The Bottom Line
The Vidalia grill is unique amongst gas grills in that it is designed as a convection oven that allows you to not only grill directly of a high, intense heat (searing) but also to indirectly cook so that this unit can smoke, broil, bake, roast, and much more. This unit has a single 40,000 BTU stainless steel (304) burner. Air is drawn in under this burner when it then circulates through the direct grilling portion, across the indirect area, then down and out through the other side of the grill.
Pros
- Solid Construction
- Versatile cooking abilities
- Attractive polished aluminum construction
- High temperature searing ability
Cons
- Limited direct grilling space
Description
- One 40,000 BTU 304 Stainless Steel Burner
- 220 square inches of direct grilling space and 220 square inches of indirect grilling space
- 40,000 BTUs under 440 square inch cooking area
- Electronic igniter
- Stainless Steel and Aluminum construction
- Capable of using charcoal or hardwood for heat
- Stainless Steel drip tray for easy cleaning
- Unique cooking system allows for baking, broiling, and smoking
- Indirect cooking method allows you to cooking whole chickens of roasts without a rotisserie
Guide Review - Vidalia Grill Model 440
The Vidalia 440 is the smallest of the Vidalia line. This grill only gives you 220 square inches of direct grilling space, but has the same amount of area for indirect grilling. Because of the unique airflow this grill can produce high or low indirect cooking that allows you to roast a whole chicken or slow cook a pork roast (i.e. Boston Butt). This makes the Vidalia one of the only gas powered grills that can effectively smoke. The Vidalia can also use charcoal or hardwood as its heat source. Charcoal or hardwood is layered over the burner so you can use the gas burner to light your fuel. Air flow is forced in on the side of the grill by the burner (or burning coals), circulated through the indirect portion and out through the other side of the unit. The indirect area has a large drip pan that can be used for steaming, frying or making gumbo (they always make gumbo at the demonstrations).
The Vidalia is primary constructed of polished aluminum (not cast aluminum). This gives is a nice shiny appearance without the high cost of stainless steel. The working components are made from 304 stainless steel and are very durable. The 440 retails around $1,100 which is a good price for a unit with this appearance and cooking abilities. If you really want a versatile outdoor cooking unit you really should look at the Vidalia. This really is the only gas grill that can do real barbecue.
This grill is not produced for mass market merchants. If you want to buy this grill you should contact the manufacturer to find a dealer or ship the unit to you. If you have a chance to see one in action you really should take a look.
