Monument is known for its affordable grills, which pack features often only found on models two times the price of more established brands like Weber and Napoleon.
The Monument Mesa earned the top spot in our guide to the top gas grills for under $500.
The Denali 605 is a step up in price and includes Monuments smart grill features with Bluetooth App control.
After testing this grill, here’s my in-depth review. You can also watch my video review below where I go through the assembly, features and performance on the Denali gas grill.
Assembly and Initial Setup
The Denali 605 comes in two well-packaged boxes. The assembly took about an hour with two people, though the plan was for around 90 minutes if the work was done solo. Once assembled, I decided to perform a “burn-off” by running the burners on high for 30 minutes to eliminate any manufacturing residues.
One of the first things I noticed is the LEDs on the burners are color corindated. Red is high, orange is medium and white is off. It’s a nice touch that lets you know where each burner’s set at a glance.
You can always see the temperature inside the grill displayed on the large LED screen built in to one of the side tables.
The smart controller includes two probe ports, and they actually send you two meat probes with the grill! You would be shocked how many companies only send one in the hopes you’ll spend the $15 on an extra probe.
Hook the controller up to your phone, and you’re all set to monitor temps without even lifting the lid. No more guesswork. You can set temperature alerts directly on the controller, and the USB charging port is a handy addition for keeping the controller powered up.
Impressive build quality
Monument have given the firebox a durable enamel coating, which makes cleanup a breeze and helps it resist grease and grime build-up.
The lid is made of stainless steel, adding both durability and a polished look. The grill also comes with a spacious stainless steel storage cabinet, providing ample room for both barbecue accessories and the propane tank.
While the grill is large, measuring 65 inches in length, it’s easy to maneuver thanks to its four rotating and locking casters.
You also get a viewing window built into the lid, allowing you to see the entire cook without opening the lid. If you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know I have mixed feelings about windows on grills. Let’s just say if you want to see much, you’ll need to keep them clean.
Performance and Cooking Space
With 66,000 BTUs across six main burners and an additional 12,000 BTUs on a side burner, the Denali reaches high temperatures quickly. When set to high, it reaches 750°F, and on low, it maintains around 480°F.
Cooking space is ample, with:
- 640 square inches on the main cast-iron grates
- 255 square inches on the multi-use warming rack, which works well for items like chicken legs and other small foods needing indirect heat
Cooking Test Results
During testing, the Denali handled a variety of food I threw at it with ease:
- Chicken Halves: Using the Bluetooth probes, we monitored internal temperatures closely, achieving consistent results.
- Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Brats: The grill’s high heat output made quick work of these cookout staples, with burgers done in less than 10 minutes.
- Multi-Use Warming Rack: This rack provided a unique cooking method for items like chicken legs, allowing for indirect cooking with a bit of char.
Configuration and Accessories
If you buy off the Monument website, you can get the Denali packaged with a range of accessories, including a natural gas conversion kit, grill cover and smoker box.
Monument also sell a Rotisserie kit and griddle accessory, which can expand the cooking capability of your new grill.
Maintenance and Cleanup
Like most gas grills, it’s best to turn up the heat after cooking to burn off residual grease. After cooling, clean the enamel firebox and empty the drip tray to keep your grill in peak condition.
Final Thoughts
The Monument Denali 605 is a top-notch gas grill, perfect for larger families or those who love entertaining. Its combination of cooking space, high BTU output, smart controller, and durable design make it an excellent investment.
Minor improvements could be made, such as replacing the plastic casters and enhancing the battery pack on the controller, but overall, this grill is a strong contender for anyone seeking a league, feature packed gas grill on a budget.
For those interested in smaller options, Monument offers a smaller 4-burner model that might better suit smaller spaces.
Considering a 4-burner smart gas grill from Weber, like the Genesis SPX-435, which at the time of writing costs $1799, the Denali is a fantastic value for under $1,000. If you’re interested in looking at other brands, you can see all our gas grill reviews here.
You’re not getting equivalent build quality as the Weber, but you still get a warranty of 1-8 years (depending on the part).
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