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Basic Hardware
Most low-priced grills feature enameled-steel housings, which used to be the industry standard. Improved paint enables these products to last longer than they used to, but eventually they will rust. Cast aluminum and stainless steel are far more durable.
For most grills, it’s what’s inside that counts—the burner units and the grates are where the food meets the fire, and that’s where to look for quality. Look for stainless-steel burners. A few manufacturers also offer heavy cast-brass burners, which last longer, but the lead content of brass worries some grilling enthusiasts. Newer infrared burners deliver intense and concentrated heat (steak lovers swear by them) but are much more expensive.
Cooking grates have traditionally been made of cast iron or chrome-plated steel, but those materials present problems of corrosion and sticking. Porcelain coatings have recently become commonplace on high-quality grills; stainless steel and hard-anodized aluminum also offer great performance and easy cleaning.
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