Lava Rock, Briquettes and Heat Plates
Directly above the burner the gas grill will generally have a rockgrate which is
designed to hold a layer of lava rock or ceramic briquettes. This has the dual purpose of
spreading the heat from the burner uniformly over the cooking surface of the grill and
vaporizing food drippings to give food it's barbecue flavoring. Also available are a
variety of styles of heat distribution plates which come in a wide variety of materials
and designs.
- Lava Rock - The most common and least expensive alternative. The light density of
the rock offers quick heating with good distribution. It is very porous which allows
grease and char to build up and should be changed yearly or when saturated. When not
changed or burnt-off regularly, "rock" catches fire causing extreme flare-ups
and out of control cooking situations.
- Pumice Stone - Similar to lava rock, offering the same quality heat distribution,
pumice stone has a less porous surface at a slightly higher cost. The less porous surface
allows the stone to be baked off more throughly for fewer flare-ups.
- Ceramic Briquettes - Baked ceramic briquettes come in a wide variety of shapes
and sizes. They are self cleaning by and allowing the heat from the burner flame to bake
them clean. Cone or pyramid shapes are designs to allow the grease to roll off without
buildup. Replacement is necessary after eventual weakening and crumbling of briquettes.
They carry the highest initial cost and vary in cost and quality by the degree of
hardness. Through their uniform shape and size they offer superior heat distribution.
- Heat distribution plates - Designed to reduce flare-ups, these plates can be made
of aluminized steel, stainless steel, porcelainized steel, or cast iron. They concentrate
the heat more than lava rock or briquettes, therefore requiring lower control settings.
The plates have holes or slots that are configured to allow heat to rise evenly through
the plate as the plate radiates heat to the cooking surface above. Food drippings are
burnt and vaporized as they contact the hot plate.
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