This week I reached out for a new Smoky Cheddar Steakhouse XT, one of three "X-tra Thick" burgers from Burger King, the second-biggest burger slinger in the world, with 12,000 restaurants in 73 countries, all 50 states and on your way to work.

We're picking on the Smoky Cheddar Steakhouse XT because it's the only one of the three that is limited-time-only. It's going buh-bye at the end of March.

The Steakhouse XT (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, ketchup and mayo) and A.1 Steakhouse XT (same as the Steakhouse XT, plus A.1 sauce, American cheese and crispy onions) are permanently enshrined on Burger King's menu.

Here's the Smoky Cheddar Steakhouse XT blueprint: a 7-ounce beef patty, smoky barbecue sauce, 2 slices of cheddar cheese, four strips of bacon, lettuce and tomatoes, topped with smoky barbecue sauce on a cornmeal-dusted bakery bun.

Total calories: 850. Fat grams: 51. Dietary fiber: 3 grams. Carbs: 54 grams. Manufacturer's suggested retail price: $4.49.

I always like when a fast-food chain describes its bun as being from a bakery, like it's the cherry on top. Where else would they get it — a hardware store? I know, some fast-food items taste like Ace is the place.

First, because "Less is not more … more is more" is our creed in the drive-thru, let's talk about size. Burger King's Steakhouse XT beef patty is 7 ounces — that's 30 percent heftier than rival McDonald's Angus Third Pounders.

The beef used in the Steakhouse XT burgers is the same as Burger King's iconic Whopper, except more, of course. And the Steakhouse XT patties have a whisper of steak seasoning. It's not seasoned to distraction, but you'll notice that something's going on.

If it takes two hands to handle a Whopper, you'll have to ask a friend to lend a hand to handle a Steakhouse XT.

Burger King has been kicking it up a notch lately with new products and big price cuts, especially on its $1 Double Cheeseburger, which may be the best buy in Drive-Thru Land.

While BK is going discount-diving with the $1 Double Cheeseburger, the national rollout of Steakhouse XT burgers will help bring the snooty burger gourmand into the fold. The XTs pack a lot of flavor and a ton of welcome quality. The lettuce and tomatoes are fresh and crisp. And the beef patty, as always and forever at Burger King, is flame-broiled, so it tastes less greasy than fried burgers at other chains.

Be warned: The Smoky Cheddar Steakhouse XT is not for the timid, dainty eater. It's also not cheap. It's like anything else — if you want to get some, you've got to bring some.

Just as newsworthy as the expanded Steakhouse XT line, Burger King has a new cooking system that lets BK flame-broil more Steakhouse XTs, Whoppers and burgers in less time than the old conveyor-belt oven. Not only is the new system faster, it's more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

The new oven uses 52 percent less gas and 90 percent less electricity than the old conveyor-belt relic. Kitchen temperatures are cooler, operating costs are lower and your burgers are delivered hotter and fresher.

Here's where the future really pays dividends. The new cooking system allows Burger King to expand its menu beyond burgers and chicken sandwiches. Get ready for BK Fire-Grilled Ribs — authentic, bone-in pork ribs in 3-, 6- and 8-rib servings — stuffed burgers filled with juicy goodies and hot, flame-broiled desserts.

Ken Hoffman's column appears Wednesday.