When choosing the right smoker BBQ for your needs, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure you find the perfect match for your preferences. Below, we outline key points to help guide you through the selection process:

Different Types of Smokers:
There are several types of smokers available, each with its own set of advantages. Some popular options include:
- Electric Smoker Ovens: Easy to use with digital display panels, but may lack the full-bodied smoked flavor of other methods.
- Kamado Grills: Ceramic smokers with excellent insulation for consistent temperatures, suitable for both smoking and grilling.
- Pellet Smokers: Combining the convenience of electric smokers with the classic smoked flavor, ideal for smoking enthusiasts.
- Vertical Smokers: Simple and affordable, great for beginners but may have poor air control.
- Horizontal Offset Smokers: A traditional choice requiring expertise in heat and smoke management.
- Cabinet-Style Smokers: Larger in size with multiple racks, offering versatility and temperature regulation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smoker:
1. Budget: Define a price range based on your preferences and quality expectations.
2. Convenience: Consider the level of automation and ease of maintenance that suits your lifestyle.
3. Capacity: Determine the smoker's size based on your smoking needs and space availability.
4. Versatility: Check if the smoker can handle various cooking tasks beyond smoking.
5. Quality: Opt for a durable, well-designed smoker with a good warranty for long-term use and value.
6. Fuel Type: Do you prefer electric, gas or wood?

By carefully assessing these factors and matching them to your personal requirements, you can select a smoker BBQ that meets your needs and helps you create delicious smoked dishes at home or for your customers. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, Restaurant Equipment Online is here to help.

Infrared Grills vs. Traditional BBQ Grills: What is the difference?
Considering a new grill but uncertain which type to choose? While traditional gas or electric BBQ grills are a common choice, you may have encountered the buzz surrounding infrared grills and their benefits. As someone who values the flavor of your grilled dishes, why not test both types of grills for their culinary prowess? Infrared vs. traditional BBQ grills: What sets them apart? Let's explore.

What Are Infrared Grills?
While most are familiar with traditional BBQ grills that heat the grill grate from below to cook food, the concept of an infrared grill may be less known. An infrared grill utilizes direct infrared heat to cook your meals. These grills function by heating a ceramic tile, generating exceptionally high temperatures of up to 800 degrees Celsius.

Infrared Vs. Traditional BBQ Grills
The primary difference between infrared and traditional BBQ grills lies in their heat output. Traditional grills typically reach a maximum of around 300°C, whereas infrared grills can achieve nearly triple that heat level. This elevated temperature offers a significant advantage: it triggers the Maillard reaction, a critical process where proteins and sugars in your food combine to produce enhanced aromas, colors, and flavors.

Another contrast between infrared and traditional BBQ grills is their cooking methods. Infrared grills directly heat your food, while conventional grills heat the grill grate which then transfers heat to the food. Consequently, infrared grills cook food much faster than their traditional counterparts as there is less energy loss. With infrared technology, most meats require only one to two minutes per side to cook thoroughly. The shorter cooking time results in a delectable crust on the meat without overcooking the interior.

Moreover, infrared grills minimize flare-ups that are often observed in conventional grills, leading to more uniform heat distribution and consistent cooking.

What Are The Benefits Of Infrared?
- Taste: Achieve the Maillard reaction and enjoy juicier results.
- Time: Cook steak in as little as 3 minutes, lobster tails in 5 minutes, and salmon in just 3 minutes.
- Credibility: Renowned steakhouses utilize infrared technology for grilling steaks.

Overhead Infrared Vs. Underneath Infrared
Underneath infrared grills heat is the grill grate to transmit heat to the food, creating a barrier that prevents direct infrared heat contact with food. On the other hand, overhead grills apply heat directly to the food, resulting in faster cooking and juicier outcomes. Overhead grills for commercial kitchens are called Salamanders

With an underneath grill, meat juices can drip onto the tile, potentially causing damage. In contrast, an overhead grill allows meat juices to drip into a lower tray, preserving the tiles and enhancing food flavors. Adding butter, spices, or oils to the drip tray can further boost the taste of your dishes.

For those seeking an infrared grill to elevate their grilling experience, Restaurant Equipment Online offers infrared options from Fire Magic, like the Echelon E660 and the Crossray 4 burner. This overhead infrared grill can reach up to an impressive 816°C, cooking food directly and allowing juices to be collected in a lower tray for flavor infusion. With either brand of infrared grills, your steaks and other favorites are bound to be delightfully juicy!

Advantages of Using an Infrared BBQ

Infrared grills offer a range of benefits that set them apart from conventional gas or charcoal grills. Understanding the advantages of using an infrared BBQ can help you make an informed decision when upgrading your grilling equipment.

Uniform Heat Distribution
With traditional open flame grilling, achieving consistent heat distribution across the cooking surface can be challenging. Infrared burners provide uniform radiant energy that evenly heats the entire grilling area. This eliminates cold spots and ensures that your food cooks evenly.

Quick Preheating
Unlike traditional grills that can take up to 20 minutes to heat up, most infrared grills like the Crossray Compact BBQ Kitchen can preheat in just two to five minutes. This rapid preheating time is ideal for busy weeknights or occasions when you want to start grilling quickly without a long wait.

Enhanced Flavor
Infrared grills excel at delivering superior flavor to your grilled food. The high heat generated by the infrared element sears the meat effectively, locking in natural juices and creating a caramelized exterior. This results in consistently flavorful and delicious meals every time you grill.

Fast Cooking Time
Infrared grills cook food faster than conventional grills by providing consistent heat that is not affected by surrounding air temperature. This results in quicker cooking times, allowing you to spend less time grilling and more time enjoying your meal.

Reduced Flare-Ups
The intense heat produced by infrared radiation instantly vaporizes grease and drippings, enhancing the flavor of your food while minimizing the chances of flare-ups. This ensures a safer and more controlled grilling experience without the risk of burning your food.

Fuel Efficiency
Infrared grills are highly fuel-efficient due to their ability to quickly reach high temperatures and distribute heat evenly. This efficiency helps you save on fuel costs compared to traditional grills, making them a cost-effective option for your grilling needs.

Self-Cleaning Mechanism
Cleaning up after grilling is made easier with infrared BBQs. Simply turning up the heat after grilling helps to burn off any food residue and grease, leaving you with a cleaner cooking surface. This self-cleaning feature saves you time and effort on maintenance.

Professional-Quality Results
Infrared grills are favored by top steakhouses for a reason – they deliver professional-level cooking results that are hard to replicate with other types of grills. By using an infrared BBQ, you can achieve steakhouse-quality barbecuing in the comfort of your own home. We recommend Fire Magic Infrared Grills for commercial applications like restaurants.

Considering these advantages, an infrared BBQ from Restaurant Equipment Online can be a valuable addition to your outdoor cooking setup, offering efficiency, flavor, and convenience for your grilling experience.

Yes, infrared grills are designed to reach very high temperatures quickly, making them great for searing meats. However, they may not be the best choice for slow cooking as they tend to cook food very quickly and at high temperatures. It is recommended to use a grill or smoker with lower temperatures for slow cooking methods.