Tuscany Series Barbecue by Altima at Costco (Model # CS812LP
75Tuscany Series Barbecue at Costco
The Tuscany Series BBQ by Altima at Costco sells for $399. Which is a good value for the money.
The pros of this bbq are all the features you get for the money
- All Stainless steel parts on this grill are constructed of 304 stainless
- Large 812 square inches of grill space
- 3 individually controlled stainless steel burners at 13,000 BTUs each
- 1 infrared burner for searing meats (25% of grill space)
- 13,000 BTU rear infrared rotisserie burner
- 10,000 BTU side infrared burner
- Porcelain coated steel warming grate
- Ideal rolling grates. removable grates roll to help prevent sticking during clean up and supposedly make clean up easier
- Lined bbq cover
- Minimal assembly - takes about 1 hour to put together with two people
- LP gas model, Natural gas conversion kit available at Coscto.com
Costco Tuscany Barbecue by Altima at Costco Pictures
Things I like about the grill
Compared to other BBQs Costco has carried, the Tuscany is vented in the back but still allows for the grill to get well over 500 degrees. The tempature gauge goes to 900 degrees and maybe that's possible with all burners on high, but really no need to go that high even if you want to flash sear.
The storage space underneath is large enough to hold the rotisserie when you are not using it.
Negatives about the Tuscany Series
The cover has a large logo that I don't particularly like. Also, not sure how much I'll use the infrared burner in the grill. It takes quite a bit of the grill space up. Lastly, the trade off of the protective coat on the grill is that it stays looking clean, but if it's scratched, it will rust.
Tuscany Series By Altima Costco Replacement Parts and warranty
Tuscany Series Grills by Altima have a 2 year warranty on the stainless steel panels and a 1 year warranty on all remaining parts. This is a little short for burners and igniters. Replacement parts may be ordered by calling 1-800-229-5647
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
So this is the new grill huh? That baby is going to see a lot of pork tenderloin. Maybe I'll help you break it in this weekend.
Looks good to me. I might check this one out. Great hub/review
Now that I've had this barbeque a bit longer. One problem with it is the starter. It seems to ignite inconsistently.
Thanks Paul. Yes it is BBQ time now, so it is great to find and have the best.
First Eagle, Thor Einar
So, I was a bit frustrated with starting this barbeque. It just wouldn't light. So as a last effort, I changed the battery. And. Bam. It works great. Not sure why the new battery drained so quickly, but all is wonderful in bbq land now.
I just tried the searing burner. It works well, but if you put it on high, it will char a steak very quickly. I recommend heating gas grill up and then putting the burner on a medium heat before placing your meat on it. Then it will cook quickly in a few minutes.
Reading about this grill makes me hungry for some barbeque! Thank for the review.
Don't buy this grill it is a waste of money. I have it for a year now and I can basically throw it away. 2 main problems. First if you have wind blowing in the back of the grill the front becomes extremely hot and the knobs melt. Second after a year of not really extensive use the burners are gone.
I have my BBQ up against my house, so the wind doesn't affect the heating, but mine has a slatted grate in the back that looks like it would protect against the wind more than bbqs with a gap in the back to vent.
Thanks for the informative review. I've been shopping for a grill and checked this model out at Costco today. I'm unsure what all these infrared features do.
My knobs melted too when the grill was subjected to wind on the back side. It apparently pushes the heat to the front. Its a design problem. I contacted the company and asked them for a replacement and was specific to request metal knobs instead of the plastic ones. They are replacing them free of charge.
@Jim - I'm glad to hear they are replacing them free of charge.
Thank you for the information. I've recently purchased this and have only one "issue" so far... While the removable rods are a nice feature, I've found that after just one use, some have become permanently discolored.
We bought this grill this summer. It worked great the first time. Since then we can not get the grill to heat up to a tempreture any higher than 250 degrees. We have changed the tank, checked the burners, nothing has helped. We stopped using it because it takes 1/2 hour to cook a chicken breast. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
I haven't heard of this problem before. I'd return it to Costco and get a new one.
Try turning on your tank gas valve very slowly. I had the same problem and that solved it.
This is the worst barbecue ever, not speaking of the terrible customer service, rusted in a few months, burner also rusted. This is my first barbecue in 26 years that did not last 2 years, and I take care of my things. Terrible brand, would never buy or suggest to somebody to get it.
Well, I won the bbq in a raffle so I can't complain. Although I hope it works properly since we bbq almost eveyweekend and this is my very first one.
HAS ANYONE CONVERTED TO NATURAL GAS , DOES IT OPERATE AS WELL? HAS ANYONE SEEN A CONVERSION KIT LESS THAN THE 100.00$ COSTCO ONLINE IS ASKING FOR THE TUSCANNY KIT
The cover rep up in the fist day, very chep material. It's not easy to convert it to Natural Gas . I just pay over 50.00 for univerasal convertion kit, there is no SKU nummber so, it 's hard to mach conversion kit.
