Cooking steaks on the grill is an art that many aspire to master. Yet, one question seems to persistently puzzle both novice and experienced grillers alike: Should you cook steaks with the grill open or closed?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It depends on the type of steak, your grilling style, and the results you want to achieve. In this article, we'll explore the nuances of grilling steaks, offering tips and insights to help you decide when to keep the grill open and when to close it.

The Basics of Grilling Steaks

Before getting into the whole open vs. closed debate, it’s essential to understand the basic principles of grilling steaks. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill before placing the steaks on it. This ensures even cooking and those beautiful grill marks.

• Season Properly: A good steak needs just a sprinkle of salt and pepper. However, you can add other seasonings or marinades based on your preference.

• Know Your Steak Cuts: Different cuts of steak cook differently. For instance, filet mignon cooks faster than a ribeye.

Open vs Closed: What’s the Difference?

Cooking with the Grill Open

Cooking with the grill open is akin to cooking on very high heat. When the grill is open, you’re searing the steak, resulting in a caramelized crust. Here’s when you might want to keep the grill open:

• Searing Steaks: If you want a perfect sear, keep the grill open. This method allows you to keep an eye on the steak, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

• Thin Cuts: Thin cuts of steak, like flank or skirt steak, benefit from an open grill. They cook quickly and don’t need the ambient heat of a closed grill.

Cooking with the Grill Closed

When you close the grill, it creates an oven-like environment, cooking the steak evenly all around. Here’s when you might want to close the grill:

• Thicker Cuts: Thicker cuts of steak, such as ribeye or T-bone, need ambient heat to cook through without burning the exterior.

• Consistent Temperature: Closing the grill helps maintain a consistent temperature, which is crucial for thicker cuts.

• Smoky Flavor: If you’re using wood chips or charcoal, closing the grill traps the smoke, infusing the steak with a delicious smoky flavor.

The Best of Both Worlds

For the best results, many grilling experts recommend a combination of both methods:

• Sear First, Then Cook Through: Start by searing the steak on a high, open grill to get that perfect crust. After searing, close the grill to let the steak cook through evenly.

• Reverse Sear Method: This method involves cooking the steak on a low, closed grill until it’s almost done, then finishing it off with a high-heat sear on an open grill. This technique ensures a perfectly cooked interior with a caramelized crust.

Cooking Frozen Steaks on the Grill

Believe it or not, you can cook frozen steaks directly on the grill. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to high heat.
2. Sear the Steak: Place the frozen steak on the grill and sear both sides for a few minutes with the grill open. This helps to lock in the juices.
3. Cook with the Grill Closed: After searing, close the grill and cook the steak on indirect heat. This ensures the steak cooks evenly without burning the exterior.
4. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F to 135°F.

Adding Technology: The iQ Sense

One way to ensure perfect results every time—whether grilling with the lid open or closed—is by using a smart cooking thermometer like the iQ Sense Unlimited Range Wireless Cooking Thermometer from CHEF iQ. This advanced device takes the guesswork out of grilling by providing real-time temperature updates and alerts (including voice alerts from a built-in speaker) straight to your smartphone through its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

The iQ Sense is equipped with four internal auto-calibrating sensors that measure both the internal temperature of the meat and the ambient temperature surrounding your food, ensuring precise cooking for any cut of steak. Its app not only allows you to monitor your cooking remotely, but it also offers step-by-step guidance and even reminds you when to flip the meat or remove it from the grill, making it a perfect companion for achieving the ideal sear or the slow, even cook required for thicker cuts.

Cooking Steak Tips

Here are some additional tips for grilling the perfect steak:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Don’t rely on guesswork. A meat thermometer ensures your steak reaches the desired doneness.

• Let it Rest: After grilling, let the steak rest for a few minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to be redistributed, resulting in a juicier steak.

• Oil the Grill Grates: To prevent sticking, oil the grill grates before placing the steak on them.

• Don’t Overflip: Resist the urge to flip the steak repeatedly. One or two flips are enough to cook the steak evenly.

Final Thoughts

So, should you cook steaks with the grill open or closed? The answer depends on the cut of steak and the result you’re aiming for. Thin cuts and searing benefit from an open grill, while thicker cuts and even cooking require a closed grill. By understanding these nuances and using a combination of both methods—along with tools like the iQ Sense—you can achieve perfectly grilled steaks every time.

Happy grilling!