coals ready in a chimney when it looks like time to add a little heat.

Gas Grill s — Stand-alone gas grills have become as much a feature of backyards as decks and patios. Outdoor cooking is a year-round activity in many parts of the country; the health benefits of simply grilled meats and vegetables have taken their place in everyday menu planning. The proliferation of the many types and sizes of gas grills has made grilling easier, cleaner, and more affordable. The thought of having to wheel out the kettle grill, pour in messy charcoal, wait for the coals to get hot, and then start cooking has been a weekend-only event for years. With modern gas grills, there are no more excuses for not getting dinner on the grill in the same time it would take to cook on a stove.

Again, the key is to find a grill that suits the space you have, as well as how much you plan on using it. While most stand-alone or built-in gas grills tend to be larger than charcoal grills, the expense is also greater. Whether your grill is moveable with propane tanks or on a gas line, it is more expensive to purchase and costlier to operate. A single person or couple does not need a grand deluxe model for regular use. A two-burner grill is a good starter size and will be more economical in the long run.

The maintenance issues that were covered for charcoal barbecues apply to gas grills as well. A clean and well-seasoned grate is the key to consistent results. Keep carbon from building up by using the grill brush before, during, and after cooking. One advantage to a gas grill over coal is that you can turn up the burners and cover the grill to burn the carbon off, in much the same way that oven interiors are cleaned with high heat. Brush the grate after the burn and coat it with a bit of vegetable oil on a clean rag. Brush it and rub it down with oil before each use as well. Attention to maintenance will protect your investment for years to come.

If yo u’ re still undecided as to which type of grill to use, visit your local home goods store and browse the barbecue section. Manufacturers start their annual sales push in early spring and, while the latest models are being shown up front, last yea r’ s inventory has likely gone on sale. Take a look at the brochures that come with each model: try to find one that not only fits your culinary skills but also comes with customer support and a warranty.

Find a cookbook or website that has food that interests you. Try to envision more than just burgers and brat s— well-grilled food does n’ t just happen. Steaks and shrimp on the barbie do n’ t cook themselves. Follow the charts and guidelines for cooking times and heat control. Learn how to build a fire for indirect heat or how to get wood-smoke flavor from a gas grill. These simple tools may not make you the