What is the purpose of lava rocks in a gas grill?

Lava rocks hold and reflect heat from a propane grill for barbecuing food. The Lava rocks now used with a gas grill because of their ability to heat very fast and radiate for even grilling.

What’s the purpose of lava rocks in a gas grill?

Adding lava rocks to your gas grill can help increase its temperature up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The rocks help spread the heat evenly throughout the entire grill so that everything cooks evenly.

Is it safe to cook over lava rocks?

It is safe to cook over lava rocks. Lava rocks can improve the performance of your gas fire pit. Lava rocks heat up and radiate heat in a more even manner than a bare flame straight from the burner. Lava rocks will protect the gas burner from oil, grease, and other dirt from the food.

What’s better lava rock or ceramic briquettes?

Ceramic briquettes are longer lasting than heat shields or lava rocks. … Ceramic Briquettes are long lasting in comparison to heat shields or lava rock. They also are the closest replacement to cooking with charcoal to give added flavor without the use of chemicals that are found in the charcoal and lighter fluid.

How do you clean lava rocks on a gas grill?

How to Clean Lava Rocks

1. Turn the lava rocks carefully over so that the greasy side is facing down. …
2. Lay some aluminum foil over the grill grate. …
3. Turn the grill on high for up to thirty minutes. …
4. Allow your grill to cool completely. …
5. Allow the grill to cool and remove the foil.

Do lava rocks prevent flare ups?

Lava rocks reduce flare-ups by keeping grease and oil.

Grease and oil from food during grilling constantly drops on a grill surface. Lava rocks can easily absorb fats and thus reduce flare-ups (2) better than heat tents.

Can you use wood chips in a gas grill?

You can, but you do not want to just throw wood chips in, as they can burn up and produce ashes, which will not be good for your grilling experience. What you can do, however, is purchase a smoker box to keep the wood contained.

What can I use instead of lava rocks?

Lava Rock Alternatives

• Pumice Stone. Pumice stone is another type of volcanic rock that you can use for heat distribution. …
• Ceramic Briquettes. A very clean heat distribution option is ceramic briquettes. …
• Heat Distribution Plates. …
• Infrared Radiant Burner.

What is a rock grate?

Rock Grates & Gas Grill Rock Grates

Rock Grates were super popular in grills from the 70’s to the 90’s. They are rectangular steel racks that hold either lava rock or ceramic briquettes. Place them evenly across the grate to ensure even flame disbursement. These are not meant for food.