Do I Need an Infra-Red Burner in My New Grill?
The quest for the perfect steak has been with mankind since before the pyramids. We each have the vision in our heads, but only rarely do we even come close to achieving that goal. After all those eons of searching through the evolution of grills and burners of all shapes and sizes, humanity has managed to produce the infrared burner. now that we have accomplished this great feat, what good is it? well for one thing, it really helps in coming close to that vision of the perfect steak.
Infrared cooks food differently than conventional gas burners. while conventional gas burners heat the air that moves around the food, infrared is a wavelength of light that carries heat, but doesn't move the air. The advantage of this is that hot air moving over the meat will dry it out, but since infrared doesn't move the air the meat stays stays nice and juicy. another factor in keeping the meat nice and juicy is that infrared burners are HOT. they will sear the outside of the meat, keeping most of the juices inside, a factor you will really come to appreciate when it is time to enjoy your meal. maybe the most important feature of infrared burners to some, is how the steak looks when you use infrared. When you eat at one of the fancy restaurants and they bring out your fifty dollar steak, that steak looks like it is actually worth fifty dollars. It is beautiful. Chances are, the reason for those good looks is infrared. The intense heat from the infrared imparts a great look to steaks, from the sear marks to the edges. When you can accomplish this same look at home at a fifth of the cost in much more comfortable surroundings, the value of an infrared burner comes through.
So why not have the whole grill infrared if it's so great? like so many things in life, there's the good news, and the not so good news. The strength of infrared is also its weakness. It is HOT. There isn't a whole lot of range there for the more subtle dishes in your repetoire. When grilling with infrared, the best plan is to sear the steaks to keep the juices in and give the steak the looks of a pro, then move it to the cooler conventional burners to finish the steak to the desired level of your guests. also, if you are just cooking up some brats or burgers, the infrared isn't really usable in that situation and actually cuts down on your available grill space. Lastly, because of the intense heat, you really have to be focused on the grilling if you intend to use all infrared burners. No time for chit chat here. all in all, it is best to have the option of having infrared or going 100% conventional.
There are a great number of manufacturers offering infrared, with a great number of options concerning their burner configuration. Infrared isn't the only factor in buying a new grill, but must be considered along with a myriad of other options to put together a grill that will do what you want it to do, and look how you want it to look. your new grill will be with you for a long time, and every option should be considered before that final decision. to that end, I recommend talking to a professional and getting other opinions. Talk to more than one. Two heads are better than one, and six heads are better than two.
Cooking & Smoking With a Gas Grill
Significance: a gas grill is a device that is used for cooking. The food is cooked by applying the heat straightly from below. these grills usually use natural gas as fuel either directly or sometimes heat the grilling elements that radiate heat necessary to cook. Grills are usually available in small as well as large sizes. Some sizes are also available for industrial purposes and especially in big restaurants. these are usually installed to cook a large meat quantity for hundred or more than hundred people. these may be easily converted from one gas source to other.
Types: The recent and modern trends in these grills involve the use of infra red rays. these are provided to the burner that further heat up the whole grill. Meat items are usually cooked in these burners. There is a metal plate inside the grill that is operated by an electric motor. Meat that may be chicken roast or beef or any other is placed on this plate in smaller pieces and can be grilled easily.
Another trendy and the most emerging trend is flattop grill. It is also suitable as health and fitness is concerned. In these grills food is not directly exposed to the flame.
Moreover, wood chips are also used in some grills. these are called smoker box. these are actually used to give smoky taste to the grilled food. these are especially common in barbeque shops to give true smoky and spicy flavors to various foods. However, most experts of barbeque argued that the best smoky taste can be given only by preparing the food on slow flame. on the other hand, gas grills are difficult to work at low and slow temperatures.
Benefits: these grills are very beneficial in a number of ways. For example they are easy to handle and start. There are different buttons and dials that help in smooth functioning that anyone can do. these do not require any technical approach. The dials are simply and easily operated to control and set temperature according to the requirement. Some meals require extended periods of temperature whereas others do not. Moreover, wind can not affect in any way to the flame. Wood is also used to give smoky flavor to the foods.
Some notable Gas grills available: these are available in a wide range of prices and in numerous styles. Some top grills available in the market include,
Weber Genesis: these are considered the best ones and can lasts for a decade. You can cook anything in these. these are made of high quality parts including the burner that is of stainless steel. It also requires infrequent cleaning and lasts longer.
Napoleon Prestige: It is also high quality unit but more expensive one. It has more superior parts.
Broil king: It is a newly designed unit. It has aluminum body with combination of steel sheet, stainless steel and aluminum caps. It is a powerful and large unit that is perfect for large foods.
Broil master: these are very much suitable for professional cooking. these are expensive units but have great heat distribution according to the requirement.
