I think this kind of thing could happen to anyone using any brand gas grill, so it's a good warning to check all connections carefully before grilling. I confess I only checked the tank to regulator and regulator hose for leaks prior to my first usage of the Virco. The manual did say to also check the gas control valves, but I couldn't figure out how to get to them. I guess I could see them from underneath if I lay on my back, so that's what I'll do next time. I also recall that propane is heavier than air, unlike natural gas, which is lighter than air. So the propane can settle in low places and collect and then explode. Also, as I have recently noticed, a new steel propane container may react with the odorant in the propane charge, and the result is that it can be harder to detect leaks. Lots of people are probably buying new propane tanks with OPD valves rather than retrofit their old ones, so perhaps some extra caution is needed for the first tankful or so. All this makes me wonder if perhaps I may be installing the natural gas conversion kit sooner than I expected...;-) Here is a link that might be useful: Propane safety

The larger MM grill does look very nice. Some of the parts (rotisserie motor, cover handle, side burner) look identical to those on the Virco. I like the slide out tray for the propane tank, very nice. However, I've decided to place the Virco in a spot where there is not even room enough for the Virco's side shelf. So the MM grill would be too big for my space. Plus it's almost twice the price of the Virco. Still, all three grills look like very good buys.

femgolfer, I have had this grill for over a year now and love it. I use it many times per week. I have read and made several posts about the heat of this grill and posted some solutions. I had heat output issues when I first purchased the grill and the regulator hummed loudly too. Customer Service replaced the regulator under warranty and that solved the humming. They also explained about the new tank system with the OPD valve inside. As was noted by another poster you should open the tank valve SLOWLY. This helps to ensure that the tank OPD valve does not shut or restrict the flow of gas. I used an oven thermometer at the grates to compare to the built in gauge. On my unit the built in gauge showed 425 or so, but at the grate level it was slightly over 600. But, you noted you've tested this. Also, here is something that I never thought of until I had my tank refilled recently. I mentioned to the person refilling that it seemed the heat output was low. He asked if the tank had been purged recently. A LOT of AIR (not propane) was released from the tank in this purge process. The propane guy said that propane is mixed with air to decrease the burn temperature. He noted that if this was not done that it would burn too hot for general consumer uses such as grills. But after a few tank refills the tanks get too much air trapped inside and thus the propane exiting the tank does not burn as hot as it should. The solution is to have the tank purged on a regular basis. Once I started having the tank purged at each fill up I have not had any heating problems at all. I hope this helps.

Something is wrong with your grill. I hit 600 F the first time I used mine. Quite possibly, it's the regulator. Call Grand Hall today and explain the situation or just return the grill for another one, if that's possible considering the weight and size. Hang in there, once resolved you will love that grill. -Terry