Outdoor grill terms — infrared searing, ceramic rod igniter, BTU, flavorizer bars, rotisserie, venturi tubes, and firebox explained.
Thermador outdoor grill terminology
Thermador Professional grills use terms from both the appliance and commercial grilling worlds.
- Infrared searing zone: Dedicated ceramic burner that produces intense radiant heat for restaurant-quality searing — different from standard gas flame
- Ceramic rod igniter: Spark-producing ignition system using a ceramic electrode — more reliable in outdoor conditions than piezo igniters
- BTU: British Thermal Unit — measures burner heat output. Thermador grill burners range from 12,000 to 25,000 BTU per burner
- Firebox: The main body of the grill containing the burners and cooking grates. Made of heavy-gauge stainless steel
- Venturi tubes: Air-gas mixing tubes connecting the gas valve to the burner. Insects commonly nest inside during off-season
- Flavorizer bars / heat plates: Metal plates above burners that vaporize drippings to create smoky flavor and protect burners from grease
- Rotisserie: Motorized spit system with rear infrared burner for even, self-basting cooking of large cuts
- Thermocouple: Flame sensor that shuts off gas if the flame goes out — a critical safety component
- Smoker box: Dedicated compartment with its own burner for generating wood smoke flavor
- Built-in: Grill designed for permanent installation in a non-combustible outdoor island
For specifications, visit the Thermador official site. For grill service, Schedule service online.
