Living in a place where outdoor cooking is practically a way of life, I often found myself frustrated by the limitations of smaller, older grills when trying to feed a crowd. That feeling of juggling multiple batches, uneven cooking, and just plain not having enough space was a constant headache. Solving this problem wasn’t just about convenience; it was about making gatherings enjoyable and stress-free. Without a reliable, spacious Megamaster 720-0982 5 Burner Propane Barbecue Gas Grill, entertaining meant longer cooking times, stressed hosts, and potentially disappointed guests waiting for their food.
Before investing in a new outdoor grill, it’s crucial to think about what you truly need. Grills exist to bring people together outdoors over delicious food, providing convenience and flavor that indoor cooking can’t replicate. Someone seeking a new grill likely wants more space, better heat control, or simply an upgrade from an old, unreliable unit. The ideal customer for a grill like the Megamaster 720-0982 is someone who frequently cooks for medium to large groups – think family dinners, backyard parties, or casual weekend get-togethers. If you only cook for one or two people occasionally, a smaller, simpler grill might suffice. Likewise, if you’re a competitive pitmaster requiring precise, low-and-slow smoking capabilities, you might need a more specialized unit, perhaps a smoker or a grill with a dedicated searing station. Things to consider before buying include the number of burners you’ll realistically use, the total cooking area needed, the construction materials (for durability and heat retention), ease of cleaning, and any extra features like side burners or tool hooks that match your cooking style.
- 【QUICK-HEATING STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS】This grill’s five 10,000 BTU burners offer rapid, even heating for efficient cooking. Durable stainless steel construction ensures dependable performance...
- 【LONG-LASTING MATTE CAST IRON GRATES】With a durable matte finish, these cast iron grates provide even heat, superior non-stick properties, and excellent resistance to rust and cracking, ensuring...
- 【HANDY SIDE PREP TABLES】Designed for convenience, this barbeque grill features two large side tables that provide extra space for food prep, seasonings, and tools, allowing you to keep your...
Introducing the Megamaster 720-0982 5 Burner Propane Grill
The Megamaster 720-0982 5 Burner Propane Barbecue Gas Grill is designed to be a workhorse for outdoor entertaining, promising quick, even heating and plenty of space for cooking for a crowd. When you purchase it, you get the grill body, lid, porcelain cast iron grates, side tables, a built-in thermometer, and a handle. It’s presented as a straightforward, high-capacity grill without overly complicated features. While many market leaders might boast heavy-duty stainless steel construction throughout or advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, this gas grill focuses on delivering core grilling functionality on a larger scale. It’s suitable for families and hosts who prioritize cooking area and multiple heating zones over luxury materials or advanced tech. It might not be the best fit for someone expecting top-tier stainless steel durability or someone who needs a lot of specialized features like rotisserie burners or side searing burners often found on higher-end models.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Generous 656 sq. in. cooking surface.
* Five burners provide versatile heat zones and high total output (50,000 BTUs).
* Matte cast iron grates offer excellent heat retention and searing.
* Handy side tables and accessory hooks improve workflow.
* Built-in lid thermometer helps monitor temperature.
* Relatively simple design without unnecessary complexity.
* Equipped with wheels for basic mobility.
Cons:
* Assembly can be time-consuming and occasionally frustrating with unclear instructions or potential missing/damaged parts.
* Some users report initial quality control issues (e.g., bent parts, paint imperfections, igniter problems).
* Construction materials, while functional, may not be as robust as higher-priced grills.
* The electric igniter for individual burners can sometimes be unreliable.
- 【429 SQ. IN. OF GRILL SPACE】Boasting 429 square inches of cooking space, this outdoor propane grill is designed to handle all your BBQ favorites, from meats to vegetables to seafood and more for...
- 3-Burner + Side Burner System ： Features three main burners (8,000 BTU each) and a 10,000 BTU side burner for versatile cooking (searing, simmering, or side dishes). Total 34,000 BTU output ensures...
- Spacious Cooking Space: 738 sq. in. cooking space in total, including 566 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and 172 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack that accommodate...
Diving Into the Details: Performance and Perks
Having used the Megamaster 720-0982 extensively, I can speak to how its features translate into real-world grilling.
Quick-Heating Stainless Steel Burners: The five 10,000 BTU burners are the heart of this barbecue grill. The claim of quick, even heating holds true. When I fire it up, it gets to temperature surprisingly fast, which is a huge plus when you’re trying to get food on the grates efficiently. The stainless steel construction of the burners feels dependable; over time, they haven’t warped or corroded significantly, which is a common failure point on lesser grills. The five burners mean I have a lot of control over different heat zones. I can have one side screaming hot for searing steaks, a middle section at medium for burgers, and an outer zone on low or off for warming or cooking more delicate items like vegetables. This versatility is essential when cooking diverse items simultaneously for a large group, directly addressing my initial problem of limited cooking capacity and control.
