Ann: Info on gas grills

Hi Ann -
We're thinking about buying a gas grill too, and noticed that "Cook's
Illustrated" May & June 1999 issue, has an article by Jack Bishop entitled "How
to Buy a Gas Grill." You might want to check this out as he gives reasons for
his choices as well as hints for better gas grilling. I'll give you a very
brief overview. He tested 6 grills: Weber Genesis 1000 ($549), Weber Spirit
500 ($429), Char-Broil Saber 2910 ($399), Sunbeam Grillmaster 455 ($199), Char-
Broil MasterFlame 2 8910 ($199), and Ducane 12045 ($593). They are listed in
order of preference. He states, "Both Webers "performed admirably in most
tests...I gave the Genesis the top rating because the larger cooking area and
three burner controls offer the cook more flexibility. As for the other grills
only the Char-Broil Saber is any real competition fo the Webers. It's big, has
a number of nice features, and performed well on most tests. If there were
fewer flare-ups, a sealed lid to prevent rain water from running through it,
and more even heating, I would love this grill....Finally, the Ducane grill
proves that more money doesn't always buy a better product. With so many
significant flaws (uneven heating, no drainage system for fat, no thermometer),
it richly deserves its last-place rating." He also states, "If you are on a
budget, the Sunbeam Grillmaster is a decent choice for the money. However, this
grill heats unevenly (the left side is noticeably hotter than the right), it
runs a bit too hot for real barbecuing, and the thermometer is useless since it
doesn't register the temperature numerically....I liked this model better than
the inexpensive Char-Broil grill tested."

He says, "Make sure the grill has a temperature gauge that registers real
numbers, not just low, medium and high; and it's helpful to have a fuel gauge
which lets you know when the tank is running low." "The Weber grills, have
flavorizer bars (which we prefer to lava rocks) which help direct fat down into
the drip pan....To avoid constant flare-ups, make sure to buy a grill with some
system for draining fat."

You might also check magazines such as Consumer's Reports or Consumer's Digest
for suggestions. I'm anxious to see what response you get from satisfied
people and what they like about the grills they have before I buy one too.