I tested Monument's lineup and picked the models I kept returning to for value, portability, searing power, and capacity.
I spent time assembling and cooking on several Monument Grills models so I could recommend the right one for different needs. In this roundup I focus on what I actually used: how quickly each grill heats, how easy it was to assemble, how the grates cook, and which features mattered in real cooking sessions.
If you want a full-size grill for weekend entertaining, a sear-focused model for steaks, or a portable unit for camping, I explain which Monument model fit the bill and why.
I prioritized real-world cooking performance, build details like grates and burners, and practical extras such as Clearview lids or included covers when comparing these Monument models.
1. Monument Grills Mesa400MF 4-Burner LP Grill – Best Value Full-Size
I found this 4-burner Monument to be the best blend of size, useful features, and price for someone who wants a full-size grill without paying premium brand prices.
Why I picked it: Big cooking area, Clearview lid, included weather cover.
Best for: Families and weekend hosts who need space without overspending.
A budget-friendly full-size grill with premium touches.
Pros
- Large 570 sq. in. cooking surface
- Clearview tempered glass lid
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Included all-weather grill cover
Cons
- Assembly takes time if you’re alone
- Can get extremely hot under lid
My take
I assembled this unit quickly—I had it set up in under an hour thanks to most of the firebox arriving preassembled and clear instructions. Packaging felt very protective, which made unpacking straightforward.
Once running, the four 304 stainless steel burners produce plenty of heat and give me precise control with individual knobs. The enamel cast iron grates seared steaks and held heat well, and the tempered Clearview lid let me check progress without lifting and losing heat.
The included cover is a practical touch; I kept the grill outside during a rainy stretch and the cover did a good job of shedding water. Expect to spend some time on assembly if you do it solo, but the end result feels like a solid value.
2. Monument Tabletop Propane Grill – Best Portable Tabletop
I turned to this compact Monument when I needed a transportable grill with real cooking performance for decks and campsites.
Why I picked it: Compact but powerful, travel locks and high lid for thicker cuts.
Best for: Camping, tailgates, and small outdoor spaces.
A solid mid-range portable with premium features.
Pros
- Lightweight and travel-ready
- Built-in thermometer
- Stainless-steel grates and burners
Cons
- Grate sits close to flame
- Wind can move the cover
My take
I brought this tabletop unit on trips and used it on my deck; it’s about as portable as you can get while still delivering good searing performance. The travel locks and relatively light weight made it easy to carry.
The two burners heat quickly—I saw very usable searing temps in minutes—and the built-in thermometer helped me maintain steady cooking. Because the grate is close to the flames, I paid closer attention to avoid flare-ups or burning thin cuts.
Cleanup was easy: the full-size drip pan and removable grates come out for a quick wash, and I appreciated how durable the stainless components felt compared with cheaper portables.
3. Monument Mesa415BZ 4+1-Burner Grill – Best for Searing
I picked this when I wanted a Monument model with a focused sear zone and strong heat output for steaks and quick searing.
Why I picked it: Dedicated sear zone, fast heat-up, and large cook area.
Best for: Home chefs who prioritize steak searing and high-heat grilling.
A mid-to-upper range option for performance-minded grillers.
Pros
- Sear zone reaches very high temps quickly
- Spacious 630 sq. in. cooking area
- Distinct knob lights for status
Cons
- Knob lights can be fiddly
- More complex controls to learn
My take
The sear zone on this Monument is noticeably efficient; the U-shaped fire holes and dense flame tamer layout let me get a very hot surface in about ten minutes, which produced excellent crusts on steaks.
Assembly was straightforward thanks to accurate parts and good packaging. The Clearview lid and upgraded gauge made monitoring simple without losing heat.
I liked the 4-burner plus side burner layout for flexible heat zones. The knob lights and electronics are handy at night, though they add a small learning curve to turning the unit on and off.
4. Monument 4+2 Burner Cabinet Grill – Best for Large Gatherings
When I needed maximum capacity and a side sear for heavy entertaining, this Monument answered with room and power to spare.
Why I picked it: Huge cooking area and infrared sear burner for fast, high-heat searing.
Best for: Large parties and cooks who need continuous space.
A larger, feature-rich option for frequent hosts.
Pros
- Massive 700 sq. in. cooking surface
- Powerful 72,000 BTU output
- Infrared side sear burner included
Cons
- Easy to overheat on lower settings
- Clearview glass needs regular cleaning
My take
This cabinet-style grill handled large batches without crowding; the primary surface plus the warming rack made cooking for groups painless. I could fit multiple racks and a turkey with room left over.
The side sear burner is my go-to for reverse searing and quick char finishes—results were consistent and restaurant-level when I timed runs correctly.
One thing I learned: these large units hold heat exceptionally well, so I exercise caution at low settings to avoid unintended overheating. Overall, it performs like a far more expensive grill in my experience.
5. Monument 4+2 Burner Grill with Cabinet – Best Storage & Features
I chose this model for its feature set—knob lights, electronic ignition, and a roomy cabinet that makes accessory storage practical.
Why I picked it: Large cooking area plus useful cabinet storage and electronic ignition.
Best for: People who want built-in conveniences and storage for their grill setup.
