A Score Especially if You Can’t Play with Fire

Char-Broil Patio Bistro® Infrared Electric Grill

CB hooked me up with the Char-Broil Patio Bistro, since I am always on the look out for a good electric grill.

Now, some people say, “Cyndi, electric isn’t really grilling.”

I say, “Well, my hair isn’t dirty blonde either, but I like it that color. And, there are people who do not do well with fire and others who can’t have fire due to regulations in their areas or where they live. Why cut them out of the outdoor cooking fun?”

Nailing an electric grill is difficult, because the United States was first on with using electricity and uses the 110 standard versus the more powerful 220 like for the washing machine. So, it’s hard to get heat and especially with any size on a grill.

Char-Broil did a great job with the Patio Bistro which is large enough to hold my grill wok which is pretty good sized and with room left over.

Also, it hit 550 degrees F on the warm up and much faster than expected. I was looking at around 350 F so opened the lid to drop the temperature back down a bit lower for crab.

The top range on the thermometer is 650. I did not run it max out, but it did do a sear on some country style pork ribs. So, yes, it does crank some heat out. That’s with the lid down. Heat is lower if you’re grilling open style.

No. You do not get a charcoal flavor or smoked flavor with electric. You don’t with gas either. I compensate for that with Baxter’s wood products. His wood chunks and sawdusts work great in foil packs on gas or electric to provide some extra smoke flavor. And, he has loads of great wood types too.

I must confess that trying out something totally new on a new grill is not a super idea. The crab balls were not spot on in a wok. Basically they needed more binder – eggs etc.

But, I think the best bet for crab would be a casserole in a toss out aluminum pan grilled lid down like in the oven or maybe with mini muffin pans and a little more grease or oil.

As far as the taste, the crab balls were delicous. But they did not turn out so pretty and did not hold together well. But, that wasn’t a grill problem.

Fortunately I did have a couple of extra country pork ribs that I put on after I made the wacky grilled crab balls, and they grilled up really nice on the electric Char-Broil Patio Bistro.

Char-Broil has done well with electric grill models. The ratings have been high online. This is the next generation patio electric grill model, and I give it the thumbs up. It has a good amount of space, hits high temps, will do a sear, and the little warming shelf is a nice extra touch.

I do all sorts of grilling and smoking and even have a fire pit in my yard where I use wood and grates or Dutch Ovens. But, that is not the reality for everyone. If you can’t have flames or just are not comfortable with charcoal and gas, get an electric and go for it. And, if you always wanted blonde hair and didn’t get it, go get you a box of color too. Life is too short not to make some fun of it.

###

Read this article by Cyndi Allison at Barbecue Master.

Read her follow-up review of the Patio Bistro Infrared Electric

Read her review of the Big Easy Smoker, Roaster & Grill

Click here to read about the Char-Broil Patio Bistro® Infrared Electric Grill

Click here to read about the Char-Broil Big Easy Smoker, Roaster & Grill

______________________________________________________

NOTE: This post was written by Cyndi Allison and originally presented on her web log called Barbecue Master.  Cyndi contributes recipes and ideas for Sizzle on the Grill and is not paid for these contributions.  Her site does accept advertising and one of the services she uses for this is also used by Char-Broil – but any advertisements that may or may not appear on her site are random and not directed by Char-Broil. Cyndi is also an independent writer who reviews grills and other outdoor cooking products for a variety of publications. As part of a routine effort to both promote and solicit input from independent authorities – I arranged for a Patio Bistro® Infrared Electric Grill to be shipped to Cyndi at no cost to her. There were no restrictions on what she would say or write about this product and there was no mention to her of when, where or even “if” she would publish her review. No persons associated with Char-Broil or Sizzle on the Grill were made aware of nor read the review prior to her publishing it on her web log. The opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the writer. I recommend you visit her web site to investigate her reviews of other products and measure for yourself the veracity of her postings. The only changes made to this post, otherwise reprinted below in its entirety, were to accommodate the format of this web log page. No changes have been made to any of the content, except for the the addition of a caption that identifies the product in the first photo. ~ CB

Mike demonstrated tips for cooking burgers & sausages with 100% infrared.

