As grill - briquettes or not?

Dee
by Dee
We have a gas grill and my husband swears it doesn't use briquettes, but, the food is never really charcoaled, it barely gets brown. Anyone know about this? Should I get him to add briquettes or are there gas grills that you shouldn't put briquettes in??? Thanks
  7 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 30, 2016
    Hi there How old is your gas grill?
  • Dee Dee on Mar 30, 2016
    A little over a year
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 30, 2016
      @Dee You dont need them Dee.Its the much older models that require the briquettes.
  • William William on Mar 30, 2016
    Gas grills most often use ceramic briquettes, lava rocks or, more recently, ceramic tiles in order to distribute heat. Ceramic briquettes come in the traditional shape, lava rocks are similar to those used in landscaping, and tiles only differ from briquettes by shape Place briquettes, tiles, or lava rocks in a solid layer on a screen between the heating element and the grill surface, making sure to leave space for air to circulate. Light the grill and check to make sure that all areas of the heating element are covered, filling any empty spaces. Ceramic briquettes, tiles and lava rocks all serve the same purpose. The advantage comes from their ability to reduce flare-ups and hot spots. They can also be used several times, minimizing set-up and making cleaning easier. They also provide the smoky flavor associated with traditional charcoal barbecuing. Any additional product placed inside a gas grill should not come in contact with the heating element. Doing so can cause increased stress to the grill, as well as clog vital gas ports. Always maintain a clean grill. A buildup of old briquettes can cause inadequate performance.
  • Dee Dee on Mar 30, 2016
    Thanks for all the advice!
  • Dee Dee on Mar 30, 2016
    Thanks, the food just doesn't get that charbroiled look or flavor. Thanks!
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 30, 2016
      @Dee Hi there the briquettes will not give the meat any more flavor and as stated it strictly is a heat distributor as well as a safe guard on the burners,however that was for older gas grills. You can get a smoker box and insert flavored chips for to aid in your situation.
  • Dee Dee on Mar 30, 2016
    OK I think I get it now, thanks so much Janet. Take Care
  • Dee Dee on Mar 30, 2016
    Thanks to all!