Blazing heat: unleash the power of the Top-Down, High-Heat Infrared Burner

If you’re keen to up your cooking game, you need to know about the Top-Down, High-Heat, Infrared Burner (IR Burner) on the new Weber Summit barbecue.  

This intense radiant heat from the IR Burner can transform a range of dishes into mouthwatering masterpieces with that irresistible charred, crispy finish. Read on to discover delicious possibilities! 

Think beyond the usual when it comes to starters—there’s so much potential here. Imagine sizzling stuffed mushrooms with melted, bubbling cheese, crispy-topped oysters Kilpatrick packed with smoky bacon, or mezze capsicum blistered to perfection. 

Pro tip: 

Try a mix of your favourite cheeses or sprinkle a touch of breadcrumbs, garlic, and fresh herbs on mushrooms and oysters to bring extra crunch and depth of flavour. 

How about a wood-fired-style pizza in less time than it takes to make a salad? The combination of searing heat from the IR Burner along with heat generated by the gas burners replicates the dynamic heat of a traditional wood-fired pizza oven, delivering sensational flavours. The IR Burner can crisp up the crust while transforming the cheese to perfectly melted, golden brown layer in just five minutes. With a pre-made base or dough and your toppings prepped, you can have a perfect personalised pizza in no time with the CRAFTED pizza stone and the IR Burner. Experiment with fire-roasted Margheritaor maybe branch out to tandoori chicken or caramelised oyster mushroom and sausage. 

Pro tip: 

Less is more on toppings; keep it simple for that perfectly charred crust. And remember, the heat is so intense that it’s best to save your honey drizzle as a finishing touch – you don’t want it over-caramelised! 

The IR Burner is also a game-changer for comfort food favourites. You can create the dreamiest, crispiest toppings for mac and cheese, moussaka, or even potato gratin. The IR Burner’s high heat crisps up the top while leaving the insides creamy and melty. Try it with your next batch of nachos or loaded potato skins—both are great crowd-pleasers.

Pro tip: 

For an extra kick, sprinkle some crushed red chilli or drizzle with garlic butter before browning. 

Kiwi BBQ lovers, this one’s for you. The IR Burner is a master at creating the perfect pork crackle. With the intense direct heat, you’ll get that deep, blistered crunch on the skin while keeping the meat underneath tender. Just give it a quick brush with oil, season with salt, and wait for it to transform. 

Sweet finishes – crumbles and brûlées 

Who says the IR Burner is only for savoury foods? Get creative with your desserts! Fruit crumbles can go from ordinary to amazing when topped with a crunchy, caramelized crust under the IR Burner. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try your hand at crème brûlée. With just a sprinkle of sugar on top, the IR Burner will create that iconic caramel shell in seconds. 

The beauty of the Weber Summit’s IR Burner is that it lets you push the boundaries of your BBQ cooking. Think of it as a high-powered torch that lets you experiment with endless foods and flavours. So, the next time you fire up your barbecue, don’t just stick to the usual suspects. Try something new, test a creative topping, or finish your favourite dish under the IR Burner’s intense heat. 

Whatever you’re craving, the IR Burner can help you deliver food that’s visually stunning, perfectly textured, and bursting with flavour.  

NOTE: Always cook with the lid open when using the IR Burner on high.