Massachusetts Engineering Firm Develops Dual Power Electric Barbecue Grill - the First Major Technological Innovation in the Industry Since the Gas Grill

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Jean Clement, Limelight
909-679-6388
jean@limelightpr.com

SHERBORN, MA, May 11, 2000 –– It looks like a gas grill. It cooks like a gas grill. But wait, isnt that an electrical cord?

Christopher Associates Inc., an engineering consulting firm in Sherborn, MA, has received a patent on a Dual Power Electric Grill, the first electric-powered outdoor barbecue grill to match gas grills head-to-head in short pre-heat time, maintenance of high temperatures, and consistent, even heating. The Dual Power Electric Grill, which features a hooded 300-square-inch cooking surface, plugs into a standard household outlet and is as easy and safe to use as an electric range.

The Dual Power Electric Grill delivers 200 percent more heat than current electric grills by combining an AC power source with a DC source. The grill receives 1800 watts of energy from a 120-volt AC electrical wall outlet and another 1800 watts of energy from two self-contained, rechargeable sealed batteries. The batteries are automatically recharged when the grill is off. Batteries and charger, which occupy the amount of space used to store a propane fuel tank on a gas grill, are stored in the cabinet below the cooking surface.

The Dual Power Electric Grill delivers more radiant heat to the food than all other types of barbecue grills. It maintains the same level of radiant heat to successive loads of cold food at full power for one hour without the need for recharging. When cooking slowly at lower temperatures, cooking time is extended to two hours, or indefinitely at 400 degrees. The grills intense heat sears foods quickly, locking in savory juices, yet doesnt dry out meat because it doesnt draw air.

"Our concept not only meets gas grills head on, but an electric-powered grill is the answer to many peoples dreams," said Nicholas Christopher, president of Christopher Associates. "Many apartment and condominium complexes dont allow gas or charcoal grills and industry reports have shown that seniors and women prefer the convenience and safety of electric grills. Our grill is also ideal for people who dont want to be concerned with storing fuel or whether theres enough fuel when they decide to throw a steak on the grill."

"Since our product has no pressurized gas, no need for starter fluids, and no open flames to cause fires and produce pollutants and carcinogens, it can be used in partially enclosed areas and can be stored intact indoors," he added. "Yet, it delivers food quality and taste thats better than all types of grills on the market today."

"This first unit weve developed has a standard 300-square-inch cooking grate. However, our technology allows for larger, higher-powered units," Christopher noted.
   
Christopher Associates Inc. provides systems-oriented engineering in the development of remote power systems for telecommunications, cathodic protection and military applications. The firms services range from analysis of a projects technical and economic feasibility through engineering and design of turnkey systems. Christopher Associates has over 25 years of professional experience in the system design, development and operation of remote power facilities, both manned and unmanned. The firm also has extensive experience in developing marketing strategies and plans for the international remote power systems business with particular expertise in creating new markets in the remote telecommunications power systems market.

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