Gas grills: high end for less.(Outdoor Living)

Stainless-steel trim on models priced only a notch above basic &re among the appetizing features you'll find as the grill-shopping season heats up.

The latest example is the $400 Thermos Stainless. Besides setting a new low price for all-stainless construction, the Thermos includes the large knobs and long-warranty burners commonly included with higher-priced grills. It also has a smoker tray that accepts mesquite and other wood chips for flavoring what you grill, along with a side burner for cooking and warming side dishes.

Competition among Home Depot. Wal-Mart, Lowe's, and other large retailers, which now sell more than 70 percent of gas grills, is fueling much of this year's more-for-less trend. Some of these stores are selling their own brands, such as Sam's Club's Members Mark and Sears' Kenmore line. Other brands once sold at hardware and specialty stores have become big-box exclusives as these large retailers further dominate the market. Examples include Thermos, found only at Target, and midpriced grills from Vermont Castings, available solely at Home Depot.

You'll also find that less can be more if you want to take your barbecue on the road or to an apartment terrace. Case in point: the small Weber Q, which fits on a truck tailgate and accepts an optional stand (see photo, page 21).

HOW TO CHOOSE

Most of these gas grills should perform at least adequately at your next alfresco feast. But as with indoor ranges, some grills do so with more opulence.

See First Things First, below, for an overview of the style and convenience features you'll get at the price you're willing to pay. Then use the following shopping criteria to help narrow your choices: