30 percent

Number of people who said flare-ups were a frequent grilling problem, according to a nationally representative telephone survey of 1,008 adults conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Some flaring is normal when grilling, especially when cooking fatty foods.

To avoid flare-ups, wipe off excess marinade (especially ones made with sweeteners like brown sugar and honey); don't overload the grill; and keep some cooking space empty so that when flare-ups do occur, you can move food to another area of the grill.

Use our advice to avoid the five most common grilling mistakes, get your grill ready for outdoor-cooking season, and check out these easy, delicious grilling recipes.

If you're in the market for a new gas grill, check out our newly updated ratings of gas grills (available to subscribers) and use our free buyer's guide to grills.

—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Gas grills remain the most common type of grill—seven out of 10 respondents own one, according to our survey—but about one-quarter of respondents also have a charcoal grill. If you're a charcoal griller, read "BBQ 101: Give Food That Smoky Flavor."