McClatchy Newspapers

If you're looking for a new gas grill for your cookout, you don't have to buy the most expensive model to get good performance.

"Most of the grills we tested did a nice job cooking steaks, chicken and fish," said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, Consumer Reports deputy home editor.

"It's nice that we are still finding inexpensive models that are doing a good job. What we are seeing is you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great grill."

And you don't have to go to a specialty store to buy a great grill. The magazine tested 37 grills.

Good performance is not just the amount of heat a grill can generate, she said, it's how much heat the grill can keep in.

"Look at the grates," she said. "Coated cast iron or stainless steel tend to sear better and maintain consistent grilling. They are better than porcelain-coated steel."

Although side burners are convenient because you can prepare side dishes at the same time or keep food warm outside, Lehrman said your stove will do a better job of keeping food at a low simmer. Side burners also take longer to boil water.

Lehrman also suggested looking for a grill with an electronic ignition.

Consumer Reports does not perform durability tests, but she said they do a salt spray test on different types of stainless.

"If you are looking at a 300 series vs. a 400 series, the lower number is better," she said. "It is less likely to rust. But the most inexpensive way to make sure it stays in good condition is to cover it."

For more information, see ConsumerReports.org.