And grilled steaks for his lovely wife....I think he was playing that one smart!

The Grill2Go ICE is 100% infrared cooking energy – the first every portable grill of it’s kind. It uses the Char-Broil infrared system with variable control for heat – so cooking low & slow for ribs is as easy as high heat searing for steaks, chops, burgers & brats! And notice how the infrared pan prevents direct contact between the food and the flame – eliminating flare-ups due to fat dripping on the fire!  After the cook – clean up is easy by just turning the grill on high for about 10 minutes, letting it cool – then brushing the grate and wiping out the pan. Easy-peasy!

If you have travel plans this summer that involve grilling, and you are looking for a grill to meet your needs – check out the Grill2Go ICE at Char-Broil.com

The 2010 Char-Broil "Juicy Little Secret" Infrared Grilling tour is underway. In this pix a team member is demonstrating the new Grill2Go ICE - the 100% infrared grill that's portable. With an adjustable platform, 2 insulated storage bags and it folds up to wheel around the parking lot at your next tailgating event, picnic or camping trip!

I am so glad my new Grill2Go ICE arrived. We are heading out to the beach this weekend and I want to use it to grill some burgers and chicken. Just between you and me – if Norman as good as he claims to be – I’ll be grilling some freshly caught fish as well!  This new portable grill is 100% infrared and that means the food will be seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. According to the web site page it is: “Part Infrared grill. Part cooler. All convenience.” Well – I’ll put that to the test this weekend and all next week because I’m using it for some cooking demos at a trade show.

If you are at the NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway this weekend look for Mike “Pit Pirate” Hedrick on the big jumbo-tron screen. Besides being our Sizzle on the Grill Guest Chef, Mike’s the RIR reporter for “Fans-in-the-Stands” and you may see him using a Grill2Go ICE in some tailgating cooking demos as well.  I’m looking forward to his full report on that event.

The Char-Broil Infrared tour schedule is always adding new locations as well, so CLICK HERE for the latest information on dates and places.

Stay tuned this month as I put the Grill2Go ICE through some paces with several cooks of tasty burgers, chops, chicken and more!  If you want information today check out the NEW PRODUCTS page at the Char-Broil web site.

Happy Grilling!

A classic outdoor grill for those who love cooking with charcoal. The Char-Broil CB940X - back in stock!

This past winter I must have received 20 inquiries asking where folks could find a new CB940x because, after 20 years or so, theirs had finally seen it’s last days.  I understand the love affair with this grill. I have one and it is my favorite cooker. It’s a classic charcoal grill with which  I can slow smoke, slow cook, grill and rotisserie just about any size piece of beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, fish….well, you get the idea.

It’s big enough to cook food for the entire neighborhood – or a whole goat, small pig, even a couple three standing rib roasts.  I can slow cook and smoke two 16lb turkeys on it or rotisserie 5 whole chickens.  Or I can set it up to grill just one steak.  And it’s made with the knowledge that comes from more than 50 years of building grills for backyard cooks.  With a little love and care – this cooker will last, and last, and last.  I love it and I could feel the pain of those asking: “Is Char-Broil still making them?”

The supply ran low and was depleted in late summer of 2009.  I asked the product folks to alert me when they returned. Well folks – “They’re baaaa-aaaack!”

If you love the idea of classic outdoor cooking then I recommend you check out this grill. The CB940X

Thanks and…

Happy Grilling!

Did you get any new tools or other “toys” during the holidays? I sure did! A new Big Easy Smoker-Roaster-Grill. After only a few cooks I’m beginning to think this may become my “go to” cooker for all types of food preparation. This infrared cooker is affordable and takes up a very small foot print on the deck, lanai or back yard patio.  And it can perform a number of cooking tasks – all quite well – which is good!

The Char-Broil Big Easy Smoker Roaster Grill - more versatile 100% infrared.

