I took a punt and purchased a Master Cook Platinum 600 (MC-3) from
this mail order company. I collected it myself and after a bit of bartering, got it for £300. Below is my mini-review which will hopefully be of some help to someone in my position in the future.
Disclaimer: This is my first 'proper' gas barbecue and so I don't really have anything to compare it to, especially the likes of Weber and other big brands. All my previous barbecues were 2 burner steel/aluminium framed grills from the likes of Homebase and Tesco.
Build Quality: In comparison to my stainless steel Range Master indoor oven/hob, the steel on the Master Cook is definitely thinner, however not as thin as the price tag may lead you to believe. It's somewhere in between the thickness of the steel on a Brabantia bin and a Range Master cooker. The side shelves which slide out to reveal two additional burners are surprisingly solid and do not wobble once slid out, hence can easily support the weight of a bowl of food. The only gripe is with the bottom shelf and the doors. The steel here is very thin and will probably dent over time. The grill hood is extremely solid and the grills themselves are bloody heavy.
Score: 7/10
Usability: I love the fact that the sides slide out to reveal the burners as opposed to lifting up like many other barbecues feature. This makes for a very practical shelf which can always be used, whether you are using these burners or not. Inside there is only one shelf (the base), which although thin, does mean there is alot of volume for storage. I will probably put a bit of ply down to prevent it from denting too easily.
Score: 9/10
Temperature Stability: I haven't cooked anything yet, but with the lid closed, the barbecue did reach 200 degrees within a minute or so, at least going by the built in temperature gauge. Unfortunately I can't provide any more comments on this area of the barbecue yet.
Score: n/a
Value For Money: Overall, at £300 for a 6 burner (2 side and 4 main) stainless steel grill, I am very chuffed with the purchase. It seems very well built and only the doors and bottom base are lacking in quality. The 6 burners seem to roar out alot of heat and offer sufficient control. Obviously it hasn't been put through it's paces yet, that will happen throughout the summer, but in terms of value for money, I think you would be very hard pushed to beat it.
Score: 9/10