Just my opinion but I don't think it would be a wast of money for the Master Touch, as far as actually grilling all will operate the same way, the advantages that have been stated for the Gold over the silver are the lid thermometer, ash catcher and the hinged grates (all can be pretty useful personally the ash catcher is my favorite upgrade from the silver & can be added to a silver if you go that route). The advantages to the Master Touch over the Gold would be the lid bale, and the gourmet grates, the Master Touch grills are supposed to be a bit taller as well that would be a plus to me. I have no experience with the gourmet grates but love lid bales and can't wait to see the new ones that hold the lid straight up and further out of the way. I think you will enjoy whichever you decide on but if the price was not an issue & I was buying new, I would go for the Master Touch. You may end up using the grill for more than you think right now once you start using it, never know.