The Big Easy has become the favorite “turkey fryer” for thousands of folks during the past 3 years – replacing the expensive and often risky practice of frying turkeys and chickens in hot oil.  The Big Easy uses 100% infrared in the cooking chamber to ‘fry’ up to a 16 pound turkey without any oil.  The end result is moist and tender meat with crispy skin.  The TBE, as it’s commonly called by enthusiasts on the Users Forums, has also become something of an experimental cooker – with folks using it to prepare a variety of food that no one at Char-Broil even thought of when the cooker was designed to replace hot oil turkey frying.  (Check out some of the conversation about this product on the Users Forums – and get tips on how to increase your skill-set and performance of just about any outdoor cooker made by Char-Broil.)

Inspired by the many uses folks were inventing for the original Big Easy, the folks at Char-Broil developed a new product aptly called the Big Easy Smoker-Roaster-Grill. This cooker has taller and sturdier legs, a bigger cooking chamber and several new features which expand the use of the cooker to include grilling and smoking.  Just like the original Big Easy the “SRG” generates 100% infrared energy in the cooking chamber to roast larger chickens, beef and pork roasts to a finish with a crispy crust and moist interior. The SRG also has a specially designed grate that covers the opening at the top of the cooking chamber to convert the infrared and convection heat to high temperature grilling.  A hinged lid also can be used to cover the cooker while slow cooking and adding smoke to flavor the food roasting in the cooking chamber.

Beef Tri-Tip steaks grilling on the SRG with frozen bacon-wrapped scallops cooking in the cast-iron skiller on the grate.

Today I’m showing pictures of a cook I did this past week using the grate feature to sear beef tri-tip steaks as well as heat a small cast-iron skillet where I pan roasted some bacon-wrapped scallops.

Grilled Beef Tri-Tip Steak - high heat grilling on the new Big Easy SRG.

Beef Tri-Tip is often sold as a roast but can also be found cut into thin strip steaks. It’s an extension of the sirloin and you will sometimes have to ask the butcher for it – as there is only one per steer. I like it because it’s flavorful and great for grilling or roasting.

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops brushed with brown sugar cooking in a skillet on the grate of the SRG along with some new potatoes!

The bacon-wrapped scallops are a frozen prepared convenience product I keep on hand for impromptu dinner appetizers – and they are perfect to prepare using indirect heat or, as I did in this cook, in a skillet over direct heat where they kinda fry and kinda roast. They can also be placed in a disposable aluminum pan on the warming rack of a traditional grill and roasted using the convection heat of the cooking chamber. When I do that I like to add a little smoke flavoring to the cook using wood chips or chunks.  With the Big Easy SRG I can also add smoke flavor to food cooking in the chamber, and the bacon-wrapped scallops could have been cooked using the cooking basket and shelves that come with the cooker. But this time I wanted to prepare some left-over new potatoes in the skillet with some of the bacon goodness to add taste!

I’ll post more on this cooker over the next few weeks. Regardless of what grill, smoker or back yard cooker you use – consider preparing a tasty meal of grilled beef tri-tip steaks and roasted bacon-wrapped scallops – it’s something you will enjoy preparing and I’m fairly certain your guests will use one word to describe it: DEE-LISH-US!

Thanks and…

Happy Grilling!

___________________

Here are some tasty recipes for preparing tri-tip on your cooker:

CB’s EZ Tri-Tip

Grilled Beef Tri-Tip with Tropical Fruit Salsa

Judge Steve’s TRI-TIP WORCESTERSHIRE

Marian’s #1 Tri-Tip Marinade

The patented Char-Broil Quantum® infrared emitter & grate system.

To optimize cooking performance of the Quantum infrared grilling system you need to season the infrared emitters and grates just like a you do a cast iron skillet. This is most important as they are designed to operate at peak efficiency when seasoned so this process will improve cooking performance, make cleaning easier and inhibit rusting.