Costco tells me they will not be selling it any more. Does anyone know when I can buy one?
Usually Costco improves the quality of their bbqs. I'd wait and see what they replace it with.
About the problem with the low temp and not heating up. I discovered that if you have a burner valve open when you open the main valve on the gas tank, the pressure is reduced dramatically. You must have all knobs in the completely closed position before opening the main gas valve on the tank. Also try closing the main gas valve on the tank, opening a burning knob and releasing any pressure, close all burner knobs and then open the main gas slowly. This goes for any gas apparatus with a regulator.
This grill has been nothing but problems for me. Every problem mentioned above I have had. Nothing worse than planning a cookout party and your grill not working. The front manifold/buttons really do melt. Now I have problems with the infrared burners periodically going out. I am returning it to Costco and buying a Weber. It's not as fancy, but it's DEPENDABLE!
HI,
Have just purchased CS812LP from Costco and have lost the instruction manual, does anyone know where i can get a replacement ? ( the official website doesn't include this model)
I need a new cover. It`s completly distroyed ... Does anyone knows where to buy a new one ?
I bought the grill last June and used it quite a bit over the summer. For the most part I like it, but the side burner has ben very difficult to get lit and the igniter quit working a couple of months ago and I haven't gotten around to replacing and given the problems I'm having w/ the side burner I may just return the whole thing.
The other comment I have is the grill surface, unlike most BBQ's that have a single grate you can remove to clean and clean out the bottom of your BBQ this one has a couple dozen bars that can't be removed w/o removing a bar in the back that releases all of them. I love / hate this feature. While it does make nice to remove them for soaking and cleaning they tend to rotate when you are trying to scrape bits off of them.
I'd rate this grill average for performance, but it sure looks good.
We have the SGR30MLP grill and are about to do our first rotisserie turkey breast using the infrared heat. Any suggestions?
@Jenna, When BBQing a turkey or chicken with the rotisserie, I've have flare up issues with the fat drippings. I suggest trying a lower heat and having a water bottle to shoot down major flames.
I've found the grill works best for very lean meats.
This grill is the worst I've ever owned. 2 days after the 1 year warranty expired one of the burners stopped working. Within 2 weeks nothing worked as the burner was completely rusted out. I paid $90 for a new burner but it still won't get over 250 degrees and it blows out if there is any wind. It's up against the house and I keep the cover on it so the outside looks like new and the inside is junk. The back vent has badly stained the house which is a foot behind it as that's where all the flames and smoke go back when I used to get it hot enough to flame and smoke.
My last stainless steel Costco bbq lasted 6 years this hunk is 14 months old and headed to the dump. I don't really care if the igniter goes out or the cover tears because they all do eventually but I expect the guts to be of better quality coming from Costco.
I have the same problem that Jeff describes...burner iginiter tube rusted through after 2 years, so the BBQ doesn't light any longer; replacement cost at least $65. And the burner tube mounting plate is also rusted, not sure if this part can be replaced. Not sure if I will be able to reattach the new burner tubes.
@pat. If it's two years old, I think it's unacceptable to be ruined. I'd load it up and return it to costco.
The nice thing about buying from Costco is their ease of returns! If you are really having these problems, i'd suggest returning the grill and getting a replacement or store credit for a different grill. If there is one thing I have found is that Costco stands behind their products.
Paul I was drawn to your BBQ article because I just wrote one on the lack of common sense in using them INSIDE their garages! LOL
This is my barbeque grill and have a naive question. Do I see flames when I light up the grill ? I hear the gas noise, but the heat is very light in spite of keeping the burners in high. Not sure if I should see real flames and that is the indication.
You should definately feel the heat. Also, if the grill is on and not lit, you will most likely smell gas. Be very careful with this, it can be dangerous if you close the grill and one side is on, but the other is off.
Terrible barbeque! Ours will be two years old this Fathers Day. I recently noticed that the barbeque has turned the exterior wall it is backed up on completely gray-not attractive when the house is painted white. The innards are completely falling apart. The part that starts the barbeque is completely busted-the wires have burned away. We have quite a production trying to start it. We will be rolling this puppy back into Costco!
Susanne, that's the best thing about a costco barbeque. If you aren't happy with it, take it back.
We have been trying for 6 weeks to get a natural gas conversion kit. First of all they charge $95.00. It took 3 weeks to get the kit and after spending over an hour changing out the parts we discovered that two crucial parts were missing. They promised overnight delivery but it took 2 weeks to get a partial shipment. I am now on hold (over 1/2 hour) with customer service trying to get the missing part. If I can't get it this week I will return it to Costco.
I was dissappointed with the natural conversion kit because natural gas doesn't burn as hot as propane and these BBQs don't seem to be as hot. With the natural gas barbeque it will be difficult to sear meats.
