Top 10 grill products to watch
The silver anniversary of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Expo saw the return of the event to its Atlanta roots with a record number of exhibitors and attendees.
Although many new and improved barbecue grills and accessories were on display, the majority were updates on existing products or new entries in existing categories, such as the large and still growing stainless steel segment. Still, here are 10 grill and accessory products to look out for in the coming year. In no particular order, they are:
Modern Home Products Corp.'s Heritage Series cast aluminum grill is available as an all-infrared product at an attractive retail price point between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on mountings and upgrade options. The WRG4DD grill has 4141.93 square centimeter of total cooking area, a lifetime warranty on the grill head, swing away secondary cooking area, stainless steel fold-down side shelves and electronic ignition.
The VCS 4005, 5005 and 6005 Signature Series grills from Vermont Castings include such neat features as an integrated LED cooking light that fits flush on a side shelf until it's needed and a back-lit console to illuminate the heat controls at night. The middle grill in the series, the VCS 5005, has a 3870.96-square-centimeter cooking area, 1483.87-square-centimeter warming rack, infrared rotisserie burner, rotisserie kit, 15,000 Btu side burner, warming drawer, double condiment trays and double stainless steel cart doors.
Smart, Tough & Handsome Grillware from Wilton Armatale is tough enough to be used to cook on the grill but elegant enough to wind up on the dinner table. The grillware has exceptional thermal properties that keep food hot on the table. Each piece in the seven-item line comes with two pot holders or a protective sleeve for pieces with handles.
The Orion Cooker allows smoking and steaming at the same time using charcoal with no flare-ups and fast cooking times. The stainless steel unit features a large charcoal hopper and a two-piece grilling/steaming cylinder where one can make a variety of foods.
Solaire didn't invent the infrared gas grill, but the company continues to earn high marks for its quality products and commitment to specialty retailers. The company's infrared grill lineup includes models from 68.58 cm to 142.24 cm, a model with a refrigerator and the Solaire Anywhere infrared portable grill.
The QuadQue Fireplace Grill from Comalco works exactly as it sounds, as both a fireplace and a 8838.69-square-centimeter grill. The tower unit features multiple cooking surfaces and the ability to grill, smoke or steam.
The Modular Series of gas grills and accessory products from Twin Eagles Inc. includes 76.2-inch and 1.07-meter grills, a 76.2-cm Breakfast Club unit with twin side burners and a griddle, an infrared sear station, storage drawers, side cookers, outdoor prep station and freestanding outdoor bar.
The Original Grillslinger Barbecue Tool System fits comfortably around the waist and features a high-quality grill knife, tongs and spatula that fit snugly in the pouches so the necessary tools stay with the grill master. Extra pouches can accommodate sauce bottles, seasonings, a cell phone or a favorite beverage.
Flitz International has developed a line of waxes and polishes, including a spray-on stainless steel cleaner and a stainless steel polish that can work together to keep grills (and those indoor stainless appliances) looking shiny and new.
The Sittin' Chicken holder from Cook's Choice helps make beer can chicken without the can. The ceramic unit holds liquid and seasonings and stabilizes the chicken during the grilling process while infusing the bird with flavor.
20-Jan-2006