Originally, a metal fabrication job shop in 1959, MECO (Metal Engineering Corporation) began production of Aussie grills, both charcoal and electric, in 1999. Known as setting the standard in the marketplace with water smoker grills, as well as the electric and charcoal, MECO is located in Greeneville, Tennessee.
Everyone has different needs, and grill makers try to define their niche, so keep these things in mind when you being shopping for a grill:
* Where will you be using the grill?
* Do you have natural gas hook-up, will you be using propane, or are you a charcoal fan?
* How big or small should it be?
* Do I want it to fit in with existing dcor or try a new style?
* What's your budget?
* What sort of extra gadgetry will you need on your grill?
* Try to find a grill that lasts 10 years instead of 3 years
* BTU's aren't exactly everything, look at the overall picture.
The three main models are the Bushman, the Bondi and the Monaro. They each have porcelain coated tops and bottoms, a porcelain Flavor Activator, stainless burners, quick start igniter, a steel cart and side-tray for all of your cooking accessories. They also produce the Adventure series, which is a pre-assembled portable gas grill that uses a compact propane tank. It gives about 9 hours of cooking time at 5500 BTUs. You can pack it up easily with it's adjustable legs.
Another portable grill offering is the charcoal fueled Walk-A-bout series. It's completely pre-assembled and folds up for easy toting; it also comes with wheels for mobility on-site. You can control the temperature easily with hood and bowl vents.
MECO also makes a countertop model with 200 sq. inches of grilling area and a thermostatic control. It uses 1500 watts with three positions. One will do rotisserie. If you want to smoke something, they also make a smoker with 351 sq inches of cooking surface wood sides and handles and flavor channels for directing the smoke accurately.
To care for your grill, you may want to do a few things. You can season your cast iron by washing it with soapy water. To ready your Aussie grill for the season, you simply need to remove any dirt and dust, clean it again with the soapy water, and it will be ready to go. No need to jump through hoops to get your grill ready for another summer of fun! Lava rocks and briquettes are not needed, either. The Flavor Activator does the same thing, but better. Wire brush you iron grill parts occasionally so that rust will not occur. Never use oven cleaner on a grill, it is too corrosive.
The Aussie grill line from MECO come in a variety of sizes for portability, individual use, family use, indoor and outdoor kitchen use. You can find this fine line of products at Lowes, Academy Sports & Outdoors and Sportskids Superstore, as well as several other outlets worldwide.
