# A new barbeque - convince me **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 10, 2009, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769 "2009-12-10T20:50:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Translucent\_Daydream](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/translucent_daydream/32/16170_2.png) [@Translucent\_Daydream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Translucent_Daydream)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/21 "2009-12-11T18:26:52Z")
Why am I the only one piping up about infrared grills? From old Wiki: > [@](#): > > Infrared grills work by igniting propane or natural gas to superheat a ceramic tile, causing it to emit an infrared radiation of a thermal radiation technique that cooks food. Basically, the thermal radiation is generated when heat from the movement of charged particles within atoms is converted to electromagnetic radiation in the infrared heat frequency range. The benefits are that heat is uniformly distributed across the cooking surface and that temperatures reach over 500 °C (900 °F), allowing users to sear items quickly. > > Infrared cooking differs from other forms of grilling, which use hot air to cook the food. Instead of heating the air, infrared radiation heats the food directly. The benefits of this are a reduction in pre-heat time and less drying of the food. Grilling enthusiasts claim food cooked on an infrared grill tastes similar to food from char-grills. This is because charcoal, when burned, emits infrared radiation, the same as an infrared grill, but the difference is that char-grills cook with only about 25% infrared heat and the remaining 75% from convection (hot air). Proponents say that food cooked on infrared grills seems juicier. Also, infrared grills have the advantages of instant ignition, better heat control, and a uniform heat source. > > This technology was previously patented, but the patents expired in 2000 and more companies have started offering infrared grills at lower prices ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/22 "2009-12-11T18:43:33Z")
> [@Translucent\_Daydream](#): > > Why am I the only one piping up about infrared grills? > > From old Wiki: Because everyone else read the OP & realized that chefguy specifically said he didn’t want anything expensive. Infrared grills are, by far, the most expensive grills on the market. ---
**Author:** ![Translucent\_Daydream](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/translucent_daydream/32/16170_2.png) [@Translucent\_Daydream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Translucent_Daydream)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/23 "2009-12-11T18:56:20Z")
I dunno, he is looking at a $350 dollar grill, if I read that thing right he posted before. [Here is one cheaper.](http://www.amazon.com/Napoleon-PTSS215PI-Freestyle-Portable-Infrared/dp/B002JL8VM2/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260557662&sr=8-14) [Here is the mac-daddy of all carnivorous wet dreams, though.](http://www.amazon.com/Solaire-134-Infrared-Cart-Grill/dp/B001AQHSDK/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260557662&sr=8-16) ---
**Author:** ![Translucent\_Daydream](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/translucent_daydream/32/16170_2.png) [@Translucent\_Daydream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Translucent_Daydream)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/24 "2009-12-11T19:00:00Z")
[And this one is direct from Chargrill, which I would assume would be selling for a premium, and you could get it cheaper. Its only 399.99 here, which isn’t much more than his link.](http://www.charbroil.com/Consumer/product_detail_e.aspx?ProductID=2330&CategoryID=45) So, there, **everybody**. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/25 "2009-12-11T19:38:32Z")
> [@Translucent\_Daydream](#): > > I dunno, he is looking at a $350 dollar grill, if I read that thing right he posted before. > > [Here is one cheaper.](http://www.amazon.com/Napoleon-PTSS215PI-Freestyle-Portable-Infrared/dp/B002JL8VM2/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260557662&sr=8-14) > > [Here is the mac-daddy of all carnivorous wet dreams, though.](http://www.amazon.com/Solaire-134-Infrared-Cart-Grill/dp/B001AQHSDK/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260557662&sr=8-16) The only infrared grills comparable in price are of the portable variety. The one you linked is just over half the size of the one in Chefguy’s link. The Char-Broil grills you linked in your last post are not true infrared grills. They use metal plates instead of the ceramic found in TEC & Solaire grills. ETA: I do agree that infrared grills are bad-ass. I love cooking on them. ---
**Author:** ![Translucent\_Daydream](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/translucent_daydream/32/16170_2.png) [@Translucent\_Daydream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Translucent_Daydream)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/26 "2009-12-11T20:37:11Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > The only infrared grills comparable in price are of the portable variety. The one you linked is just over half the size of the one in Chefguy’s link. > > The Char-Broil grills you linked in your last post are not true infrared grills. They use metal plates instead of the ceramic found in TEC & Solaire grills. > ETA: I do agree that infrared grills are bad-ass. I love cooking on them. I don’t know what the difference would be with metal vs ceramic. **Chefguy** , might I suggest Craigslist for your grill? I got one for about 30 bucks, and it was selling at the store for a little over 200. I have had it for quite some time, and it still strikes first light in the rain. Its a Thermos Big Texas Grill. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2009, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/27 "2009-12-11T22:35:56Z")
> [@Translucent\_Daydream](#): > > I dunno, he is looking at a $350 dollar grill, if I read that thing right he posted before. > > [Here is one cheaper.](http://www.amazon.com/Napoleon-PTSS215PI-Freestyle-Portable-Infrared/dp/B002JL8VM2/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260557662&sr=8-14) > > [Here is the mac-daddy of all carnivorous wet dreams, though.](http://www.amazon.com/Solaire-134-Infrared-Cart-Grill/dp/B001AQHSDK/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260557662&sr=8-16) $350 is probably moderately priced. A Big Green Egg, for example, runs about twice that. And of course the big “look what I bought” grills go up from there. I really like the indirect heat of the Weber, and the one I’m looking at uses small propane bottles for an igniter, so there’s no BBQ starter fluid taste or smell or mess. I like the instant gratification of propane, but have had few things cooked on one that actually tasted like BBQ. Perhaps my memory is faulty. ---
