The Bushman Deluxe 7710 is one Aussie's low-end gas grills. This model is a step up from the regular Bushman and adds a few niceties such as painted steel trim around the wooden shelf inserts and a porcelain-coated cooking rack. Quality-wise, this grill can't compare with higher-end models; however, when you consider the price point, the grill is a good value for budget-conscious consumers.

This grill doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles but it does a very good job with basic grilling tasks. The body of the grill measures 20 inches wide by 14 inches deep. The unit we tested had a black grill box with a glossy porcelain-enameled black hood, set on a painted steel frame cart. Two side shelves (10.5x15 inches) fold down for compact storage. The shelves each have an in-laid solid redwood insert, which is attractive as well as functional. The grill is available in three colors: Aussie green, midnight blue or black.

The cooking power is supplied by an oval-shaped aluminized steel burner mounted in the center of the grill box. Two burner control knobs regulate the left and/or right side of the burner. The total Btu output is 20,000, which is relatively low for a full-size grill, but the Bushman Deluxe delivered a searing hot flame for barbecuing.

The control panel, located on the front of the unit, includes two dial knobs, one for each of the main burners. A single flint-style igniter button sends a spark to light the main burners. A firm push is needed to activate the igniter. It takes several firm presses in succession to ignite the grill.

The grill heated up quickly and, although there was no hood thermometer to gauge the internal temperature, we used a free-standing surface thermometer to test the heat output. With the burners set on high for five minutes, the thermometer registered roughly 550 degrees Fahrenheit when placed on the hottest portion of the grilling surface (middle back). The enamel-coated wire grid provided approximately 280 square inches of primary cooking space, which is large enough to accommodate approximately 12 medium hamburgers. A large chrome-plated warming rack measures 8 inches by 18 inches and provides an additional 144 square inches of secondary space.

A large porcelain-coated "Flavor Activator" plate sits atop the burner to help spread the heat across more of the cooking surface. Juices and drippings fall onto the hot plate and vaporize. The rising smoke bastes the food for more of a true barbecue flavor.

This unit falls into the small grills category. It has a width span of about 42 inches, with the two side shelves open. We liked the design of the flip-down shelves, which lock in the upright position to provide usable storage space during cooking, and then flip down for compact storage. With both of the shelves flipped down, the grill's width shrinks to a compact 22 inches, making this grill one of the easier models to store and/or transport to and from a remote barbecue site.

The grill cart is made from powder-coated tubular steel, coated with a textured black paint. The cart measures 21 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 32 inches tall and has two plastic wheels on one side to let you move the grill with relative ease. There is a storage shelf at the bottom to hold the gas tank, and a handy clamp holds the tank in place. This model comes with a canvas shield, which velcros in place on the front of the cart to hide the gas tank.

The Aussie Bushman Deluxe is a compact unit that does a good job with basic grilling tasks. The enameled metal surfaces were thinner than some others we've seen and may wear out sooner than normal, but proper care and cleaning will help keep the grill looking new longer. It is a good choice as a start-up grill for singles, apartment dwellers or others with limited space and/or budget.


Pros: 20,000 Btu, two wheels and handle for roll away transport, two flip-down side shelves with solid redwood inserts
Cons: Lower quality materials may rust or wear out faster than other models

Warranty
1 year, limited