Side Orders: Grilling tech for summer

The BBQ Dragon blows large amounts of low-velocity, cool air at fires, providing them with more oxygen so they burn hotter and faster.
The BBQ Dragon blows large amounts of low-velocity, cool air at fires, providing them with more oxygen so they burn hotter and faster.
photo Anne Braly
photo The BBQ Dragon blows large amounts of low-velocity, cool air at fires, providing them with more oxygen so they burn hotter and faster.
photo The Chef'n Grill Thrill Burger Machine presses hamburger patties with settings for five thicknesses.
photo George Foreman grill

It starts even before the first warm winds of spring come blowing through the Tennessee Valley ... an onslaught of companies sending emails about the latest gadgets for the grill.

Who can resist a good juicy steak, a tender smoky brisket or finger-licking saucy ribs? Yes, barbecuing is big business in the United States. In fact, each year 200 million people enjoy barbecuing, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association.

Here's a sample of some of the newest wares that will make you the barbecue king -- or queen -- of your neighborhood.

* Chef'n Grill Thrill Burger Machine. Do you hate making burger patties by hand, always ending up with some thicker and some thinner than others? No more. This handy gadget lets you make uniform patties. Best yet, you get to choose from five different thickness settings, then all you do is press down and presto! You have burgers ready for the grill without messy hands. It's $14.99 at Amazon.

* The A-Maze-N Tube BBQ Smoker, touted to be the best thing to happen to outdoor grilling since the charcoal briquet. Light the pellets through the starter hole at the end of the tube and it will produce smoke for four hours up to 225 degrees. Transports from your grill at home to your campsite fire. Comes in three different sizes: 6-inch, 12-inch or 18-inch and is available at Cabelas, Bed, Bath & Beyond or Amazon for $19.99 to $34.99.

* Rec Tec's Mini Portable Wood Pellet Grill: Uses wood pellets instead of charcoal or gas, which Rec Tec says complements your food without overpowering the natural flavors. Plus, the wood pellets contain moisture, which provides humidity in the cooking chamber and prevents food from drying out. With the push of a button, the grill automatically lights and heats to the temperature you have selected and will maintain that temperature throughout the cooking process. Find it for $499 at rectecgrills.com.

* The Ribalizer Rib Cooker lets you skip the messy hassle of boiling, baking or all-day smoking, but can still turn out tender ribs. Cook up to six racks of ribs for a big group or just one or two racks for the family. The metal rack and meat separator are dishwasher safe. The four pans are reusable so, after cooking, toss out the bottom pan with drippings and liquid, then rinse and reuse the top pan if you like. $29.95 at ribalizer.com.

* GrillGrates. Gas grill vs. charcoal grill? Doesn't matter, at least according to GrillGrates, which says great grilling has nothing to do with the heat source and everything to do with the grate -- where the meat meets the heat and the actual cooking takes place. GrillGrates have interlocking panels that work on any grill to form a new grill surface It works on steak, chicken, pork, fish, vegetables ... even pizza. Starts at $39.99 at grillgrate.com.

* The BBQ Dragon is a fire-starting tool that starts charcoal faster than a chimney without using lighter fluid. It works by blowing large amounts of low-velocity, cool air at fires, providing them with more oxygen so they burn hotter and faster. It's cordless, hands-free and portable so you can use it tailgating and camping or at the beach. It works for grills, smokers, fire pits, fireplaces, wood stoves and more. Find it at BBQDragon.com for $59.95.

* George Foreman has come out with an indoor/outdoor electric grill that's great for small spaces. It converts from a stand-up grill to tabletop and is apartment approved. It comes in several sizes and ranges in price from $99 to $139.99 at GeorgeForemanCooking.com.

* If you are still striking matches or using a tiny lighter to ignite your backyard barbecue, it could be time for an upgrade. The new Bison Airlighter combines a high-velocity, 4-inch flame with a jet-airstream to ignite charcoal and wood instantly. Using the Bison Airlighter you can be barbecuing for guests over hot coals within five minutes. Portable and wireless, it's a great tool for camping trips. Get it at Amazon for $79.95.

Once you get the flames going, try this recipe with a nod to our Southern neighbors. Unlike most barbecue sauces that boast a good deal of tomato-based products, white sauce is big in Alabama, made famous by Bob Gibson who served it at his restaurant, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Ala. It's good on pork and turkey, but hard to beat when you serve it with a chicken that's been smoking on the grill for hours till it's pull-apart tender. Try it this weekend and you'll see what I mean.

Alabama White Sauce

2 cups mayonnaise

1 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before using. Brush lightly over chicken, turkey or pork during the last few minutes of grilling. Allow guests to top their barbecue with more sauce. The sauce is also great as a dipping sauce for chopped hot dogs or chicken tenders.

Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.

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