I've been grill shopping too. I narrowed my choices down to Lynx, Fire Magic, Twine Eagles and Alfresco. I saw all of these grills at local dealers. I did not consider Kalamazoo because of the high price, but I did research it on the Internet. All these brands have the reputation of being very fine grills (which should be the case in this price range) so it comes down more to a matter of personal preference rather than quality, build or performance issues, IMHO. Here are my impressions of each brand: Lynx -- I was very impressed when I saw this grill in person; its design is streamlined and elegant and certainly would win first prize for sheer beauty. It also has a nice set of features -- lots of BTUs/sq in of grilling surface, a multiposition, 3-speed rotis, an interior halogen light for night grilling, a spring-actuated lid assist, a smoker box (no smoker burner though) and the cast-brass main burners you mentioned. The pricing is right in line for this class of gas grills. It wound up being my second choice. Twin Eagles -- the Lynx dealer also carried Twin Eagles so I saw them side by side. Very similar features as Lynx, but not quite as pretty, not quite as many BTUs, and not quite as expensive. Like the Lynx, it's American-made of 304 SS, and the fit and finish appeared excellant. That's true of all the four brands I saw, and, I'm sure, also of the Kalamazoo, except that it's in a category by itself in terms of build and materials, as you would expect for the price. Fire Magic -- this is a very old company with an excellant reputation for selling very high quality grills. However, for the price, I think you could do better. IMHO, Fire Magic is lacking innovation in both the appearance of the grill, which I would rank at the bottom of this group and especially that tall, tear-drop shaped lid, and also in the ommission of such a desirable feature as an interior light. They sell a clip-on, but who wants that? All that, combined with distinctly higher pricing than the others (except for Kalamazoo) means you really have to want the special features they do offer--such as the ability to do charcoal grilling in the main burner compartments--to choose this grill. Alfresco (even though you didn't ask) -- this wound up being my first choice. I ordered an 30" LX2 cart model (the LX2 is the higher-end of their two grill lines) with one infrared sear burner, which was shipped today. I saw the Alfresco at the same store as the Fire Magic and there was no question in my mind. Alfresco was the winner. Why? The pricing is similar to my second-choice Lynx, but Alfresco has one feature that really iced it for me. The rotis motor is built into the grill and you can leave the rotis rod right in place while you're grilling other things. In all the other grills I saw, you have to store the motor and rod when not in use. With these others, the motor, when in use, hangs outside the grill and the rod penetrates through openings in the lid. With Alfresco, the integrity of the lid is not compromised in this manner, and you don't have to trouble yourself with storage or with installing the components when you start rotissing. It also makes for a much sleeker appearance. The warming rack has four positions, one of which swings it completely out of the way when you're rotissing so that you also don't have to worry about removing the rack. Also, unlike the Lynx (and like the Fire Magic), the Alfresco has a dedicated smoke burner right below its smoke box, another feature that's important to me. Plus, the Alresco is almost as nice looking as the Lynx. Still, if money were no object, I'd be mighty tempted by a Kalamazoo. Judging by the pix on the Net, they're built like a tank and those "dragon burners" sound like they'd survive more than a season or two in Hell itself. Not that you'd be using it there.

The different gases require different orifices and possibly regulators (if the house pressure isn't what's spec'd for the particular grill and gas). When you change orifices you also often have to adjust the flame via the shutters. Lynx I know requires changing orifices. Fire magic may not, but I would ask them what is involved in switching between gases. Cooking products which work off both gases without orifice changes will not perform identically both gases. If you're mechanically inclined and comfortable with this sort of work, it might not be too bad. Note that the conversion kits typically cost $60-200, depending on whether the hose and regulator are included or not. Personally, after having a grill that't connected to the house supply we would never go back to a portable LP tank. Michelle

I've been back and forth with the builder. Any appliance which has to be installed prior to a CO being issued needs to be spec'd by them. As well, as this is a gas unit, the building inspector will not sign off on the inspection unless something is connected to the gas line. I asked if they could put in a basic unit and then we could come in after the close and install the BS. They hesitated as the granite and cabinets have to be built to the size of the rangetop and I know there would be issues if we went with a unit with different specs from the BS and then installed the BS after close. I'm pissed but there is little I can do. The builder is very willing to work with us in certain aspects of constructions but it seems as far as the rangetop it's a no go. We are buying our own fridge and bringing that in after close as that is not required for the CO.

Today's mail brought the Frontgate catalog, which featured their professional grill. It looks capable and seems nicely priced at $2,299. I wish I could see one locally, as there's no way I'd make such a major purchase sight unseen. Is anyone here familiar with this grill? Does anyone know who makes it? I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's another product of the Lynx factory. Unmatched Construction:  Non-corrosive 304 stainless steel will endure for seasons  Painted 38" ceramic brick firebox  Distinctive granite work surface is highly scratch-resistant  Double-walled hood construction guards against heat discoloration  Heavy-duty locking casters provide safe and secure mobility  10-year warranty on primary burners Peerless Performance:  107,000 total BTUs  Four 13,000 BTU cast stainless steel primary burners  Two 12,000 BTU side burners  18,000 BTU infrared searing burner  13,000 BTU infrared rear burner with included rotisserie kit Premium Features:  Push-and-turn electronic igniters for effortless grill lighting  Convection-style cooking vents for enhanced heat distribution  Stainless steel warming shelf removes for easy cleaning  Spacious utility drawers store your cooking utensils  Full-width stainless steel drip pan for easy grease management  Commercial-quality stainless steel grill grates  Under-hood interior lights keep you cooking after dark  Included all-weather vinyl cover guards grill from the elements Here is a link that might be useful: Frontgate Professional Grill