Vidalia: This is a very unique unit. It has half indirect grill and half direct capabilities. The indirect grill allows slowing heating and cooking for many small items. The direct heating allows large items like beef and mutton to cook properly. It has polished aluminum body. It is a very durable item.
Natural grill: these are most often used for outdoor purposes. these are inexpensive units and durable as well. these gas grills also allow controlled temperature for better cooking.
Stainless Steel Gas Grills For Better Barbecuing
If you are a habitual griller and are tired of buying a new BBQ grill every couple of years, your best option is to invest in a stainless steel gas grill. One made of high-grade stainless steel is durable (it won't rust), has a glossy, attractive look and offers a number of cooking options that you can't get with other types of BBQ grills.
Most feature several kinds of cooking surfaces that allow you to cook food items you would never cook on other barbecue grill types. these include flat and ribbed grates made of rust resistant stainless steel. More advanced gas grill units feature additional cooking surfaces such as wok-type surfaces and warmers, and many higher-end ones are equipped with electric rotisserie skewers (for roasting large pieces of meat such as whole chickens or a roast). Since these multiple cooking surfaces are also nonstick, you can literally cook an entire meal on a stainless steel gas grill.
A very useful cooking option incorporated in almost all is temperature control gauges. If it has more than one burner (and most have at least two), it will feature a separate temperature control dial for each burner (for each type of cooking surface). this provides a degree of versatility that will allow you to do much more than grill meat. It means you can cook different foods, at different temperatures, on different surfaces - all at the same time.
They usually feature a built in thermometer allowing you to cook your food at exactly the right temperature. with most other types of BBQ grills, such as charcoal and smoker grills, you would need to purchase a separate grill thermometer.
The ignition switches on stainless steel gas grills make heating the grill faster (about ten minutes), easier and safer than other grill types that cook with an open flame. The On/Off buttons also mean your grill will cool down rapidly. Still, it's essential to remember that propane gas is highly flammable. If used incorrectly, a gas BBQ grill could cause explosions or fires, so always follow manufacturer's instruction s meticulously and handle propane canisters with care.
These types of barbecues are generally more expensive than charcoal grills or electric grills. while you can find store brands selling for as little as $150, it is always better to purchase a reliable brand name. Some of the best stainless steel gas grill brands are:
Broilmaster: Broilmaster BBQ grills are justifiably popular. The company, which has been manufacturing BBQ grills for many years, prides itself on the durability and quality of their product. One of their most popular stainless steel gas grill models is the Super Premium Series, with 40,000 Btu's of cooking power for a total cooking surface area of almost 695 square inches (average price $1,500).
Brinkmann: A Brinkmann gas grill is a less costly option, but it provides excellent value for your money. these grills are functional and durable. Prices vary according to the size of the unit, with higher end models running at around $300.
Lynx: Lynx stainless steel gas grills are among the best BBQ grills on the market. If you are a veteran griller - and if you can afford it, you would do well to invest in a Lynx gas grill. The most basic Lynx gas grill unit (a 2-burner, 27-inch grill) retails at $2000. all Lynx stainless steel gas grills are built to last, using high-grade stainless steel and welded seams.
Tailgaiting origins belong to America
Grilled hot dogs, never-ending soda, face paint and fans: Who doesn't love tailgating? While the beloved tradition of football grew in America, tailgating quickly echoed its popularity.
even though the origins appear quite fuzzy, this "gorging before the game" is in all American football fans' sights.
Just how much do we love tailgating? Well, a 2001 Weber Grillwatch Survey states that 4 million people bought portable grills with the intention of tailgating. to add some weight to the point, Americans allegedly purchased 350 million pounds of hot dogs last year. even though this research was done by an organization named the "Hot dog and Sausage Council," I think it's safe to say we like meat.
how did this commonplace event of grilling up the meaty treats and downing hundreds of soda pops come to be?
Many theories hold claim. Joe Cahn, the founder of New Orleans's School of cooking and in his twelfth year of tailgating, proclaims he is the creator of tailgating. However, many are skeptical.
Another likely tale suggests that after a long travel by railcar, students attending the 1904 Harvard vs. Yale game cooked up some dinner before the match and kept the tradition alive.
still, author of "A tailgater's guide to SEC Football," Chris Warner says the tradition traces back much further. back, even, to after the civil war when the first organized football game between Princeton and Rutgers took place in the fall of 1869. It is said the fans traveled by carriage and made a fish dinner shortly before the game.
Being the new kid on the block, America is often criticized for its non-originality. We have Italian and Chinese food.
However, tailgating is something we can call our very own. While the origins are not clear, it is clear they all began in the United States.
so kudos Harvard fans, post-civil war Princeton supporters or Joe Cahn; you've created a one of a kind American tradition!
From lawn chairs to soda pop to hotdogs and hamburgers, tailgating is an all-American activity, which is surely bound to stay around.
As long as they give us football, we'll be stuffing our faces and painting our chests. so join in, Sycamores, and get your tail to that gate.
