I have owned a 36" Blackstone at my other home for over four years, and have never had an issue. I have been looking at the Member mark pro 5 burner for my new home based on the positive reviews and the features that I liked about it. A few weeks ago it was on sale so I decided to go for it and I purchased.
So many pro's with this unit:
-Packaging, Build quality, and instructions: Packaged perfectly, no damage / dents / scratches to any of the parts. Build quality was very good, stainless steel screws with large philips heads (no stripping), feels solid when done. The instructions are very easy to read, step by step, heavy paper (not a flimsy pamphlet that flies away while your trying to work), and MOST IMPORTANT the instructions are updated from the factory! They put stickers IN THE INSTRUCTIONS BOOK over-top of old instructions that are out dated. So the instructions are totally up-to-date! Some reviewers warn of using the Built app because it isn't always current. I agree, use the included instructions; not the app.
-Features ,etc: I really like 5 burners over my Blackstone's 4 burners, I like being able to really "tune" my cooking surface with different heat zones for different foods all at the same time, and yes you can do this with 4 burners; but the 5 just adds more adjustability and I like that. The control knobs have a good "feel" to them, high quality, smooth turning. Solid caster wheels that roll well and seem very durable, the front 2 are locking which is perfect for keeping in place. The cabinet doors are rather thin and lightweight, but they ARE NOT flimsy. Nice large door handles that are very solid and the magnetics do a great job at keeping them closed. Oh, and the doors line-up to each other perfectly! No junky doors that require forceful operation to close or pop-open when rolling the griddle around on the patio even over paver stones with joints.
The side tables are very strong with well made, thick, stainless steel brackets with good size SS screws securing everything.
-Cleaning drain location: OK this is a matter of personal preference, but I ended really liking the location offset near the front! Being a Blackstone user I thought I would struggle with it, but actually no, not at all. The thing I like the most is that I no longer have to go behind my griddle to get to the drippings tray, on the Member's Mark it's conveniently located in the front, simply slide it out, it's a lot easier and cleaner too. The included griddle cover is good, not great, but it does the job. It does have thick, sturdy velcro straps on both side to help keep it tightly on. It also has hand straps to help with removal. It should last a few years, I prefer heavier, thicker materials for my grille covers as I find the cold winter temps, ice and snow destroy thin covers rather quickly. Also, the griddle side tables MUST be lowered in order to use the cover, it will not fit with the side tables up.
In closing, I have no cons; only pros! Love it!