Brush Hawg Stainless Steel Scouring Pads

Step One
If you have already used your grill – make sure the grates and infrared emitter plates are clean. Remove any grime or burned on materials by soaking in warm water (I sometimes add a touch of vinegar) and use a lot of elbow grease to scour it off. I use the Brush Hawg Stainless Steep Scouring Pad for this job.

Step Two
Dry the grates with a towel and immediately coat all surfaces of the Quantum® Cooking System (Grates and Emitter plate) with vegetable oil. I recommend either peanut, safflower, cottonseed or canola. If you use a spray, which is easier to use, wipe down the Quantum® Cooking System after spraying to ensure an even coat.

Step Three
Replace the emitter plate and the grates in the grill cooking chamber, light the burners in the grill and leave it on the Medium-High setting with the hood closed for 15 – 30 minutes, or until the vegetable oil burns off and stops smoking. Turn off the burners and allow everything to cool.

Step Four
I always repeat the process.

What you will achieve by adopting this process and staying with it!

The shiny finish on grates and emitter should now have a very dark brown or bronze color. Your grill is now seasoned and you are ready to cook. The more you use your Quantum® grill the better it will cook. The more properly seasoned the cooking chamber becomes you will discover your grill will cook hotter and more evenly. A light spritz of high temperature tolerant vegetable oil after each use (once the grill has cooled) will keep the surfaces seasoned and help prevent any rusting – just like a quality cast iron skillet.

Make it a habit to clean your grill after each use. Follow the instructions in the product manual and keep it clean.  You wouldn’t cook using a dirty pan so don’t cook on a dirty grill. Proper seasoning is NOT leaving food and other crud build-up on the grates!

The next time you plan to use your grill with the Quantum infrared system, before starting the burners wipe the grilling surface with a cloth that’s got a bit of vegetable oil in it. This should remove any debris that may have accumulated while not in use  – then pre-heat your grill and start grilling some of the juiciest steaks, chops and other meat you can ever enjoy. You’re grilling infrared and that’s our Juicy Little Secret!

So, the three basic steps are:

1. Make sure to season your grill prior to the first use. Coat all cooking surfaces with a high temperature vegetable oil. This can be done with a spray, brush or cloth. Heat the grill at a Medium-High setting with the hood closed for 15-30 minutes until there is no more smoke.
2. After your grill has cooled again wipe down or spray the entire cooking surface. This will coat the metal and provide a barrier to help reduce surface rust.
3. Prior to cooking again wipe down with an oiled rag. This will help remove any debris that may have accumulated.

Want to read more tips and tricks or have a question about your  Char-Broil grill with the Quantum infrared grilling system? Check out the many topics on the Quantum board at the Users Forums.

Want to learn more about the Quantum infrared grilling system? Check out this  short video: CLICK HERE

Happy Grilling!

Magneto Special Offer

Magneto
Super-strong Magneto products attach to most flat surfaces on a grill. I absolutely love my towel holder and use one on the grill and in the kitchen! Oh, and the hooks are awesome!

This exclusive offer includes:
* Paper Towel Holder
* Coozie Holder With Coozie
* Tool Rest
* Set of Two Clips
* Set of Two Hooks

The individual priced items cost $65.95, purchased separately.

For more information on all the Magneto products and to order this special offer: – CLICK HERE

______________

Short Order Spatula

Short Order Spatula
There are tools I must have when grilling. A good set of tongs and a great spatula! This spatula is just like those used in your favorite cafe or road-side burger joint. It’s ideal for hamburgers, chicken, chops, steaks, and vegetables on the grill. Use it in your kitchen for eggs and bacon!

The hardwood handle in rosewood finish with built-in hanging loop (works with Magneto hooks!) Short handle for better control when flipping burgers. Head design features raised edge to keep food from sliding off. 430 stainless steel head measures 4″ x 5 1/2″ Measures 15 1/4″ overall. For more info and to purchase Short Order Spatula – CLICK HERE

______________

Char-Broil High Heat Gloves

Char-Broil High Heat Gloves

I have a pair of these gloves and they are so very useful when working around a hot grill. While not intended for actual “in the fire” use, they protect my hands when I need to move a cast iron pan or adjust a grate and especially good for a number of jobs when cooking with charcoal and in a smoker.

