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

Yup. EVERYTHING I've read about these things says they SUCK. I have NEVER seen SO much bad feedback on any product in my life. MANY complaints about them flaming wildly out of control. I feel sorry for anybody who owns this thing and paid $150. I'm glad they finally went under.

Seaside- Glad you posted this -- happy to give my opinion. I've had an American 48" range, with GRIDDLE -- not grill, for 1 year and 3 weeks. Here's my take: -- I *love* this range. The amount of heat put out by the burners is insane. I actually have to warn friends who come over to cook that "high" on this range is not what they're used to -- that they'll burn their food if they're not careful. Before I bought it I thought I didn't care how hot it got, but it actually speeds things along quite nicely. Water boils much faster, browning kicks in earlier, room temp ingredients come up faster. It's great. -- Go for the 48" not the 36" -- the 2nd oven is great. Not for being a 2nd over but for being so small. It heats up faster and uses less gas so for small jobs it's great to have. -- Skip the griddle and get the GRILL. I had a griddle on my old Thermador range and used it maybe twice in 5 years. My wife and I use the griddle all the time. Sometimes multiple times a day. Off the top of my head we've used it for fried eggs, bacon, sausage, zucchini, lamb chops, steaks, hash browns, sausage, 10 other veggies I don't recall, french toast, browned onions, browning bread... but you know what? I don't think we've made pancakes on it. Honestly, if we could do it again we'd get the 4 burner with the extra-wide griddle. -- I think one reason we love the griddle is that it's seasoned from shiny stainless steel to a uniform black. And we like it that way because it means we don't have to scrub it spotless after every meal like we do our All-Clad. Just a quick scrapedown with the spatula and a wipe with a paper towel or sponge. -- Service has been excellent. Nothing has broken but there were a few minor issues when it was delivered (long was bent by installer, one burner wouldn't light.) -- If you haven't gotten your hands on one, the build quality is excellent. Much better than Bluestar. (I'm not trying to bash bluestar but the one's I've seen have sharp edges and rough aspects that just don't seem... safe?) I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Peter -Peter

Today's mail brought the Frontgate catalog, which featured their professional grill. It looks capable and seems nicely priced at $2,299. I wish I could see one locally, as there's no way I'd make such a major purchase sight unseen. Is anyone here familiar with this grill? Does anyone know who makes it? I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's another product of the Lynx factory. Unmatched Construction:  Non-corrosive 304 stainless steel will endure for seasons  Painted 38" ceramic brick firebox  Distinctive granite work surface is highly scratch-resistant  Double-walled hood construction guards against heat discoloration  Heavy-duty locking casters provide safe and secure mobility  10-year warranty on primary burners Peerless Performance:  107,000 total BTUs  Four 13,000 BTU cast stainless steel primary burners  Two 12,000 BTU side burners  18,000 BTU infrared searing burner  13,000 BTU infrared rear burner with included rotisserie kit Premium Features:  Push-and-turn electronic igniters for effortless grill lighting  Convection-style cooking vents for enhanced heat distribution  Stainless steel warming shelf removes for easy cleaning  Spacious utility drawers store your cooking utensils  Full-width stainless steel drip pan for easy grease management  Commercial-quality stainless steel grill grates  Under-hood interior lights keep you cooking after dark  Included all-weather vinyl cover guards grill from the elements Here is a link that might be useful: Frontgate Professional Grill