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ALPINE — There's nothing more satisfying than a hot meal on a cold day, but when John Ricks was camping in a snowstorm, he had no such luck.
Ricks was in Yellowstone National Park with his brother and his son when they got caught in the storm and their gas stoves and grills were failing to cook their food quickly enough.
Upon returning home, Ricks searched for a product that had both portability and power, but found nothing. His lack of findings led him to create his own portable grill.
Ricks wanted something that was functional, powerful, portable and didn't use a lot of fuel, so he designed The Velocity Grill, which requires just a couple of pieces of wood to burn efficiently and cook flavorful food.
Ricks said they call it "the ultimate grill" because one can boil, fry and barbecue on it and it adds a great flavor to the food.
Within just 5 minutes, The Velocity Grill can heat from 0 to 1,000 degrees and cools down quickly as well. In the base of the grill is a fan that generates the power behind it.
Rather than drying out a steak or a chicken, searing meat at high heat on the grill will seal it, locking the juices inside and cooking it quickly.
"So it's a very efficient way to cook," Ricks said. "It doesn't take as long, it doesn't take as much fuel … the wood puts this amazing flavor to the food, it just gives it this aroma and flavor that's just unmatched … as you cook this adds this flavor to your food that's just exceptional."
To smoke the food more, Ricks advises keeping the lid on as it cooks.
The grill is useful during emergencies, Ricks said. The three D batteries one can use in the base of the grill run for 14 hours on high and there is an optional solar panel that runs the grill in sunlight. If it's cloudy or if it's nighttime, one can attach a rechargeable battery to the solar panel.
Wednesday night at 8 p.m., Ricks will appear on the Science Channel's "All American Makers" where his product will be pitted against three others.
According to Discovery, the competitors will pitch their creations to a panel of experts "for the chance to cut through the clutter and get their products to the public."
Ricks recently launched a Kickstarter campaign* to help fund the grill. As of Wednesday evening, it raised more than $6,500. Those interested in the grill can get the earlybird special for $129.
*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
