The Vermont Castings The Grand Signature Series Gas Grill VCS5008 five-burner grill has got it all -- good looks, performance and the reliability factor. Vermont Castings has labeled this grill "The Grand" and for good reason. Everything about it, from its solid cast-iron hood end caps to its beautiful stainless steel cabinet, bespeaks quality. We'd like to call it "the Cadillac" of grills.

The VCS5008 is large, measuring approximately 69 inches wide (including the side shelves), 23-2/5 inches deep and standing 49 inches tall. It is also heavy, weighing in at more than 300 pounds, attributable to the heavy construction and cast-iron components. It has all the bells and whistles you might expect in this high-end price category. Five burners at 62,500 Btu, 651 square inches of primary cooking area (plus 286 square inches of secondary cooking space), a 15,000-Btu side burner, a 20,000-Btu infrared rotisserie burner and rotisserie kit all combine to make this unit a truly sophisticated outdoor cooking appliance.

We were impressed with the unit's excellent heat retention. The hood is constructed of double-walled stainless steel with two heavy porcelain-coated cast-iron end caps that really lock in the heat so the grill gets HOT. With all of the burners set on high, the temperature gauge quickly maxed out at the highest reading: 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjusting the temperature was easy using the burners together or in any combination to achieve just the right type of direct or indirect heat needed.

The electronic igniter sends a series of sparks to each of the burners for effective lighting. The side burner has its own single source electronic ignition for foolproof operation. This unit has a separate rear-mounted infrared rotisserie burner, which delivered a concentrated heat designed to gently roast poultry or meats attached to a spit. The extra-long rod can hold up to three whole chickens, a 25-pound turkey or a 9-pound leg of lamb. The rotisserie motor is so quiet, you will hardly notice it operating, except for the spit turning slowly on its stand.

The cooking surface consists of four removable porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, and each has a handy thumb-notch for convenient removal. Beneath the grids (atop the burners) there are five stainless steel Signature sear plates, which not only protect the burners but also catch and vaporize drippings, delivering a wonderful aroma and flavor-enhancing cooking experience. You also get a stainless steel smoker box, which can be used with wood chips to impart a smoky flavor to foods. All areas of the grill heated evenly so the foods in the front cooked as well as those in the back and on the sides.

The stainless steel cabinet console on this unit is upgraded from the standard two-door enclosed cabinet to a one-door plus two-drawer configuration. We found the drawers to be quite handy for holding plates, utensils and other supplies. The grill also has two side shelves, one of which holds a flush-mounted side burner. The other side shelf contains a recessed stainless steel marinating tray with removable cutting board -- which we deemed a truly unique and welcome feature. Each side panel also has a built-in condiment tray, with towel bars and utensil hooks. The LP tank sits nestled inside the cabinet on a pull-out support for easy access.

Two sophisticated enhancements include backlit burner knobs, which provide an orange glow around the burner rings and also an innovative LED Flex Light, which illuminates the entire cooking surface for easy nighttime grilling. Four swivel casters make maneuvering the grill easy from any direction. The casters can also be locked to keep the grill stationary. One problem we had with this unit is that the skirt of the console cabinet sits rather low. While this aids greatly in hiding the wheels, it can impede movement over uneven surfaces.

All things considered, the Vermont Castings The Grand Signature Series Gas Grill VCS5008 five-burner grill delivers an ample amount of grilling space, superb performance and great looks that will be the envy of the neighborhood.


Pros: Five burners at 62,500 Btu, 651 square inches of primary cooking area (plus 286 square inches of secondary cooking space), 15,000-Btu side burner, 20,000-Btu infrared rotisserie burner and rotisserie kit, lighted burner knobs, flexible cook light
Cons: Large overall dimensions (69 inches wide, 25 inches deep, 49 inches tall) requires additional storage space, low console skirt can impede movement over uneven surfaces