I'm glad my fire helped you make a decision.
Not sure your fire helped...but if it makes you feel better, I can tell you that it was the determining factor
In all honesty, the MAK is a top performer... it’s actually one of the best “grills†I’ve ever cooked on, and I’ve had a few pretty nice grills. The heat is dead even across the grate when cooking at hot temps, and with the addition of the sear grates, I fully anticipate will give me the exact finished product that I am after. With the Flame Zone covers off, I clocked the cooking surface heat at 640° the other day...plenty hot for basic grilling. Hard core searing still goes to lump charcoal.
As a smoker, the MAK is the best I’ve ever had...no if’s and or buts