What Are Flame Tamers On A Gas Grill?

Hey there grill masters and backyard chefs! Are you tired of unevenly cooked burgers and flare-ups ruining your BBQ dreams? Well, have no fear because today we're talking about flame tamers and how they can save your grill game.

What Are Flame Tamers?

First off, let's define what flame tamers are. Simply put, they are metal shields that sit over the gas burners on your grill.

Their purpose is to distribute heat evenly, reduce flare-ups, and prevent your food from getting burnt to a crisp. Sounds pretty nifty, right?

Now, you may be thinking "Why not just use a regular old grill grate?" While grill grates are great for searing and achieving those gorgeous grill marks, they can also cause flare-ups and hot spots.

This can lead to uneven cooking and potentially ruined food. Flame tamers, on the other hand, provide a more controlled and even heat source.

How Do Flame Tamers Work?

So, how do flame tamers work their magic? Well, as gas burners heat up, they can create hot spots directly above them. This is where the flame tamers come in.

By sitting over the burners, they help to distribute the heat more evenly across the cooking surface. This means that your food will cook more evenly and you won't have to worry about those pesky hot spots.

Benefits Of Flame Tamers

But wait, there's more! Flame tamers also help to reduce flare-ups. When fat and juices from your food drip down onto the hot burners, they can cause flare-ups and smoke.

This not only makes it harder to control the temperature of your grill, but it can also impart an unpleasant flavor to your food. Flame tamers act as a barrier between the burners and the food, catching those drippings and preventing flare-ups from happening.

Types Of Flame Tamers For BBQ Grills

Now, let's talk about the different types of flame tamers. The most common type is the heat plate. These are usually made of stainless steel or porcelain-coated steel and sit directly over the gas burners. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different grill models.

Another type of flame tamer is the lava rock. These are porous rocks that sit over the gas burners and help to distribute heat evenly. They also catch drippings and reduce flare-ups. However, they require more maintenance than heat plates as they need to be replaced periodically.

Finally, there are ceramic briquettes. These are similar to lava rocks but are made of ceramic material. They also help to distribute heat evenly and reduce flare-ups. However, they are more expensive than heat plates or lava rocks.  Many luxury grills come with ceramic briquette trays standard.

Final Thoughts

So, which type of flame tamer should you choose? It really depends on your personal preference and the type of grill you have. Heat plates are the most common and easiest to use, but if you're looking for a more traditional feel, lava rocks or ceramic briquettes may be the way to go.

Now, before you run out and buy a bunch of flame tamers, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the flame tamers you choose are compatible with your grill. Different grills have different sizes and shapes of burners, so it's important to choose flame tamers that will fit properly.

Second, make sure to clean your flame tamers regularly. Just like your grill grates, flame tamers can get dirty and clogged with grease and debris. This can affect their performance and even cause flare-ups. So, make sure to give them a good scrub with a grill brush after each use.

In conclusion, flame tamers are an essential tool for any backyard chef who wants to achieve even cooking and avoid flare-ups. They come in a variety of types and sizes, so choose the one that works best for you and your grill. And remember, always clean your flame tamers