Home Depot Vermont Castings BBQ

Anyone own a Vermont Castings BBQ from Home Depot? I went over there last weekend and really liked the look/feel of the thing, but I can’t find any reference to the model number anywhere on Vermont Castings website. I figure it must be sold only through Home Depot... and the Home Depot website doesn’t have much info on the specs.
So far I’m looking at the Weber Silver B (I hate where te controls are) or a Napoleon Ultra Chef 405 (good name, but the Ultra Chef is so low end I’m not sure its worth it), and the Broil King XL20. The Broil King is winning the race because it seems to have a lot of bang for the buck. That said, the Vermont Castings felt like it would last forever - but I can’t base a purchase on how the lid feels when I raise it!

Anyone own the Home Depot Vermont Castings, or know whether its specs are identical to the Sizzler model on the Vermont Castings Website?

Thanks

I was just watching CTV (CFTO in Toronto) and they do this segment where they show bits from Consumer's Report.

This BBQ was the one that was highest rated. It was $700, but beat out ones 2-3 times the price.

Not that I'm a big fan of Consumers reports, but it helps! thanks!

I looked at those barbecues and there ok for the money. If I were you I would still consider Weber or the Napoleon. The Napoleon is only worth the bucks if you buy the Prestige series that utilized 16g steel heating designs ++.

Buy the Weber for a few bucks more - much better quality just not as fancy looking

Things you should look at:

Heating elements should have a non-flair covering with at least 3 separate controls to even out the heat as well as shutting off areas that you are not using. Stainless steel grills are better in the long run. The thickness of material is very important, especially the lid - you don't want discoloration after a year...I could go on.

Anyway, if you do buy the unit it is still a very good choice.

Happy barbecuing!!!

Originally Posted by Think

If I were you I would still consider Weber or the Napoleon. The Napoleon is only worth the bucks if you buy the Prestige series that utilized 16g steel heating designs ++.

Ya - I was disappointed with the look/feel of the Ultra Chef - but I'm not sure I can afford the Prestige ($800+?). The Vermont Castings at $700 is already stretching things about as far as I'm willing to go.

Originally Posted by Think

Anyway, if you do buy the unit it is still a very good choice.

Happy barbecuing!!!

Thanks!

I feel for some burn meat

Originally Posted by CoinSaver

I was just watching CTV (CFTO in Toronto) and they do this segment where they show bits from Consumer's Report.

This BBQ was the one that was highest rated. It was $700, but beat out ones 2-3 times the price.

Yeah, I saw the same report. I subscribe to CR so I will check through it when I get the chance and see if there is any useful info on this model that I can relay to you.

What they were saying from the CR report was that that model was the best at even heat distribution and some other things. Others had hot and cold spots. Yea, I know what you mean by not being a fan of CR. They tend to dumb things down too much. (no disrespect to those who subscribe/like CR)

Originally Posted by CoinSaver

What they were saying from the CR report was that that model was the best at even heat distribution and some other things. Others had hot and cold spots. Yea, I know what you mean by not being a fan of CR. They tend to dumb things down too much. (no disrespect to those who subscribe/like CR)

I am offended beyond words at your comment

No, seriously, I agree with you. They do tend to dumb things down. And I do not always agree with their findings. However there is a whack of useful info in there for a lot of things. We cannot be experts on all things, and often their brief overview of a certain subject (the fascinating world of household vacuums or the mysteries of dishwasher dish rack coatings) or how something works is often enough to get you interested to learn more. It is also a good litmus test to compare your purchases against.

One part useful info, one part entertainment.

So the consumers report review was suggesting that the Home Depot version of the Vermont Castings bbq is a good buy? Any comments on reliability of the parts?

Thanks

ps - Midgetman, I love your entry under "location". I haven't heard that in ages! (ontari-ari-ario!)

If you can afford to wait until the next warehouse sale:
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showt...rmont+castings

you can pick up a Vermont Castings BBQ for $425

Originally Posted by plymouthhater

If you can afford to wait until the next warehouse sale:
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showt...rmont+castings

you can pick up a Vermont Castings BBQ for $425

I second that! Best $425 I've ever spent on a bbq.. mmmm... bbq!

Try reading this review from consumersearch.
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/sp...lls/index.html

I've gone to their site to read up on key features to look for different items. They amalgamate reports/ratings from different sources including CR and tries to put appropriate weighting on the reviews. Some interesting info. I agree the vermont casting looks beautiful though the weber has a great reputation.