The Ducane Affinity 4100 31741101 is part of the gas grill
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, gas grill
models like the Affinity 4100 31741101 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Low temp performance:
Combines the evenness of heating over the grill's surface at the low setting (using thermocouples) and the models ability to cook chicken and fish on the gril at that setting without burning the food.
High temp evenness:
Evenness of heating over the grill's surface at the high setting, using thermocouples.
Indirect cooking:
This indicates how well the grill will slow cook foods when only some of the burners are on and the food isn't placed directly over the flame.
About This Brand
This brand, known for its durability and dependability, went through an entire line and design change in 2007. Weber is known for its quality products in the midpriced to high-priced categories, and grills that feature coated cast-iron and stainless-steel-rod cooking grates and long-warranty stainless-steel burners. (The company offers a natural-gas version for most of its grills.) Weber recently introduced an infrared-searing station on some of its grills, updated its Q line of portable grills, and added colors to its entire lineup. Weber grills are available at many retailers nationwide. Grills range in price from $130 to $3,000. Note that Weber acquired Ducane about four years ago.
Features & Specs - Ducane Affinity 4100 31741101
Stainless-steel grates Primary cooking grates made of stainless-steel are generally sturdier than those made of coated steel and resist rust even without a porcelain coating.
Stainless-steel grates
No
Coated-cast-iron grates The grill's primary cooking grates may be made of porcelain coated cast-iron, which generally sears meats better and keeps grilling temperatures more consistent than grates made of porcelain coated steel. The porcelain coating usually makes such grates easier to clean than other surfaces, and the grates should resist rust as long as their porcelain coating isn't chipped.
Coated-cast-iron grates
No
All or mostly stainless Includes more than just a panel or other trim. Based on our limited tests, nonmagnetic stainless is less likely to corrode.
All or mostly stainless
No
Long-warranty burners While burners remain the grill's most-replaced part, most are warranted for only 3 to 5 years. Better burners are covered for 10 years or more.
Long-warranty burners
No
Side burner A side burner, which resembles a gas-stove burner and has its own heat control, is handy if you want to cook vegetables or sauce without leaving the grill.
Side burner
No
Infrared burner Gas burner that uses infrared technology (ceramic burner, plates and screens, or troughs as some examples) for cooking. An indirect flame is used for cooking food. Burner can be located as the main burner, side burner, rotisserie burner, or any combination of burners.
We just got the Ducane 4100 and first of all were very surprised on how well it was packed. [...]Next-- all parts are in separate boxes and clearly labeled. The instructions are fairly simple, but we did have a little trouble figuring out which screws went where. The illustrations of the screws were virtually identical with no measurements or identification. Once we figured out the screws, the grill went together in about an hour. The main housing of the grill comes assembled, so all you have to put together is the base and side shelves. The grill is VERY heavy duty with heavy gauge steel for all panels. The doors are solid, clad doors that give a solid clunk when you close them.All handles are stainless steel as are the grates, burners and all internal components.Wheels are very heavy duty casters that roll very smoothly. The two wheels on the right have locking levers.Now for the most important part...grilling. With all four burners going, the grill heated to 500 degrees in only 5 minutes. It would take my old Kenmore 25 minutes to get that hot. The first thing we cooked was some Conecuh sausage. The burner covers did their job and vaporized the grease, stopping flareups in their tracks. It cooked quickly without burning, with a nice browned color, still juicy inside.Bottom line--I'm going to really like using this grill. I've decided to keep it in the garage to keep it protected from the elements--and just wheel it out to use it.For the money, I think you'll be hard pressed to find a better grill. I did a ton of research and the Ducane 4100 is a whole lot of grill for the money. Ducane is now owned by Weber, and you know how awesome (read expensive and worth it) those grills are!
1 person has reviewed this model.
Stainless-steel grates
