Portable Grills
Weber is introducing it’s first gas powered portable grill this year. The "Q" grill has a large 280 square inch cooking surface and Weber claims you can cook a whole chicken inside and yet it folds up to 32 inches in length. It is fueled by a standard 1 pound propane tank and includes fold out working tables. The "Q" retails at $199 and has already proven to be a good seller.
If $200 seems steep for a portable grill try Solaire’s $399 portable grill boasts an infrared burner that can reach ideal grilling temperatures in 3 minutes. Using a standard 1 pound propane tank this unit produces 14,000 BTU’s and claims to grill foods in ½ the time of conventional grills.
If you want a portable grill that will not only cook the burgers but keep the drinks cold you’re probably looking for the Thermos Fire + Ice. They’ve taken last years Grill2go portable grill and mounted it onto a full sized cooler. The cooler acts as the base and the grill unit pulls up to a standard grill height. While the unit lists at $269 you can find it on sale for much less. One word of warning, this is basically a gas fired griddle so you won’t be getting any smoke flavor in your cooking but it’s sure to draw some attention next time you’re out tailgating. Also, though it has the name Thermos on the top, it’s actually made by Char-Broil.
Charcoal Grills
As Char-Broil seeks to compete with all things Weber they have a kettle style charcoal grill that looks very similar to the ever-present Weber Kettle. While there are many similarities including a removable ash-catcher the fundamental difference is very important. Weber kettle charcoal grills have vents in the body of the base unit that allow you to adjust for wind and create hot zones. The Char-broil’s bottom vents are built into the ash catcher and don’t give you that ability. However, you can pick up a Char-broil 22 ½ inch kettle grill for around $60. The Weber costs more but is considered the best on the market.
It would appear that The Grillery is back. I don’t know the whole story but they appeared to have disappeared a while back, but are back in business (if they actually were not in business). This is an upscale charcoal grill that costs more than $1000 but is a highly distinctive grill. It is a purely direct heat unit that has an old world styling, adjustable rack and large cooking area. It also has two rotisseries.
Smokers
Though smoking is still gaining popularity most manufacturers are not placing a lot of emphasis on smokers. While many makers produce different models of smokers, particularly vertical water smokers the variability of styles and models remains limited as far as the big manufacturers are concerned. There are several new gas and electric smokers being offered.
Other Trends
The trend towards complete outdoor kitchens continues with many manufacturers developing a whole host of outdoor equipment. Weber has an electric portable refrigerator. Many manufacturers offer built-in stainless steel refrigerators including ones that mount under your grill. Dishwashers seem to be the next item to hit the mainstream market for outdoor use.
Now while a custom outdoor kitchen can cost over $50,000 the increased demand for additional accessories. We’ve already seen low cost grills equipped with sinks, fryers, utility lights, and warmers. People don’t want to spend their cookouts running back and forth to the kitchen. In the near future I predict that we will see more cabinet space, preparation areas and appliances that will make outdoor cooking much more convenient and easier.
