Don't think we forgot that July is National Grilling Month because we didn't. But tending a grill on a hot day isn't everyone's idea of fun so we've been busy seeking cooler and quicker ways to cook without baking. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make a good meal without standing in the sun or firing up your full-sized range and heating up the house.

• Microwaves. Of course, we all know that a microwave heats the food and not itself so that's the way to go if you're warming up leftovers, steaming veggies or making a cup of tea.
• Induction. This method of cooking heats the food without heating up the surrounding air. This cool cooking technology uses electromagnetism instead of a conventional cooking surface powered by gas or electricity. Only the pans heat up, not the elements themselves.
• Convection. If your range or microwave came with a convection oven, now's the time to try it. Why? Because they cook faster. In convection ovens, a fan constantly circulates and mixes the air within the cavity. As a result, convection ovens heat more quickly. Meaning less time in front of the stove.
• Infrared. Another speedy cooker is the countertop NuWave Pro infrared oven, which cooks some foods exceptionally well and in less time than a conventional oven. In our tests, we found that when it came to cooking meats, the NuWave generally browned exteriors better and left the interiors moister than a conventional oven.

Some gas grills also employ infrared technology, which uses heated surfaces to radiate intense heat to food, not the air, making it good for searing. In fact, one of our top-rated small grills, the Char-Broil Red Patio, uses infrared cooking. Using the infrared burners takes practice but many grill owners seem to have mastered it. A recent survey revealed that 63 percent of people who had grills with infrared burners regularly used them.

In truth, we are big fans of grilling and gas grills are one of the most popular products on this website. We've heard that the last two days of July will be just right for grilling the perfect steak. If you do, call some friends and invite them over. July is also National Cell-phone Courtesy Month so mind your manners. If you use your land line, however, all bets are off.

—Mary H.J. Farrell