Easy Cleaning And Maintenance
You can turn up the heat and leave it on for 5 minutes to burn any food debris into ash which you can easily clean off.
Infrared grills also arent as prone to flare-ups as any juices or bits that drop onto the grill will be quickly vaporized due to the high cooking temperature of the infrared grill.
What Does Tru Infrared Grill Mean
Behind our TRU-Infrared cooking technology rests an idea that is as old as time itself: the unique cooking technology converts the hot air generated in traditional gas barbeques into infrared heat. The heat is distributed evenly over the entire grill surface and flare ups are prevented from happening entirely.
How Is Infrared Grill Powered
In the heat source aspect, infrared and gas burners are similar. They both use gas to power up the equipment. There are propane options and natural gas options in the market. But while majority of infrared grills do use propane or natural gas as a heat source, there are some that can be powered by electricity.
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Which Series To Buy
Based on my personal observations and reading through hundreds of user reviews, the Performance series under-performs the Signature/Commercial series due to the one-piece emitter/grate design. Although its tough to expect much from a gas grill under $200, the question remains: Is the Char-Broil TRU-infrared performance series the best gas grill under $200? The answer is no, a standard convection grill may serve you better. For just $200 the best gas grill is going to light, heat relatively evenly, and last a couple of years. TRU-infrared isnt going to add any value at this price point. Finding the best gas grill under $200 isnt difficult if you know what to look for. Lazy-Q Life has done the homework and laid it all out for you here.
Thanks for reading!
Our Top 6 Choices For The Best Infrared Grills For 2021
Weve selected six of the best infrared gas grills on the market today. These are our favorite grills for intense searing across a range of price points.
Infrared technology used to be limited to the most expensive grills.
Char-Broil has been changing that perception with the Performance TRU-Infrared gas grills.
We think the Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Gas Grill is the best infrared grill for most people.
You get 450 square inches of primary cooking area with 24,000 BTUs spread across three burners with a 10,000 BTU side burner to boot.
For warming, there is also a 150 square inch warming rack which is porcelain coated, and swings away when not in use.
The grill itself performs well, reaching high temperatures with ease. Searing is a pleasure, as the heat is distributed evenly across the cooking plate.
The consistently good results you can achieve on this grill really do rival some of the more expensive competitors weve seen.
The lid and firebox stand are also porcelain coated for increased durability.
What we like:
What we dont like:
- The infrared plates on this unit can be difficult to clean There are small holes in the infrared plates which can get bits of food stuck in them. Not only does this contribute to the difficulty in cleaning the grates but may lead to the odd flare up as these bits of food catch alight.
- Gas bottle placement is stored under the unit where other manufacturers may take advantage of the space for shelves.
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Is Cooking With Infrared Ovens Harmful To Food
Infrared heat is the type of electromagnetic radiation used in microwave ovens. Because infrared heat penetrates and agitates food molecules instead of heating the surrounding area, food cooks very quickly. However, infrared heat can alter food components that can have adverse effects on human health and safety.
How Does Infrared Cooking Work
Manufacturers of many barbecue grills and countertop ovens are quick to tout their devices’ use of infrared cooking. This trendy technology is said to provide fast cooking times and beautifully-browned foods, while using less energy than other cooking methods. All of these claims contain a measure of truth, though the promotional brochures don’t usually delve far into the underlying science. Even fewer go on to explain that you’ve probably already used infrared cooking methods for years.
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Debunking Myths And Misconceptions About Electric Grills
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Myth #1: Electric Grills Are Not Real Grills
While it is true that electric grills do not provide an authentic flavor, there are many reasons people seriously consider buying an electric grill. They are convenient to use, cook various foods, and also produce beautiful grill marks.
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Myth #2: Electric Grills Do Not Need Cleaning
Even though electric grills require minimal cleaning, you cannot ignore it altogether. Salespeople commonly use this phrase to stress grilling convenience, but it is not meant to be understood literally.
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Myth #3: Electric Grills Can Never Be Used Outdoors
Electric grills are generally used indoors, but some of the latest models can also be used outdoors.
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What Are Infrared Grills
If you want to find in-depth information about infrared grills, we have a detailed break down that looks at if they are worth the cost. If you want a quick rundown though, read on to learn the essentials.
The word infrared refers to a method of heat transfer. On infrared grills, grill plates are designed to transfer heat into infrared radiation, and then cook the food.
Some infrared grills have one or two grill plates designed to transfer infrared heat, and might be called a sear zone or something similar. Other grills are comprised solely of infrared grill plates.
You might think this sounds very high tech, or you might even think it could be a health hazard.
In reality, the burning coals on a fire also emit infrared radiation. So cooking with infrared radiation has really been around as long as fire has. It just hasnt been harnessed in a convenient and efficient way until recently.
