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[Image above] Schott’s concept grills feature a glass-ceramic panel that lets you see your food while it cooks. Credit: SCHOTT North America, Inc.

It’s Labor Day here in the U.S., which means that if you’re reading this on Monday, you’re either outside the country, employed by the 39 percent of businesses who take a “business as usual” approach to the holiday, or taking a break from the food and festivities. No matter the reason: We’re glad you’re here.

(In the vein of full disclosure: This was a previously written/scheduled post. I, too, am enjoying a little laborless R&R in the great state of Texas. Can I get a yeehaw?)

For those of you headed back to the party, how about a little new barbecue knowledge that’s sure to impress even the biggest meatheads?

Beyond the respite from work, one of the basic tenets of the “big three” American summer holidays—Memorial Day (summer’s kickoff), July 4th (summer’s climax), and Labor Day (summer’s end)—is barbecuing.

Burgers, dogs, brats, T-bones, and sometimes veggies—what’s a day off without our favorite summer foods charring themselves on a grill while we bake ourselves in the sun?

If you said nothing, you’re mostly right.

BBQ is in our blood.

A 2013 study by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) found that 80 percent of all households in the U.S. own a grill or smoker—and 97 percent have used it in the previous year. Some 14 million grills were shipped in 2013 alone. Because we love our grills like we love our pets, we’re often willing to shell out big bucks for them: A top-of-the-line gas grill can set you back a not-so-cool $10,000.

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Credit: SCHOTT North America, Inc.

That being said, plenty of people would likely get in line for one of two concept grills introduced by Schott at last year’s HPBA Expo.

The same company that’s putting its fire-rated glass ceramics to the ultimate safety test is working just as diligently to make your grilling experience that much sleeker and see-through.

The grills have a NEXTREMA transparent glass-ceramic panel that allows you to view your food as it cooks. Because you can see it, there’s no need to continually lift the hood and lose heat. And because it’s glass-ceramic, it can withstand high temps without cracking or crumbling.

According to Schott, initial concerns about the panel’s ability to prevent smoke or grease from obstructing this unobstructed view were unfounded. (See for yourself below).

Credit: SCHOTT Home Tech – North America

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Credit: SCHOTT North America, Inc.

The panel fits any hood, so Schott demonstrates the chameleon qualities of its ceramic glass in two grills. Grill one comes with a curved glass sheet, grill two sports a domed lid that provides a 360-degree view.

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Credit: SCHOTT North America, Inc.

They also include one of the more popular features in many of today’s grills—the side burner—and the equally desirable rotisserie. According to the company, NEXTREMA “efficiently and evenly” radiates infrared waves, which means their rotisserie gives you the perfectly roasted roast chicken each time.

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Credit: SCHOTT North America, Inc.

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Credit: SCHOTT North America, Inc.

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Credit: SCHOTT North America, Inc.

These glass-ceramic grills are still just concepts, so until they’ve come to market, you’ve time to perfect your best beer-marinated meat recipe (science approves!).

To read more about the grills or Schott’s after-market accessory ideas, which, much to fellow editor April’s delight, will include pizza stones, click here.

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