Posted on: July 7, 2008
Beyond BBQ Basics
Take backyard barbequing to the next level with whiz-bang options
By Chuck Ross
CTW Features
Image courtesy Viking Range Corp.
Today’s gas barbeque grills offer more features than ever. In fact, manufacturers are incorporating so many bells and whistles that it can be difficult to understand what all those added conveniences actually do. Here’s a short list of some of the options you’re likely to find burning up the showroom floors this season.
Infrared Burners
These burners just entered the mid-priced grill market in the last year or so, when a key patent on their technology expired. Propane (or natural gas) heats a ceramic tile designed to emit infrared heat – the same kind of heat the sun emits. These burners can reach 900 degrees F. to sear meat on contact. Watch that timer, though – those steaks will be done in half the time it takes a standard gas grill to do the job.
Rotisserie Units
These gadgets let you make your own rotisserie-style chicken or duck outdoors, without smoking up your kitchen. Higher-end models may offer baskets instead of forks, so you don’t have to worry about fragile foods falling off the tines. Smaller models may be powered by a battery, but larger units will require an electrical connection, so you’ll need to have access to a nearby outdoor plug if you’re keen on creating your own outdoor deli.
Smoker Boxes
Sometimes removable, these stainless steel containers can hold wood chips or chunks to add that delicious smoky flavor that comes from cooking over an open fire. Removable models can be taken off the grill to create more room for quantity cooking.
Side Burners
With side burners, your grill is transformed into a complete outdoor appliance, eliminating the hassle of minding both indoor and outdoor cooking devices at the same time. One space-planning tip to think about, however, is that these burners often take the place of one or both side shelves, so you may need to consider other options for resting food and utensils when creating your own outdoor kitchen.
