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Element Smokeless BBQ brings the joys of grilling inside

By C.C. Weiss
June 21, 2012
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The Element works with both gas and electric ranges
An indoor grill that actually grills
The Element offers several height options
Use the Element with or without the removable handle
The Element's lava rocks provide a genuine grill experience inside the house
Grill like it's 90 F outside, even if it's below zero
Lava rocks should provide more flavor than other indoor grill designs
The Element offers several height options
You can easily remove and replace the lava rocks and clean out the Element
Turn your range into a grill
The Element adds grilling functionality to your existing stove
The Element works with both gas and electric ranges
Grill steak, chops, fish, etc. all year long
The Element can also be used to grill kabobs
The Element is available for pre-order
View gallery - 14 images

For many people, grilling is an activity that's limited to the warmer months, when clear weather makes preparing dinner outside both practical and enjoyable. Once the weather turns, the rain cover comes out and grilling is over. The Element Indoor Smokeless BBQ brings grilling inside, where people can enjoy it year round.

There are existing options for indoor grilling, but they miss the mark miserably in terms of recreating the actual grilling experience. A grill pan sears a nice set of marks, but it's devoid of any smoky flavor - one of the main reasons to grill in the first place. The same can be said about electric grills. Bringing the charcoal or gas grill inside obviously isn't an option because of smoke and gases. Indoor spaces and real-deal grilling just don't mix.

The Element BBQ (grill to those that are particular) attempts to be the straw that mixes authentic grilling with the indoors. It's essentially a pan that heats over a gas or electric stove. Unlike the average grill pan - typically just a pan with bars on it - the Element has integrated lava rocks to provide a more genuine grill experience and taste. The designers say that lava rocks are smokeless and safe to use inside.

Use the Element with or without the removable handle

Used in some gas grills, lava rocks are known to heat up grease and drippings, providing a more flavorful grilling experience. They also heat up quickly and provide an evenly distributed heat for cooking. They're already used in commercial grills and charbroilers designed for the indoors; the Element just packages them in a versatile tool that can be used with an existing range.

The Element's grill is height-adjustable, and its handle is removable, giving cooks a little extra versatility in preparing meals. It includes an integrated grease pan that can be removed for cleaning.

The Element smokeless BBQ is available for pre-order at Ideacious. With a price tag of US$225, it's not the cheapest way to grill inside, but it should offer an authentic grilling alternative for the months when you just can't bring yourself to fire up the outdoor grill.

Source: Ideacious

View gallery - 14 images

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Around The HomeKitchenBBQCookingFoodGrillingIdeacious
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C.C. Weiss
Chris joined the New Atlas team in 2011 and now serves as the automotive and campers editor, traveling extensively to gather the latest news on cars, outdoor sports gear and other innovations designed to help people experience and enjoy the greater world around them.
12 comments
DemonDuck
I have trouble believing that grilling meat is smokeless under any conditions. But still an interesting idea.
Bill Bennett
DemonDuck I have seen lamb being cooked with radiant heat and no smoke at Gyro House Mediterranean Grill in Aloha Oregon.
Colm Gibney
Great idea. Will it work on induction cookers? Can't see a mention of it anywhere.
Tom Phoghat Sobieski
$225 ??? No, sorry
ideacious
DemonDuck: Given the nature of the project we were sure to do some extensive prototyping / proof-of-concept work before getting it up on the site - the results were solid! Once we establish a demand for the product (based on how many preorders we sell) we will move on to testing additional production models and securing standard certification on the product.
Colm Gibney: The Element works on all type of ranges (gas, electric & induction) with comparable results.
Bob Fately
Years ago I used to won a range-top griller - I forget it's name but I called it "the magic hubcap" and it seems similar to this, except for the lava rocks (and it was 10% of the cost). It was okay, but like most gadgets lost its appeal after a few months.
Claudio Pagan
Come on $225...you have to be kidding me!
Knowledge Thirsty
No mention of the grill surface material? It's bright in the pic so I would assume it's aluminum although stainless steel would be preferable. Not a bad idea, would love to see a video of it in action.
mwhdvm
So what does the lava rock look like after you cook a steak? Is it a greasy smelly mess that you won't want to put inside your cabinets? That's one of the good things about a greasy grill...it stays outside. I like this idea but cleanup seems like it would be hopeless with regards to the rock?
Joe F
How hard could clean up be? Just dump the rocks into a paper bag, clean the pan and store it with other pans. You could still keep the rocks outside if you want.
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