Infrared burners work differently from traditional convection burners by using radiation to cook food, resulting in faster cooking times and higher temperatures. Here’s how it works:
1. Radiant Heat:
- Direct Heat Transfer: Unlike traditional burners that use heated air to cook food through convection, infrared burners transfer heat directly from a hot surface to the food using infrared radiation.
- Stainless Steel Plates: These burners have stainless steel or ceramic plates positioned over a gas burner. When the gas burner heats the plate, it radiates heat straight to the food above.
2. Higher Heat Levels:
- Intense Heat Output: Infrared burners can reach temperatures of 900° F or more, compared to the 750° F maximum of traditional gas burners. This intense heat makes it ideal for quickly searing meats and locking in juices.
3. Faster Cooking Times:
- Quick Grilling: Infrared grilling cooks food much faster than convection grilling because it doesn’t rely on air circulation. The radiant heat reaches the food more directly, reducing cooking time and achieving a quick, even sear.
4. Precise Searing:
- Searing Efficiency: Many gas grills come with one or two infrared burners to provide high-temperature searing options. This allows you to sear meats quickly before moving them to a lower-temperature burner to finish cooking.
5. Not for Entire Grill Use:
- Temperature Control: Since infrared burners reach such high temperatures, using an entire grill with only infrared burners would make it too hot for regular grilling practices. Most grills combine standard gas burners with one or two infrared burners for versatility.