Spring has sprung – setting off the annual migration of charcoal grills from their winter lairs to decks and patios across the land.  Owners of conventional charcoal grills now have a new more eco-friendly fuel choice. The uGO FlameDisk employs solid renewable ethanol (biofuel) as its fuel source, lights instantaneously with the touch of a match and is ready to cook on in less than one minute.  The FlameDisk’s ethanol fuel burns cleanly and produces 99% less carbon monoxide than charcoal.  The FlameDisk saves roughly a half hour of wait time while giving eco-conscious cooks a green grilling alternative.  Once lit, the disk will burn for at least 40 minutes.  While the FlameDisk heat output is similar to charcoal, it creates no ash or soot.  After the solid ethanol fuel burns out, the FlameDisk cools to the touch in minutes with no ashes.  Plus the FlameDisk does not require tasty, toxic lighter fluid for ignition.  The used disc is fully recyclable and comes in recyclable packaging.

We’re skeptical that FlameDisk’s unique “Smoker Plate” gives grillers all the charcoal flavor to which they are accustomed, though the UGO’s blind taste is purported to find no flavor difference versus charcoal.