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By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 29, 2000
The June issue of Consumer Reports offers ratings on 15 models of gas grills and one electric grill.
Here are some manufacturers' Web sites:
Weber: http://www.weberbbq.com
MHP: http://www.modernhomeproducts.com
Sunbeam: http://www.sunbeam.com; click on site map, then on outdoor cooking.
Coleman: http://www.bbqhq.com
Ducane: http://www.ducane.com
Char-Glo: http://www.thermador.com
The first outdoor gas barbecue grill was brought to market in 1960 by Walter Koziol, founder of Modern Home Products of Antioch, Ill., manufacturer of decorative outdoor gas lighting for the residential market.
It was a 221/2-inch round steel grill on a portable cart, supplied by either natural or LP gas. It was marketed under the brand name of "Perfect Host."
In 1963, Koziol introduced the first rectangular painted steel gas grill with a hinged lid. The next year he produced a rectangular grill with solid aluminum construction. MHP grills are still sold today.