Best Buy Grills

Best Buy Grills

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Story Published: May 11, 2009 at 5:17 PM PST

By Heather Reese

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More and more people are eating out less and less. Grilling can be a great way to mix up the menu. Consumer Reports just tested grills and has some inexpensive ones to recommend, as well as ways to keep your grill going longer.

With a little extra effort, you can enjoy your grill for years to come. Along with cleaning the grill after every use, you want to make sure you periodically check for gas leaks.

An easy way to do that is to mix a small amount of dish washing liquid and water, then spray the mixture along the hose and over connections. If you get any bubbling, that means you have a gas leak. You either need to replace the hose or tighten the connections. But if you're looking for a new grill, there are a number of ways to save.

First—you'll see plenty of grills out there with extra-large cooking areas. But do you really need that? For the occasional large gathering, instead of buying a huge grill you might want to cook in batches. Another money-saver—skip options you'll never use. If you don't need a rotisserie burner or a side burner, save your money.

Consumer Reports' tests found several grills that cook as well as ones that cost twice as much. The Kenmore model 16641 is a Best Buy at $350. And the Char-Broil Commercial Series model 463247009 is also a Best Buy, at $300. Both grills can handle high temperatures without excessive flare-up and can turn out great-tasting steaks, chicken, and fish.

Another way you can extend the life of your grill—replace the parts. Burners, the most commonly replaced gas grill part, are available at home centers or directly from manufacturers. The Char-Broil grill that Consumer Reports recommends comes with a lifetime warranty on its burners.

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