built in stainless steel charcoal grill 'Cue Tips If you want to get serious about your cookouts, it's time for a gas grill. Here's what to look for so you don't get burned.

(Money Magazine)-it's time.It's time for the BBQ season again and you'll buy a real grill this year.Those cheap charcoal grills have never been bought for a moment from a local hardware store, which has turned into a rotten steel monument when rolling the next summer.Don't drag another bag of coal balls, clean up the ashes of last weekend before you start, and don't use lighter liquids or chemically enhanced selfStart the charcoal fire.This time you want something that you can turn on, heat and start cooking in 10 minutes.You want a serious, substantial grill that lasts five or even ten years.You want to cook with gas this year.But before you rush to the local housewares supermarket or lawn --and-Spend hundreds of dollars in the garden center and ask yourself: "How much do I know about the gas grill?The answer is "not enough", which is good."Indeed, these goods have become popular ---In fact, sales of gas grills have exceeded charcoal models since the medium termAccording to data from the barbecue Industry Association, 1990.But the gas grill is a bit more complicated than a charcoal kettle, noted Jim Weatherley, the owner of two Atlanta barbecues.Even in his country, barbecues are a year's worth.In a round of events, people always make bad buying decisions."Basically, people don't know much about the grill," he said."For Beginners, you should be prepared to buy a serious Grill for $350 to $500.Experts say you will see cheaper models, but these models are often not assembled, so you may change them faster than you think.(If you suddenly want to know how serious you are about the barbecue, see the box on the next page for budget choices.) It costs more than $500 and you have to pay for fancy stuff.And, like a car, what matters is what's under the hood.Well, the first thing you should check is the surface of the food you cook.Ideally, you want a grid large enough for you to cook food for a small party at a time.If you are feeding a family of five, a grid of about 320 square inches (20 inch by 16 inch) is enough;For example, it can easily accommodate 10 hamburgers.Next: The material of the grid.The cast iron is great because it keeps and delivers heat well and makes your food very delicious.Cons are maintenance: must be cleaned and seasoned regularly with oil (olives or vegetables.Ceramics and steel or stainless steel are good alternatives, as long as the bar of the grid is wide, the space between them is narrow so that delicate food like fish or vegetables does not slip through.Below the grille is the heating system of the grill.The uniform distribution of heat is the key to the success of your backyard feast.On the charcoal grill, the position of the coal ball (the only heat source) determines this distribution to a large extent.In the gas grill, two elements work together to complete the task: the burner and the Heat dispenser.To judge the burner, check the grill and make sure they cover the bottom.If they don't, you end up having to take care of the food on the grid and have it cook at the same time.In addition, you need a burner that can be operated independently, so that you can cook with direct heating or indirect heating to reduce the cooking speed.Part of the action of lava or ceramic coal balls is heatingDistribution of charcoal substitutesThey also protect the burner from dripping juice: for example, if the chicken fat falls directly on the burner, it creates a flame that could set your bird on fire.The traditionalist likes lava because it is porous and absorbs gravy, so it creates a steam that forms the flavor of a smoked barbecue.But these usually have to be replaced once or twice a year, so Wetherly recommends using ceramic coal balls if you're not too pure."Just turn them over every six months so that the flames below can burn the drops of food for six months," he suggested .".The third common hot dispenser is a system consisting of metal plates molded like tents (such as metal plates in Weber gas grill.If you choose a grill with these plates, Weatherly strongly recommends that you avoid the flatbed Grill, which will wear out after a few years and will be difficult to replace, forcing you to buy a new grillStick to these basic principles and you will not be burned.Other customers who are testing the weight of various models of the hood, as if there is a direct correlation between the weight of the hood and the quality of the grill?Ignore them.(Or Chuckle carefully.) And don't be distracted by meaningless add-ons.Pass the window-on-the-hood models.After a few shillings, you won't see anything unless you clean it carefully after each barbecue.Last few tips in the backyard.First of all, if you have hosted a few barbecues and don't know how much fuel is left in the tank, please weigh it on the scale.Experts estimate that one hour per pound of fuel can be barbecued.For example, if your standard 20-Liquid propane tank-pound-Empty 18 pounds full heavy 38 pounds-Weighing 25 pounds, you have about 7 hours of cooking fuel.Finally, you should buy a grill cover to make sure the grill lasts."You can get regular between $20 and $50, or a brand up to $70 --But it's worth it, "said Weatherley."It's like putting clothes on a car.It just helps it last longer.