Many new models of grills are as big as a Volkswagen, with a price tag to match. Before you spend hundreds – or thousands – of dollars, do your homework.
For its June issue, Consumer Reports tested 44 models ranging from $100 to $3,500. The best buys for midsize grills: Vermont Castings ($400), Char-Broil ($270), Thermos ($300) and BBQ Grillware ($200). Before making your selection, however, the magazine offered several tips, including the following:
n Don’t buy by Btu: Consumer Reports says its tests found that higher Btu (British thermal units) doesn’t mean faster heating or better cooking performance, even at higher temperatures.
n Burners: Burners are the most frequently replaced grill parts; brass fittings may be more durable than other materials. Look for longer warranties, up to 10 years on some.
n Stainless steel: Normal use will cause it to discolor and turn dull. Requires upkeep to keep it shiny.
n Fuel gauge: It’s the pits when you run out of fuel in the middle of cooking. A gauge that measures fuel levels is a real bonus.
n Grates: For best searing, look for heavy, stiff grates made of stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast-iron.
n Electronic igniters: Easier to ignite than push-button or rotary types, the magazine says.
Side burners: A common feature that lets you prepare side dishes as you grill. However, Consumer Reports found that it was difficult to keep them low enough to simmer, a problem if you’re trying to keep sauce warm.
Grease tray: A removable tray can keep grease from falling beneath the grill. Also, the more distance between the fire and the collected grease, the less likely you will have sustained flare-ups.
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