I Reside in Florida, where the weather conditions can be merciless to grills. It seems like a local tradition to search for replacement parts every few years. I used to live near the sea in South Carolina, and let me tell you, if you placed your grill on the deck, it wouldn’t last more than a year. Despite the uncertain longevity of grills, my top priorities when purchasing a grill are quality and functionality. Recently, I stumbled upon Monument Grills, a direct-to-consumer brand that also sells online through The Home Depot. Intrigued by their offerings, I decided to ask Monument Grill for a review to see how it measures up.
Monument 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill Capabilities (Model 35633)
The model we selected for review is the 4-burner Monument grill (model 35633), which comes with an affordable price tag of $369. This grill offers an impressive set of features for its price range. It boasts 4 main burners, 1 side burner, and a convenient ClearView glass window on the front that allows you to monitor your food without opening the lid. The built-in thermometer sits right in the middle for easy temperature monitoring. If the ClearView glass gets greasy over time, you can easily clean it using the same method you use for an oven window – a mixture of baking soda and water.
Yes, you can have evening grilling sessions thanks to the illuminated LEDs under the cooking controls.
The grill features a separate battery compartment that holds four AA batteries, which power the blue LED lights surrounding each control knob. Monument Grills claims that these lights make grilling in the evenings easier. While it’s rare for people to grill in complete darkness, I must admit that the blue LEDs do provide a helpful reference point in low light. Plus, the light from the burners aids in illuminating your food.
So yes, technically, you could use this grill in total darkness – we witnessed it firsthand in dark stores. As for the longevity of the LEDs, it’s uncertain, but LEDs typically don’t consume much power, so four AA batteries should last for casual use, provided they don’t corrode.
Build Quality of Monument 4 Burner Gas Grill
When it comes to grills, build quality is essential. One of the standout features of Monument Grills is their intricate assembly process, which sets them apart from most other grills. If you enjoy the hands-on experience of assembling things, you’ll likely appreciate it. However, if assembly isn’t your forte, you may want to consider hiring someone to do it for you. The doors, lids, and side frames of Monument Grills are all made of durable 430 stainless steel. This type of steel is commonly found in premium appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and even car trim. It offers excellent heat and corrosion resistance. The four main burners and two side burners are made of 304 stainless steel, which is even more resistant to corrosion and commonly used in kitchen sinks.
The grill also features searing burners made of ceramic, and combined with the 513 square inches of main cooking area and 210 square inches of warming shelf area, you can cook up to 72,000 BTUs. The cooking grates come with a ceramic coating, as well as cast iron and stainless steel flame regulators to ensure even heat distribution from the burners.
A single AA battery powers the electronic push-button ignition, which not only provides the spark but also ignites the burner on the right side. The removable grease tray has a wide funnel that effectively catches all the drippings, preventing them from dripping onto your tank and lower cabinets. The casters are sturdy, with the first two locking to prevent movement while cooking. Trust me, you don’t want any grilling mishaps!
Six Models to Choose From (We Hope)
Monument Grills offers six different models to choose from, although we have noticed that all except two of them tend to sell out quickly. Hopefully, that’s a positive sign of their popularity, and restocking is on the way. The fact that they are sold through reputable retailers like The Home Depot and Walmart, as well as being available for direct purchase online, is encouraging. Here are the six propane models currently offered by Monument Grills:
Model 13892 – 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill
- Color: Black
- LED control
- Side burner
- USB lights
- Price: $399
Model 24633 – 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill
- Color: Black
- ClearView cover
- LED control
- Side burner
- USB lights
Model 17842 – 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill
- Color: Stainless steel
- LED control
- Side burner
- BBQ shop
- Price: $507
Model 24367 – 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill
- Color: Stainless steel
- LED control
- Side burner
- Side burner
- Price: $493
Model 35633 – Monument 4 Burner Gas Grill (Review Model)
- Color: Stainless steel
- ClearView cover
- LED control
- Side burner
- Side burner
Model 77352 – 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill
- Color: Stainless steel
- LED control
- Side burner
- Price: $549
Using the Monument 4 Burner Gas Grill
As someone who has used numerous grills over the years, it doesn’t take much to recognize what you prefer in a grill. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates are a fantastic choice as they outperform the steel grates often found in entry-level grills. These grates make flipping burgers, grabbing steaks, and handling roasts a breeze. Higher-end grills may feature thicker and sturdier cast iron grates or even employ thick stainless steel grates. Porcelain coating helps inhibit corrosion, as pure cast iron can deteriorate rapidly. However, porcelain-coated grates may have some trade-offs in terms of heat retention and searing ability. If searing is a priority for you, consider opting for a model equipped with an infrared sear burner and a stainless steel grate.
Can you believe that all the foods shown here are eligible for write-offs? I love my job!
Speaking of searing burners, this feature is quite rare but highly desirable. With a searing burner, you have the option to sear your steak before or after cooking it. From my experience, cooking over medium heat for longer periods tends to produce more consistent results. By “consistent,” I mean you’ll avoid major hot spots on the grill. We’ve all experienced the frustrating game of moving our meat around to prevent burning. But with a searing burner, you can cook your meat to about 90% and then give it a quick char to lock in those delicious juices. We tested this technique with a couple of rib-eye steaks, and they turned out fantastic.
Without a doubt, this is the best review of 2018.
Brats and burgers come out great on this grill as well. We cranked up the heat to high, and the internal temperature quickly reached 400 degrees. Afterward, we lowered the temperature and started cooking. You can grill with the lid facing up or down, but we prefer facing it down to ensure even cooking on all sides. The ClearView glass works well, but we anticipate that regular cleaning will be necessary to keep it splatter-free.
In Conclusion
Monument Grills offers a one-year warranty on the grill and an eight-year warranty on the burners, making them a strong contender in the mid-range grill market. This is a brand worth keeping an eye on. They face tough competition from other brands like Stok and Nexgrill, but their affordable prices and promising features make them stand out. If you’re in the market for a new grill, give Monument Grills a serious consideration.