The weather’s great, which means outdoor-grilling season is upon us. Are you prepared to toss another shrimp on the barbie—or is the old barbie hobbling on its last legs? For a guide to summer grill gear, check out grill-buying tips from the May 2006 issue of The Washingtonian.

We tell you what features distinguish good models and run down the pros and cons of different types of grills, from classic models like charcoal and gas to newer alternatives like electric and infrared. The adventurous will appreciate a section on smokers, which, like their human counterparts in the District, are only allowed to operate outdoors.