Two Members Mark Grills - M3206 and M5205

by Eric
(Hartland, WI)

I am seriously disappointed with my Members Mark grills. The M3206 is used at the cottage the the larger, M5205 (both propane) is used at home. Both sit on wood decks. They are routinely cleaned and covered when not in use.

I live in Wisconsin and within 1.5 years have had to replace the first M3206 because the insides were rusting away And once again the non-stainless parts (and there are a lot of them) are rusting to the point of rendering the grill useless.

Example? The drip pan rusted so bad that when I went to pull it out the stainless front pulled right off. The heat shield fell completely off. The burner holders are rusting away. There is more but I think you get the idea. The first time Sam's replaced the grill. Since it's a couple of years out of warranty many of the afflicted parts are not available for replacement. I am having a local machine shop fashion new versions of the discontinued parts so I can again use the grill.

When I called Member's Mark to complain it almost sounded like I was being scolded. The operator asked what do I expect, living in Wisconsin? I told her I expect an expensive grill - which is covered when not in use - to last for many years. I will NEVER EVER buy a MM grill again. Regardless of how 'sexy' it looks on display.

The M5305 didn't rust as bad, but it's difficult to cook on. Both grills flare up easily - and in the case of the larger M5205 - dangerously. As such I can't leave the grill for more than 30 seconds or risk major flare ups / ruining good meals. If you buy either of these grills you better have a pretty large bottle of water at the ready. Or else you will be eating Pizza Hut.

Lesson learned. Never ever again. OK there is one good thing. The quality of the stainless is really pretty good. But that's it.