The pair of sueded leather gloves feature:
* Equipped with hanging loops
* Measure 13″L
* One-Size fits all

To order Char-Broil High Heat Gloves - CLICK HERE

______________

Char-Broil Canister Charcoal Starter

Canister Charcoal Starter
I have not purchased lighter fluid to start charcoal for more than 10 years. Not only does that save me money – it helps my food taste better with no “petroleum” taste.

Just fill’er up with some hardwood charcoal or briquettes, stuff some crinkled up newspaper beneath and set it in place in the grill to light. Voila! Provides hot coals in less than 15 minutes without lighter fluid or electricity.
* Heavy duty zinc-coated can
* Wooden handle
* Metal heat shield
* Holds up to 4 lbs. of briquettes

To order the Char-Broil Canister Charcoal Starter - CLICK HERE

______________

Everybody Grills! $24.95

Tell Dad to put some real “Sizzle On Your Grill” and give him EVERYBODY GRILLS®!

It’s the award-winning cookbook from Char-Broil with 200 easy-to-follow recipes for grilled and barbequed appetizers, salads, main courses, sides, marinades, and even desserts!

There are more than 250 mouthwatering, full-color photos that are un-retouched photos of food cooked according to the recipe. What you see is what you get!

Hey Now! There’s even one entire chapter by Sizzle on the Grill™ blog host and newsletter author Barry “CB” Martin (whoever that is!) including:
* CB’s favorite tips and techniques for brining, marinating, grilling, and rotisserie cooking that yield juicy steaks, ribs, burgers and chicken
* The differences between grilling, barbecuing, and smoking explained
* An explanation of infrared cooking
* How and why to care for your grill, inside and out
* CB’s list of grilling and BBQ essentials

To order your copy of Everybody Grills! - CLICK HERE

______________

Want something different? How about a new grill? Check out all of the specials on grills posted in the right-hand column of this page!

Happy Grilling!

I’ll stick with the original … The Big Easy oil-less, infrared turkey fryer.

Happy Frying!

Watch Big Easy Videos
Creating a great Thanksgiving feast is a snap with the Big Easy. Check out the Big Easy Thanksgiving VIDEO LIBRARY for hassle-free cooking tips and tricks! Learn how easy it is to cook a juicy, succulent Turkey in just a few hours, and clean up is easy! CLICK HERE

Big Easy Accessories – 20% discount for Sizzle on the Grill readers!
Get the most out of your Big Easy with Big Easy Accessories. Protect your Big Easy Cooker from the elements with a cover or increase your cooking flexibility with an Easy-Out Rack, Rib Hooks or Easy-Out Basket. CLICK HERE

The Original Big Easy – 20% discount for Sizzle on the Grill readers!
The Big Easy 1600 makes cooking turkey, chicken or roasts to perfection simple!  Using infrared technology, you can fry your favorite meat without any oil, which makes for healthier, safer cooking, and the infrared’s searing heat locks in your food’s moisture and flavor. CLICK HERE

__________________________________________________________________

Note: Free Shipping applies only to non-discounted items purchased at Char-Broil online during the promotional period. The Sizzle on the Grill reader 20% discount on The Big Easy cookers and accessories is not eligible for FREE Shipping.

So you can bet I was very happy a few years back when Char-Broil developed The Big Easy oil-less infrared turkey fryer. It uses 100% infrared energy to fry the turkey in no time at all (about 10 minutes per pound) and there are 4 reasons why I like it better than deep frying:

At 10 minutes per pound from the time I placed the turkey into the cooker, turned it on and removed it from the cooker when it reached 165F degree temperature in the thigh and breast. The turkey was ready in significantly less time that it used to take to measure and heat the oil, fry the turkey and wait for it all to cool down so's I could spend 30 minutes filtering and cleaning up. Same results - less work.

