In The Market For A New Grill?

Share

By By Herb Weisbaum

Summary

You're in luck. With a little research you should be able to get a better grill for less money this year.

Story Published: May 25, 2004 at 4:03 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:29 AM PDT

In The Market For A New Grill?
SEATTLE - BBQ season is here and you're in the market for a grill. Well, you're in luck. You should be able to get a better grill for less money this year.

Here are a few things to consider when comparing grills:

  • Check the cooking surface. Consumer Reports recommends stainless steel or coated cast iron grates. The magazine's Mark Connelly says they do a better job than porcelain-coated steel. "We really like the coated cast iron grates," Connelly says, "although stainless grates are also very good. But the coated cast iron typically is easy to clean and it sears those steaks and chickens quite well."

  • Check the warranty. "Most burners are warranted for about 3 to 5 years," Connelly says, "but it's been our experience that the better burners are covered for 10 years and some warranties are even more than 10 years."

Remember; don't buy more grill than you need. As the editors of Consumer Reports point out "while prices for small and average-size grills often overlap, you'll typically pay a premium for the largest models." You can read Consumer Reports' latest gas grill ratings in the June issue.

For Information on BBQ Food Safety:

consumerreports.org

How About The Best Grills?

Consumer Reports also has their picks for the best "average sized" grills:

  • The $400 Vermont Castings grill, which is sold only at Home Depot, excelled in the cooking tests. It has stainless trim and lots of shelf space.
  • The Thermos Stainless grill, $400, a Target exclusive, sets a new low price for an all stainless grill. Even the cooking grates are all stainless. "It did very well in terms of evenness from one side of the grill to the other, " says he magazine's Mark Connelly, "and it was extremely convenient and boy, will it impress your neighbors."
  • The Coleman 5100 Series sold at Lowe's for about $270 has a long warranty on the castings and burners.
  • The Fiesta Optima is priced at around $200.

If you have limited space or only cook for small groups, you might want to consider the Weber Q for just $265 or less. With this cute little unit, perfect for tailgate parties, the cart is optional!