Captiva Designs 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill review with side burner for outdoor cooking

Description

Sturdy Design and Build Quality

The Captiva Designs 6-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill (Model GR009) caught my attention immediately with its sleek stainless steel finish and robust construction. At approximately 100 pounds, it’s not a lightweight grill, but that’s part of its charm—it feels durable and built to last. The 19-inch depth, 60.4-inch width, and 45-inch height give it a commanding presence in any outdoor setup, whether you’re dealing with a small patio or a sprawling backyard. I particularly appreciated the locking caster wheels, which made it surprisingly easy to maneuver despite the bulk.

One detail that stood out during setup was the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. These grates bring a rare combination of non-stick, rust-resistant, and crack-resistant properties, making them both practical and long-lasting. I’ve had grills before where the grates started to deteriorate after a couple of uses, but these seem built to endure countless barbecue sessions.

Cooking Performance and Heat Distribution

Cooking on this grill was an absolute delight, thanks to its powerful 65,800 BTU heat output spread across six main burners and a side burner. Each burner is individually controllable, which gave me the flexibility to cook different foods at varying heat levels simultaneously. I tried grilling burgers on one side while slow-cooking veggies on the other, and the heat distribution was remarkably even.

The 665 square inches of total cooking space is a game-changer. The 500 square inches of primary cooking area paired with a 165-square-inch warming rack allowed me to host a small gathering without feeling cramped for space. I also liked the porcelain-enamel coating on the grates, which seemed to hold heat better and made cleaning up after a session much easier.

Key Benefits

• Large cooking area perfect for hosting family and friends.
• Porcelain-enameled grates provide excellent heat retention and durability.
• Individually controlled burners for versatile cooking options.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the highlights of this grill is how easy it is to maintain. The full-sized slide-out grease tray is smartly designed with a tilt, which directs grease into a removable grease box. I didn’t have to wrestle with cleaning grease spills, which is a massive plus for me. Grilling can be messy, but this feature simplified cleanup to the point where I didn’t dread it.

The stainless steel exterior also proved resistant to smudges and stains. A quick wipe was enough to keep it looking pristine. However, I did notice that the grease tray, while convenient, could have been slightly larger to handle extended cooking sessions.

Favorable Aspects

• The removable grease tray makes cleaning hassle-free.
• Smudge-resistant stainless steel exterior maintains a professional look.

Rotisserie Compatibility and Added Features

I loved that this grill comes with pre-designed slots for a rotisserie kit. While the kit isn’t included, the fact that the grill can accommodate one shows the thoughtfulness behind its design. I imagine cooking a turkey or a large roast on this grill would be a showstopper at family gatherings.

The built-in thermometer was another feature I appreciated. It’s not just for show—it’s actually quite accurate and helped me keep an eye on the temperature without lifting the lid constantly.

Areas for Improvement

• The grease tray capacity could be increased for longer cooking sessions.
• Rotisserie kit and basket not included, adding an extra cost for those who want this feature.

Competing Products

Comparing this grill to others in its range, I found that models like the Weber Genesis and Nexgrill Deluxe offer similar features but at a higher price point. The Weber Genesis, for instance, has a slightly more refined design and arguably better branding, but it doesn’t offer as much cooking space as this model. Nexgrill has a comparable price but lacks the porcelain-enamel coating on the grates, which is a standout feature of this Captiva Designs grill.

Where this grill really shines is its heat output and cooking surface area. It’s perfect for hosting larger groups, and the side burner adds an extra layer of functionality for sauces or smaller dishes. However, the competitors might have an edge in terms of additional accessories included upfront, like rotisserie kits or larger grease trays.

Cost Effectiveness

For its price, this grill offers a lot of bang for your buck. The combination of high heat output, large cooking area, and durable construction materials makes it a worthwhile investment. It sits comfortably in the mid-range of propane grills, and I felt its features justified the cost. That said, if you’re someone who only grills occasionally, you might not fully utilize everything this model has to offer.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—for those who love entertaining or simply enjoy cooking outdoors, it’s a versatile and powerful addition to any backyard.

Additional information