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Cooking up innovation: Top BBQ tech for 2014

Cooking up innovation: Top BBQ tech for 2014
Gizmag takes a look at 10 BBQ gadgets to make sure your backyard cook-up is not one to be missed (Photo: Shutterstock)
Gizmag takes a look at 10 BBQ gadgets to make sure your backyard cook-up is not one to be missed (Photo: Shutterstock)
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The Looftlighter retails at US$79.99
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The Looftlighter retails at US$79.99
The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill may just give new meaning to small entertainment spaces
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The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill may just give new meaning to small entertainment spaces
The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill is a stainless steel grill that can be hung from a regular balcony handrail or even installed on a wall
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The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill is a stainless steel grill that can be hung from a regular balcony handrail or even installed on a wall
The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill may just give new meaning to small entertainment spaces
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The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill may just give new meaning to small entertainment spaces
The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill measures 16 x 18.5 x 58.5 cm (6.3 x 7.3 x 23 in)
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The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill measures 16 x 18.5 x 58.5 cm (6.3 x 7.3 x 23 in)
The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill is priced at $82
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The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill is priced at $82
If you are headed outdoors to cook up, then chances are there's a bit of sunshine around
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If you are headed outdoors to cook up, then chances are there's a bit of sunshine around
The Solsource cooker is made from carbon steel with stainless steel accessories
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The Solsource cooker is made from carbon steel with stainless steel accessories
The SolSource cooker will set you back $399
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The SolSource cooker will set you back $399
The Solsource cooker uses metallic sheets to channel enough heat onto the cooking surface to reportedly boil a liter of water in 10 minutes
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The Solsource cooker uses metallic sheets to channel enough heat onto the cooking surface to reportedly boil a liter of water in 10 minutes
The Solsource cooker bears some resemblance to a satellite dish
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The Solsource cooker bears some resemblance to a satellite dish
If the solar powered cooler was to your liking, then this SolSource cooker could complete the set and make for an entirely clean energy grilling experience
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If the solar powered cooler was to your liking, then this SolSource cooker could complete the set and make for an entirely clean energy grilling experience
We first came across the Solar Cooler at CES earlier this year
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We first came across the Solar Cooler at CES earlier this year
The Solar Cooler is designed to use solar energy to keep your food and drinks at a cool 42° F (5.5° C) for over 24 hours
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The Solar Cooler is designed to use solar energy to keep your food and drinks at a cool 42° F (5.5° C) for over 24 hours
The Solar Cooler weighs 55 lb (25 kg) and has a capacity of 40 L (10.5 gal)
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The Solar Cooler weighs 55 lb (25 kg) and has a capacity of 40 L (10.5 gal)
Fitted with handles, the Solar Cooler measures 16 x 14 x 17 in (41 x 36 x 43 cm)
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Fitted with handles, the Solar Cooler measures 16 x 14 x 17 in (41 x 36 x 43 cm)
If you are headed outdoors to cook up, then chances are there's a bit of sunshine around
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If you are headed outdoors to cook up, then chances are there's a bit of sunshine around
If you are headed outdoors to cook up, then chances are there's a bit of sunshine around
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If you are headed outdoors to cook up, then chances are there's a bit of sunshine around
We first came across the Solar Cooler at CES earlier this year
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We first came across the Solar Cooler at CES earlier this year
The iGrill Bluetooth cooking thermometer tells you when the meat is done
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The iGrill Bluetooth cooking thermometer tells you when the meat is done
iGrill has a Bluetooth range or up to 200 ft (61 mt) and comes with two meat temperature probes and four AA batteries
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iGrill has a Bluetooth range or up to 200 ft (61 mt) and comes with two meat temperature probes and four AA batteries
iGrill sends a notification via Bluetooth to the companion smart phone app when the meat is perfectly cooked
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iGrill sends a notification via Bluetooth to the companion smart phone app when the meat is perfectly cooked
A probe is inserted into the meat and connects to the iGrill unit via a heat-resistant cable
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A probe is inserted into the meat and connects to the iGrill unit via a heat-resistant cable
iGrill sends a notification via Bluetooth to the companion smart phone app when the meat is perfectly cooked
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iGrill sends a notification via Bluetooth to the companion smart phone app when the meat is perfectly cooked