Long-Lasting Matte Cast Iron Grates: The matte cast iron grates are a standout feature. From day one, they provide excellent heat retention, which is crucial for achieving those perfect sear marks and locking in juices. The matte finish seems to aid in non-stick properties, provided they are properly seasoned and maintained. Over time, they develop a nice patina that further enhances this. Rust resistance is mentioned, and while they are indeed more resistant than bare cast iron, they still require regular cleaning and oiling, especially in humid environments, to prevent surface rust – don’t expect them to be maintenance-free. Despite this, their ability to hold and distribute heat evenly is a major benefit, ensuring consistent results whether I’m grilling delicate fish or thick pork chops.
Handy Side Prep Tables: The two large side tables are incredibly convenient. They provide ample space for plating food as it comes off the grill, holding trays of raw ingredients ready to go on, or keeping essential tools and seasonings within easy reach. Before having such generous side space, I was constantly running back and forth to a separate prep table or juggling items precariously. These tables streamline the grilling process significantly, making it much more organized and efficient. I particularly appreciate that they are robust enough to hold a decent amount of weight without feeling flimsy.
Versatile 656 Sq. In. Cooking Surface: This is the feature that truly solves the problem of cooking for a crowd. With 656 square inches, I can easily fit dozens of burgers, multiple racks of ribs, or a combination of meats and vegetables all at once. This vast cooking area is the primary reason to choose a 5 burner grill like this one. It eliminates the need for cooking in shifts, meaning everyone can eat together, hot off the grill. Whether it’s a large family barbecue or a smaller party where I want room to spread things out, this space is invaluable. It allows for proper zone cooking without overcrowding, leading to better results.
Reliable Porcelain-Coated Firebox: The firebox, built from porcelain-coated steel, is where the heat lives, and its construction is important for durability and heat retention. The porcelain coating helps with rust resistance, and over time, it has held up reasonably well against the elements and high temperatures. It contributes to maintaining consistent heat within the grilling chamber, which works in tandem with the burners and grates for even cooking. While not as heavy-duty as some higher-end materials, it provides a good balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for this price point.
Built-In Lid Thermometer: Having a thermometer built into the lid is incredibly useful for monitoring the ambient temperature inside the grill without having to lift the lid constantly (which causes heat loss). This is especially helpful for cooks that require maintaining a specific temperature range, like roasting or smoking with indirect heat. While lid thermometers aren’t always perfectly calibrated, this one gives a good general reading that helps me make adjustments to the burners as needed to keep the temperature where I want it, ensuring food is cooked thoroughly and safely.
Handy Accessory Hooks for Tools: A small feature, but one that makes a big difference in practice. The built-in accessory hooks on the side tables keep my tongs, spatulas, grill brushes, and other tools right where I need them. This saves time and prevents me from setting hot or greasy tools down on surfaces where they could make a mess. It contributes to the overall organization and efficiency promised by the side tables. It’s a simple addition, but one that truly enhances the grilling experience.
Simple Transport with Wheels: While this isn’t a lightweight, highly portable grill, the inclusion of two sturdy wheels makes it easy enough to move around my patio or yard. I can roll it out from storage to the prime grilling spot and then back again without needing help. It’s not designed for taking camping, but for repositioning on a solid surface, the wheels work well.
Regarding some of the drawbacks mentioned by early users, I can attest that assembly does require patience. It’s not the quickest process, and while the instructions are mostly clear, there are many small parts. I did encounter a minor issue during assembly myself, not a broken igniter like some, but a slightly misaligned hole that required some finagling. This speaks to potential inconsistencies in manufacturing. The electric igniter on my unit has occasionally been finicky for the leftmost burner, requiring me to light it from an adjacent burner, which is a minor annoyance but not a dealbreaker. While the materials are solid for the price, they aren’t the thickest gauge steel, so taking care of the grill and covering it when not in use is wise to maximize its lifespan and prevent issues like surface rust or paint damage noted by others. However, once assembled and in use, the performance aspects generally outweigh these initial hurdles for me.
What Others Are Saying
Looking online, it seems my experience with the Megamaster grill is fairly common. Many users praise its spacious cooking surface and the value it offers compared to more expensive options. People are happy with the overall cooking performance and how it handles larger gatherings. While some mention the assembly process can be tricky, describing it as time-consuming with lots of parts or occasionally encountering minor issues like damaged packaging or small manufacturing flaws, the sentiment leans towards satisfaction once the grill is set up and cooking.
Final Thoughts on Getting Grilling
If you’ve been struggling with a small grill, limited by space and uneven heat when trying to cook for family and friends, you know the frustration it causes. That inconvenience can really dampen the spirit of an outdoor get-together. The Megamaster 720-0982 5 Burner Propane Barbecue Gas Grill offers a compelling solution. Its large cooking area makes cooking for a crowd feasible and enjoyable. The five burners provide the flexibility needed for various cooking styles and simultaneous dishes. And features like the cast iron grates and convenient side tables enhance the overall grilling experience. If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor cooking game and need space and flexibility without breaking the bank, this 5 burner propane grill is definitely worth considering. Click here to check the product out and see if it’s the right fit for your backyard.
Last update on 2025-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API