Why Don’t Gas Grills Use Lava Rocks Anymore? try these 5 best fuels instead

Why don’t gas grills use lava rocks anymore?

The use of lava rocks for gas grills dates back to the early 90s. Lava rocks were first used as heat diffusers in gas grills in order to evenly distribute the heat and reduce hot and cold spots on the cooking surface. 

In this blog post, I’ll describe the following:

What actually lava rocks are and why they’re less prominent now. 

So let’s begin:

Why don’t gas grills use lava rocks anymore? Throwbacks from history

Lava rocks were once a popular choice for gas grills because they can retain heat and provide even heat distribution. However, they have several drawbacks that have led to their decline in popularity.

They were also used to add flavor to the food being grilled by vaporizing the juices and fats that dripped onto the rocks.

The first patent for a gas grill using lava rocks was issued in 1952 to William G. Wepfer, who developed a grill that used lava rocks as a heat diffuser and flavor enhancer. 

The use of lava rocks in gas grills became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and they remain a popular choice for many grillers today.

While lava rocks have been largely replaced by other heat diffusers, such as ceramic briquettes and stainless steel flame tamers, some people still prefer the flavor and heat distribution lava rocks provide. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find at many grill and home improvement stores.

Lava rocks have formed from molten lava that has cooled and solidified. They are typically porous and have a rough, jagged surface.

These rocks are often used in landscaping and gardening as a decorative feature or as a ground cover. They can be used to create pathways, mulch garden beds, or to line the bottom of a fish pond. Lava rocks are also sometimes used in barbecue grills as a heat diffuser and in horticulture as a soil amendment to improve drainage.

Other uses of lava rocks

Solidified lava is also used in some indoor and outdoor plants as a decorative element. 

The rocks can cover the soil in a potted plant or create a natural-looking border around a garden bed. Outside the kitchen, these rocks can also be used in terrariums and other closed ecosystems to help regulate moisture levels and provide a natural-looking habitat for plants and animals.

Overall, lava rocks are a versatile and attractive addition to many landscaping and horticultural projects. They are durable, long-lasting, and can help to improve drainage, regulate moisture, and promote environmental safety.

Charcoal briquette vs. lava rocks

The answer to why don’t gas grills use lava rocks anymore will get quite simple in a few seconds. 

Charcoal briquettes and lava rocks are both materials that are used to fuel grills and provide heat for cooking food. However, they have some significant differences:

1. Composition: Charcoal briquettes are made of ground-up, compressed charcoal mixed with binders and other additives. Lava rocks are made of naturally occurring volcanic rock that has been formed under extreme heat and pressure.
2. Heat production: Heat production is an important element in charcoal grills. Charcoal briquettes produce more heat than lava rocks, as they are made of denser and more combustible material. Lava rocks are more porous and do not burn as readily, so they are not as efficient at producing heat.
3. Heat distribution: Lava rocks tend to distribute heat more evenly across the grill surface than charcoal briquettes, which can create hot and cool spots.
4. Flavor: Charcoal briquettes can impart a smoky flavor to food as it cooks, while lava rocks do not contribute any flavor to the food.
5. Maintenance: Lava rocks tend to be more low-maintenance than charcoal briquettes, as they do not need to be replaced frequently and produce less ash.

Charcoal briquettes are a more popular choice for grilling because they produce more heat and can add flavor to the food. 

However, lava rocks can be a good choice for those who want a more even heat distribution and less maintenance.

Why do some still love lava rocks?

Some grillers complain, “why don’t gas grills use lava rocks anymore.” 

They love using rocks for grilling, and here’s why:

• First, lava rocks are porous, which means they can absorb grease and other liquids that drip off of the food being grilled. This can create a potential fire hazard, as the excess grease can ignite and cause flare-ups. 
• Lava rocks can also become coated in a layer of carbon and other residues from grilling, which can affect the taste of the food and make them more difficult to clean.
• In addition, lava rocks can break or crumble over time, which can be a nuisance for grill owners. They may need to be replaced periodically, which can be inconvenient and costly.

For these reasons, many grill manufacturers and consumers have turned to other types of heat diffusers, such as ceramic briquettes or stainless steel grates, which are more durable and easier to maintain. 

These materials do not absorb grease or break down over time, and they can be easily cleaned by scraping or brushing with a wire brush.

Pros & cons of using lava rocks in gas grill

This step will further help you understand why don’t gas grills use lava rocks anymore.

Pros of using lava rocks for grilling:

• Lava rocks are natural and renewable, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
• Lava rocks are relatively low-maintenance and need not be replaced as frequently as other grilling materials, such as ceramic briquettes.
• Lava rocks tend to distribute heat more evenly across the grill surface, which can help cook food more consistently.