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Are Infrared Grills Healthier
Infrared grills can be significantly more efficient, and they can also be healthier, since they dont char food and therefore dont create as many of the carcinogens produced by traditional charcoal and gas grills. Its a very healthy way of eating, since the only thing that gets cooked out of the food is the fat.
Why Does My Infrared Grill Smoke So Much
A lot of the first time smoking is caused by the burn off manufacturing residue . As for the the flare ups when you are grilling, the burner should not necessarily be turned to high but rather adjusted for whatever you are grilling. An occasional flare-up is normal.
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In What Ways Do Infrared And Gas Grills Differ
Like charcoal grills, gas grills cook food using convection. In other words, they heat air and that air is circulated through the grill grates and around the food to cook it. The flow of air is essential and has certain drawbacks, some of which may be prevented with the use of an infrared grill.
Infrared grills do not rely on convection. They use gas or electricity to heat a ceramic plate and the infrared that radiates from the plate is what cooks the food. The waves are emitted within a particular wavelength range that is optimal for cooking. Some are designed specifically to limit air circulation and to provide even heat.
Cons Of Infrared Grilling
As mentioned earlier, there are certain drawbacks of infrared grilling, which should be taken into consideration. Following are some disadvantages of cooking food by infrared grilling.
- Temperature setting: With infrared grilling, you do not have option for low temperature regulation. Hence, due to the intensity of high heat, infrared grilling is not preferable for vegetable and fish recipes.
- Health risks: Because of the extremely high temperature used in infrared grilling, the chances of burning and charring food are always high. Burned food increases the risk of cancer and other health conditions.
- Less portable: Once installed, most of the infrared grill models are difficult to move, especially due to their bulky configuration. Though portable models are released in the market, they are not suitable for regular usage and barbecue parties.
- Expensive: As infrared grills are configured with sophisticated technology, they are more expensive than the conventional grill units.
This was a brief info about infrared grilling pros and cons. With practice and proper grilling techniques, you can definitely prepare delectable meals in infrared grills. On the concluding note, analyze the pros and cons of infrared grilling before considering it as an ideal method of cooking food. Also, make sure that you opt for grill models that provide a wider range of temperature settings.
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Are Infrared Grills Safe
Infrared grills arent any more dangerous than their conventional counterparts. While infrared radiation is involved, this type of radiation is completely different from nuclear radiation that results from the disintegration of unstable atoms at nuclear power plants or during a routine X-ray. The term radiation in this case simply means that heat energy moves through the air in waves. In fact, just about everyone has a radiant heating device in their homes called a toaster. Toasters use electricity to heat elements that radiate heat directly to the bread, resulting in beautiful, brown toast.
That said, infrared grills can pose health risks, due to the high temperatures their burners can attain. A recent TheSpruceEats.com article warns, When cooking on infrared, its very important to keep a close eye on foods. Since your cooking time is reduced, you can burn meats very quickly. Burnt food always presents a cancer risk and needs to be avoided at all costs.
Still have questions about infrared grills or want to see grill models up close? Check out Grill Central at LanChester Grill & Hearth, located in Gap, PA, where youll find a huge selection of top-quality grills for the serious grill enthusiast.
Premium Quality Of Food
Due to the faster cooking speed of infrared grills, the juices can be retained in the meat which contributes to tastier and more tender meats. Infrared grills can also reach higher cooking temperatures much more quickly so that it can sear your steaks faster, giving you that wonderful flavorful brown crust.
Infrared grills can cook food more evenly since they can distribute heat more evenly throughout the meat. This reduces the risk of the meat being burned in some parts while other parts of the meat remain undercooked.
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Pros And Cons Of Infrared Gas Grills
Like anything else, an infrared grill has pros and cons and whether it right for you depends on what and how you prefer to cook. The advantages and disadvantages also depend on the model you buy and what specifics it offers. That said, there are some general things to consider when looking to buy an infrared grill.
Pros
Disadvantages Of Cooking With An Infrared Grill
Without making some adjustments the advantages can quickly become disadvantages when cooking with infrared.
- The intense heat put out by infrared grills can quickly burn food. When cooking delicate meats like fish, the heat put out by infrared can be too intense.
- For that reason, you will get the best results if you cook sturdier meats, such as steaks, especially when you are first using your infrared grill.
- Manufacturers have come to realize that an all infrared grill is not very versatile due to the intensity of the heat they produce.
For that reason, most grills now offer a sear zone. The rest of the grill heats the food a more traditional way, such as with gas burners. This way, after a very short time on the infrared burner, your meat can be moved back to the non infrared part of the grill to finish off .
This different way of cooking can take a little while to get used to, which can put people off using infrared grills initially.
There is also concern that burnt food, and particularly burnt meat, causes cancer. While it is true that certain compounds created when meat is cooked have been linked to cancer, there is still more research to be done.
