I think this kind of thing could happen to anyone using any brand gas grill, so it's a good warning to check all connections carefully before grilling. I confess I only checked the tank to regulator and regulator hose for leaks prior to my first usage of the Virco. The manual did say to also check the gas control valves, but I couldn't figure out how to get to them. I guess I could see them from underneath if I lay on my back, so that's what I'll do next time. I also recall that propane is heavier than air, unlike natural gas, which is lighter than air. So the propane can settle in low places and collect and then explode. Also, as I have recently noticed, a new steel propane container may react with the odorant in the propane charge, and the result is that it can be harder to detect leaks. Lots of people are probably buying new propane tanks with OPD valves rather than retrofit their old ones, so perhaps some extra caution is needed for the first tankful or so. All this makes me wonder if perhaps I may be installing the natural gas conversion kit sooner than I expected...;-) Here is a link that might be useful: Propane safety

Cooking over real wood is great. It works well when I'm at a campsite. Propane is about $3 per gallon. I suppose you'd have to figure out how many BTUs you were using on the gas grill and go from there. Then again, I also buy chunks of wood for the smoker box. For steaks, I use an infrared grill. It produces extremely high heat. You just sear each side for a couple of minutes. The char marks on the steak taste like it was grilled over an open fire. I don't think this uses much propane because it's on for such a short period of time. There's some warm up time and some burn off time. That's probably the cheapest way to go. I think I paid about $800 with the stand for that grill.

Take a look at the Members Mark $599 model as well if you have a Sam's in your area (same manufacturer as the Kenmore). Since you indicated you would spend up to $1000 I would strongly recommend the Virco for $799 that you see in other discussion here. 32" grilling surface with 3 heat zones and a 4th side burner and 5th ceramic burner for rotiserrie. Comes with heating rack, and nice cover as well. All stainless thick stainless steel welded construction and pullout grease tray (easy to clean, but all SS if you want to do it later ;-) This is not rocket science and since the parts are fairly simple/straightforward components, name brand is not nearly as important as seeing how well it is constructed. If you don't have a Sams or Costco, then take a look at the JennAire at Lowes. A cut above the Weber grills that I could look at first hand. Stainless steel in alot of places there it needs to be there.

I purchased one of these from Walmart in South Haven Michigan on June 25th for my cottage on Lake Michigan. I am very pleased with it so far. A few notes, the side of the grill cracked, I think due to heat. I have not fixed it yet, it doesn't cause any problems. Also, it gets pretty windy off Lake Michigan and the wind is a problem. It is not sealed very well. Other than those two items, I am happy with it. It is very durable, very well built, solid, and cooked great. For the money, I think it is the best stainless grill on the market. Although, I am shopping for a stainless steel grill for my permanant home and have ruled out this grill. I want to get something larger like the one from Cosco or the Members Mark. I think I am going to go with the Cosco for $799.