BUYING SMART
GRILL POWER
It’ s time to get all fired up about the new Kirkland Signature grills.
BY ANDREA TOMKINS
Get ready to get your grill on, because the new Kirkland Signature gas grills are coming! The six-, seven- and 12-burner grills feature some of the newest advancements in outdoor cooking, such as LED knobs, an innovative grease management system and a top-sear infrared burner that will immediately upgrade anyone’ s grilling game.
As with the development and launch of many new products at Costco, it started with a simple question: What would Kirkland Signature grills look like?
“ It was a lengthy process,” recalls Sierra Lowe, a Costco buyer who oversees this department.“ We wanted to make sure we built the right grills. We wanted to build the best of the best.”
While Lowe and her team were already aware of the latest innovations in grilling technology, it took over a year of visits to trade shows and analysis of market trends to design and build the Kirkland Signature propane gas grills.
What helps, of course, is a keen understanding of what Costco members are looking for in top-tier grills and a great rapport with a supplier that can provide an extra level of expertise. This collaboration – with a shared goal of designing a quality product – was significant in the development process.
Enduring quality
One thing was clear from the beginning: These grills would be a premium product and made to last. No-one wants a grill that lasts only one summer, which is why the grills are built with a grade of stainless steel specifically chosen for its high level of corrosion resistance.
While there are many grades of stainless steel, the three most used in grill manufacturing are 304, 445 and 430; 304 will not corrode in normal atmospheric conditions, 445 is corrosionresistant, and 430 is the most affordable( not to mention pretty and shiny) but not as long-lasting.
“ We wanted to have as much 304 stainless steel in this grill as we could, because 304 stainless steel is what will have the most longevity and is the most resistant to rust,” says Lowe.“ These grills are going to be a staple in your outdoor cooking environment for many years to come. That’ s what members expect from a Kirkland Signature product.”
The hood, cooking grates, warming rack and firebox are constructed from 304 stainless steel. What’ s more, special attention has been given to each component. It’ s the Costco way.
“ For us, it’ s really all about quality – everything down to the hinge, the casters, the thickness of each and every single piece,” says Lowe.“ We go into all of those details to make sure it’ s a premiumquality product for our members. These are the kind of grills that are typically sold at specialty retailers.”
The grills will be appreciated by everyone from MasterChef-style pros to those of us who are more likely to use it to quickly cook skewers or sausages, and come with a top-sear infrared burner. The consistent infrared heat locks in moisture and natural juices, so your steak gets a restaurant-quality sear without drying out. It is a game changer for outdoor cooks who like a nicely browned layer of cheese on top of pizza, and it’ s great for potatoes, seafood and chicken.
10 | MAY / JUN 2024 COSTCO CONNECTION