Robb---Why not invest $150 on a MAK Sear Grate first and see how happy you are with the results. I grill my stuff @ 450F and am more than pleased with the results. See attached photo. The Millard Reaction-which according to Wikipedia:
The Maillard reaction (/maɪˈjɑːr/ my-YAR; French pronunciation: [majaʁ]) is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. Seared steaks, pan-fried dumplings, cookies and other kinds of biscuits, breads, toasted marshmallows, as well as many other foods, undergo this reaction. It is named after French chemist Louis-Camille Maillard, who first described it in 1912 while attempting to reproduce biological protein synthesis.[1][2]
The reaction is a form of non-enzymatic browning which typically proceeds rapidly from around 140 to 165 °C (280 to 330 °F). Many recipes will call for an oven temperature high enough to ensure that a Maillard reaction occurs[3]. At higher temperatures, caramelization and subsequently pyrolysis become more pronounced.
Thanks for chiming in, Bruce!
Already have plans to purchase 2 of the MAK sear grates as I truly believe it'll improve my overall grilling experience on the MAK.
As far as steaks are concerned, I am big on:
1) Quick and intense sear, giving maximum Maillard reaction. I am always after an intense dark brown all-over crust.
2) Presentation... as I believe we all eat with our eyes first.
I am a bit OCD. I strive really hard to get the absolute best sear I can on my steaks without burning them (dark brown vs black). I have cooked on a lot of grills (gas, charcoal, wood and pellets)... and to date, my best steaks have come from my Weber kettle with the Slow n Sear attachment. As good as my results have been on the Weber, I really do believe that a top-down 1500 degree broiler will take me to the next level as far as achieving the sear that I am after -with- consistent results.
With all of this said, I cannot argue with you... the steaks that I have cooked on my MAK have been fantastic! My only issue is the final sear... and I think that super high heat from the top with no flareups is the answer.