Publication date: 06/12/2009

Click here for a printer-friendly version

For dad, try gifts for the grill, power tools

What are you going to get dad for Father's Day? While the old adage, "It's the thought that counts" applies to Father's Day gifts as well, why not get him something he will love and use around the house for years to come? Here are some around-the-home gift ideas to consider:

" If dad likes to do yard work, one product you should consider is the WORX GT 2-in-1 cordless trimmer and edger from WORX, (866) 354-9679, www.worxyardtools.com. The WORX GT comes with an 18-volt extended run-time battery and a rapid 1-hour fast-charging system. It's available at the WORX Web site for $99.99.

" Another gift idea for the dad who likes to do projects around the home is the 18-volt Smart Select cordless drill from Black & Decker, (800) 544-6986, www.blackanddecker.com, featuring the Smart Select technology that adjusts the speed of the drill for optimum power based on the job. It's available online and at home and hardware centers, and retails for around $79.

" If Dad likes to grill outdoors, two innovative grills you could consider include the wood pellet smoker grill from Traeger, (800) 872-3437, www.traegergrills.com, and the Solaire infrared grilling system from Rasmussen, (562) 696-8718, www.rasmussen.biz/grills.

The Traeger wood pellet grills use a unique hopper, auger and convection air system that feeds wood pellets into the firepot and provides a heat and smoke cooking environment that allows dad to either grill or smoke the food.

Bob Slack from Ace Family Hardware in Novi, (248) 349-0199, who sells the line of Traeger grills, said the wood pellets come in a variety of types, such as hickory, mesquite or cherry.

"These smokers are different than regular gas or charcoal grills because you can put the meat on the grill and slow-cook it without worrying about flare-ups or burning the food," Slack said. The grills range in cost from $399 to $2,000.

Another innovation in grilling is infrared technology, which is a high-heat method that locks in the juices in the meat. Chris Talbot of Town 'n' Country Hardware in Garden City, (734) 422-2750, sells the Solaire infrared grills, which provide 14,000 BTUs of infrared power that sears meat with high heat, are ready to grill in just three minutes and cook twice as fast as traditional gas grills.

"Because it sears the meat, it is not something I recommend for the average griller," Talbot said. "But if you want to have the best-tasting steaks, burgers or pork chops that are juicy and taste like the type you get in a fine steakhouse, this is the grill you need."

Because many people aren't sure if they like the infrared method, Chris recommends buying the portable Solaire Anywhere grill for $400 and adding a regular gas grill to have both options.

If you still haven't found that special something for your dad, I've got it! Even the dad who has everything doesn't have this: the official Handyman Show with Glenn Haege hat. Featuring my show logo, embroidered signature and other customized features, your dad won't forget this Father's Day. Visit www.masterhandyman.com for this and other gift ideas.

Note: This article was accurate at the date of publication. However, information contained in it may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

20 most recent Handyman Columns