Infrared technology

[Down to Earth]

Stopped in at our new Lowe's store a couple weeks back and looked at the grills. A few of them had Infrared Grilling options. Talking with the sales guy it seems to be the new thing now with grilling. Can anyone give me the advantages of such use?

Thanks.

Andy

[WCS]

I have not used the infrared, but from what I know, it is used to sear the meat to lock in the juices at the beginning of cooking. Then use a traditional heat source to finish.

[Tom Linderholm]

We have been using these in the restaurant for over a decade now. The benefits of infared are numerous, I can hit a higher heat, my grill has a better recovery time, I can turn out a 12oz New York Strip to Medium Rare in under 7 minutes (I do let it rest for another 5 before I serve it. For us in the restaurant they are a great tool to feed the masses. Not sure I would buy into it for hom euse though? Half the fun of grilling at home is cooking outdoors and enjoying it while you are out there, why speed it up?