Cons of using lava rocks for grilling:

• As compared to other fuels, lava rocks are less efficient at producing heat. Materials such as charcoal briquettes or ceramic briquettes may take longer to cook food on a grill using lava rocks.
• Lava rocks do not add flavors that are required by this modern generation. Honestly, our kids won’t like that meshy rocky taste in food; I’ve noticed it. That’s why I would go for charcoal briquettes or wood chips, which can impart a smoky flavor.
• The residue from lava rocks can be difficult to clean and require more maintenance to keep them in good condition.

How to place lava rocks in a gas grill?

To place lava rocks in a gas grill, follow these steps:

1. Remove the cooking grates from the grill and set them aside.
2. If the grill has a burner shield, remove it as well.
3. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended placement of the lava rocks. Rocks should be placed in an even layer across the bottom of the grill, with small gap around the perimeter for air circulation.
4. If the grill has a gas valve or regulator, ensure it is turned off before adding the lava rocks.
5. Carefully pour the lava rocks into the grill, do not spill or drop them on the burners.
6. Replace the burner shield, if applicable.
7. Replace the cooking grates and secure them in place.
8. Turn the gas valve or regulator back on, and ignite the burners according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Allow the grill to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes before placing any food on the cooking grates.

Note: Lava rocks should only be used in gas grills. They should not be used in charcoal grills or electric grills.

Ceramic briquettes usage guide

Ceramic briquettes are small, flat squares made of clay used in grills to provide heat for cooking food. They are an alternative to lava rocks and are known for their ability to retain heat and distribute it evenly across the grill surface. 

This guide is for those complaining about why don’t gas grill use lava rocks anymore. Trust me, ceramic briquettes are going to be your favorite.

Ceramic briquettes are used in a variety of applications, including grilling, smoking, and baking, and they offer several benefits:

• Heat retention: Ceramic briquettes are highly porous and have a high heat capacity, which means they can absorb and retain heat for a long time. This makes them ideal for grills and smokers, as they can help maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
• Even heat distribution: Ceramic briquettes are known for distributing heat evenly across the cooking surface. This can help prevent hot and cold spots, leading to uneven cooking.
• Flavor enhancement: Ceramic briquettes can help to impart a smoky flavor to grilled and smoked foods, as they can absorb and release smoke during the cooking process.
• Durability: Ceramic briquettes are made from high-quality, heat-resistant materials and are designed to last for a long time with proper care.
• Easy to clean: Ceramic briquettes are easy to clean and maintain, as they can simply be wiped down with a damp cloth or sponge after use.

Overall, ceramic briquettes can be a useful tool for achieving consistent, evenly cooked foods with a smoky flavor and easy to care for and maintain.

Here are the steps for using ceramic briquettes in a gas grill:

1. Preheat the grill: Turn on the gas and allow the grill to preheat for about 15 minutes. This will help to ensure that the ceramic briquettes are hot when you start cooking.
2. Arrange the ceramic briquettes: Place the ceramic briquettes in the designated area of the grill, usually in a single layer or pyramid shape. Make sure that the briquettes are evenly distributed and not stacked too high.
3. Place the food on the grill: Once the briquettes are hot, place your food on the grill grates. Leave a little space between each piece of food to allow for even cooking.
4. Close the grill lid: Close the lid to trap the heat inside and allow the food to cook evenly.
5. Adjust the heat: Use the temperature control knob to adjust the heat as needed. You may need to change the heat periodically to maintain a consistent temperature.
6. Check the food regularly: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food to ensure that it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
7. Remove the food from the grill: Once it is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific grill and ceramic briquettes, as some models may have different requirements or recommendations.

What alternatives are now used in place of lava rocks for grilling?

There are several alternatives to lava rocks that can be used for grilling. Now you don’t need to worry about why don’t gas grills use lava rocks anymore.

Check out these better options here:

1. Ceramic briquettes: These are made of clay and are shaped into small, flat squares. They are highly efficient at retaining heat and distributing it evenly across the grill surface. They are also more durable and last longer than lava rocks.
2. Ceramic-coated metal rods: These are made of metal rods coated with a layer of ceramic material. They are similar to ceramic briquettes in heat retention and distribution but are more durable and easier to clean.
3. Stainless steel or cast iron grates: These are solid metal grates that can cook food directly over the heat source. They are durable, easy to clean and provide an even cooking surface.
4. Ceramic or stone grilling stones: These are made of ceramic or stone and are used to create an even cooking surface on the grill. They are good at retaining heat and providing an even cooking surface but may require more maintenance to keep them clean.
5. Wood chips or chunks: These can be soaked in water or other liquids and then placed on the grill to flavor the food as it cooks. They can be used with other grilling materials, such as ceramic briquettes or stainless steel grates.

The Takeaway

History and innovation has best answered why don’t gas grills use lava rocks anymore?

The bottom line for using lava rocks for grilling is that they can be an effective heat source for cooking food, but they have some limitations compared to other grilling materials.

Overall, lava rocks can be a good choice for those who want an environmentally friendly and low-maintenance heat source for grilling, but there may be better choices for those who want to cook food quickly or add flavor to the food as it cooks.