There are two primary types of charbroilers: lava rock and radiant. As with all equipment, each of these has its advantages and disadvantages, but both are intended to make smoky grilled delights.
What’s the difference between a radiant charbroiler and a lava rock charbroiler? Both of them are gas heated, so there isn’t that much of a difference at all, right?
The major difference between the two types of charbroiler is the way that the items are heated.
With the radiant charbroiler, a cover sits atop the heating element. The heat is distributed evenly in the chamber for a gentle cooking. The drippings are siphoned away as they hit the grill to be disposed of later.
Lava Rock Charbroiler
Lava rock charbroilers are different from the radiant charbroilers in that while there is a surface over the gas, there are also lava rocks placed atop that. Instead of draining away the drippings, they land on the absorbant rock. The heat from the flames turns the drippings into smoke to flavor the meat.
The lava charbroiler is decidedly harder to clean than the radiant charbroiler, but the flavor is more potent with the lava rocks. When you’re looking for that great charbroiled flavor, you just have to decide which is more important to you.
