2012 Aussie Gas Grills Review

You don't have to live “Down Under” to appreciate Aussie gas grills although given the name you can be forgiven for thinking it. The Aussie BBQ Grill is a brand of Meco Corporation, a company that has a long pedigree in the manufacture of BBQ's and smokers, and they're made in USA.

So I guess the name for the brand comes from the “no nonsense” approach that one expects from a straight talking Australian because these grills cut straight to the bare necessities.

Every year that goes by it would seem that the Aussie name is gradually being eroded and the Meco brand name becoming more and more present on the products. I guess that Meco must feel that their brand strength is greater (but I'm not so sure) and sadly I feel that we'll soon lose the Aussie name for good.

Aussie provide the complete range and mix of power source so whether it's gas, electric or charcoal, whether it's tailgating, camping or a more permanent addition to your backyard, there's an Aussie to suit you.

Given the number of Aussie gas grills that I have to review it'll come as no surprise to learn that I haven't been through them all yet so in the meantime here's a taster.

Aussie Adventurer

First up of the Aussie range is the Adventurer. It comes fully assembled and what is great is that the grill is supported on three legs so it never wobbles - other manufacturers are you listening!

Not only can the legs can be adjusted in 3/8 inch increments (with a total of 3 adjustments) but a bulls eye level mounted on the grill front aids with leveling of the grill.

Out of the box you think to yourself that it has a good feel to it and is very nice for its price tag (whether you have bought it in either of the choices of color available - green, black or midnight blue!).

It has a good size cooking surface with a highly durable non-stick cooking grate. It cooks fast and is ideal for hot dogs and has the capacity to cook about ten 4" burgers or 5 half chicken breasts.

I would say though that it is somewhat heavy for a ‘portable’ (about 30 lbs) but the advantages of the three legged design mean that you can set up almost anywhere. To be fair if you carry the side burner separately it does help make the main unit a little lighter.

A nice touch is that the grease container has been designed to prevent accidental spillage when the grill is folded.

The Adventurer also includes a hood latch to hold the hood closed during transport and comes with a free protective carrying bag. The unit stores three 1-pound compact propane tanks which can supply usage for up to 9 hours. If the package you buy doesn’t include the lantern then I would recommend buying it as an accessory – it’s far brighter than say a Coleman lantern.

Vital Statistics:-

• 5,500 BTU main cooking power
• Non-stick coated ADC cooking grid
• 16" diameter / 200 square inches of cooking surface
• Fully adjustable retracting foldable legs allow for adjustment on uneven ground
• Comes with a side burner
• Side table included
• Stay cool handle

Best Deal:-

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Aussie Vantage 6703C

Made of stainless steel this 3-burner grill uses propane gas to produce 45,000 BTUs (with 35,000 BTUs in the main burner, and 10,000 BTUs in the side burner). More than enough energy to grill practically anything to most users’ satisfaction. The varying temperatures allow you to cook anything from a slow cooked chicken to the searing of juicy steaks.

Ausie gas grills have come up with a simple, effective design. True, it may not have all the ‘bells and whistles’ of more expensive grills but, you pays your money, you makes your choice.

A criticism leveled at the Vantage 6703C is that it does take a bit more time to clean than, again, more expensive gas grills.

Take into account, though, that it does have a total of 708 square inches of cooking space (501 in the primary grill and 207 in the secondary) and that the cart boasts a large door compartment, two drawers and two side tables.

So maybe the cleaning issue isn’t such a ‘biggie’ given the grill’s overall great value for money.

Plus Aussie gas grills are made in the USA (surprise, surprise – given the name - they are also very popular in Australia) and are backed by the company’s 30-years of manufacturing experience.

Ideal for families and parties for friends.

Vital Statistics:-

• 3 burners + side burner produce 45,000 BTUs
• 708 square-inches of total cooking space
• High-quality construction
• Electronic ignition for easy lighting
• Stainless steel cart with storage compartments
• Sturdy casters for easy maneuverability

Best Deal:-

See Also:-

Page Updated May 2012

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