Hi, is this the same model that is currently at Costco now? Does anyone know? I did not see a rear burner on it. We really like to use the rotisserie for prime rib, etc., but the one on display at Costco didn't show a rear burner, only the searing burner. Thanks!
I have been using this grill for the past 14 months probably on the average of 3 times a week and have never had one problem with it. By far the best grill I have ever had compared to the Webers, Colemans and Brinkmanns which were all problematic. I guess I got lucky and got a good one
I have had my grill for two years and have never had a problem with it. In fact, the only complaint I have is it gets super hot.
Thanks so much for your comments. We were thinking of buying this grill but now will be looking elsewhere. Thanks again
I had this grill for less than two years and the burners have rusted apart and no longer work. This was the worst grill I ever purchased. The replacement burners cost around $100.00 and I cant see spending the money to repair it when the whole thing is falling apart. If anyone needs parts they can have my grill.
There is a newer model CS892LP item 321114 currently in Costco now for 499.99 with 100.00 instant rebate. This model comes with 443 stainless and is powder coated, also 812 total sq. 3 @13,000 btu burners, 13,000 btu infrared searing burner, cast iron cooking grates, NO Rotisserie burner on this model and a serving cart that extends to full height that is stored under grill. with doing my share of shopping around for a reasonably priced grill this one seemed to be the best bet for the money especially with the Costco return policy. It has been in my garage for several days, but now after reading the reviews I am wondering is it worth the hour or so of putting it together and going through all the hassles everyone has been discussing or just loading it right back up and returning it. Anyone have any comments on this newer grill or just feedback thanks
@Billy, it would be great if you used the newer model and let us know how it performs for you.
Yeah Paul I guess I might just have to do that, I was just hoping not to have to be the one to take one for the team. It is still sittting in garage just waiting to be put together.
I am in the same situation as Billy. I just bought the new model that is mentioned above and am a little concerned as well, BUT since since Costco is only a couple miles away if I don't like it as much as the Built In Straubelstone Island that I got at Lowes for the same price 8 years ago, then back it goes to Costco.... I will spend the hour putting it together and give it a try and let you know if it stays or goes.
I just purchased this grill today (model CS892LP). I will put it together tomorrow and test it out. I plan on buying the natural gas conversion kit but according to Costco.com it will take 10-15 days from date of order before they deliver it. Also the natural gas conversion kit on costco.com is confusing because it says it's for one with "bc" in the serial number. My grill has "ac" on the serial number, however it clearly states on the box that there is a natural gas conversion kit for it on Costco.com. I just hope this thing legit. Can you really return stuff at Costco after 2 years?? Anyway, will keep you guys posted on my findings.
i just purchased the newer version yesterday for the 4th of July. I plan on having a few friends and family over and I needed a new BBq pit, so this is why i got this one. I am planning to BBq a wide variety of meats from chicken to ribs to steaks and even going as far a oysters. So I plan on giving this pit a real test, I will also give you guys a feed back next week to see how this pit performs.
I purchased from Costco in 2008, last one in a box on special $199, has worked well, as long as you turn on the propane tank knob slowly as not to engage the failsafe in the regulator decreasing propane flow to the grill, perhaps another government brainstorm to keep us all in diapers, and you are careful removing and reinstalling the kind of snug fitting but nice thick cover, otherwise you'll tear it, but mine came with a patch piece so I can fix any holes, hold it from the top like you are lowering all four sides at once to get it started, keep the cover on when not in use and it will be easier to clean and look like new, reducing moisture/humidity which is any grills enemy, soak the rods in your favorite homebrew (409, vinegar, dawn, sos pad) before scraping, 409 the metal exterior surfaces, and enjoy! I emailed sureheat.com today asking if they make a solid-grate to replace the rods with 7/3/09.
Well we returned ours to Costco last weekend without any problems and without the receipt. They asked when we had purchased it, looked it up in the computer and put $439 back on the Amex-no questions asked. For those of you thinking about trying the BBQ and then returning it, think about how you are going to get this dirty bbq back if you hate it-you certainly don't want to stick it in the back of an SUV, you need a truck or trailer.
The new Weber is going to put into use tonight-am looking forward to the new grill! It has stainless steel parts so it should last longer than the Tuscany and a higher number of BTUs so our cooking time should be faster.
is there a rotisserie kit available for this grill?
