What is Radiant Heat Cooking?

19th Jul 2024

(updated 2/12/2025)

Radiant heat cooking utilises infrared radiation to transfer heat directly to food, offering a unique alternative to traditional convection and conduction methods. Unlike those methods, radiant heat doesn’t heat the air around the food but instead delivers heat straight to the food’s surface, ensuring efficient and consistent results.

How it Works

Radiant heat is generated by electric elements or gas burners that emit infrared radiation when heated. This radiation penetrates the surface of the food, cooking it from the outside in. The direct nature of this heat allows for faster cooking times and precise temperature control, making it a highly effective cooking method.

Benefits

Radiant heat cooking comes with several advantages that make it a preferred choice for many culinary enthusiasts:

  • Even Cooking: Heat is evenly distributed, minimising hot spots and ensuring consistent results.
  • Faster Cooking Times: The direct transfer of heat reduces cooking times, making meal preparation more efficient.
  • Energy Efficiency: By directly heating the food, less energy is wasted, leading to lower energy consumption.
  • Enhanced Flavour and Texture: Radiant heat locks in natural flavours and textures, resulting in delicious and well-cooked meals.

Appliances

A variety of kitchen appliances employ radiant heat to deliver superior cooking performance, here’s our range of AGA’s:

  • Grills: Modern grills use radiant heat to achieve evenly cooked meats and vegetables with great efficiency.
  • Ovens: Radiant heat ovens enhance baking and roasting, providing uniform results and improved flavour.
  • Broilers: Broilers rely on radiant heat to sear food surfaces, creating crispy, caramelised exteriors.
  • Toasters: Radiant heat toasters ensure consistent browning and crispiness for bread and bagels.

Choosing the Right Appliance

When selecting a radiant heat appliance, consider the following factors:

  • Purpose: Choose an appliance based on your cooking habits. Grills are ideal for barbecuing, while ovens are better suited for baking and roasting.
  • Energy Efficiency: Look for energy-efficient models to save on utility costs.
  • Features: Modern appliances often include precise temperature controls and even heat distribution—both essential for radiant heat cooking.
  • Size: Ensure the appliance fits your kitchen space and meets your cooking requirements.

Elevate Your Cooking

Radiant heat cooking is a highly efficient and effective method that enhances both the flavour and texture of your meals. By understanding how it works and its many benefits, you can confidently choose the right appliances to upgrade your kitchen. Whether you’re grilling succulent meats, baking golden loaves, or broiling crispy vegetables, radiant heat ensures perfectly cooked dishes every time.