Though after-dark grilling has it risks, these can be managed with the BBQ Grill Light and Fan from E&B Giftware
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Though after-dark grilling has it risks, these can be managed with the BBQ Grill Light and Fan from E&B Giftware
The lights and fans are operated individually and can swivel independently
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The lights and fans are operated individually and can swivel independently
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With the BBQ Grill Light and Fan, a lighting unit with four LEDS sits between duals fans to clamp onto the handle of your BBQ
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With the BBQ Grill Light and Fan, a lighting unit with four LEDS sits between duals fans to clamp onto the handle of your BBQ
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Open Air Cinema is available in four sizes ranging from 9 x 5 ft up to 20 x 11 ft
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Open Air Cinema is available in four sizes ranging from 9 x 5 ft up to 20 x 11 ft
Open Air Cinema is available in four sizes ranging from 9 x 5 ft up to 20 x 11 ft
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Open Air Cinema is available in four sizes ranging from 9 x 5 ft up to 20 x 11 ft
C SEED calls it 201-inch LED TV the "world's largest outdoor TV"
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C SEED calls it 201-inch LED TV the "world's largest outdoor TV"
The Open Air Cinema comes comes as what the company calls a Cinebox Home System, including a projector, the inflatable screen, yard pegs and the option of a built-in Playstation 3, DVD or Blu-Ray Player
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The Open Air Cinema comes comes as what the company calls a Cinebox Home System, including a projector, the inflatable screen, yard pegs and the option of a built-in Playstation 3, DVD or Blu-Ray Player
Made from anodized aluminum with ultra-resistant polyester cover and PVC coating, Open Bar is home to a BBQ grill and sink and can be hooked up to water, gas and electricity mains
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Made from anodized aluminum with ultra-resistant polyester cover and PVC coating, Open Bar is home to a BBQ grill and sink and can be hooked up to water, gas and electricity mains
Open Bar from Italian design firm TAO is a sleek modern outdoor kitchen with everything you need for a pleasant backyard dining experience
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Open Bar from Italian design firm TAO is a sleek modern outdoor kitchen with everything you need for a pleasant backyard dining experience
The Metalco Outdoor Cocktail Bar is a portable cocktail trolley equipped equipped with an ice maker to keep your drinks nice and cold
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The Metalco Outdoor Cocktail Bar is a portable cocktail trolley equipped equipped with an ice maker to keep your drinks nice and cold
Grillbot uses an LCD alarm and timer to let you know when the job is done
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Grillbot uses an LCD alarm and timer to let you know when the job is done
Grillbot uses a CPU chip to control direction and speed
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Grillbot uses a CPU chip to control direction and speed
Grillbot takes six D rechargeable batteries and is available in black, blue, orange and red
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Grillbot takes six D rechargeable batteries and is available in black, blue, orange and red
Grillbot takes six D rechargeable batteries and is available in black, blue, orange and red
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Grillbot takes six D rechargeable batteries and is available in black, blue, orange and red
Grillbot takes six D rechargeable batteries and is available in black, blue, orange and red
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Grillbot takes six D rechargeable batteries and is available in black, blue, orange and red
Grillbot is priced at $119.95
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Grillbot is priced at $119.95
Grillbot is a robot powered by three electric motors that uses three replaceable brushes to scrub clean your grilling surface
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Grillbot is a robot powered by three electric motors that uses three replaceable brushes to scrub clean your grilling surface
Grillbot is a robot powered by three electric motors that uses three replaceable brushes to scrub clean your grilling surface
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Grillbot is a robot powered by three electric motors that uses three replaceable brushes to scrub clean your grilling surface
Grillbot is a robot powered by three electric motors that uses three replaceable brushes to scrub clean your grilling surface
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Grillbot is a robot powered by three electric motors that uses three replaceable brushes to scrub clean your grilling surface
Grillbot was conceived when real estate agent Ethan Woods attached a wire scrubbing brush to his power drill to clear the grime from his grill
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Grillbot was conceived when real estate agent Ethan Woods attached a wire scrubbing brush to his power drill to clear the grime from his grill
For those that like to cook with charcoal, wood, briquettes, heat beads or similar, the Looftlighter speed up the lighting process by emitting super-heated air onto the material
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For those that like to cook with charcoal, wood, briquettes, heat beads or similar, the Looftlighter speed up the lighting process by emitting super-heated air onto the material
Gizmag takes a look at 10 BBQ gadgets to make sure your backyard cook-up is not one to be missed (Photo: Shutterstock)
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Gizmag takes a look at 10 BBQ gadgets to make sure your backyard cook-up is not one to be missed (Photo: Shutterstock)
View gallery - 48 images

