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Monumental Challenge!

By John William White Monument Mesa II gas grill
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Can a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist find joy and happiness in the simplicity and ease of cooking on a propane-fired grill?

Friends might describe me as a traditionalist. Music is best listened to coming from an amplifier through tubes and a turntable, my cross-country skis require wax and my old car has a clutch and 4-speeds. Same for my grilling preferences – I’d rather cook over a fire that I’ve started myself. The variables in the process make a well-cooked meal taste even better – and the process itself is part of the pleasure (like making the perfect cocktail at home – they’re always better than what a bartender serves!).

This all mentioned, it’s no surprise that I’ve shied away from propane-fired grills (too ‘easy’ and ‘suburban’ looking) – until now.

I’ve been challenged by the team here at BarbecueBible to try a gas-fired grill and the gracious folks at Monument Grills have provided an opportunity for me to discover the ease and versatility of their new Mesa II unit. Challenge accepted! The Mesa II will be available Feb 28th!

Unexpected Discoveries

First surprise: The grill was easy and fun to assemble – all of the various pieces were individually wrapped and easily identified. The assembly instructions were clear and the logical, step-by-step process couldn’t have been simpler. A QR code linked to a video showing how the grill comes together – but, frankly, I’d found it unnecessary because the instructions were so clear. Total assembly time, about 30-minutes.

Monument Grill Assembly

Appealing Attributes

The heavy-duty, stainless-steel construction also appeals to my ‘keep-it-out-of-the-landfill’ ethos – this grill will last a long time! Another benefit: Pegboard-type holes located inside of the doors and on the sides of the grill create customizable options for hanging tools and other accessories (i.e., paper towels and waste receptacles to name a couple).

Monument Mesa II

The heavy-duty, stainless-steel construction also appeals to my ‘keep-it-out-of-the-landfill’ ethos – this grill will last a long time! Another benefit: Pegboard-type holes located inside of the doors and on the sides of the grill create customizable options for hanging tools and other accessories (i.e., paper towels and waste receptacles to name a couple).

Putting the Mesa II to the Test

Now, what should I create…?

How about: Grilled lamb chops (traditionally grilled), potato pancakes (utilizing the griddle function) and lightly charred asparagus (a low-heat scenario).

Grilled lamb chops (traditionally grilled), potato pancakes, lightly charred asparagus.

Did the Mesa II Measure Up?

Did this challenge change my thinking about cooking on a propane-fired grill? There are clearly some benefits to cooking on Monument’s Mesa II Grill that I could easily get used to. Unlike cooking with charcoal, this grill fires quickly, and gets hot fast. The large grilling area and two-zone heating system couldn’t be more versatile – ditto the supplemental burner. No more running back-and-forth to the kitchen to keep an eye out on what I formerly couldn’t cook outside. Lastly – the size – it’s not massive so it won’t overwhelm your patio or deck. Final verdict: Count me as a new convert!

Monument Mesa II: Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Monument Mesa II a good choice if you have limited patio space?
Yes. It is sized for smaller outdoor areas while still giving you a practical two-zone setup, so you can sear on one side and cook gently on the other.
What does “two-zone” cooking mean on this grill?
It means you can run one side hotter and the other cooler. In this setup, the left side handles classic grilling heat, while the right side is designed for higher-heat searing. That makes it easier to manage doneness without rushing.
How long does it take to assemble the Mesa II?
In the author’s build, it took about 30 minutes. Parts were clearly labeled, instructions were straightforward, and there is also a QR code video if you want it.
What is the benefit of a side burner on a gas grill?
A side burner lets you keep the whole meal outdoors. You can griddle, steam, stir-fry, or cook a sauce while the main grill handles proteins and vegetables.
What’s the biggest reason a charcoal-first griller might still like this gas grill?
Speed and control. You get fast ignition, quick heat, and the ability to run a true hot side and cool side, which is hard to beat when you want dinner on the table without sacrificing results.

Read More

A Crash Course on Gas Grills

Explore more at BarbecueBible.com in our Recipe Index.

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