Reason 1.
No oil to purchase – and that saves $ each cook.
Reason 2.
No worries about over heating oil to excess temperature and having it boil over onto the grass or, worse, actually catch fire!
Reason 3.
No messy clean up.

And for me and just about everyone I talk with who uses one – the best reason to stop deep frying turkey in oil and start ‘frying’ it in The Big Easy is…

Reason 4.
“Taste”

_____

“Turkey fried in The Big Easy tastes every bit like deep fried turkey – crispy skin and moist tender meat -without the hassle and worry!”

______

Since getting The Big Easy I just don’t fry turkeys any more. It was always a bit anxiety producing – having to watch the pot during the entire time it was warming up, cooking and cooling down. And to be very honest – the cost of the oil really got to me as well. I always tried to use it twice…but filter ing and storing that much oil until the next time is a hassle. Now I only “fry” turkeys, chickens, prime rib, pork loins, fish, lamb – well you get the picture…in The Big Easy oil-less infrared turkey fryer. And I think the results are equal if not better than when I used to deep fry. And now I cook  turkey and other food this way alot more often with The Big Easy – because it just doesn’t take as much effort. At least once a week I cook a beer-can chicken in it.  I am  definitely getting my money’s worth outta this cooker.

BUT – for those of you who are die-hards when it comes to risky outdoor cooking adventures with hot oil, I want to be sure to help you with your efforts this holiday. Here are 13 steps to remember this season as you clean out the deep oil cooker for it’s annual appearance.

Turkey Hot Oil Deep Fryer Safety Precautions

1. Never operate a hot oil turkey fryer on a wooden deck, porch or within 10 feet of a wooden structure.
2. Operate away from overhangs, trees, leaves and buildings.
3. Never operate hot oil turkey fryer on a table, boat, truck bed or tailgate as the chance of tipping the hot oil is greatly increased during the times when you place the turkey in the hot oil or remove it.
4. Use only in well ventilated OUTDOOR areas, away from all combustible items such as landscaping, leaves and brush
5. Keep children, pets or any recreational games away from the fryer at all times during the use of the hot oil deep frying cooking process – approximately 5-6 hours.
6. Never move pot containing hot oil after the frying is done until all of the oil cools down to ambient temperature of approximately 70F degrees or less. HOT OIL BURNS! The oil must cool before it can be removed from the pot – this will require several hours.
7. Never cover the pot when cooking with oil
8. Never fill the pot more than half full with oil. Calculate how much oil your specific bird will displace when immersed into the oil to ensure it does not overflow onto the sides of the pot and come into contact with flames in the burner.
9. To catch oil spills, drips and splashes and avoid damage and stains from cooking, place foil under the cooker before lighting the burner and well in advance of adding oil or food.
10. Never cook alone – use a buddy to ensure your safety when adding or removing the turkey from the hot oil. And always wear protective gear such as leather gloves and protective goggles when immersing and removing the turkey.
11. Never put a frozen or partially frozen turkey in hot oil.  The hot oil may cause the ice to melt and expand as steam – which could create a hazard.
12. Never allow oil to rise in temperature above 400F degrees.  Always use a deep fry thermometer and maintain temperature around 350F degrees. Over 400F degrees is unsafe and oil may vaporize and ignite.
13. Never put an empty aluminum pot over an open flame. A dry aluminum pot can melt quickly.

Whew – That is a long list of worries!  I think you can see why I enjoy not having to pre-heat The Big Easy, hassle with hot oil and that clean up is a breeze. I put the cooking basket in the dishwasher and can either save the drippings for gravy or easily dispose.

You may want to read just 2 of the posts I’ve written about The Big Easy:

The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
How Infrared Energy “Fries” the Turkey Without the Mess and Cost of Oil

The Big Easy Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer. Deep Fried Turkey Taste Without the Mess!

And you can also read what folks who use The Big Easy for cooking year round have to say: The Big Easy Users Forum

Happy Grilling!