As we shake off the winter chill and start dreaming about warmer days ahead, Louisiana Grills has caught my attention with their Founders Series lineup. With spring just around the corner, I’ve been taking a deep dive into what makes these grills worth considering for your 2025 outdoor cooking setup.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing setup or diving into pellet grilling for the first time, the Founders Series offers some compelling options. From the premium Legacy models to the value-packed Premier series, and their innovative gas griddle, there’s a lot to unpack here.
What’s particularly interesting about this lineup is how Louisiana Grills has managed to pack high-end features into each price point while backing everything with warranty coverage that shows real confidence in their products. As someone who’s spent years analyzing grilling equipment, I can tell you that’s not as common as you might think.
Let’s break down what each model brings to the table and help you figure out which one might be right for your backyard this grilling season.
Let me help clear up the differences across Louisiana Grills’ Founders Series lineup. After countless hours researching specs, comparing user experiences, and analyzing build quality differences, I can break down what makes each model unique and who it’s best suited for.
The Flagship Legacy Models
The Legacy 1200 and 800 sit at the top of the lineup, and here’s what really matters: they’re built with 304 stainless steel construction. That grade of stainless isn’t just a fancy spec – it’s the difference between a grill that looks great after five years and one that shows its age after two seasons.
The included griddle insert on these Legacy models is particularly clever. From what owners report, you can go from smoking a brisket to making breakfast in about 10 minutes. That versatility is worth considering when comparing prices with competitors who sell griddles separately.
Both Legacy models pack a 29-pound hopper, which is generous enough for those all-day smoking sessions. The consensus among owners is you’ll get about 20 hours of cooking at 225°F before needing a refill.
The Premier Series Value Proposition
The Premier 1200 and 800 models share much of their bigger siblings’ DNA but make some strategic compromises to hit lower price points. Instead of stainless steel, you’re getting heavy-duty steel construction with a high-temp powder coat. Based on owner feedback, the finish holds up well, but you’ll want to keep these models covered when not in use.
One thing that hasn’t been compromised is the cooking system. All four pellet models feature Louisiana Grills’ Pressurized Cooking System and SearTech control. This isn’t just marketing speak – it allows for both low-and-slow smoking and high-heat searing up to 1,000°F, something many competitors can’t match.
The temperature range (180°F to 600°F) across all models is impressive, but what’s more important is how they maintain it. The digital control board with WiFi connectivity means you can monitor your cook from your phone, and owner reports consistently praise the temperature stability.
The Dark Horse: Founders Series Gas Griddle
The 4-burner gas griddle is the wild card in the lineup. At $799, it’s positioned against Blackstone’s offerings, but with some key upgrades. The ceramic cooking surface is getting particular attention from owners who’ve made the switch from traditional steel griddles. The non-stick properties apparently hold up better than seasoned steel, though long-term durability reports are still coming in.
Making the Choice
For serious grillers who want the best of the best, the Legacy series makes sense. The 304 stainless construction and included griddle insert justify the premium over the Premier series.
If you’re cooking for crowds, the 1200 models offer a massive 1,205 square inches of cooking space. That’s enough room for multiple briskets or enough burgers to feed a small army. The 800 models’ 846 square inches is still plenty for most families.
The Premier series hits a sweet spot for value. You’re getting the same cooking performance and features as the Legacy series, just with different materials. For most backyard cooks, these models offer everything needed for great results.
Common Ground
All four pellet models share some important features:
- The 29-pound hopper capacity
- WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity
- The impressive temperature range
- SearTech control system
- Two included meat probes
The Warranty Factor
Here’s something that deserves special attention: Louisiana Grills backs their pellet grills with an industry-leading 5-year warranty. Having seen plenty of manufacturers offer the bare minimum coverage, this warranty stands out. It shows real confidence in their build quality, and from what I’ve gathered from long-term owners, they stand behind it.
The gas griddle comes with a 2-year warranty, which is solid for this category where 1-year coverage is common. While not as generous as the pellet grill warranty, it’s still competitive and provides good peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
Here’s my straightforward take: If budget allows, the Legacy series offers upgrades that will pay off in longevity. The stainless steel construction and included griddle insert, backed by that comprehensive 5-year warranty, make the price difference easier to justify. That warranty alone could save you significant money down the road.
For most people, though, the Premier series hits the sweet spot of features and value. You’re getting the same cooking performance and warranty coverage without paying for premium materials you might not need.
And if you’re primarily interested in griddle cooking, the 4-burner gas griddle offers some thoughtful upgrades over comparably priced competitors, plus better warranty coverage than most in its class.
One final tip: whichever model you choose, invest in a good cover. Even the Legacy’s 304 stainless will last longer if protected from the elements, and you’ll want to protect that warranty investment
