Fire It Up with Solaire Infrared Portable Grill
Though summer is ending and the fall is awakening a portable grill is perfect for those tailgating parties and other random times when you and your friends decide to fire up the grill. Weighing in at just under 20 lbs the Solaire Infrared portable grill is not your average portable grill or grill for that matter (since when is anything we write about on FuncFash normal?).
After turning on the propane and igniting via an electric starter the Solaire Grill can out put 14,000 BTU’s which can bring the temperature up over 1600 degrees Fahrenheit in under 3:00 minutes (or as Wired magazine tested 2 minutes and 30 seconds). This is approximately 3 times more heat than traditional coal fired grills. This means succulent chicken breasts in 10 minutes rather than 20 minutes of normal cooking. When you think about it you could be finished grilling and eating while another group is still trying to get the fire lit on their grill.
This video gives you some idea of how the Solaire grill looks up close and personal:
When I first heard about infrared cooking I didn’t know how it work so I didn’t a little research. Before, I thought infrared cooking had to do something with pointing a bunch of tv remote controls at a piece of meat and pushing the on button all at the same time. However, this is not how it works (though that might be kind of cool way to cook).
Infrared grilling and cooking works by using propane to heat a ceramic plate that’s at the base of the grill. The propane transfers the heat to the ceramic tile which then cooks the meat. So really the ceramic tile is no different than using traditional coals. Though the biggest difference is that these tiles heat up much faster and can transfer just as much if not more heat than coals. This makes for speedy cooking and less mess during clean up.
Other advantages of the Solaire Infrared Grill:
- Heat is more evenly distributed to facilitate even and consistent cooking
- No need to deal with lighter fluid, coals, and other hassles with traditional grilling
- Cleaning is easy and quick
- Easy to transport and carry
- Locks in food flavors by allowing you to sear your food
The one down side that has been reported is that this grill can use up a lot of propane (over half a tank in a 45 minute session). This is understandable considering how hot and fast this thing can heat up. It should be noted too that after grilling to give the grill some time to cool down before packing up an leaving. It takes some time to cool down from 1600 degrees.
If you go looking to buy one keep in mind they have two different versions one is the Solaire Infrared Grill 304 Stainless Steel and the other is the Solaire Infrared Grill 316 Stainless Steel model. The difference is the type of stainless steel used in its construction. What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel? 304 stainless steel is the normal kind of stainless steel you see in everyday application whereas 316 stainless steel is a higher grade steel which adds extra protection against corrosion in hostile environments especially salt water (like by the beach). 316 stainless steel is also more expensive.
FuncFash-ness: 8/10
- Functional: 4/5 (i hate waiting for food to cook, this cuts the time in half…and it’s portable)
- Fashionable: 4/5 (this thing is stainless steel and sexy)
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Gas Grill – 304 Grade Stainless Steel $360, Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Gas Grill – 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel $503
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