Vermont Castings andHuntingtongas grills took the top spots in the medium and large categories in Consumer Reports' latest tests, beating out models from larger, more well-known brands such as Char-Broil and Weber. Consumer Reports' June issue features test results for 85 large, medium and small gas grill models. Six of those models for under$350were Recommended for their impressive cooking.
The complete report on gas grills, which highlights Ratings for almost 140 models, including some portable grills and three additional Recommended models, can be found online atwww.ConsumerReports.org.
Vermont Castings' mid-sized Signature Series VCS300SSP and its similar model, the VCS322SSP,$1,000, earned the highest score overall, whileHuntington's Patriot 658184,$700, was the finest performing large grill in the Ratings. These models were excellent overall and produced nicely seared steaks and moist chicken and salmon over low heat. Other models on Consumer Reports' Recommended list include gas grills from Char-Broil, Weber, Brinkmann andKenmore.
"These days grills are coming equipped with an abundance of features, giving consumers more opportunity to find a model in their price range that suits their cooking needs," saidCelia Kuperszmid Lehrman, Deputy Home Editor atConsumer Reports. "However, we are seeing some trade-offs with these newer features such as smaller cooking areas, thinner shelves, more painted metal and less stainless steel."
For the 60 percent of Americans recently surveyed by Consumer Reports who said they always or sometimes would rather buy U.S.-made goods than those made elsewhere, Vermont Castings, Huntington Patriot, Weber's Genesis and Summit were all made in the U.S.
While some companies may claim to offer the ultimate grilling experience, Consumer Reports advises buyers not to be drawn in by sleek appearance and packaging alone. Three grills tested from Saber, Char-Broil's upscale sister-brand, were very good performers though other models including some less expensive models from Char-Broil performed better. Saber models did offer a more upscale appearance and are made with a premium grade of stainless steel.
Choosing a Gas Grill
Consumer Reports recommends taking advantage of summer holiday promotions or end-of-season sales to find the best deals available on grills. Also, keep the tips below in mind when buying.
Consider the cooking area.Use Consumer Reports' Ratings to find a cooking surface that matches the usual needs of the grill, not one for the blow-out barbecue party that only happens once or twice a season. Consumer Reports categorizes grills based on measurements of the main cooking area, but be aware that some companies might also count warming racks and searing burners in their claims.
Think beyond Btu.They tell how much fuel a gas grill uses and the heat it can create, but Consumer Reports' tests have found that more Btu's doesn't guarantee faster preheating or better cooking.
Keep infrared claims in perspective.Infrared burners typically emit intense heat to sear and cook food, though designs differ by manufacturer. Consumer Reports has yet to find one infrared burner design that's better than other infrared designs or better than standard burners.
Put safety first.Test a grill's sturdiness with a gentle nudge in several places. Check for sharp corners and edges. Press down on the side shelves to see how well they support weight. And while some flaring is normal, typically the greater the distance between the grates and the burners or flavorizer bar, the fewer the sustained flair-ups.
Consumer Reports' gas grill Ratings, along with a list of features to consider when buying and more can be found online atwww.ConsumerReports.organd in June issue of theConsumer Reports.
Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues inWashington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.
SOURCE Consumer Reports 5.15.2012