Monument Grills Mesa II 415BZ Review: Best Budget Gas Grill of 2026?
The Monument Grills Mesa II 415BZ sits right in the middle of the most competitive category in backyard cooking — the budget 4-burner propane gas grill space.
This is where a lot of grills look good online. Stainless steel. Four burners. Big cooking area. The problem is, not all of them cook well once you fire them up.
I built it. I cooked on it. I ran steaks across the Broil Zone. I tested zone control and heat recovery. Here’s what actually matters.
The Monument Grills Mesa II 415BZ is a strong value 4-burner propane gas grill with real heat zoning, a functional side burner, and customizable pegboard storage. It’s built for everyday grilling and performs well in its price range.
Quick Breakdown
- 450 sq. in. primary cooking space (630 sq. in. total)
- 4 stainless burners pushing 37,000 BTUs
- Dedicated Broil Zone on the right side
- 12,000 BTU side burner
- Pegboard storage system with 2 movable hooks included
- No lid window
- No LED knob lights
This isn’t a luxury tank. It’s a practical gas grill built for everyday cooking — steaks, burgers, wings, and weeknight meals.
Assembly & First Impressions
Assembly took just over an hour. The parts were organized, the instructions were clear, and nothing felt overly complicated.
Once built, it feels solid for what it is. Not premium heavy steel — but not flimsy either.
Heat Performance & Broil Zone
The Mesa II runs four stainless burners producing a combined 37,000 BTUs. The two right-side burners function together as the dedicated Broil Zone, and that’s where the real separation shows up.
The right side runs noticeably hotter than the left, which gives you real two-zone cooking.
- Left side: steady, controlled heat.
- Right side: higher heat for finishing and searing.
If you’re cooking something like a Reverse Seared Steak, this layout makes it simple — bring it up gently on the cooler side, then slide it over and finish hard.
It’s not infrared. But it gets hot enough to build real crust and grill marks without fighting flare-ups.
Side Burner: Actually Functional
The 12,000 BTU side burner is more useful than people think.
It’s perfect for:
- Heating sauce while wings finish
- Running a cast iron pan for a butter baste
- Cooking sides while burgers are on
If you’re making Grilled Chicken Wings, that side burner is clutch for warming sauce or keeping butter hot without taking up grate space.
Pegboard Storage System & Movable Hooks
This is one of the smarter design touches on the Mesa II.
The side panels use a built-in pegboard-style system, and the grill comes with two movable hooks. You can place them wherever you want — tongs, spatulas, towel, thermometer — whatever you actually reach for while you’re cooking.
It keeps your tools close without cluttering the shelves. Simple feature, but it’s useful every single cook.
What It Does NOT Have
This model does not have a glass viewing window in the lid.
It does not have LED-lit control knobs.
Older Mesa versions had some cosmetic extras. This one is focused more on core cooking performance.
Adding Smoke Flavor (Realistically)
This is a gas grill — not a smoker.
But you can add a touch of smoke flavor using a smoker box over a burner. Think subtle wood flavor on wings, burgers, or chicken — not low-and-slow barbecue.
If you want a burger method that still finishes with a good sear (and gives you the option to add a little smoke if you want it), use my Smoked Hamburgers approach as your blueprint — the key idea is controlled cooking first, then finishing hot for crust.
Build Quality
This grill doesn’t have the heavy-gauge feel of higher-end Weber or Napoleon models.
But it doesn’t feel like a thin tin box either.
The stainless panels are solid for this price tier. The cast iron grates feel sturdy. The lid opens and closes smoothly.
For a budget 4-burner propane grill, the construction is appropriate and balanced.
Mesa II 415BZ vs Weber Spirit
| Feature | Mesa II 415BZ | Weber Spirit (4-Burner) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Cooking Area | 450 sq. in. | Similar (model dependent) |
| Main Burner Output | 37,000 BTU | Varies |
| Side Burner | Yes | Select models only |
| Storage System | Pegboard + 2 movable hooks | Standard shelves |
| Build Feel | Solid for the price | Heavier construction |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Weber wins on heavier steel and long-term reputation.
The Mesa II wins on features per dollar and practical performance at this price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong value in the 4-burner category
- Dedicated Broil Zone that actually gets hot
- Side burner included
- Pegboard system with 2 movable hooks
- Good usable cooking space
Cons
- Not premium heavy-gauge steel
- No lid window
- No LED knob lights
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hooks come with the Mesa II 415BZ?
The Mesa II 415BZ includes two movable hooks that attach to the built-in pegboard side panels. You can reposition them to hang tongs, spatulas, towels, or other grilling tools.
Is the Monument Grills Mesa II 415BZ good for steaks?
Yes. The dedicated Broil Zone runs hotter than the standard burners, making it well-suited for finishing and searing steaks, especially if you’re using a reverse sear method.
Does the Mesa II 415BZ have a lid window?
No. This version does not include a glass viewing window in the lid.
Does the Mesa II 415BZ have LED-lit control knobs?
No. The control knobs on this model are not illuminated.
How many people can the Mesa II 415BZ cook for?
With 450 square inches of primary cooking space, it comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people depending on what you’re cooking.
Is the Mesa II 415BZ a good budget gas grill?
Yes. In the budget 4-burner propane gas grill category, the Mesa II 415BZ offers strong heat performance, a functional side burner, and practical storage features at a competitive price point.
Final Verdict
The Monument Grills Mesa II 415BZ delivers exactly what it should for its category.
It heats quickly. It gives you real zone control. It includes a functional side burner. And it’s built for the kind of food most people actually cook on a gas grill — steaks, wings, burgers, and quick family meals.
It’s not a premium grill.
But it cooks well — and that’s what actually matters.
