Guide

Uncover The Truth: Infrared Vs Gas Side Burner – Which One Reigns Supreme?

Chef Emily Clark is a passionate culinary expert and the author at Cookupexperts, a blog dedicated to providing readers with comprehensive guides, knowledge, and tips on all things cooking. With a deep love for food and a dedication to sharing her expertise, Emily empowers home cooks to create delicious and...

What To Know

  • If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook food, then an infrared side burner is a good option.
  • However, if you’re on a budget or you’re not comfortable cooking with high heat, then a gas side burner is a better choice.

When it comes to outdoor grilling, there are two main types of side burners to choose from: infrared and gas. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your needs before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll compare infrared vs gas side burners and help you decide which one is right for you.

Infrared Side Burners

Infrared side burners use radiant heat to cook food. This type of heat is very intense and can reach temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, infrared side burners can cook food very quickly and evenly.

Advantages of Infrared Side Burners

  • Fast cooking: Infrared side burners can cook food very quickly, making them ideal for searing steaks, burgers, and other foods that need to be cooked quickly.
  • Even cooking: Infrared side burners cook food evenly, so you don’t have to worry about hot spots or undercooked areas.
  • Versatile: Infrared side burners can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, searing, and sautéing.
  • Easy to clean: Infrared side burners are easy to clean because they don’t produce any smoke or grease.

Disadvantages of Infrared Side Burners

  • High heat: Infrared side burners can produce very high heat, which can be difficult to control.
  • Expensive: Infrared side burners are typically more expensive than gas side burners.
  • Safety concerns: Infrared side burners can be dangerous if they’re not used properly.

Gas Side Burners

Gas side burners use a flame to cook food. This type of heat is less intense than infrared heat, but it’s still hot enough to cook food thoroughly. Gas side burners are typically less expensive than infrared side burners, and they’re also easier to control.

Advantages of Gas Side Burners

  • Less expensive: Gas side burners are typically less expensive than infrared side burners.
  • Easier to control: Gas side burners are easier to control than infrared side burners, making them ideal for beginners.
  • Safer: Gas side burners are safer than infrared side burners, as they don’t produce as much heat.

Disadvantages of Gas Side Burners

  • Slower cooking: Gas side burners cook food more slowly than infrared side burners.
  • Less even cooking: Gas side burners can produce hot spots, so it’s important to rotate food frequently.
  • Less versatile: Gas side burners can’t be used for as many cooking methods as infrared side burners.
  • More difficult to clean: Gas side burners can be more difficult to clean than infrared side burners because they produce smoke and grease.

Which One Is Right for You?

The best type of side burner for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook food, then an infrared side burner is a good option. However, if you’re on a budget or you’re not comfortable cooking with high heat, then a gas side burner is a better choice.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the type of heat, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing a side burner:

  • Size: The size of the side burner is important, as you’ll need to make sure it’s big enough to accommodate the food you want to cook.
  • Features: Some side burners come with additional features, such as a built-in cutting board or a storage drawer.
  • Price: Side burners can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of side burner is right for you is to try them both out. If you have the opportunity, visit a grilling store and ask to see both types of side burners in action. This will give you a good idea of how they work and which one you prefer.

The Verdict: Infrared vs Gas Side Burner

So, which is better: infrared or gas side burner? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook food, then an infrared side burner is a good option. However, if you’re on a budget or you’re not comfortable cooking with high heat, then a gas side burner is a better choice.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. What is the difference between an infrared and gas side burner?

Infrared side burners use radiant heat to cook food, while gas side burners use a flame. Infrared side burners are faster and more even cooking, but they’re also more expensive and difficult to control. Gas side burners are less expensive and easier to control, but they cook food more slowly and less evenly.

2. Which type of side burner is better?

The best type of side burner for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook food, then an infrared side burner is a good option. However, if you’re on a budget or you’re not comfortable cooking with high heat, then a gas side burner is a better choice.

3. What are the advantages of infrared side burners?

Infrared side burners have several advantages, including:

  • Fast cooking
  • Even cooking
  • Versatile
  • Easy to clean

4. What are the disadvantages of infrared side burners?

Infrared side burners also have some disadvantages, including:

  • High heat
  • Expensive
  • Safety concerns

5. What are the advantages of gas side burners?

Gas side burners have several advantages, including:

  • Less expensive
  • Easier to control
  • Safer

6. What are the disadvantages of gas side burners?

Gas side burners also have some disadvantages, including:

  • Slower cooking
  • Less even cooking
  • Less versatile

Chef Emily Clark

Chef Emily Clark is a passionate culinary expert and the author at Cookupexperts, a blog dedicated to providing readers with comprehensive guides, knowledge, and tips on all things cooking. With a deep love for food and a dedication to sharing her expertise, Emily empowers home cooks to create delicious and unforgettable meals.
Back to top button