The scorching heat of summer is (finally) coming to an end. It’s often at this time of year that people begin putting their barbecues away as if it’s time for them to go into hibernation, not to be touched or looked at until the sunny rays return. But… why don’t we use the barbecue in the colder months as much as we do in warm weather?
One way to create warmth outdoors during autumn and winter is by switching on the barbie (notice we didn’t say firing up the barbie). New barbecue technology uses electricity and infrared, rather than traditional coals or gas, to generate precise heat. One brand we’ve had our eye on that does just that is the Crossray Extreme electric BBQ. Its world-class design allows for controllable heat up to 350 degrees while using 50% less gas than a conventional BBQ. There’s even a new fully electric option that cuts the need for gas entirely. Infrared technology locks in juices to provide a richer flavour for a superior grilling experience that’s comparable to cooking over red hot coals.
Ex-Sunrise weather presenter and outdoor lifestyle host, Paul Burt has shared his own tips for cooking delicious and healthy food using the fancy infra-red technology of the Crossray. His specialty? Being an avid fisherman, it’s no surprise he loves cooking up seafood on the barbecue. Here, Paul shares his tips for getting the most out of an infrared barbecue.
5 reasons to use the barbecue year-round
Picture this: It’s a cool afternoon and you feel like good, hearty, smoked ribs. You turn the barbecue on and as it cooks, you find your patio is growing warmer too. The cold bite dissipates from the air with every second that ticks by. We can’t deny that the barbecue is great for hot, sunny days, but what about how amazing it is on colder evenings?
1. Slow-cooking goodness
While the barbecue can quickly cook up sausages, steaks and seafood, it’s quite underestimated when it comes to slow-cooking. How about a good old smoked ribs or beef brisket to warm you up?
According to a trusty review on Product Review, the Crossray is a great choice for slow-cooking delicious recipes. “The barbecue is great for roasts or anything where the lid can be kept closed.” With the lid closed for the duration of the cook. It allows the hot air to remain inside and will ensure that the food is slow-cooked to absolute perfection!
2. Warm from the inside out
Why not turn dinner into an occasion and set up a nice firepit where you can sit around and eat as a family? Or if you don’t have a fire pit, keep warm by cooking up foods that won’t take hours on the grill and enjoy them in a cosy dining room. Experiment with flavours that will warm you up from the inside out, such as hot paprika or chilli.
Paul Burt recommends being generous with flavours. “Don’t be scared to add marinades or sauces to your meats and if you get a flare-up, don’t worry! Remember that the infra-red elements [in barbecues such as the CROSSRAY] put out some extreme heat so it’s totally normal. Plus, if you’re cooking steaks, that char is what you want!”
3. Move it and use it
You can’t bring your barbecue indoors, right? Wrong!
If it’s way too chilly to satisfy your charred steak or prawn cravings outdoors, all you need to do is bring it indoors. We’d recommend grabbing a portable model for this purpose, such as the CROSSRAY eXtreme electric BBQ so you can cook no matter the weather or location.
Paul Burt added “A portable barbecue is great because you can move it around the house, the backyard, put it in your caravan, or even take it with you when visiting friends. The bonus of it being electric means you never need to worry about how full your gas bottle is.”
4. Smokey food = optimal cold weather cravings
If you’ve got yourself a barbecue that can replicate the smoky flavours of charcoal, then you’re truly winning at life.
Paul Burt said “CROSSRAY’s ‘Smoker Box’ allows you to infuse your favourite food with rich, delicate smoke flavours. Suitable for both gas and electric, the Smoke Box can hold a range of wood chips and pellets, including hickory, apple, pecan and cherry to achieve different intensities and flavours when smoking a fillet of snapper, tailor or cod, some bacon, venison or even a spatchcock. Nothing like a good ol’ fashioned smoke on a Sunday afternoon!”
5. Bake with the barbecue
There’s nothing better than enjoying a gooey, chocolate brownie with a mug of hot hot chocolate on cold evenings. But you don’t need to touch your oven, air fryer or stovetop. Reduce the mess and keep it outdoors by using the BBQ to cook up entree, main and dessert.
“Think of your CROSSRAY Electric BBQ as an oven, but portable,” says Paul. Unlike a conventional BBQ with gas and fire, smoky smells don’t linger in the CROSSRAY, which means you can cook or bake pretty much anything you like. Set the temperature and pre-heat as you would a standard oven and let infrared technology do the work!
Paul Burt’s favourite recipes on the CROSSRAY
One of my go-to recipes this summer has been handlebar king prawns smothered in a vodka butter with a squeeze of fresh lime. I’m also loving roasting a full rib eye on a low heat, it’s the simple things that are often the most delicious!
For the rib eye, I simply season the meat and add a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves before I lather it in Dijon mustard and pour some melted butter over the top. I then cook that for around two hours or so at 120 degrees celsius and it comes out like a marshmallow!
I’ll serve it with a light jus, cauliflower mash to get some veggies in and a rocket, pear and parmesan salad on the side. The sky is the limit to what you can cook on a CROSSRAY.
What is the CROSSRAY eXtreme electric BBQ?
The CROSSRAY eXtreme Electric BBQ is a culinary game-changer that combines innovation, versatility, and style. It offers a unique culinary experience with a touch of style and has been in development for 10 years. Now, the patented, infrared cooking technology consistently produces tastier and juicier food. There is a wide product selection in the CROSSRAY infrared gas and electric range, so there’s a BBQ design perfectly suited to every taste and outdoor space. It’s also perfect for camping and rentals and is available in a portable table-top option.
What is infrared technology?
CROSSRAY infrared technology ensures it cooks evenly from the inside out, for better flavour and reduced cooking time. The digital display allows home chefs to easily monitor and adjust the temperature and cooking function for the perfect grilling experience. The plug-and-play installation removes the need for a gas or electricity installation.
Who are CROSSRAY BBQs?
The award-winning CROSSRAY BBQs take an innovative approach to grilling. Its world-class gas design allows for controllable heat up to 350 degrees while using 50% less gas than a conventional BBQ, with a new electric option cutting the need for gas entirely. The infra-red technology locks in juices to provide a richer flavour for a superior grilling experience that’s comparable to cooking over red hot coals.
Where is CROSSRAY manufactured?
CROSSRAY eXtreme electric BBQ is manufactured in Australia.
Where to buy a CROSSRAY BBQ?
CROSSRAY BBQs are available to purchase from crossray.com.au starting at $849.
