The Wrld Page

From Consumer Reports®: Consumer Reports turns up heat on grills

Last year's unsold grills might mean better deals for this year's shoppers. The latest grill test results from Consumer Reports can help shoppers find the best model for their dollar.

CR found five Best Buys for $380 or less, including the Brinkmann 810-8410-S, $200, and the Aussie Vantage Series 67C3, $250. This year's ratings also were expanded to include indirect grilling, accounting for the growing trend of using grills to slow-cook roasts, ribs, whole fish and poultry.

After spending nearly 600 hours searing hundreds of steaks and cooking 89 pounds of chicken, CR's testers found that major grill brands showed mixed results. Some Weber models were strong performers, but some of the larger and even a few smaller ones were less than impressive. Both Kenmore and Char-Broil grills have models on the magazine's Recommended list, including the Char-Broil Red Patio for less than $300, in the small grill category. However, other models from Char-Broil earned some of the lowest scores in CR's ratings.

Testers also noticed that grill accessories are becoming standard on some models. Griddles, pizza stones, vegetable trays and steamers are all some of the added bonus features that consumers can expect to see. For those looking to grill on-the-go at the big game, the Margaritaville G1000, $400, mounts on a swing arm that attaches to any vehicle with a 2-inch receiver hitch and was the only portable grill to ace low-temp performance and high-temp evenness. However, the Margaritaville grill only has one burner, making indirect grilling a nonoption.

How to choose

► Check for summer holiday sales and specials. Man

Comment on "From Consumer Reports®: Consumer Reports turns up heat on grills"