450 degrees in just a few minutes (could go higher, but that was more than I needed just testing it). I did take a quick look yesterday at the Kirkland model while picking up food and a grill utensils for Memorial day. Noted the folded metal corners, screws, etc. which made me more appreciative of the Virco quality in welded stainless steel (lid, lip, etc..) that they ground to a perfect edge and fit. One minor thing that I did not like were how easy the utensil hooks can swing out. I will look for a rubber gromet or something like that to slide over the end to keep them in place. Did I mention this unit is heavy? Not near the 450 lb that the Costco claimed, but Virco did not skimp on stainless steel. Double wall doors, lid that feels immense, and a minor detail, but I really like the stainless steel skirt at the bottom as it makes it look permanent vs. portable (even though it has locking casters), and how about that cover bsbbq?! Fully insulated with velcro ties. For those interested, Costco has a Hoffritz (hoffritz.com)6 pc. stainless-steel and black santoprene (like rubber) grill set that includes a large turner, tongs, biiiig fork tipped knife, grill brush, basting brush, and a 10 x 16" (I think) grid grill. Sorry to push Costco, but I checked Walmart while getting some other stuff, and just two pieces (with wood handles) were more, so I am glad I waited.

I just bought one at lunch today, I'm in Salt Lake City, UT (72nd South and I-15 store). I've been tracking them for about a month now. They recieved 12 in yesterday (Sunday the 11th of June), and when I got mine, there were 6 left on the floor plus the floor model. I'm not sure if there were any more in the back, but I didn't ask. I wondered why there was such a frenzy to buy this grill, until I actually saw it. I've been shopping around for a grill for about three months. I have already fabricated a built in island where it will be istalled by myself, built with steel studs which will be stuccoed and tiled on top. Up until I first heard about this grill, I was sold on the Beefmate 2000 Series head and Stainless Hood, totaling about $750, but the Virco blows it away. If anyone cares, I should have pictures of my island w/ grill soon.

The NG/Liability may mean that if the unit explodes after you convert it to natuarl gas, they don't want to hear about it. However, I suspect, depending on your state consumer laws, that if any mishap or injury that occurs that can be traced to a manufacturing or design defect could be assigned to Virco as a liability, regardless of what the paperwork that accompanies the kit says. I'm not a lawyer so don't take this as legal advice. Virco also would have no control over faulty natural gas building lines or extensions, so maybe this is what they are most concerned about, as well as improper kit installation. I think there is more danger in going from a natural gas setup to a propane setup, however, as propane packs 2.5 times the BTU's per volume as natural gas, and it's at a lot higher pressure, so if you hood up propane to a unit set up for natural gas, you can wind up melting it down or worse.

Dear FPerkins- Unbelievable to read your message. I have almost identical problem. My husband desperately wanted a Weber (silver Genesis)and I wanted the Virco. He claimed that if we bought the Weber he would learn to grill with it, and become a "Grill God". Since I do about 98% of the food prep for our large family (four kids) I was incredulous, but to the Depot we went, and bought his dream grill. That was last month, during which time he has grilled twice, and I have grilled about eleven times. He hasn't touched his grill since mid May, and last week in a fit of frustration I purchased a Virco since the local Costco happened to get three of them in, and experience had shown me they would not be around for long. We now are the proud owners of "his and hers" grills. Ridiculous, and takes up lots of space on our back porch, but alas, compromise is the foundation of a truly good marriage. I agree that once you hotrod the Weber with a cover, stainless grates, rotisserie etc. its obvious what a value the Virco is. Another compelling argument is that the Virco cabinet which houses the propane tank is a much more childproof (and attractive) feature. Still, it is comforting to know I am not the only conflicted multiple grill owner out there in cyberspace!