A Grate Idea for Barbecue Aficionados

Barbecue aficionados may want to consider Vertikal Grill, a Swedish-designed unit featuring a vertical charcoal cooking basket. When folded, the portable grill is the size of a briefcase.

Imported by a Santa Ana company, the grill is designed to generate no smoke or flames from dripping juices because its charcoal goes in a vertical wire container at its center; meat juices drip down into a steel tray, not into the coals.

Meats can be grilled on both sides simultaneously in two, 9x11-inch steel wire cooking baskets, which can hold items from one-quarter-to-1 3/4-inch thick.

The manufacturers recommend lining the grill’s bottom with aluminum foil when cooking to speed cleanup of charcoal ash and meat grease. The wire baskets and charcoal holder are removable and will fit in a dishwasher.

When folded, the barbecue’s steel case with sturdy handle and top latches measures 17x16x5 inches and weighs 12 pounds. Its suggested retail price is $49.95 and it is available at A 2 Z shops, Barbecues Galore, Advantage stores and O’Kells in Hermosa Beach. For more information on stores that carry the barbecue, write: Hermelin, Inc., 2350 W. 5th St., Santa Ana, Calif. 92703, phone (714) 835-6700.

Cleaning Blinds

Consumers with decorative mini-blinds in their homes or offices may wish to maintain them with Blind-Glo, a new nontoxic, non-staining cleaner that also is said to be safe for painted surfaces.

Developed by Barone Enterprises in San Diego and just being marketed nationwide, Blind-Glo cleans mini-blinds and Duette pleated shades. It can be used while blinds are in place.

George Kengott, Barone’s co-owner, recommends placing a towel beneath a shade while spraying it with the solution from top to bottom. There’s no need to rinse. Simply wipe off the blind with a soft cloth.

Blind-Glo retails for $3.49 for a 16-ounce bottle and is available in selected drapery stores, at all Von’s supermarkets, Stater Brothers markets in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, Longs Drugs in Orange County and San Diego. For other outlets, contact Barone Enterprises, 11828 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 123-11, San Diego, Calif. 92128; phone (619) 743-3890.

Let There Be Light

Solitaire, a 3-inch flashlight, is the latest, smallest addition to the Mag Instrument line of aluminum flashlights. It’s about the circumference of a marking pen and has a flood-to-spot focusing beam.

Equipped with a AAA battery and a spare bulb in the tail cap, it includes a key lead so it can be attached to those most-used keys.

Solitaire, made of high-strength aluminum, is water- and shock-resistant. It is available in black and assorted colors. Suggested retail is $10.95 for the light, which can be found at Big 5, Sportmart, Ace and True Value hardware stores. For more information, contact MAG Instrument Inc., 1635 S. Sacramento Ave., Ontario, Calif. 91761; phone, (714) 947-1006.