NEW ORLEANS, LA - Two thirds of grillers want a glass window in their next barbeque, and 64 percent of backyard barbecue aficionados consider a glass lid a must-have feature in their grill. That’s what SCHOTT, the international technology group, found through two consumer studies with upwards of 400 total respondents.

A majority of these grill lovers (54 percent) said watching food cook through a glass lid is a serious benefit, and 31 percent said no more lid lifting is another strong advantage of a glass lid. SCHOTT showed off its NEXTREMA® glass-ceramic for grill lids and outdoor infrared (IR) heaters at the recently completed HPBExpo in New Orleans. The company also had its portfolio of ROBAX® glass-ceramic for fireplaces and outdoor fireplaces on display.

SCHOTT’s NEXTREMA®, a heat-resistant glass-ceramic, can be used in grill lids so backyard chefs can monitor how their burgers and steaks are cooking without lifting the lid, as well as prevent overcooking or charring from flare-ups. This glass-ceramic is heat resistant up to 1,740 degrees Fahrenheit (950 degrees Celsius) and can withstand thermal shocks up to 1,470 degrees Fahrenheit (800 degrees Celsius).

SCHOTT’s study polled home chefs of all backgrounds throughout the country who are frequent grillers: They grill at least once a week and about five times a month in the spring and summer. Barbecuers said one of the top benefits of the glass hood was less lid lifting, which maintains grill temperatures. Because a glass lid offers unobstructed views onto the grilling surface, chefs can also spot flare ups and prevent overcooking.

Most importantly, SCHOTT found that enthusiastic and skilled respondents who are willing to pay upwards of $1,000 for a grill are very impressed by the glass lid, and two-thirds would consider purchasing a grill with this feature. Overall, 59 percent would consider buying a glass-lid grill at a good value.

“Most backyard cooks use their grill year-round, and more than a third of U.S. adults will buy a new grill this year,” Karen Elder, marketing manager and Global Product Manager of NEXTREMA® for BBQ at SCHOTT North America. “The message from our most enthusiastic barbecue cooks is a glass grill lid is a very appealing feature that helps achieve the juiciest burgers and perfectly cooked steaks.”

SCHOTT also displayed a HEAT SCOPE infrared heater by Munich Home Systems with a NEXTREMA® glass-ceramic insert, which evenly radiates heat to efficiently warm outdoor spaces. Available in six interchangeable glass-ceramic panels, each a different color, including transparent, tinted and opaque NEXTREMA® features high transmittance of infrared radiation in the short- and medium-wave infrared ranges, and evenly radiates heat.

The company exhibited an outdoor fireplace with a ROBAX® glass ceramic front, as well as panels of ROBAX® to front indoor fireplaces and woodstoves. SCHOTT highlighted ROBAX® Magic glass-ceramic panels, which come in a palette of different colors and are used to create new reflections of the flames, thereby enhancing the viewing experience of a burning fire.

“While the grill remains a focal point in outdoor spaces, fireplaces and infrared heaters are joining them as homeowners extend their living room or kitchen out onto the patio. In these applications, glass-ceramics play an important role in radiating heat evenly, or giving a look inside a fired-up grill,” Elder said.

At HPBExpo, SCHOTT partnered with Operation BBQ Relief and accepted charitable donations for the organization and its booth. Nonprofit Operation BBQ Relief travels to U.S. communities affected by natural disasters and cooks meals for families, individuals, and rescue crews. All donations go toward purchasing food, which barbeque teams and groups from around the country transport to affected areas to prepare meals for residents and volunteers. SCHOTT will match the total amount raised, up to $5,000.

“We are thrilled that SCHOTT is supporting our fundraising efforts at HPBExpo, and together we’re able to extend awareness of our mission beyond the show,” said David Marks, COO of Operation Barbeque Relief. “We are grateful for this opportunity to connect with the HPBA community in a fun and relevant way.”

“Food unites us, and a shared meal builds community and humanity, especially in trying times,” said Elder. “The allure of grilling and barbecue adds to that common connection, as it’s so natural to huddle around a fired-up grill. By partnering with Operation BBQ Relief, we’re hoping to build connections and hope, as well as a few good meals, in communities devastated by tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.”

www.us.schott.com