Summer is here and this is a holiday weekend in the US, thousands and thousands of grills will be fired up, tons of charcoal and lighter fluid will be used and the number of resources consumed will be staggering.

uGO has a product that can help green your grilling, the FlameDisk.

The FlameDisk is a metal disk, almost like a flat pie plate (that can be recycled) that contains safe renewable ethanol that can be ready to cook in minutes and will burn for about 40 minutes…long enough to grill your hot dogs and hamburgers (meatless or regular).

It is super easy to use. You peel off the top layer, stick it in your grill and light it up. No need for lighter fluid or charcoal. The trademarked smokerplate gives you authentic flame-grilled flavor.

It cools off quickly once done and is easy to clean up with no soot or ash to toss away. You just put the FlameDisk in with your metal recyclables.

My husband and I tested out the FlameDisk with mixed reviews and opinions. I like it because it is super easy to use and is ready to use in minutes. I think the FlameDisk is perfect for tailgating, going to picnic at the park or anywhere that you’ll be grilling on the go. I also think it’s great option for grilling greener. But is it for everyone? No.

For hardcore grillers (like my husband) the FlameDisk is not the answer. He complained that true griller does not cook over an open flame, you cook with the heat of the coals. This is coming from a man who uses mesquite wood chips and cedar planks along with his charcoal, yes a man that enjoys his grilling. The FlameDisk is not his thing. I don’t think other hardcore grillers or BBQ aficionados will be thrilled with it either.

But it is a step in the right direction and every step leads to another and I hope one day that we will have solutions for everything that are suitable and green.

Anyway back to the FlameDisk, I think women will like this more than guys because for most of us the grill is not our domain. Now we can give our kids a backyard BBQ even if dad isn’t home. We can cook hot dogs or make s’mores without help from the guys.

And it is the best for making s’mores. Quick and simple  with no need to build a big fire, just toss the FlameDisk in a grill, hibachi, fire pit, or chiminea and you are ready to melt some marshmallows.

Hardcore greenies out there are sure to give the FlameDisk a try because it is worth trying. You can green your grill with the FlameDisk.

I would love to hear from others who have tried the FlameDisk and have any ideas, tips, or even FlameDisk recipes because I intend to keep a few of these on hand for when the big guy isn’t around to deal with all the messy grill stuff.

[This post was written by Wenona Napolitano.]