FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Grill season is in full swing at Consumer Reports headquarters. Testers are busy putting gas grills through some tough temperature tests, measuring how hot the grill is after ten minutes - that's your typical pre-heat time.
We also look at how even the heat is across the cooking surface and we test how well a grill can handle the task of indirect heating which is that low temperature you need to slow cook something like ribs.
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The tests found you may want to reconsider how big of a grill you buy. The 3,200-dollar Napolean Prestige Pro (665RSIB) is the ONLY large gas grill that earned a recommendation.
Consumer Reports says you'll get more bang for your buck with a recommended midsize grill. CR's tests find that grills in that mid-size range can typically hold about 18-28 burgers at once. That's plenty of space to cook for a crowd.
The 1,200-dollar Weber Genesis (II LX S-340) earned a spot on the recommended list. It offers an add-on module called the iGrill3 - it connects to an app that tells you everything from your food's temperature and when it's done to how much gas remains in the tank.
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But Consumer Reports tests found you don't need to spend nearly that much. The Nex-Grill (720-0830H) from Home Depot costs just 270-dollars. It's ready to grill in ten minutes and holds an even temperature.
And if you're short on space consider a smaller Char-Broil (463675517.) It costs about 300-dollars, heats up evenly and offers a wide temperature range so you can cook a variety of foods. If you're a fan of charcoal grilling Consumer Reports also took a look at the 18-inch Weber Kettle Grill. For about 80-dollars you get even heating and a good choice for grilling up basics like burgers and hot dogs.