Now You Can Cook From Your Easy Chair

Backyard barbecuing goes high-tech this spring with Touchlite, billed as the first gas grill with a solar-powered electronic keypad that lights the burner instantly, sets grilling temperatures and programs the timer. In May, the self-cleaning grill will be available with, hold onto your hat . . . a remote control.

Touchlite, manufactured by Convenience Technologies in Cincinnati, has a flame detection system that reignites the burner if the flame is blown out and an electronic control that can calculate the fuel remaining in the propane tank to within 10 minutes. It also has an automatic shut off and a child lock-out safety system.

A state-of-the art barbecue does not come cheap. Touchlite, which ranges in price from $599 to $1,000 for an all-stain-less steel model, is available at Barbecues Galore and in Brookstone stores and catalog. Or call (800) 284-4745.

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Net Working: Thinking of surfing the Net but don’t know how? Check out Logicode Technology’s the Net Kit, a plug-and-play modem introduction package for the Internet.

The Net Kit allows easy access to online services and to the Internet. It also includes two how-to books, free subscriptions to Internet-related magazines, browser software, games and yellow page directories.

The Net Kit retails for $99 or $199, depending on the speed of the modem. Call (800) 735-6442.

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Instant Attraction: Freez-a-Frame is an ultra-thin magnetic photo frame made of vinyl that attaches to metal surfaces; it doesn’t fall off easily because the entire back is magnetized.

It’s great for displaying photos, postcards, small pieces of children’s art on refrigerator doors, notes or messages on file cabinets, or attaching recipes to a stove hood while cooking. Freez-a-Frame is available in four photo sizes--2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches to 5 by 7 inches--and sold individually ($1 to $3) or in packs of three to six frames ($5 to $7). For more information, call (800) 372-6330.