Fourth of July Grilling: Find a great deal, then become a master griller

If the down economy is forcing you into a Fourth of July staycation or paycation, use your at-home time to master the art of grilling.

Before you shop for a new grill, check our latest report on gas grills, which includes ratings of dozens of models (report and ratings available to subscribers), and our free buyer's guide.

With Independence Day upon us, many retailers nationwide are lowering prices on grills that in our tests outperformed models costing hundreds of dollars more. Sears is giving a 5 percent discount on the Kenmore 16641, $349, a CR Best Buy. And Home Depot has dropped the price on the Char-Broil Red 463250509 grill, $450, also a CR Best Buy. Lowe's is offering free assembly on all grills, including the CR Best Buy Fiesta Blue Ember FG500069-U403, $449.

The video above will show you how to grill the perfect steak. Also, avoid these common grilling mistakes and use these tips if you want to give food a real smoky barbecue flavor.

Expand your outdoor-cooking repertoire beyond steak with these easy, delicious grilling recipes, including grilled corn on the cob, chicken grilled with rosemary, vegetable skewers with garlic-and-fennel-seed marinade, lime-and-tequila-marinated flank steak, Argentinean short ribs, chimichurri sauce, and our own recipe for barbecue sauce. And remember, before you grill, follow these safety precautions.

Celebrate the holiday with wines that are ideal for warmer weather. Make sure the wine is at the ideal serving temperature and store your favorite bottles in a wine cellar.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: These 15 top-rated products for summer will save you time and money on the household chores you need to catch up on this weekend.