1. What's an "Aussie-style" gas grill?

Although the cave man probably invented outdoor barbeque cooking, the Australians may have perfected it. Aussie's love cooking their "tucker" (food) outback-style and do it all year round. "Throw a snag" (meat) or "toss another shrimp on the barbie" is just like saying "hello." Aussie's love of good fun and good food shared with their mates is legendary; so is their reputation for toughness, efficiency, and practicality. For the past 35 years, Australians have loved this legendary BBQ grill that so compliments the Aussie "laid-back" lifestyle.

2. Who in the world is Sunshine?

An international company headquartered in Australia, Sunshine General Industries has been making Sunshine BBQ grills since 1963! Sunshine is the name for BBQ grills "down under" and is sold throughout the Far East as well as Europe. With factories in both western Australia and Malaysia, Sunshine builds durable quality products with a world-class economic trade advantage.

3. Are they new in the USA?

After successful expansion into the UK and Europe, larger factories have been built to keep up with the demand in both hemispheres. Sunshine, now capable of producing 100,000 grills a year, made the decision to enter the United States and Canadian markets through carefully selected distribution channels.

4. What's so special about Sunshine Legend grills?

The Legend is the only authentic BBQ to feature both a griddle and a grill area, in durable, long-lasting cast-iron. Sunshine's cooking versatility (griddle, grill, stir-fry, roasting, baking, smoking) is unique to all other premium grills being sold in the US. You can even add another griddle and grill plate as an optional accessory to literally double your preferred cooking surface.

5. Where are the lava-rock briquets?

Like most US gas grills, Sunshine did, at one time, use permanent lava-rocks to catch the drippings. (They tended to also catch fire.) To avoid this problem, Sunshine developed the Flame-Tamer. This unique perforated plate catches the meat juices just under the grill, instantly vaporizes the drippings, and sends char-grilled flavor back through the fish or meat. The advantage is that this hotter system practically eliminates annoying "flare-ups" (those unwanted flames that unevenly char the outside edges). With the Flame-Tamer there are no messy rocks to flip over, it's easier to clean, and it doesn't draw insects.

6. How big is the Legend?

600 square inches of primary cooking area. The grill side alone can handle a dozen or more steaks, burgers, and chicken at one time and with the griddle side for frying and wok cooking, it's BIG - five feet wide counting the side shelves (nearly double the size of a standard gas grill).

7. Why do I need four burners?

For maximum temperature control. Since Sunshine is hotter and cooks quicker (the food is just two inches away from the 45,000 BTUs) you need to slow-cook some foods, while maxing out on other burners. That's very helpful when you bake or roast with convection heat (with optional hood). Since most US grills have the heat source six or more inches away from the food, cooking just takes longer and consumes more gas.

8. What's so special about the "trolley?"

That's the Aussie word for "cart." It is an attractive piece of outdoor furniture, made of Malaysian hardwood similar to Teak for ground-contact (like salt-treated), and is moisture and rot-resistant. It also contains a natural enzyme that makes it insect-repellent as well.

9. Can it be built-in?

Yes, either now or later. Some grill-lovers drop in the Legend grill-head on their deck or patio as a permanent counter top installation. The Legend may be hooked to a natural gas line, but it is also possible to have LP built-in with an accessible propane tank. Many people install masonry around their grill (as pictured on the Built-Ins page).

10. Why cast-iron?

Remember Grandma's old cast-iron skillet? The frying pan she had was used practically forever? Same thing. All cast-iron cooking surfaces and burners are extremely durable and therefore warranted for five years. The quarter-inch thick griddle plate has "ribs" for efficient heat transfer and the grill plate retains heat better. When properly "seasoned" both are easier to clean (just wipe with a paper towel). Remember when you trashed your last grill because the metal burners simply fell apart or grill rusted out? Never again!

11. How do I season the cast-iron grill surface?

It's as simple as seasoning an old cast-iron skillet. Simply coat your grill surface with cooking oil or solid shortening and leave the grill on "medium" for 20 minutes. Let it cool. Repeat the process (the "grill plate" may need one additional application). The burners will change color from the heat, but that's normal. Clean up is easy. Just mop up the grease with a paper towel and cover the grill with the weathershield cover until the next usage. The preheat for your next cookout will act as the self cleaner. For Winter storage, it is always wise to leave your grill with an oil coating on the cooking surfaces (never use soap and water, you'll have to re-season the grill if you do).

12. How much do they cost?

Sunshine Gas Grills are priced competitively with other premium gas grills yet provide greater added value. Compare a Sunshine with the best Weber (also a good quality nationally advertised grill) and you'll go home with a Sunshine (more versatile, more durable, and for less money!).

13. Can I convert a LP propane grill to a natural gas version?

Sunshine Gas Grills are available in two different versions. The "LP" version comes with the required hose and regulator and properly sized orifices (the little gas jets) for LP gas. The "natural gas" version does not include a hose and regulator (they aren't required) and includes orifices sized for natural gas. If you already have a LP version and want to convert it for use with natural gas (or vice-versa), replacement natural gas orifices are available from your dealer at a cost of $19.95 for a set of four, includes shipping and handling. Note that the natural gas version will require the services of a plumber or gas company technician to run your natural gas line to the grill. This installed gas line would connect directly and permanently to your Sunshine grill.

14. Can I get replacement parts for my Sunshine BBQ grill?

Yes, please call our North American headquarters at (866) 319-6866. In either case, your dealer would provide the replacement parts for you (or order them for you if they didn't have them in stock).

15. How safe is a Sunshine BBQ grill?

Before any Sunshine grill leaves the factory, each one is pretested for proper operation. They are approved by the AGA (American Gas Association), the CGA (Canadian Gas Association), and meet all international safety standards. Further, the double-lined construction keeps the side exterior safe to the touch by "little hands." The optional hood has a shielded handle and the covered gas trap insures ignition at first touch.