Specifications
- Four 17,000 BTU cast iron burners
- 660 square inches of primary cooking area
- 68,000 BTU maximum output from the main burners
- 15,000 BTU flush-mounted side burner
- On knob piezoelectric ignition
- Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates
- Comes standard with one large cast iron griddle
- Window built into the single-layer hood
- Stainless steel and enameled steel construction
- 174 pounds total weight
- Sold as propane – convertible to natural gas
- Made in China by Beefeater Grills and sold through specialty retailers
Full Review – Beefeater Discovery 1100E Gas Grill
PROS
- High Heat Output
- Powerful Side Burner
- View Window
- Versatile Cooking Surface
- Removable Hood
CONS
- Lightweight Side Tables
- Primitive Design
- Comparatively Expensive
- Limited Distribution
Beefeater started out as one of the original gas grill manufacturers in Australia. Their first grills were designed to meet the expectations of the Australian griller. This meant an open grill that was powerful and had no need for a lid or hood. Over the years, they have evolved into a more global company and the Discovery 1100-Series 4-Burner grill looks a lot like any typical gas grill you might find anywhere. The difference is that the focus has remained on the grilling performance and not on adding a lot of unnecessary extras.
Yes, this grill has a side burner, and a powerful one at that. The 15,000 BTU rating on this side burner is more powerful than you will find on most gas grills these days and it is more than capable of doing most of the things you want a side burner for. There is also a rotisserie kit available for this large gas grill so it can do that as well. What makes a beefeater a great grill, however, is the power and the focus on grilling. The 17,000 BTU cast iron burners are heavy and pump out a lot of heat and don’t require a lid to roast foods like many gas grills these days. In fact, the lid can be lifted off for complete open grilling. The flame-tamers are wide and provide for more even heating while helping to reduce flare-ups (a common problem with older Australian-designed gas grills).
While versatile in function (particularly considering the large, solid cast iron griddle) this grill offers a straightforward cooking system. This makes this grill easy to use and very intuitive. The quality of that construction is excellent in this price range. The burners are heavy and durable cast iron and will last a lifetime. The cooking grates are heavy cast iron for excellent heat transfer and the griddle is a solid plate of cast iron that holds a lot of heat. The griddle is a fantastic addition. The large cooking area of this grill and the four burner design mean plenty of space so that this griddle, which covers a third of the cooking space doesn’t detract in any way (it can be removed and replaced with an additional open grate (optional)). What the griddle provides is the perfect space for small food like shrimp or vegetables, or the ability to grill up some eggs for an outdoor breakfast.
While this brand doesn’t stand out as a name most people will recognize, this gas grill is certainly one worth looking at. It is built for power and perfect grilling and is generally loved by those who own it. This model gas grill is also available as an insert if you can find it. As an addition to an inexpensive grill island, it is also a very good choice.
