The Robb Report

(This is an excerpt from the four page article on gas grills)

Paul Faaborg, president of Iron Works in Stockbridge, Mich., offers 152 different grill models, including what might be considered the Hummer of grills – an all-copper gas model with heavy-duty titanium grates. This mega-grill offers a choice of direct cooking for items such as steaks and burgers, or an indirect, slow-cook method better suited for roasts and turkeys. The indirect cooking process features a convection system that moves the airflow from the bottom of the grill and circulates heat evenly around the items being cooked, eliminating the need for a rotisserie.

In suburban Chicago, Dan Newman owns a grill from Iron Works Deluxe Patio Series, a propane-driven model that can be retrofitted to gas. He's impressed by the grill burners' stainless steel tent covers that hinder sudden flare-ups. "The grates are much higher up from the flame," Newrnan says, adding that the four-burner grill allow' for more indirect cooking. He. is also excite about the accessories; specially designed narrower grates for cooking fish and vegetables, dual thermometer, and a natural gas conversion kit.

Faaborg puts his personal stamp on many of his sales. That idiosyncratic personal touch led Faaborg to build a custom made grill for one client. The price tag was $34,000.

He often bundles dry rub seasoning packages and other accompaniments with grill orders, and shares recipes and cooking tips with his customers. Faahorg, who gives cooking demonstrations throughout the United States and Canada, finds that grilling is a predominantly male sport. "Men are more into immediate gratification," he says.