This is the absolute worst barbeque I've ever owned/used.  It absolutely does not prevent flare-ups.  There are at least as many flare-ups as on any other barbeque.  It only cooks extremely hot.  It seems impossible to lower the flame sufficiently.  Most food ends up burned on the outside before cooking enough on the inside.  For example.....hamburgers are the worst.  Not only to they burn on the outside, however, they seem too "melt" into the v-shaped troughs of the grill.  Then, when you use a spatula to flip them over or take them out....you end up only getting about half of each hamburger......as the other half has "melted" down into the ridges, getting stuck there.