gas charcoal grills WHAT'S NEW IN BARBECUE; Taking Sides in the Grill Wars

David tursepp.1987 This is a digital version of an article from The Times Print Archive, before it starts online in 1996.To keep these articles as they appear initially, the Times will not change, edit, or update them.There are occasional copywriting errors or other problems during the digitization process.Please send a report of such issues to archid_feedback @ nytimes.com.There was a fierce battle, the steak was at stake, or, more importantly, how that piece of meat would be baked.On one side are charcoal grills and bouquets, and on the other side are gas grills and benzene cans.Despite the undisputed popularity of the charcoal grill in the 1970s S, the gas grill is gaining momentum.Now, these grills account for almost 30% of all grills, compared to just 10% five years ago.But because their retail price is between $150 and $200, and the retail price of ordinary charcoal is only $50 or $60, their trading volume is larger --About 80%-of sales.Charcoal Grill manufacturers have seen this trend and have taken advantage of the changing needs.Sunshine Leisure Products Company, warm bottle department of Household International CompanyOne of the leaders in the charcoal barbecue industry, now the gas barbecue market between them is estimated to be 45%.Although Weber's gas grill has long accounted for only a small part of its sales, the company has transformed and expanded its production lines, the Genesis gas grill, launched in 1986, is expected to generate $ 20% in revenue this year.One factor that attracts consumers to buy gas grills is the ease of preparation.It takes only 10 minutes to prepare the gas grill for cooking, while charcoal takes only 30 or 40 minutes.Louis Kristin, president of Christen Inc., said: "People like gasoline because it's easy and convenient, and they think it takes too long for charcoal and it's hard, messy and a bit dangerousA manufacturer of barbecue accessories.However, the advertisement of the gas grill has caused some pure people to have a desire for the traditional smoked charcoal flavor.So W.C.Grill maker Bradley Ventures plans to sell charcoal bouquets designed for gas grills.The barbecue industry association said they were the first such people.Please click on the box to verify that you are not a robot.The email address is invalid.Please re-enter.You must select the newsletter you want to subscribe.View all New York Times newsletters.In the meantime, Christen is starting a 7-The company said the promotion of metal charcoal starter Chimney fast cut the charcoal preparation time by half.Charcoal producers are also working to make their products more attractive to consumers.Now, they make charcoal bouquets from meschette and other natural wood to add flavor, while the bouquets have been soaked in lighter liquids with only half the heating time."It has become very cruel over the past few years," said Daren Keeter, vice president of Royal Oak Enterprise, a leading charcoal maker."We have five products in every product we have now."Some manufacturers are even diversifying to hedge their bets.Webber sells birdsOutdoor fireplace and outdoor fireplace.C.Bradley offers sun umbrellas, sun umbrellas and sunbathing products.David Tuller writes business articles in New York.A version of this article appears on page 3003015 of the national edition of September 6, 1987, with the title: What's new with the barbecue;Stand aside in the grill war.