Slaving over a grill probably hasn't been much fun this blistering summer. But as fall's crisper temps approach, backyard chefs certainly will be firing up their weapons of choice — and increasingly, that involves gas and charcoal.

While monster gas-fed grills remain popular, many cooks also insist on having the old-fashioned kettle in their arsenal. Hot retro models include Weber's $1,200 Ranch Kettle and a $250-$1,000 ceramic wonder called the Big Green Egg. (Sales of the latter are up 35 percent this year, says spokeswoman Donna Myers.)

Read more about charcoal grills at news-leader.com.