OK, apologies in advance for asking for grill recs on a barbecue
group, but if it matters, I used to contribute a lot on smoking, so
here goes....

Mom offered to buy me a Kamado, BGE or equivalent for my
birthday...The thing is, I just don't do enough smoking anymore and
the Kamado ends up being awkward to use on a daily basis (as a gas
grill) and features a tiny cooking surface. I need something my wife
can use to cook hot dogs when I'm out of town and the last time she
tried her hand on a gas Kamado she (literally) singed most of her
(admittedly light) arm hair off simply by the vacumn-like draft
created when she lifted the lid! Those things get hot! Hence, I'm
looking at mid-priced gas grills.

On the advice of some in this group I went to Home Depot to look at
the Genesis Silver C, replete with the "HD exclusive," cast iron
coated grates. I liked what I saw, but found myself peeking at the
Vermont Castings line offered by HD. Much heavier, more solid feeling,
seems better built. I was most interested in the model jsut below the
Medallion. I believe it had 4 burners, etc. In any case, after
checking this group again, it is apparent these models are budget
re-designs offered for big box format at HD and elsewhere, and many
reported some problems with ignition and heat generation. Likewise,
some are troubled by "thin, stainless steel burners."

So my questions are (a) Has anyone had any recent experience with the
Home Depot Vermont Castings models, ideally the model below the
Medallion? How does it work? How high can you take it on propane?

(b) Alternately, are there any other recommended grills in the
$500-$600 range?

I'm always open to suggestions....Thanks so much in advance,

Jarrett