In the meantime, if you are concerned, a good rule of thumb is to avoid burning your meat
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What Is Infrared Cooking
The easiest way to truly understand the power of infrared technology with cooking appliances is to first delineate the various types of heat transfer in cooking. The three main types are conduction, convection and radiation.
Conduction cooks the desired object through direct contact with a heating element. For example, sautéing some garlic in a skillet over the stove. The garlic is the object, the skillet the heating element, which is heated directly by the electric or gas stove. The oil used in this instance is not considered the main heating mechanism cooking the food but a supporting material to help the food cook more evenly and perhaps add flavor.
Convection cooking is the act of using a secondary medium, such as gas or liquid, to cook food. For example, deep frying submerges the object in large quantities of hot oil to cook it, and boiling does the same in water. Steaming, smoking, baking and roasting utilize hot air. Within this category of cookery, its important to note that liquid convection is more powerful than gas convection, and the denser the fluid is, the faster it heats food this is because the heat capacity of each medium is different. That’s why we can reach into a 350 F oven to pull out a finished cake, but definitely cannot sink our hands into boiling water to grab a potato. Most concisely explained: The temperature of something is not the same as the heat it can emit.
What Foods Can Be Cooked On An Infrared Grill
That is something you can not argue with. It is this fast and hot cooking that is infrared grills greatest advantage. Infrared cooking can be brutally powerful. While solid and dense meats can hold up to the heat of an infrared grill, fish and vegetables can be harder to cook on this type of burner because of the intensity of the heat.
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What Is Infrared Grilling
Infrared grilling is gaining popularity. An infrared grill is a grill that uses technology as the heat source or as an optional burner for cooking.
Like all kinds of cooking equipment, an infrared grill has advantages and disadvantages. Below are some pros and cons of using this type of grilling system.
Pros: Infrared Grills Cook Food Quickly
Because of their mega-high temperatures, infrared grills cook very, very fast. And for some types of grilling, that happens to be exactly what you want. The most notable example of this is steak.
The key to cooking a steak is cooking as quickly as possible over as high a heat as possible. The hotter and quicker, the better. The reason being that steaks get tougher the longer they spend over the heat. Your goal with cooking one, then, is to sear the outside and produce a flavorful brown crust while ensuring that the interior remains tender and juicy.
And an infrared grill with its cooking temperature approaching 1,000 F happens to be perfect for that. It might only take a minute on each side and even less for thin cuts like skirt steak.
Another advantage to infrared grills is that they aren’t prone to flare-ups since anything that drips from the food is instantly vaporized when it hits the glass or ceramic.
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Is It Safe To Cook With Infrared
The current research on infrared radiation is that it is not powerful enough to alter the molecular structure of food cooked using it as a heat source, and its food results are safe for human use and consumption. So far, there have been no links found between infrared grilling and cancer, but its important to note that there have been links found between food cooked at high temperatures and carcinogenic compounds in meat, which is not limited to infrared cooking.
According to the National Cancer Institute, meats cooked at high temperatures above 300 F or those cooked for a long time tend to form more heterocyclic amines or HCAs, while cooking food that exposed it to smoke produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons . Both of these compounds have been found to sometimes cause cancer on animals during lab experiments, and the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research recommends limiting consumption of processed meats, but there aren’t specific guidelines on how much HCA and PAH should be avoided.
This is all to say, moderation is key with infrared cookery and food in general. Hopefully, this guide has given you the primer you need to go forth and try ways of infrared cooking that best suit your lifestyle!
What Is An Infrared Burner
The concept of an infrared grill is not new.
It has been around since the 1980s, originally invented by TEC Grills. With an infrared burner, there is an infrared element between the grates and the flame.
The gas flame heats a ceramic tile covered in thousands of microscopic holes that radiate infrared energy into your food.
Lynx Trident Infrared Burner In Professional Gas BBQ Grill
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How An Infrared Grill Works
Infrared grills, especially those manufactured by Char-Broil, are different from the traditional gas and charcoal grills in that they rely on radiant waves to cook.
You are, probably, wondering where these radiant waves come from.
Well, for you to understand this, I, first of all, have to explain the structure of a Char-Broil TRU infrared grill.
Infrared grills are similar to gas grills in that they both use liquid propane as fuel but that is where the similarities end.
Infrared grills have an emitter plate that produces radiant waves that cook the food.
This emitter plate is located just above the burner and when it is heated, it produces infrared radiation.
You may be wondering what is different with this grill that makes it special.
Traditional grills that lack the infrared emitter plate use convectional currents to transfer heat.
This method of heat transfer has a lot of challenges.
Here, the air just above the grill is hot and it moves to the food that is being cooked.
This heated air cooks your meals but there is a lot of energy lost to the surrounding area.
The lost energy is one of the reasons why infrared grills are better as they hardly waste any energy.
All the energy is used to cook your meals and therefore your fuel consumption will be low.
The rising heated air also causes your food to dry up and that is why meals cooked with gas or charcoal grills are usually dry.
