Remember they're not only sold under the Member's Mark name. They're Coleman as well. From my research on places like Reddit and so on, they have a bigger following than one might think. Beside, when the thing first was out early this spring they were $599 and they were flying out the door at my local Sam's club. So let's say Dave is willing to make me a plate and it runs me $150. I really don't care if that's the only thig between me and say another number of years of solid performance. I spent plenty for his grates on a grill that cost me $150 (my Wolf), and I will likely spend a lot more when he builds me new heat tents for it. But, $150 is not the "value" to me of that grill. Likewise if simple addition of a new/improved heat plate and likely better grates in the future keep my $200 "treasure" going great, again: Who's to say what my "value" is on it. Certainly a LOT more than the initial $$$. I place value based on my level of enjoyment and performance received not simply the initial $$$ outlay. And BTW the grates on this thing are VERY heavy, 8 or 9mm wire, welded and finished nicely, well spaced, and porcelain coated. So far cleanup has been as simple as grill is hot, wipe them down with wet cloth and they come out nicely cleaned. Have not needed a brush on them.
I've used that foil trick as well. I just got frustrated with the foil tearing
Different subject now:
I have a slab of back ribs on it right now (currently at 225) and wrapped in brown paper the last 60+ minutes total time on just about 3.5 hours now. I used a basic store bought (Famous Dave's) rub, started them 250, pulled them at about 2hrs 45 min, wrapped, reduced heat to 225 and at about 4 hrs will wrap them further with foil (no not letting it touch the food). Once at my dad's they'll sit in there until I put the steaks on his Genesis, and I will finish them with some sauce and serve with the steak, corn and baked potatoes that will all be done on his Genesis. Hopefully they'll be good!
