Dyna-Glo DGE 486SSP-D Series Stainless Steel Gas Grill Review
Dyna-Glo has a history stretching back nearly a century. Though they started out making high-quality fireplaces and glass fixtures. Along the way, they have evolved into one of the best value grill manufacturers on the market. They don’t tend to factor in their “Brand Name” into the cost, yet also make it a point to rival the quality material selection of grill manufacturers who do.
The Dyna-Glo DGE 486SSP-D Series gas grill represents this with a lot of thoughtful engineering and a lot of high-quality stainless steel construction. The stable cart base has two cabinet doors with ample space for accessories and tools, as well as a handy slide-out propane tank tray. One of the two side tables even has a flush-mounted accessory burner rated to produce up to 12,000 BTUs per hour of consistent heat.
The lid itself is made from double-walled stainless steel, which maximizes thermal efficiency. There’s also a thermometer built-in to let you know what’s going on inside without having to lift the lid. There’s also a large handle and hinges designed to make it easier to lift the large lid.
Inside the firebox, you will find a porcelain-coated lining, which helps prevent corrosion and makes for easier cleanup. There are four stainless steel propane burner elements with independent controls. Each is rated to produce 10,000 BTUs, and it linked to an electronic ignition system.
There is also a stainless steel heat tent over the top of each burner. This helps to redistribute the heat evenly across the primary grill grate, while also protecting the flame ports from potential clogs caused by errant drippings.
The primary grill grate and warming rack measure in at an impressive 646 square inches. It’s made from 7mm stainless steel rods, which helps absorb heat for a superior sear. The thickness of the grate rods also extends their lifespan in the long-term.
Construction & Ease of Assembly
There is so much stainless steel construction in the Dyna-Glo DGE 486SSP-D Series, that you might want to consider wearing sunglasses before looking at it. Inside and out this grill has the gleam of quality material selection.
You also see this reflected in the 7mm stainless steel rods, which helps absorb heat for a superior sear. The thickness of the grate rods also extends their lifespan in the long-term. With thinner stainless steel rods, the constant scraping of long-term cleaning can gradually start to wear them down. With the Dyna-Glo DGE 486SSP-D Series, the grates are designed to match the long lifespan of the grill.
The propane tank slide-out tray is also an interesting touch. It’s a little bit more convenient than simply reaching in and grabbing the tank to replace it. If nothing else it makes for a conversation starter for times when you might be hosting a crowd at the grill side.
If there’s a complaint with the engineering qualities of this grill it’s the casters. For starters, they are small, which can turn it into a real hassle to wheel this 96-pound grill across deck boards or a cobblestone patio. Of the four casters, only one has a locking feature. So, if you are going to park this grill on an uneven surface, it will try to turn on you at the most inconvenient times. The only alternative is to chock one of the wheels with something.
Assembling the Dyna-Glo DGE 486SSP-D Series is not a walk in the park. Though you wouldn’t expect it to be with a grill this large.
Also, keep in mind that Dyna-Glo does not offer a natural gas conversion kit for this grill. Though they do offer a very similar model with natural gas elements installed.
Grilling Performance
Overall versatility is one of the places where the Dyna-Glo DGE 486SSP-D Series also shines. The four independently controlled propane burners produce 10,000 BTUs of consistent heat. They also allow you to create two, if not three distinct heat zones. This is great for times when you might want to grill up chicken for your significant other over medium-low heat, before searing up a Steak for yourself over a high heat burner.
The flush-mounted accessory burner installed into one of the side tables is also a very nice touch. It spares you the annoying hassle of making a mad dash to the kitchen just to keep an eye on the side dishes.
Grilling Areas
The primary stainless steel grill grate and warming rack measure in at an impressive 646 square inches.
Special Features
The propane slide-out tray is interesting to the degree that it probably does qualify as a “Special Feature.”
The 12,000 BTU side burner also lets you stay grill-side for making your side dishes. The last thing you want is to burn your porterhouse steaks on the grill just because you were in the kitchen warming up a pot of baked beans!
Ease to Clean
The 7mm stainless steel grill grates are a little bit sticky but not as bad as you might think. Lightly greasing them before laying down a lean cut of meat like a pork tenderloin will reduce the scraping you need to do come cleanup time.
The interior of the firebox has a porcelain coating, which is nonstick and helps divert any spatter toward the grease tray.
The stainless steel heat tents are a little bit of a complaint. A lot of the competitor grills are turning to nonstick porcelain coated heat tents. The bare stainless steel of the Dyna-Glo DGE 486SSP-D Series is inevitably more prone to staining and potential long-term corrosion concerns.
Warranty
The Dyna-Glo DGE 486SSP-D Series only comes with a 1-year warranty, which is subpar compared to the nearest competitors. Still, if there is a manufacturer’s defect with a particular unit, you should notice it in the first year anyway.
Conclusion
The Dyna-Glo DGE 486SSP-D Series represents very good value for someone who needs a large stainless steel propane grill. The flush-mounted accessory burner lets you stay grill-side, and the primary grill grate can be set up for two different heat zones.
Still, at nearly 100 pounds, with four small casters, and only a single wheel lock, this is the sort of grill you want to put in place to leave it there. The warranty is also a little bit of a disappointment.
