Santa Maria Grills Costco: What Buyers Overlook
- 01. Santa Maria Grills Costco: What Buyers Overlook
- 02. Key Specifications and Pricing Details
- 03. What Most Buyers Miss Before Purchasing
- 04. How to Verify Availability and Purchase
- 05. Why Costco's Partnership Matters for Santa Maria BBQ Outfitters
- 06. Final Buying Checklist Before You Head to Costco
Santa Maria Grills Costco: What Buyers Overlook
Santa Maria grills at Costco are sold by Santa Maria BBQ Outfitters as the 30" x 20" Wood Burning BBQ Grill (Costco item #40772), priced at $399-$449.99 depending on the warehouse and season. These open-fire, vertical-lift grills cook over oak wood or charcoal with a crank-adjustable grate for heat control, offering 513 square inches of cooking space and no lid. Availability is limited to select Costco warehouses in greater Los Angeles and Southern California-Costco does not ship them out of state.
Key Specifications and Pricing Details
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Costco Item Number | 40772 |
| Current Price Range | $399-$449.99 |
| Cooking Surface | 513 sq. in. (30" x 20") |
| Material | 10-gauge enamel-coated carbon steel or stainless steel |
| Weight | Approx. 75-85 lbs (grill only) |
| Wheels | Two 6" rubber-tire wheels |
| Accessories Included | Two 12" x 16" removable cutting board shelves, fire poker |
| Availability | ~40-60 Costco warehouses, primarily SoCal |
Buyers often overlook that shipping directly from the manufacturer costs an additional $360 outside California, making the Costco in-store price roughly $100 cheaper than direct ordering. The grill was first sold at Costco during the 2020-2021 holiday season in California, with expanded availability announced in March 2022 across nearly 60 stores.
What Most Buyers Miss Before Purchasing
- No lid or cover included: This is an open-pit grill with no dome, requiring separate purchase of a weatherproof cover for outdoor storage.
- Regional availability only: Costco won't ship outside the warehouse's state; buyers in other states must arrange third-party shipping after in-store purchase.
- Assembly required: Grills arrive boxed and require 30-45 minutes of assembly (legs, wheels, shelves).
- Oak wood preferred but not mandatory: Authentic Santa Maria-style barbecue uses red oak, but charcoal works as a substitute.
- Heat control is manual: The crank raises/lowers the grate 6-8 inches for temperature adjustment-no digital thermostats.
How to Verify Availability and Purchase
- Call your local Costco warehouse and ask for item #40772 (Santa Maria 30" x 20" Wood Burning BBQ).
- Check the Costco website's "Local Warehouse Inventory" feature using your ZIP code.
- Visit in-store during spring-summer grill season (April-August) when restocks are most common.
- Ask the store manager about future shipments if out of stock; some managers order 5+ units to avoid shipping fees.
- Verify the grill is made by Santa Maria BBQ Outfitters (Santa Maria, CA) to ensure authenticity.
Why Costco's Partnership Matters for Santa Maria BBQ Outfitters
Costco's distribution expanded Santa Maria-style barbecue from a regional Southern California tradition to a national trend, with the retailer selling grills made by Santa Maria BBQ Outfitters in nearly 60 stores. This partnership increased brand visibility by 300% since 2020, according to the manufacturer's Facebook announcements. The warehouse club's sampling program also introduced thousands of members to tri-tip cooking, the signature dish of Santa Maria-style BBQ.
"The vertical lift design is widely used in Spain, Italy and South America, but was popularized in the United States in Southern California and commonly referred to as Santa Maria after the namesake town northwest of Los Angeles."
- AmazingRibs.com product review, published February 18, 2013, updated April 30, 2025
Final Buying Checklist Before You Head to Costco
- Confirm item #40772 is in stock at your warehouse.
- Measure your patio/deck space (grill needs 36" x 24" minimum clearance).
- Buy a grill cover separately for outdoor storage.
- Stock red oak wood chunks or high-quality charcoal.
- Plan for 30-45 minutes of assembly time.
What are the most common questions about Santa Maria Grills Costco What Buyers Overlook?
Is the Santa Maria grill at Costco worth $400?
Yes, for buyers seeking authentic Santa Maria-style open-fire cooking. At $399-$449.99, it's $100 cheaper than direct manufacturer pricing and receives AmazingRibs.com's Gold Medal Award for value and performance. The 10-gauge steel construction supports decades of use if properly maintained.
Can Costco ship a Santa Maria grill out of state?
No. Costco only sells these grills in-select warehouse locations and does not offer out-of-state shipping. Buyers must purchase in-person or arrange their own freight shipping after buying at a California warehouse.
What is the SKU or item number for the Santa Maria grill at Costco?
The Costco item number is 40772 for the 30" x 20" Wood Burning BBQ Grill. This SKU is consistent across all 40+ warehouse locations where it's stocked.
Does the Santa Maria grill come with a cover?
No. The grill ships without a weatherproof cover. Buyers should purchase a separate 30"-36" grill cover ($30-$50) for outdoor protection against rain and dust.
What fuel does the Santa Maria Costco grill use?
It uses red oak wood for authentic Santa Maria-style barbecue, but charcoal works as an alternative. The open-fire design requires no propane or gas connections.
