Obviously charcoal is the way to go in terms of taste. However it's not the most convenient. Infrared grills are becoming a lot more popular or so it seems. I'm thinking about getting a new grill but know nothing about infrared grills. I already have a charcoal smoker but want to get something that is a little more convenient when I don't have the time to mess with charcoal. Anyone use an infrared grill? Any distinct advantages or disadvantages? I would assume it cooks food a lot faster which would be somewhat of a learning curve if you are used to slow cooking everything.



[Edited on May 15, 2012 at 8:58 AM. Reason : Thoughts?]

5/15/2012 8:57:50 AM

this thread is relative to my interests!!

5/15/2012 9:28:00 AM

propane and propane accessories

5/15/2012 9:29:08 AM

for infrared, you may as well get a setup for inside your kitchen. you effectively use infrared to get your desired sear/char on the outside then bake to your desired middle temp/color. there's no real grilling - a great option to replace a george foreman or the like. I got a dual fuel grill with gas on one side and coal on the other. gas for more delicate things like fish and faster cooking, coal on the other. with a chimney starter, coal can be ready for grilling in under 10min

5/15/2012 9:39:40 AM

are you referring to the 'infrared' propane grills sold at the big home-improvement stores?

or an actual IR heating unit like the Greek places use to cook their meat?



FWIW, the 'IR' propane grills that are sold at lowes/etc. are not truely IR. I have the smallest one sold from lowes... it's a good grill, but cleanup is horrendous with the double-baffle grating setup, and they must be cleaned often.

5/15/2012 9:54:47 AM

To me, the IR grills are gimmicky.

5/15/2012 9:55:40 AM

Quote :

"are you referring to the 'infrared' propane grills sold at the big home-improvement stores? or an actual IR heating unit like the Greek places use to cook their meat?"

IR propane grills is what I was referring to. What are you referring to in your second statement about Greek places?

Quote :

"To me, the IR grills are gimmicky."

That's exactly how I feel, however, I've never used one. To me, it seems like it would be much easier to burn food and I more comfortable slow cooking / smoking food because I've always used charcoal. I don't overcook anything because of it.



[Edited on May 15, 2012 at 11:10 AM. Reason : .]

5/15/2012 11:08:21 AM

Quote :

" Obviously charcoal is the way to go in terms of taste."

Taste the meat, not the heat.

5/15/2012 11:10:04 AM

Can you read?

Quote :

"I already have a charcoal smoker but want to get something that is a little more convenient when I don't have the time to mess with charcoal."

I will always have a charcoal grill.

I need something for preparing dinner quickly.









[Edited on May 15, 2012 at 11:14 AM. Reason : I mean I thought I made my point pretty clear...]

5/15/2012 11:10:55 AM

Quote :

" What are you referring to in your second statement about Greek places?"

real-deal electric IR cooker/broiler

5/15/2012 11:17:31 AM

oh ok no I'm definitely not looking for that

[Edited on May 15, 2012 at 11:21 AM. Reason : not]

5/15/2012 11:20:58 AM

yes i love my george fourman

5/15/2012 11:22:38 AM

I will never cook anything on a foreman grill. That is just total grilling blasphemy.

5/15/2012 11:28:16 AM

whoa whoa whoawhoawhoa is there a problem here?

5/15/2012 11:32:33 AM

no problem

I just don't like Foreman grills. It's like putting your food into a waffle iron. To each his own.

5/15/2012 11:39:35 AM

bump

5/17/2012 11:26:59 AM

Obligatory you're already using IR post:

5/17/2012 11:32:48 AM

so you are saying there's absolutely no difference between these two types of grills...

5/17/2012 11:36:18 AM