Gathering around a pit of intense heat and vigilantly turning pieces of food at perfectly-timed intervals, otherwise known as barbecuing, has to be one of man's longest and most widely-held traditions. But from singed steaks to chorizo sausages and wood chips to propane, everybody has a slightly different take on how to deliver the perfect feast. As the warmer months approach for many of our readers, and neighbors, friends and family prepare to don their aprons and fire up the grill, Gizmag has smoked out 10 outdoor entertaining innovations that will ensure your backyard cook-up is not one to be missed.

Light it up

For those that like to cook with charcoal, wood, briquettes, heat beads or similar, the Looftlighter speed up the lighting process by emitting super-heated air onto the material
For those that like to cook with charcoal, wood, briquettes, heat beads or similar, the Looftlighter speed up the lighting process by emitting super-heated air onto the material

We'll get things started with the Looftlighter, because getting things started can sometimes be the hardest part. For those that like to cook with charcoal, wood, briquettes, heat beads or similar, this nifty Swedish invention will speed up the lighting process by introducing super-heated air onto the heating material. As soon as sparks begin to appear, pull it back slowly and you'll be cooking in no time, no lighter fluid or chemicals required.

The company says the Looftlighter can ignite the material within 60 seconds and isn't limited to the grill. It doubles as a useful tool for the fireplace during the winter months as well. Price: US$79.99

Inner city grillin'

The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill measures 16 x 18.5 x 58.5 cm (6.3 x 7.3 x 23 in)
The BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill measures 16 x 18.5 x 58.5 cm (6.3 x 7.3 x 23 in)

Narrow balconies and cramped courtyards don't typically lend themselves to hosting barbecues, but the BBQ Bruce Handrail Grill may be just the thing for cramped entertainment spaces. This stainless steel grill can be hung from a regular balcony handrail or even installed on a wall. Measuring 16 x 18.5 x 58.5 cm (6.3 x 7.3 x 23 in), Bruce is priced at $82.

Fun in the sun

The Solar Cooler is designed to use solar energy to keep your food and drinks at a cool 42° F (5.5° C) for over 24 hours
The Solar Cooler is designed to use solar energy to keep your food and drinks at a cool 42° F (5.5° C) for over 24 hours

If you're headed outdoors to cook up, then chances are there's a bit of sunshine around. The Solar Cooler, which we came across at CES earlier this year, is designed to use solar energy to keep your food and drinks at a cool 42° F (5.5° C) for over 24 hours. Fitted with handles, the cooler measures 16 x 14 x 17 in (41 x 36 x 43 cm), weighs 55 lb (25 kg) and has a capacity of 40 liters (10.5 US gal).

The user can set a desired temperature via a digital display on the cooler's side and extra power can be obtained by attaching additional solar panels or pre-charging the cooler through an electric outlet before use. The Solar Cooler is available for pre-order through Solar Cool Technologies' website for $950.

Catchin' some rays

If the solar powered cooler was to your liking, then this SolSource cooker could complete the set and make for an entirely clean energy grilling experience
If the solar powered cooler was to your liking, then this SolSource cooker could complete the set and make for an entirely clean energy grilling experience

If you're after some solar-powered heat rather than cooling then the SolSource cooker might be more to your liking for an entirely clean energy grilling experience. Bearing some resemblance to a satellite dish, this device uses metallic sheets to direct enough heat onto the cooking surface to reportedly boil a liter (0.3 US gal) of water in 10 minutes.

Made from carbon steel with stainless steel accessories, the SolSource cooker can be used with any cookware that works with a traditional stove. As for cooking conditions, the company says it will be able to generate enough power for grilling as long as you can see shadows. The SolSource cooker will set you back $399.

For after dark

With the BBQ Grill Light and Fan, a lighting unit with four LEDS sits between duals fans to clamp onto the handle of your BBQ
With the BBQ Grill Light and Fan, a lighting unit with four LEDS sits between duals fans to clamp onto the handle of your BBQ

It just wouldn't be proper BBQ if there wasn't a chance of it dragging from the late afternoon, into the evening and on into the night. Though after-dark grilling has it risks, these can be managed with the BBQ Grill Light and Fan from E&B Giftware. A lighting unit with four LEDS sits between dual fans that clamp onto the handle of your BBQ to keep the grilling surface illuminated and the smoke out of your face.

The light and each fan are operated individually and can swivel independently. The unit is powered by eight AA batteries, weighs 1.9 lb (0.9 kg) and will set you back $89.00.

An extra set of eyes

The iGrill Bluetooth cooking thermometer tells you when the meat is done
The iGrill Bluetooth cooking thermometer tells you when the meat is done

If your interpretation of hosting a social barbecue leans more towards the social aspects than the barbecue aspects, then the iGrill Bluetooth cooking thermometer from iDevice could be the sous-chef you need. A probe is inserted into the meat and connects via a heat-resistant cable to the iGrill unit, which in turn sends a notification via Bluetooth to the companion smart phone app when the meat is perfectly cooked. iGrill is powered by four AA batteries, has a Bluetooth range of up to 200 ft (61 m) and comes with two meat temperature probes. iGrill will cost you $79.99.

