BARGAINS : COOKING UP GOOD BARBECUE DEALS.

Byline: Trisha King & Deborah Newmark

If you're planning a Labor Day party and are in need of a new barbecue, you'll find a large selection with low prices at Woodland Hills Discount Fireplace Shop.

One of the best buys in the store is a Pro Chef double-control gas barbecue for $189. Made of heavy cast aluminum with steel porcelain grills, this barbecue normally retails for $320 to $340.

Woodland Hills Discount Fireplace Shop offers brand-name, free-standing and built-in barbecues. Not only are the prices lower than at similar specialty stores, they also beat discount stores.

For example, a free-standing stainless steel gas barbecue by DCS was offered in a large discount warehouse store's catalog for $899 plus a $75 delivery charge. Of course, assembly was not included. The price at Woodland Hills Discount Fireplace Shop is $799, assembly is free, and, depending where you live, delivery runs $25 to $35.

Another discount chain store sells unassembled Weber Spirit 500 gas barbecues for $379 ($429 retail). The price here is $349, and, as with all barbecues sold at Woodland Hills Discount Fireplace Shop, assembly is free.

Traditionalists who prefer grilling over charcoal will find Weber One-Track kettle barbecues for $99 ($109 to $219 elsewhere) and Weber's mini kettle barbecue, Smokey Joe, runs $27.70 ($34.99 retail).

If money is no object, there's still time to have a built-in DCS installed before Labor Day. Unlike other places, where there is a six- to 12-week wait, Woodland Hills Discount Fireplace Shop has most DCS built-ins (24-inch to 48-inch) stocked in the warehouse. A large DCS with a full 48-inch grill, two back burners and two rotisseries runs $2,740.50 instead of $3,915 retail.

Woodland Hills Discount Fireplace Shop is at 21440 Ventura Blvd. (one block east of De Soto Avenue), Woodland Hills; [phone]. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. All major credit cards accepted.

Inside info

While supplies last, Offside is having a clearance sale on its soccer and baseball apparel. Items such as jerseys, shorts and jackets are 20 percent to 50 percent off retail. Offside is at 19555 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana; [phone]. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

If you're looking for a special treat, you might consider renting a hot tub from Location Spa Rentals. Prices range from $200 to $400 (depending on size), for a seven-day rental. Thereafter, cost is an additional $75 to $95 per week. Price includes delivery, set-up and pick-up, and the rental fee can be applied to purchase. Call Location Spa Rentals for further information or to schedule a rental at [phone] seven days a week 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.