A Stylish Gas Grill for the Masses

Fuego, maker of high-end outdoor grills and kitchens, has just released a more affordable model, Element by Fuego (starting at $399). Chief designer Robert Brunner, a former design director at Apple, asked a twentysomething griller what he liked about the original Fuego 01 (“the design and the performance”) and what he didn’t like (“the $3,500 price tag”), he then asked what the man paid for his iPod. “$399,” he replied, and there was Brunner's starting point. The Element is a scaled-down version of the Fuego 01 that uses the same smart design approach and modern styling as its more sophisticated $3,500 sister. Like the original, it has a stainless steel body and cast iron grilling surface, but comes in a smaller package (27 inches vs. 45 inches) to go with the smaller price tag. Optional tops like a pizza stone or griddle make the grill incredibly versatile. The round cooktop has two cooking zones, similar to a French top stove, with the highest heat in the center. It’s available now in red, white, gray and stainless steel at many national retailers.