Consumer Reports Rates the Grills

June 27, 2005 — -- Consumer Reports released its list of the best small, medium and large grills, just in time for summer barbecue season.

Amanda Walker, associate editor at Consumer Reports, joined "Good Morning America" with the magazine's top picks. For more information, you can visit their Web site at www.consumerreports.org.

Best Small Grills

Small grills can cook up to 15 burgers at a time.

Weber Genesis Silver -- $400

Impressive searing capabilities.

Lots of shelf space.

Grill base and shelves can be removed for easy cleanup.

Char-Broil Quickset -- $130

Powerful, with 30,000 BTU.

Propane gas tank included.

Best Medium Grills

Medium grills can cook up to 24 burgers at a time.

Vermont Casting -- $400

Three main burner controls.

Electronic igniter.

Four casters make it easy to move.

BBQ Grillware -- $200

Lots of features with a low price.

Main burners have 42,000 BTU per hour, and side burner has 12,000 BTU-per-hour capability.

Burners have a 10-year warranty. Other parts have a one-year warranty.

Best Large Grills

Large grills can cook up to 30 burgers at a time.

Char-Broil Commercial Series -- $500

Rated top performance and value among large grills by Consumer Reports.

All or mostly stainless steel.

Viking T Series -- $3,200

Smoke tray for wood chips.

Rotisserie motor and spit included.

Key Facts on Grills from Consumer Reports

The biggest trend is high-end kitchen equipment moving outside.

Stainless steel tops the list of high-end features that are becoming less expensive. Many lower-priced models have stainless trim.

Beware: Stainless steel can be stained.

Lower grades of stainless steel show the most spotting.

Bring a magnet to the store. The more magnetic, the less stainless steel and the more likely to stain.

More heat and cooking space takes barbecuing beyond the humble burger.

Many grills offer burners for heating side dishes.

More BTUs don't necessarily mean faster pre-heating.

Side burners can boil water, but they don't simmer like your stove.

Paying more doesn't mean a better grill. Less-expensive grills performed just as well.