Paul tx from stsrting this. Like many of the late entries - i just bought the new model with the pull up trays for $399 today 7/3/09. after reading all the news here - i also just bought tonight the last infrared Charbroil grill from home depot for $449 in san diego. since Gary is trying the costco tuscany, i will try the new Charbroil grill with the new infrared technology and we can share stories. i would hate to build this tuscany and then figure out how to take it back in pieces if i dont like it. the cooking area is small if your not using the infrared sear burner - by the way can you lower the sear burner teamp to ues as a larger cooking area for the grill and wonder if the ceramic sear burner gets all greasy with all the meat drippings as it sears - then how do you clean that? I aslo tried to find the natural gas converter on costco.com and doesnt seem to have it? Anyone have the sku number? I know Weber will NOT SELL converters any longer as I tried to convert mine to propane. WEBER will also not sell coverter kits for any of thier new grills. Just an FYI.
I just bought this grill, looking forward to trying it out... a couple of my friends have the same one but older models .. one has had for 3 years the other one 5 years. They are some of the nicest grills I have ever used. hopefully it will be as nice. Costco has the best return policy in the business. If you buy from home depot or lowes or sears and you have the same problems you are stuck with what you bought. Costco will give a full return no matter how long it has been.
I just purchased the newer model. Assembly was a hassle (missing nuts and cheap steel screws that stripped when trying to remove). Also the coated panels are not a uniform color. None the less I will give it a try. I am interested in seeing how well the infrared burner works. The grates are cast iron rather than stainless steel. What are the pros & cons of cast iron (rust?). Should they be conditioned with oil the way a cast iron skillet is pre-conditioned?
I am looking forward to getting this grill together and seeing how well it works. I have ordered the Gas Conversion Kit, and I will try it for a bit. It seems from the comments concerning the newer model that some improvements have been made.I hope that it last longer than a couple of years.
BOUGHT JULY 3RD AND USED IT SEVERAL TIMES . LOVE HOW IT COOKS.HOPE I DONT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS LIKE IVE READ.I WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT GOES.
got everything put together, that was definately a pain. but now that everything is done I couldn't be happier with the performance of it. it gets up to 6 or 700 degrees in about 5 minutes. Seared some tuna steaks to perfection.
The box is collecting dust now :( still have yet to open and assemble, I have had no need or time to use it thus far, August looks promising though. The price is back up to 499.00. So at that price point don't know how it stacks up against the other comparable BBQs out there.
Touching back on what Mike said (6 days ago) What are the Pros and Cons to having cast iron grates ? I have heard that the cast iron needs to be preconditioned (seasoned) before initial use, that was news to me. So is there any truth to this ? If so Does anyone have any idea of how this preconditioning is done. I am a newbie to this whole grilling thing so if there is anyone out there that can pass on some knowledge it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !
Just wanted to let you guys know that the new Weber Grill is far superior. Is was about $800, however the food cooks quicker, more evenly and everything is much moister. I hope you all have better luck with the Costco grill than we did. If not, I highly recommend the Weber.
Billy,
We're looking to buy the new model 321114 but we can't find any information on the web about the instant rebate you mentioned. Did you get a Costco instant rebate or a manufacturer's rebate?
Thanks!
We are in the same boat as a lot of others on here. I was finally frustrated enough to contact Costco and they said that they would accept a return. After 2 summers of fighting with it - knobs melting off and no heat = I am taking it back and getting a better barbeque that will work with a bit of wind. Disappointing to say the least.
Patty
yes Patty that was a rebate that was good at Costco only as far as I know.
The knobs melted off of our grille. My wife called Altima's customer service number and was told they'd sell us new knobs for six bucks per knob and they would be the original plastic knobs. I'm so totally disatisfied with this grille right now I'd tell anybody to stay away from buying one. I'm not even sure that it is safe to have the valves getting so hot that the knobs melt off.
We looked at the newest model at Costco today with the serving cart. Wasn't pleased at the looks at the front of bbq not being stainless and am glad to know now that if the front scratches, it will rust! Seemed a bit unstable when lifting the large lid, compared to the Brinkman we have now. Looks like, after reading all of the above, that Weber will be Googled for dependability. But, Costco does, indeed, have the best return policy.
Just got this model sku 321114. Does any oine know how to get the new metal nobs? Are they safe to use?
GAS REGULATOR WENT BAD IN LESS THAN 2-YEARS
HOME DEPOT REPLACEMENT WORKED AT $60 LESS IN PRICE THAN MANUFACTURES REPLACEMENT
I bought the grill from Costco a couple weeks ago, did my first cook out on the grill last weekend. It seemed to grill great. The only thing is that I can't get the infrared side burner to light (keep the others closed as I only need the side burner to cook this time), I believe I installed it correctly, have not call their help line yet, does any one know whether this is their known problem, and how to get side burner to work?
I made a few scratch on the side panel when I put it together, will keep an eye on see if it rusts as some of reviews mentioned.
Thanks.
FYI. All stainless steel 304 will rust after couple raining reasons.
Same shoddy burner problem here. Had the grill for about 2 years and the rear burner tube simply broke off and fell to the bottom of the grill. It's irritating to see Costco carrying such a poor product.
jacobworld says:
2 years ago
nice one mate