Several months ago I asked readers if they Exchange or Refill their propane tanks. Several people commented that they were getting shortchanged on their propane exchanges. Tanks designed to hold up to 18 pounds of propane were only being filled with 15 pounds. This seemed particularly true of Blue Rhino exchanges (Blue Rhino and Amerigas are owned by Ferrellgas). Now the Albany, NY the Times Union is reporting that the New York State Consumer Protection Board is warning consumers to beware of unscrupulous tactics by some propane suppliers. This practice, which started in 2008 when propane prices spiked, has lead to two federal lawsuits against large propane suppliers for violation of consumer protection laws. Amerigas claims that they are no longer liable since they have changed labeling on their propane tanks to state that it contains only 15 pounds of propane.

Recently I have seen a few complaints from gas grill owners that their must be something wrong with their grill since they seem to be using more fuel than normal. Clearly this is caused by changes in refill volume that most grill owners are simply not aware off.

To insure that you are getting a full tank of propane you should locate a refilling station that meters the fuel amount they sell and charges not by the refill but by the amount of propane sold. I encourage you to talk with your local propane supplier to make sure you are getting what you pay for and help end this deceptive practice.

Celebrate summer outside by throwing the ultimate cookout. Get great ideas, recipes and information about entertaining in the backyard.

You’d think that your gas grill is pretty straightforward and dependable. But then something goes wrong. Most times it’s actually something that can be solved quickly and easily. Try these tips to get your grill working perfectly again and avoid a ruined cookout.

Probably the most popular grilled food, this most common of foods has a great history and endless versatility. Put down those fast-food burgers and put together a real sandwich that is more than just a meal.

We've all gotten used to the idea of grilling up some chicken or chops on a Tuesday evening, but every year there are those big cookout days, holidays when practically everyone fires up the grill or smoker to cookout for a family and friends. These are the times when we can show off our best recipes and dish up our best barbecue. So this weeks questions is about these special, nearly formal cookouts when our reputations are on the line and hungry people gather around to see what we have on the grate. So:

POLL: What do you cook for the big cookout?
1) Brisket
2) Burgers and Dogs
3) Chicken
4) Fish and Seafood
5) Pulled Pork
6) Ribs
7) Rotisserie Roasts
8) Steaks and Chops
9) Veggies
10) Other (Please Specify in the Comments)

Recently there has been a lot of rumors and accusations flying around about the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). This all started with the sudden resignation from the board of Rod Gray, long time board member, KCBS supporter and head cook of the Pellet Envy Competition Team. Most recently an email has been circulated calling for the ouster (or resignation) of one of the board members.

Over the years that I have been a member and observer of KCBS I have heard many complaints. There are those who think KCBS could be much more than it is, while there are those who would like to see it maintain its focus on barbecue competitions as the largest officiating body in North America. Personally I believe that KCBS is a good organization for what it does. It is not the single controller of all things barbecue nor should it. I do believe that it could be a little more innovative and forward thinking, but barbecue is about tradition and I think they do a good job of maintaining the Kansas City way of barbecue (or barbeque). For those of you who know about this situation (and actually care) I am posting this email below. I am not privy to the inner workings of the KCBS board so I do not know the whole story. Hopefully those of you who do know more than I will be willing to hit that little comment button below and provide us all with more details (opinions are good as well but I will delete uncivil comments).

"Fellow KCBS members,

Based on recent events, it's become apparent that some change must to be made in the board room of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. It's obvious that our board and staff are crippled by the actions of one director. As members of this great society, it is our responsibility to effect change for the betterment of barbeque. The most powerful form of persuasion for this board in recent memory has been direct e-mails from the members. The very person creating turmoil and turbulence on the board has very effectively used this technique and it's time we turn the tables on him. The next board meeting is less than two weeks away. We must flood the members of the board with our request for Merl Whitebook to step down. Please keep your statements brief so they are heard. Call for his resignation. Be sure to include your membership number. Most importantly, forward this message to every KCBS member in your address book that feels as we do. Our collective voices must be heard. This is a very critical time for the Kansas City Barbeque Society and we need the board to hear the roaring voice of the membership.

Write the KCBS board at bod@kcbs.us"

There will be a discussion of this on Greg Rempe's (excellent) BBQ Central Radio Show at 9PM Eastern on LA Talk Radio.

As Independence Day rolls around again it is time for the Great American Cookout. This year millions of households will be firing up the grill or smoker to celebrate the birth of the United States.

The top ten gas grills between $250 and $500 on the market in 2009. If you are looking to purchase a new grill for between $250 and $500 (based on typical selling price) then these are the one you should be looking at. In this price range look for a basic grill that can cook and last around 5 years.

Master Forge is the new Lowes Brand of grills made by various Chinese companies. This $269USD grill is at the bottom of the Master Forge line. Four burners and a side burner are all you get. In fact you don't even get a side table to put a plate on, unless you have the side burner off and the lid closed. While a basic grill, this isn't bad for the price, though the internal components and general construction is lightweight. While better than many of the big box brand grills this unit does have its limitations and may suffer from many of the durability and support issues of similar grills.

Photo: Lowes Inc.

According to Weber's GrillWatch Survey 88% of American grill owners plan on staying home for the 4th of July to celebrate Independence Day with a Great American Cookout. This means if you want to get the select meats for your holiday cookout you will want to plan ahead. This will be the biggest grilling and smoking day in North America so you should plan ahead and have a great time. Check out my suggestions for a great American Birthday.