The Aussie Bushman Elite is a low-end gas grill with a few surprising extras. Quality-wise, this grill can't compare with higher-end models; however, when you consider the price point, this grill is a good value for budget-conscious consumers.

The grill itself consists of a 20x14-inch black grill box with porcelain-enameled hood, painted steel frame cart, 10.5x15-inch folding side shelf with redwood insert and attached 9,000-Btu side burner. 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 we had no trouble getting a nice, hot flame with which to barbecue.

The control panel is located on the front of the unit and includes three dial knobs, one for each of the main burners and one to activate the side burner. A single flint-style igniter button sends a spark to the main burners and the side burner simultaneously. A firm push is needed to activate the spark. We had to press the button several times to light the grill.

The grill heated up quickly and, since 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 provides approximately 280 square inches of primary cooking space (412 sqaure inches of total cooking space), which is large enough to accommodate approximately 12 medium hamburgers. A large chrome-plated warming rack measures 8x18 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, including the side shelf and side burner. To find a side burner on a grill priced this low is a pleasant surprise. The burner acts very much like a gas stovetop burner and the flame can be adjusted from low to high.

The grill cart is made from powder-coated tubular steel, and is 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. Another bonus is an included vinyl grill cover, which protects the grill from the elements.

We also liked the design of the flip-down side shelf, which locks in the upright position to provide usable storage space during cooking, and then flips down for compact storage. The solid redwood insert is attractive as well as functional.

The Aussie Bushman Elite may be small but it did a good job with all our grilling tests. 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. For the consumer who has limited space and budget, this grill fits the bill.


Pros: 20,000 Btu, 9,500-Btu side burner, two wheels and handle for roll away transport, side shelf folds down for storage, bonus vinyl cover
Cons: Lower quality materials may rust or wear out faster than other models

Warranty
1 year, limited