Summers in New England have always been marked by a few different things: Memorial Day parades that happen all around the region anywhere from small towns to large cities; the beach sees an influx in visitors lounging in chairs and on towels, their toes in the sand; ice cream shacks re-open, ready to serve everyone a sweet treat under the harsh rays of sun; and probably, the most common, grills being rolled out of garages or sheds, being uncovered in preparation to be used in the warm weather.
Grilling has always been a beloved culinary tradition that has evolved over the years. There are charcoal grills, gas grills, even portable grills! Even grills themselves have evolved; technology has improved enough to turn anyone who loves to grill into a master rivaling what chefs can achieve in a professional kitchen. One of those great inventions? Weber’s Sear Station.
What Is a Weber Sear Station?
For several years, Weber Grills have come with a Sear Station, but what is it? And does your Weber model have it? The Sear Station is basically three burners that are closer together than the other burners on the grill. What this does is create a zone on the grill that can get hotter much faster than other areas, which is great for speeding up the time it takes to get the grates hot enough for searing.
Not sure if your Weber Grill has a Sear Station? No worries! Typically, there is a dedicated knob on the front of your grill between two of your normal burners. Not wanting to use your sear station at this cookout? Just keep it off, and you can use your grill as you normally would. Not seeing a Sear Station on your Weber model? Keep reading to find out the benefits of this station, and how to get your hands on a newer Weber Grill model with this feature.
How Does the Weber Sear Station Work?
Using the Sear Station is simple:
- Preheat your grill.
- Set the outer burners to low.
- Ignite the Sear Station burner.
- Place your food on the sear zone for 1–4 minutes per side, depending on what you're cooking.
- Move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.
Prefer the reverse sear method? No problem! Cook your food slowly first, then finish it on the Sear Station for a perfect crust. Easy, no mess, and it can all be done on one grill; no reason to run back and forth from your stove to your deck to sear off your steak prior to throwing it on the grill!
Why Choose to Sear?
There are a number of reasons people choose to sear their food. It could be as simple as wanting those classic grill marks or adding additional texture. The most common, though, is that the high heat actually caramelizes the surface, which not only provides a thick crust, but also intensifies the flavor. You end up having the perfect bite, crispy on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside.
Keep in mind, searing isn’t only for meat! Have some leftover vegetables you want to use to make kebabs on the grill? Drizzle a bit of olive oil on them, toss them with your favorite seasonings, and pop them right over the sear station. What you’re left with is flavor-filled, juicy vegetables that are more interesting than your typical oven roasted.
Pro Tips for Using Your Sear Station
Get the most out of your Weber Sear Station with these helpful tips:
- Pat Food Dry: Moisture causes steaming, not searing. Dry the surface before cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Too much food reduces heat. Sear in smaller batches for best results.
- Use Oil Wisely: Lightly oil your food, not the grill grates, to reduce sticking and flare-ups.
What To Do If Your Grill Doesn’t Have a Sear Station?
No Sear Station? No problem! You’ll still be able to sear on your grill; you may just have to wait a few extra minutes. But hey, if you don’t want to wait, Shore Appliances have plenty of Weber Grill models built and ready to be delivered!
Kelly Esposito
Shore Appliances
11 East Main Street
Clinton, CT 06413 | 860.669.8007