Upgrading the Grill

For those trying to barbecue their way through the holiday weekend with equipment that has weathered one summer too many, a quick trip to Woodland Hills Fireplace Co. can remedy the situation at some of the best prices in town.

Whether you want a complete outdoor gas-cooking system or just a small grill, the range of models here can suit your needs. But there’s no need to rush over. The prices quoted here are their regular prices, not specials or sale prices.

Starting at the top, a Dynamic Cooking Systems’ 48-inch, state-of-the-art unit with three cast-iron burners, an infrared back rotisserie, built-in smoker system, wok and seven-year warranty, which sells elsewhere for $2,549, is tagged at $1,950. Contractors’ installations usually run around $800, a little more than you saved here.

For the average outdoor chef, the Prochef, with a cast iron grill and two solid cast brass burners, which retails at $649 to $729 at most stores, sells here for $489 and carries a lifetime warranty.

If you only barbecue once in a while, the small Prochef with one solid brass burner and a steel and porcelain cooking grill should do the trick; this sells for $249 at some discounters but is $149 at Woodland Hills Fireplace.

On all units, there is the choice of natural gas or propane, and the staff at Woodland Hills Fireplace will do any necessary assembly for free. Delivery within the area is about $30 to $35.

If you plan to use your patio after the warm weather turns cool again, how about a patio heater by Dynamic Systems? The prices here are hundreds less than at most places, from $399 to $449 for a heater that retails for $649.

* Woodland Hills Fireplace Co., 21140 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Major credit cards. (818) 999-2174.

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Weekend Super Sale: Our favorite spot for jeans is Seymour Fashions, a semi-custom shop in Reseda. For its Fourth of July sale, through July 19, prices on the entire inventory will be reduced by 25%. This is where stretch denim “dream jeans” are made, selling for $30 in 22 colors.

Lucky enough to be going on a cruise or a safari? The inventory here is made for you.

Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed July 4. Seymour Fashions, 7040 Darby Ave., Reseda. (818) 705-1911.