As the daylight lingers longer each day, the more carnivorous folk start salivating in anticipation. Barbecue season approaches, liberating meat lovers from the less-flavorful pan-fried steak or bland poached chicken breasts. Likewise, the vegetarians in the family rejoice in the prospect of grilled summer squash or roasted beets and corn, rather than settling for another head of iceberg lettuce and canned beans. For juicy burgers and veggie kabobs at home or at the lake, industry leader Weber offers their portable Q 220 gas barbecue. This update of the popular Q 200 grill provides extra lid clearance for game hens and roasts while maintaining all the original's conveniences. The liquid propane grill employs a 12,000 BTU burner to heat its 280-square inch cooking area. Weber crafted the grill's lid and body in tough cast aluminum, framed by a heat- and moisture- resistant nylon frame with glass reinforcement. The grill ignites at the push of a button. A control knob adjusts the output of the stainless-steel burner. Users monitor the heat on a built-in thermometer in the lid until the grill reaches the desired cooking temperature. Meat sizzles on the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates. Drippings follow the drip ducts to reduce potential flare-ups and enable quicker cleaning. Two polyethylene side tables attach to the grill for extra preparation space. For travel, users tote the grill by a heat-resistant handle. The grill affixes to a 14.8-ounce disposable propane tank. Propane is not included with the grill. Weber does however enclose a Weber Q cookbook of recipes and inspiration. This grill requires some assembly upon arrival. Weber offers a limited five-year warranty for this item. The grill measures 32 by 18 by 16-1/2 inches with a shipping weight of 45 pounds. --Jessica Reuling
