Advantages and disadvantages of infrared barbecues
Today, the market is full of all kinds of culinary gadgets that have made the task of cooking much easier. Previous barbecues meant long hours of cooking and constant heat control. But with the introduction of infrared grills, there has been a sea change in cooking techniques.
For many years, infrared technology was used as a curing process for paints and stains. With the advent of infrared grills, commercial cooking in restaurants and high-end dining venues saw a sea change. But due to its reasonably high cost, it was not affordable for housewives.
This groundbreaking creation is the baby of Bill Best, founder of TEC gas grills and the sole person responsible for the patent that was placed on the first infrared gas burner in 1961. Thermal Electrical Corporation’s own monopoly kept it away from the retail consumers. . But after the expiration of their patents, many other manufacturers began to produce these grills.
Some of the grills that used to cost $ 4,000 are now also available for $ 400. Today there is much more accessibility to the product.
Grills using infrared technology have been used for commercial cooking for so many decades and the distinguishing feature of this device is that it creates juicy and tasty meals from any type of fish or meat. Many well-known chefs prefer to use these grills, rather than the conventional charcoal or gas. These grills and barbecues offer a cooking comfort that is not compared to any other appliance in the same class and category.
Even though infrared grills are a boon to the chef, they can also become a beginner’s nightmare if not handled properly. There are always advantages and some related disadvantages of any product. And this device is no exception to that.
Advantages of infrared grills:
Save time and energy: The intensity of the heat from the grill helps in faster preparation of food, which in turn saves time and fuel.
Tastier Food: It is said that due to the intense and even distribution of heat, cooked food tastes more delicious than that prepared in another way. The special concave shape of the grill preserves the juices and moisture of the food product, making it taste better.
Less Messy: These grills are much less straightforward and easy to use. Cleaning them is not a big task either. Even though the grills are concave, the juices that drip onto the grill immediately burn out due to the intensely high heat. This makes the grill less sticky and therefore easy to clean.
Equitable Heat Distribution: This device uses a ceramic tile for heating that has thousands of pores. This aids in even heat distribution and a better cooking experience.
Better quality material: This type of grill is made of stainless steel, which is a better choice than conventional iron grill. This looks a lot better and works better too.
Disadvantages of infrared grills:
Lack of availability of the lower heating mechanism – The infrared burner does not have the option of the lower heating mechanism. One would have to buy another cooking source for lower temperature recipes.
Overcooked Food – While cooking food on an infrared grill, you need to constantly check the timer or else the food could overcook, which in turn would spoil the basic essence of the dish.
Health risks: Overcooked food can have an adverse effect on the health of the person who eats it. High temperatures can also cause accidental burns if not handled carefully.
Cost effectiveness: infrared grills are not as inexpensive as one would like to think. They are still a product used by the upper class of people and are not commonly found in middle income households.
Therefore, the infrared grills that are in high demand today have their pros and cons. But one thing is for sure that this technology has changed the face of culinary art and kitchens forever.