As someone who’s explored the science of grilling through years of reading and writing, I’m ready to share a truth that might fire up grilling enthusiasts. I know I will receive a lot of flak for this, but the truth is that no fuel type inherently makes food taste better. Charcoal purists may clutch their briquettes, but the science doesn’t lie. The fact, as reported by Wired, is that food doesn’t care about the heat source beneath it. To put that into context, once charcoal burns, it’s just carbon, imparting no unique flavor.
Modernist Cuisine backs this up, stating, “Carbon is carbon; it burns clean and adds no taste to the food.” So, where does the smoky, grilled flavor we love come from? That comes from drippings, oils, sugars, and proteins, which, when heated, ignite and create complex molecules that coat the food. So, what’s the point of investing in a charcoal grill? The only upside I see is that a charcoal grill gets hotter compared to a gas grill, but that’s its only edge. The downsides? Well, they’re time-intensive, difficult to clean, and require a hell lot of preparation. This is why I recommend investing in a quality gas grill like Doc Konto SmartBBQ.
There are a couple of factors why I was intrigued to cover this grill. The first of those factors is Doc Konto’s promise of effortless grilling. While I don’t loathe the art of fire and finesse, modern life rarely leaves room for such rituals. This is why Doc Konto SmartBBQ, a fully automated grill, comes as a great alternative. It can be operated via a companion app for both iOS and Android users.
The grill’s companion app allows you to choose from a library of recipes ranging from steaks and beans to burgers and more. The application handles everything from igniting burners and balancing heat zones to notifying you when to flip or remove food. The grill features three heat zones that allow you to simultaneously cook different food items at different temperatures. You can preheat remotely, tweak doneness via voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant, or let the AI learn your preferences for tailored cooking suggestions.
In addition to being app-controlled, the grill features a range of knobs that control the flow of fuel to the burner, allowing you to adjust the flame’s intensity for different cooking temperatures. From a design standpoint, the grill measures 24 inches deep, sits at countertop height, and is built from durable stainless steel and heat-resistant composites. Powered by propane or natural gas, the outdoor appliance offers a spacious cooking surface for up to 20 burgers or a whole chicken, perfect for family gatherings or spontaneous parties.
Another standout feature of the grill is its rotatable grate. “Constant grill rotation ensures that your food is evenly cooked as no single side is excessively exposed to the heat and left to burn, resulting in more tasty food. Remote grill rotation ensures perfect and evenly cooked food without constant supervision and adjustments, freeing up your time and energy for more important things,” the company states.
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The grill doesn’t overburn or undercook your food, courtesy of a network of sensors, including temperature probes and infrared thermometers, which monitor cooking conditions in real time, adjusting flames with chef-like precision. Optional accessories include rotisserie kits, smoker boxes, and weather-resistant covers. The project is currently a subject of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, where early backers can snag it for $1,181 alongside exclusive perks, like limited-edition colors.