For your viewing pleasure

Open Air Cinema is available in four sizes ranging from 9 x 5 ft up to 20 x 11 ft
Open Air Cinema is available in four sizes ranging from 9 x 5 ft up to 20 x 11 ft

One for those whose ultimate entertaining space borrows elements from inside and outside the home, the Open Air Cinema is an inflatable projector screen designed for some open-air viewing. Available in four sizes ranging from 9 x 5 ft (2.7 x 1.5 m) up to 20 x 11 ft (6 x 3.3 m), it comes in what the company calls a Cinebox Home System.

This package includes an air blower for inflation and a projector at standard, 720p or 1080p definition, with options for a built-in PlayStation 3, DVD or Blu-Ray player. Prices start at $2,199 for the standard definition 9 x 5 ft Open Air Cinema package.

C SEED calls it 201-inch LED TV the "world's largest outdoor TV"
C SEED calls it 201-inch LED TV the "world's largest outdoor TV"

Projectors can be a poor option for outdoor daylight viewing, so if you're looking to get some screen time while the sun's still shining the 201-inch C SEED LED TV might be a better option. Dubbed by C SEED as the "world's largest outdoor TV," the unit features a foldable screen that allows it to descend into the ground when not needed. You will need to enquire with C SEED directly for specific pricing information, though the company tells us the cost can be compared to the retail price of a super sports car. Not one for penny pinchers.

An outdoor kitchen

Open Bar from Italian design firm TAO is a sleek modern outdoor kitchen with everything you need for a pleasant backyard dining experience
Open Bar from Italian design firm TAO is a sleek modern outdoor kitchen with everything you need for a pleasant backyard dining experience

The Open Bar from Italian design firm TAO is a sleek modern outdoor kitchen with everything you need for a pleasant backyard dining experience. Made from anodized aluminum with ultra-resistant polyester cover and PVC coating, Open Bar features a BBQ grill and sink and can be hooked up to water, gas and electricity mains. It also features a motorized, remote-controlled cover if the weather starts to impede on your food preparation. The company tells us that it prices its products "on demand", so you'll need to head over to its online store for further details.

To quench your thirst

The Metalco Outdoor Cocktail Bar is a portable cocktail trolley equipped equipped with an ice maker to keep your drinks nice and cold
The Metalco Outdoor Cocktail Bar is a portable cocktail trolley equipped equipped with an ice maker to keep your drinks nice and cold

The Metalco Outdoor Cocktail Bar is a portable cocktail trolley equipped with an ice maker to keep your drinks nice and cold, because grilling can be thirsty work. Able to churn out 25 kg (55 lb) of ice in 24 hours, this elegantly designed stainless steel unit features a black granite cutting board, bottle tray and cup holders. You'll need to contact Metalco for a price on this one.

Time to put the feet up

Grillbot was conceived when real estate agent Ethan Woods attached a wire scrubbing brush to his power drill to clear the grime from his grill
Grillbot was conceived when real estate agent Ethan Woods attached a wire scrubbing brush to his power drill to clear the grime from his grill

You didn't think we'd come all this way without something to help you clean up did you? Real estate agent Ethan Woods hit upon the idea for the Grillbot after he attached a wire scrubbing brush to his power drill to clear the grime from his grill. A series of prototypes later, Wood had in his hands a robot packing three electric motors that power three replaceable brushes to scrub clean your grilling surface.

Each Grillbot uses a CPU chip to control direction and speed and an LCD alarm and timer to let you know when the job is done. Powered by a rechargeable battery pack, they are available in black, blue, orange and red. Price: $119.95.

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1 comment
1 comment
Don Duncan
Heat coals in 10-15 minutes with a chimney starter for $10-$15.
Why scrub the grill? Leave it dirty. The next time you grill, let the grill heat up, tap it and watch the crud drop off. Still not clean enough? Run a wire brush over it once or twice. No need for robot scrubbers or soap.
A digital thermometer/probe costs about $10 but if you pay attention you won't need one for ribs/steaks/chops/chicken pieces/veggies. Whole chickens or turkeys need a probe. Pieces of meat should be turned once. After turning, watch for a fluid forming in small puddles. It's cooked medium-rare. Leave it 30 seconds longer for each new level, medium, medium-well, well. If no juice runs out after placing on plate, it will be dry and tasteless from being overcooked.