Explore the Monument Grills Mesa220 2-Burner Gas Grill: Is It Worth Buying? Review

Description

Features

The Monument Grills Mesa220 (Item model number M220) brings a lot to the table, or should I say, the patio. This stainless steel propane gas grill is equipped with an impressive 450 square inches of cooking space. The primary cooking area measures 320 square inches, while the warming rack adds another 130 square inches. The Clearview® lid is a standout feature, letting you check on your food without losing heat, which is surprisingly handy when you’re juggling multiple dishes. Add in the folding side shelves, locking casters, knob lighting, and built-in bottle opener, and you’ve got a grill that’s packed with thoughtful touches.

I found the enameled cast iron grates particularly useful; they heat evenly and clean up easily—a major plus for someone like me who ends up grilling sticky BBQ ribs more often than I’d like to admit. The electronic ignition system deserves a shoutout for being reliable and safe. A single AA battery powers it, and it worked flawlessly every time I fired it up.

Grilling Performance

Cooking on this grill has been a treat. The Mesa220’s 24,000 BTU stainless steel burners distribute heat evenly, resulting in consistent searing and cooking. I tested it with everything from burgers to chicken thighs, and even a stubborn pork shoulder, and it delivered beautifully each time. The built-in temperature gauge on the Clearview® lid is sensitive and accurate, allowing me to maintain precise heat levels. The even heat distribution is noticeable; I didn’t encounter any of the dreaded hot or cold spots that can ruin a good meal.

The grill also heats up impressively fast. I clocked it reaching high heat in under five minutes, which is great for those impromptu weeknight dinners. Searing steaks on this thing? Chef’s kiss every single time.

Ease of Use

Assembly was a breeze—just a Phillips head screwdriver and some patience got the job done in about an hour. The instructions were clear, and the parts were well-packaged, which I appreciated. I also liked how intuitive the controls were. The knobs light up to indicate their status: white for off and red for high heat. It’s a small detail, but it really enhances the user experience, especially during evening grilling sessions.

The folding side tables are a lifesaver in smaller spaces. My patio isn’t exactly spacious, and these shelves folded down neatly when the grill wasn’t in use, freeing up room for other activities. The integrated hooks for grilling tools were a nice touch, keeping everything within reach.

Cleaning

Cleaning up after a BBQ session isn’t anyone’s favorite part, but this grill makes it tolerable. The grease pan slides out easily, and the enameled cast iron grates wipe clean without too much elbow grease. I’ve had grills where cleaning felt like a second job, but this one strikes a balance between performance and maintenance. Even after grilling fatty meats, the cleanup process didn’t take more than 10 minutes.

Durability

The Mesa220 feels solid. Its stainless steel construction and die-cast aluminum lid give the impression that it’s built to last. I’ve been using it almost daily for several weeks now, and it shows no signs of wear. The 8-year warranty on the burners is a confidence booster, and it gives me peace of mind that this grill will stick around for the long haul.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend leaning heavily on the foldable shelves. They’re sturdy enough for holding utensils and a plate or two, but they might not hold up if you’re someone who likes to rest a heavy platter there.

Portability & Storage

Moving this grill around is surprisingly easy. The locking casters roll smoothly, and it’s lightweight enough for a single person to reposition it without breaking a sweat. This feature came in handy when I hosted a backyard party and needed to rearrange the patio setup. The compact design and foldable shelves make it convenient to store when not in use, which is ideal for anyone with limited outdoor space.

Warranty

The warranty coverage is impressive. The grill comes with a 2-year general warranty, an 8-year limited warranty on the stainless steel burners, and a 1-year warranty for the electrical components. For a mid-range grill, this level of warranty coverage is above average. It gave me confidence in the product’s quality and the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

Positives

Key Benefits

• Even and consistent heat distribution from the 24,000 BTU stainless steel burners.
• Compact design with foldable shelves, perfect for small patios or balconies.
• Clearview® lid allows easy monitoring without heat loss.
• Durable materials like stainless steel and die-cast aluminum.
• Reliable and safe electronic ignition system.

Negative Attributes

Areas of Concern

• The foldable shelves, while convenient, may not support heavier items.
• The grill is lightweight, which is great for portability but might not be as stable in windy conditions.
• Assembly, though easy, does require some time and attention to detail.

Competitive Options

In the realm of compact propane grills, the Mesa220 faces stiff competition. For instance, Weber’s Spirit II E-210 is a popular alternative. The Weber offers slightly more sophisticated build quality and a longer track record for durability. However, it comes at nearly double the price of the Mesa220. The Monument grill holds its own with features like the Clearview® lid and knob lighting, which the Weber lacks.

Another contender would be the Char-Broil Performance 300. It’s similarly priced, but it doesn’t offer the same level of heat consistency or premium materials seen in the Mesa220. The Monument grill’s 8-year warranty on burners also outshines Char-Broil’s more limited coverage.

Bang for the Buck

This grill strikes an excellent balance between quality and affordability. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the features and build quality make it worth every penny. For someone like me who grills frequently, it’s an investment that pays off in convenience, performance, and longevity. There’s a lot of value packed into this compact grill, and it punches well above its weight in terms of features. Whether you’re a weekend BBQ enthusiast or someone who grills daily, it offers a great return on investment.

Additional information