Feature-packed mid-range grill with cabinet storage.
Pros
- 723 sq. in. total cooking space
- Electronic ignition for easy starts
- Large storage cabinet for accessories
Cons
- Casters feel less sturdy
- Side sear can leave strong flavors
My take
I used this grill several times and appreciated how the electronic ignition and knob lights simplified night cooking. The large primary surface made it easy to cook multiple items at once.
The storage cabinet keeps my tank and tools out of sight, which I find convenient for a neater backyard setup. Assembly took a couple of hours but fit and finish felt very good when complete.
I did notice the side sear gives an intense hit of heat; it’s fantastic for searing but I dialed it carefully when I wanted subtler results.
6. Monument Convertible 4-Burner Grill – Best Dual-Fuel Convertible
I recommend this model when you want the flexibility of running either propane or natural gas and the performance of a large cooking surface.
Why I picked it: Dual-fuel capability and quick heat-up on propane.
Best for: Homes with natural gas hookup or those who may switch fuels later.
A versatile choice for those wanting dual-fuel flexibility.
Pros
- Dual-fuel compatible with conversion kit
- 700 sq. in. cooking area
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
Cons
- Natural gas conversion parts sold separately
- Gas hookup work may be needed
My take
I found the assembly logical and appreciated the precise fit of parts; everything lined up and came together without forcing pieces.
On propane this grill gets very hot—I reached high searing temperatures quickly and used it to blister and sear with confidence. If you plan to use natural gas, be aware the conversion kit is a separate purchase and the heat profile can depend on your supply pressure.
The Clearview lid and robust grates deliver even cooking and easy monitoring. Overall it’s the most flexible Monument if you anticipate switching fuel sources.
7. Monument 2-Burner Tabletop Clearview Grill – Best Compact Portable
I kept a small 2-burner Monument on hand for quick sessions where full-sized grills are overkill—great for two to four people.
Why I picked it: Compact, clearview lid, full-size drip pan for easy cleanup.
Best for: Couples, RVers, and small-space grilling.
A compact, affordable option for light-duty grilling.
Pros
- Clearview tempered glass lid
- Full-size removable drip pan
- Quick and easy ignition
Cons
- Some cold spots without long preheat
- Heavier than some competitors
My take
This two-burner unit surprised me with its cooking chops; it heats fast and the built-in thermometer helps keep things steady. I used it for steaks and fish with good results.
I liked the full-size drip pan and dishwasher-friendly grates for cleanup. On shorter preheats I did encounter a couple of cold zones, so I now give it a bit longer to even out before searing.
For trips and RV use it’s practical—the tabletop footprint fits in a trunk and the solid build gives me confidence that it will hold up to regular transport.
How I Choose a Monument Grill
Key features I look for
When I evaluate a grill I focus first on cooking area, burner quality, and grate material. Those dictate what you can cook and how well it will sear or maintain low-and-slow temps.
Extras like a Clearview lid, included cover, or knob lights are small conveniences that change how I use the grill day to day.
- Cooking area: Choose enough primary surface for your usual group size.
- Burners/BTU: More BTUs mean faster heat-up and better searing potential.
- Grates: Porcelain-enameled cast iron for heat retention; stainless for low maintenance.
- Sear/side burners: Great if you want restaurant-style crusts or multi-zone cooking.
- Dual-fuel option: Valuable if you may convert to natural gas later.
Assembly and durability notes
I always set aside a couple of hours for assembly even when many parts are preinstalled. Clear packaging and pre-threaded fasteners shorten that time significantly.
Look for solid packaging and protective inserts—those usually correlate with fewer missing or damaged parts on arrival.
- Expect 1–4 hours for assembly depending on model size.
- Most Monument units ship with many panels preassembled.
- Inspect the included hardware and keep the manual handy for side-burner hookups.
Portability vs. capacity
I choose a tabletop Monument when I need transportability and a cabinet model when hosting larger groups. Decide if you need a lightweight grill for travel or a heavy-duty unit for backyard entertaining.
- Tabletop grills are easier to move but may have closer grate-to-flame distance.
- Cabinet grills give storage and larger cooking areas but are stationary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert a Monument propane grill to natural gas?
Yes—I converted one of the models and used the manufacturer’s conversion route. Monument offers a conversion kit (model 97352) that I would purchase separately when planning to run natural gas; follow the included instructions and check your supply pressure.
How long does assembly usually take?
From my builds, smaller tabletop units take 30–90 minutes, while full cabinet grills can take 1.5–4 hours depending on how many helpers I have and whether the side burners require extra routing.
Are the cooking grates easy to clean?
Yes—models with porcelain-enameled cast iron retain heat and clean up well after a hot burn-off, while stainless-steel grates are more resistant to rust and handle dishwasher-safe removal on smaller units.
Final Take
After cooking across Monument’s range, I kept returning to the features that mattered most for my needs: grate material, sear capability, and usable cooking area.
If you want a balanced full-size grill, the Mesa400MF hits that sweet spot. For searing-focused cooks I prefer the Mesa415BZ, and for portability the tabletop Monument units proved reliable and unexpectedly capable.
Pick the model that matches how you cook most often, and you’ll get the best value from these Monument Grills.
