone from Top Chef–style grill masters to those of us who are likely to use it to roast potatoes and melt cheese on our nachos. Speaking of which, no matter your grill skill, you will want to read up on the top sear infrared burner (see “A great feature”), a hot new feature of all the Kirkland Signature grills in this series.

Upgrades galore

Many features were included with Costco members in mind. For example, all Kirkland Signature grills can be converted to natural gas. This is a great advantage for anyone who is planning a backyard upgrade that includes a natural gas drop.

A six-burner version of the Kirkland Signature grill will be available in Costco warehouses and at Costco.com. The seven-burner version, available in select locations and at Costco.com, has two cast-iron side burners and a removable griddle (breakfast anyone?) and the 12-burner Stone Island Grill, available at Costco.com only, includes cool features such as a pullout trash can and full-extension glide drawers. With its gorgeous stone surround, the 12-burner grill is the kind of appliance that becomes the focal point of an outdoor kitchen.

Costco members: Prepare for some grill power this summer.

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