**Author:** ![J-P\_L](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/j-p_l/32/3156_2.png) [@J-P\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/J-P_L)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/28 "2009-12-12T00:35:17Z")
If it is an option for you, I highly recommend, as mentioned above, a natural gas hookup from the house, you never run out of gas at the wrong time and you do not have to go out to get it. ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2009, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/29 "2009-12-12T01:17:12Z")
> [@J-P\_L](#): > > If it is an option for you, I highly recommend, as mentioned above, a natural gas hookup from the house, you never run out of gas at the wrong time and you do not have to go out to get it. If it’s not an option, keep an extra bottle of propane. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2009, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/30 "2009-12-13T04:58:28Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > I use both, but for sheer convienence I say go for gas. Anything charcoal can do, gas can do cleaner and quicker. Charcoal freaks will argue about taste, but what they are really saying is that they like little bits of ash on their food. I’d go for gas too just because it’s easier all around. No charcoal ash to deal with at the end of the cooking, when you’re done, the flame is done too. You’ll also be more willing to grill when there’s one less step to hassle with. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2009, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/31 "2009-12-18T19:01:02Z")
Well, I’m now the owner of a new Kenmore gas grill. Four burners plus one on the side. Rated at 81 points by Consumer Reports, which was only 6 points below the top-rated Weber and $400 cheaper. If I don’t like it, I’m hunting each of you down and skewering you with a BBQ fork. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2009, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/32 "2009-12-18T19:06:10Z")
Oh man, a friend of mine bought that same exact grill, tried to use it three times and every single time his clothes have caught on fire so, you know, good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2009, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/33 "2009-12-18T20:02:59Z")
Hey, I think that’s the grill [this guy](http://www.ihs.gov/MedicalPrograms/PortlandInjury/otherimages/indexpic/flash/HouseFire_2.jpg) used! ---
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2009, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/34 "2009-12-18T20:17:43Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Well, I’m now the owner of a new Kenmore gas grill. Four burners plus one on the side. Rated at 81 points by Consumer Reports, which was only 6 points below the top-rated Weber and $400 cheaper. If I don’t like it, I’m hunting each of you down and skewering you with a BBQ fork. Congrats on a good choice. Next year, you will decide that you really want a charcoal grill, for the occasional times you want to slow cook. Year 3, you get the [grillzilla](http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaqpeZ60hzm/R-100661412/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053), for when you want to grill for 20. Why yes, we do own 3 grills in a household of 2 people. Why do you ask? ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2009, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/35 "2009-12-18T20:22:12Z")
If you decide to go gas, forget Sears. Most gas grills seem to last two or three years at the most. Spend a little extra and get Webber. I did that ten years ago, and it is as good as new. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2009, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/36 "2009-12-18T22:00:38Z")
> [@BrotherCadfael](#): > > If you decide to go gas, forget Sears. Most gas grills seem to last two or three years at the most. Spend a little extra and get Webber. I did that ten years ago, and it is as good as new. Too late! See the post above. But I bought a cover for it, and we have an overhang to store it under. Problem is, the Weber gas grill of comparable size was $700. I wouldn’t pay that much for a stove, let alone a grill. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2009, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/37 "2009-12-18T23:01:09Z")
As \*\*D\_Odds \*\*said: zone heat management! It is hard to quickly increase, decrease, or otherwise control the heat with charcoal. Sure you can move the coals around but with gas the control is much easier. With a multi-burner gas grill you can turn some of the burners on, all on, one on, etc. Direct heat or indirect. The other consideration, **Chefguy** is safety and time. you said you are putting the grill on your new deck. And you are not concerned about the time it takes to prepare charcoal. With a gas grill you turn it off and walk away and eat your meal, with charcoal you need to be aware that the coals will take awhile to burn themselves out. While you are eating and relaxing there is still a pot of hot coals on your deck. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2009, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/38 "2009-12-18T23:49:30Z")
> [@Renee](#): > > See, really, this is a lot more work than > > 1. Hit the button to turn grill on > 2. wait 5-10 minutes for grill to get hot (ours gets to 600 F in 10 minutes, and it’s not an expensive grill) > 3. Cook. > > Our gas gets much hotter than the charcoal grill we used to have. We’ve had the gas up to 800, and I use it as a pizza oven all the time. If you want charcoal and ease of use go with a [Weber Performer](http://www.amazon.com/Weber-841001-Performer-Charcoal-Touch-N-Go/dp/B000659KDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1261179563&sr=1-1) Hit the button to light, and in 10-15 minutes you are ready to cook. As far as hot goes, I have had an readings of over 1100 F on my big green egg (the ceramic inside was glowing red). Just the thing to sear a steak. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2009, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/39 "2009-12-19T01:38:30Z")
> [@Rick](#): > > If you want charcoal and ease of use go with a [Weber Performer](http://www.amazon.com/Weber-841001-Performer-Charcoal-Touch-N-Go/dp/B000659KDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1261179563&sr=1-1) Hit the button to light, and in 10-15 minutes you are ready to cook. > As far as hot goes, I have had an readings of over 1100 F on my big green egg (the ceramic inside was glowing red). Just the thing to sear a steak. That’s the one I was looking at initially. I hate you for having a Green Egg. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2009, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769/40 "2009-12-19T02:09:38Z")
Charcoal and two units. One is a simple Aussie “Tag-Along” model and the second a more involved grill/smoker for large and complicated meals. For “speed starting” (and most starting really, I use one of the “eco-cans” where you use some crumpled newspaper to light off the coals and then dump them in the grill or firebox. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-barbeque-convince-me/520769.md?page=3)