So, you’re standing in the middle of a concrete warehouse, staring at a massive stainless steel beast that looks like it belongs in a professional kitchen, and you're wondering if you can actually fit it in your SUV. It’s the classic Costco experience. Buying natural gas grills at Costco is basically a rite of passage for suburban homeowners who are tired of swapping propane tanks at the gas station every three weeks. But honestly? It's not always the slam dunk people think it is.
The allure is obvious. You see a Kirkland Signature or a Weber Genesis II sitting there for three hundred dollars less than the local specialty BBQ shop, and your brain starts doing the math on how many steaks that "savings" can buy. But there’s a catch. Or a few catches.
Natural gas isn't propane. You can't just hook it up and go if your patio isn't already plumbed. That's the first hurdle. Most people walking through those aisles see the price tag and forget they might need to call a plumber, which adds another $200 to $500 to the "deal."
Why Natural Gas Grills at Costco Are Such a Polarizing Choice
Costco moves volume. Because they move so much product, they get exclusive configurations from brands like Weber, Napoleon, and even KitchenAid (which is often manufactured by Nexgrill under a licensing agreement). This means the model number you see on the floor might not exist anywhere else on the internet. It makes price comparison a total nightmare.
You’ve got to look at the internals.
Is the firebox cast aluminum or thin-gauge steel? Most of the high-end natural gas grills Costco carries, like the Weber Genesis series, use high-quality components. However, their "house" brand stuff can sometimes cut corners on the grade of stainless steel used for the flavorizer bars or the heat deflectors.
Grade 304 stainless steel is the gold standard. It resists rust like a champ. Grade 430 is what you usually find on the "cheaper" models. It looks shiny in the store, but give it two winters in a humid climate, and you'll start seeing those little orange pits of despair. If you’re buying a natural gas grill at Costco, you’re usually looking for something that stays put for a decade. You aren't moving this thing. It’s tethered to your house by a literal gas line. You want it to last.
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The Kirkland Signature Mystery
Let's talk about the Kirkland Signature 6-Burner Gas Grill. It's huge. It’s shiny. It usually comes with a cover and a rotisserie kit included, which is a massive value add.
But who makes it? For years, Nexgrill has been the primary manufacturer behind these units. They are solid, mid-range grills. They aren't "heirloom" quality like a Lynx or a Wolf, but they aren't junk either. The real value is the Costco warranty. If the thing turns into a rust bucket in three years, you can—theoretically—wheel it back in for a refund. Though, honestly, trying to load a used, greasy, 200-pound grill into a truck to return it is a special kind of hell.
Most people don't realize that natural gas burns slightly cooler than propane. It has a lower BTU (British Thermal Unit) density. To compensate, natural gas grills have larger orifices in the valves. If you try to "convert" a propane grill you bought elsewhere using parts from a hardware store, you’re asking for a weak flame and a frustrating sear. This is why buying a dedicated natural gas model from Costco is smarter than messing with conversion kits.
The Logistics Most People Ignore
Shipping is a beast. If you buy in-store, you’re saving on the "delivery and setup" fee that Costco.com bakes into the price. But you need a truck. A big one.
And then there's the assembly.
The boxes are heavy. We're talking 150 to 250 pounds. If you aren't handy with a socket wrench, you're going to spend four hours of your Saturday questioning your life choices while trying to decipher a manual that has 40 pages of diagrams and zero words.
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The Hidden Costs of the Natural Gas Switch
If you are switching from propane to natural gas for the first time, you have to consider the "quick connect" fitting. Most Costco natural gas grills come with a 10-foot hose and a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch quick-connect male plug. If your house has a 1/2-inch pipe sticking out of the wall but the grill uses a 3/8-inch hose, you're headed back to Home Depot for adapters.
It's these tiny details that derail a "Costco deal."
- Check your gas line size before you buy.
- Ensure you have a shut-off valve within reach of the grill.
- Verify if your local code requires a permit for the hookup (many cities do).
Comparing Brands: Weber vs. Napoleon at Costco
Costco usually cycles through brands. In the spring, you’ll see the heavy hitters.
Weber is the safe bet. Their natural gas models are legendary for parts availability. Even 15 years from now, you’ll be able to find replacement burners for a Weber. That’s their secret sauce. You pay a "brand tax," sure, but the peace of mind is real.
Napoleon, on the other hand, often offers more "bells and whistles" for the same price. You might get the "Sizzle Zone" infrared side burner, which is incredible for searing steaks at 1,500 degrees. If you’re a gadget person, Napoleon usually wins.
KitchenAid/Nexgrill models are the value kings. They look like they cost $3,000 but usually retail for under $900. Just be prepared to replace the heat tents every few years. They tend to burn through faster than the more expensive brands.
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The "End of Season" Myth
Everyone says to wait until September to buy a grill at Costco to get those "manager markdowns."
Kinda true. Mostly not.
Costco’s inventory system is "inventory in, inventory out." They don't want grills taking up floor space when Christmas trees need to be out by late August. By the time the "clearance" prices hit, the natural gas models are usually long gone. Propane models linger; natural gas models are niche and usually sell out early. If you see the one you want in May, buy it. If it goes on sale later, Costco will often honor a price adjustment within 30 days.
Is It Actually Worth It?
If you value your time and want a high-end, seamless experience, buying from a local BBQ dealer who offers "white glove" delivery and assembly might be better. They’ll hook it up, leak-test it, and haul away the pallet of cardboard that Costco leaves you with.
But if you want the best possible hardware for the lowest possible price, and you don't mind a little sweat equity, the natural gas grills at Costco are unbeatable. You're getting a $1,200 grill for $800. That’s the reality.
Actionable Steps for Your Costco Grill Purchase
- Measure your space: These grills are often wider than they look in the cavernous warehouse.
- Check your gas line: Look at the diameter of the pipe coming out of your house. Most Costco hoses are 10 feet; if your line is further away, you'll need a custom hose.
- Read the box: Look for the "Grade 304 Stainless" label. If it doesn't say it, it's likely a lower grade.
- Check the delivery fee: If buying online, compare the "delivered" price to the "in-warehouse" price. The difference can be over $150.
- Recruit a friend: Do not try to lift the firebox onto the cart alone. Your lower back will thank you.
- Leak test everything: Once it's hooked up, use a spray bottle with soapy water on the connections. If it bubbles, you've got a leak. Tighten it before you spark the igniter.
The convenience of never running out of fuel mid-cook is a game-changer. No more "gas station runs" at 6:00 PM on a Sunday while the chicken sits raw on the grates. Once you go natural gas, you never go back to propane. Just make sure you know exactly what’s in that giant box before you commit.