by Chris Johns |
Updated:
December 22, 2020
Infrared grills have become quite popular in recent years thanks to their innovative method of producing heat. Unlike traditional gas grills which heat food through convection (hot air), infrared grills cook food through radiant heat.
In this review you’ll find the best infrared grill at different price levels, along with helpful information to help you decide which infrared grill to purchase.
The Top 21 Best Infrared Grills
Here is our list of the best infrared barbecue grills available in 2021. We start with the best overall choices, then go into the best options for different needs.
1. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill – Best Overall Choice
The Char-Broil Performance Series TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill is a great infrared grill option from Char-Broil.
It provides 450 square inches of primary cooking space, along with a 150 square inch swing-away warming rack. This is enough cooking area for about 24 burgers.
Three stainless steel top-ported burners supply 24,000 BTUs of heat, and a 10,000 BTU side burner adds extra convenience for cooking sauces and sides.
Besides all the premium features this model provides, my favorite thing about this grill is its timeless styling thanks to the stainless steel design. It not only provides added durability, the classic lines are reminiscent of an AirStream trailer, which I love.
- Exclusive stainless steel finish for increased style and durability
- TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups, delivers even-heat and cooks juicier food
- 450-square-inches of primary cooking space is great for most cookouts
2. Royal Gourmet MG6001-R-C 6 Cabinet Propane Infrared Burner Gas Grill – Best Overall Choice #2
If you have a VERY large family, or frequently host parties, the Royal Gourmet MG6001-R-C 6 is the model for you. This thing is MASSIVE.
It has six burners and about 700 square inches of grilling space, providing you with more room than you may ever need.
It also comes with a split lid design, allowing you to cook for a smaller group or cook multiple dishes separately without having to heat up the entire grill.
- 700 sq. in. of primary cooking area, plus warming rack provides a secondary cooking area with 260 sq inches
- Porcelain cast iron cooking grates with slope design and better for keep meat’s natural flavor
- Two heavy duty stainless steel lids with cast aluminum end caps, built-in thermometers and stainless steel handle. Two...
3. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill
The smallest infrared grill on the list, the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is a true road warrior.
Weighing in at only 20 pounds with a sturdy high-impact frame, its small size makes it perfect for picnics, tailgating, camping, boating, or other outdoor cookout.
It has 200 square inches of primary cooking space, which isn’t a whole lot, but more than enough for a few steaks and some sides. Perfect for two people.
What I like about this grill is its ruggedness. This bad boy is built like a little tank, and you can feel the solidness of its construction. Plan to keep this grill for a very long time.
- Road worthy and built to travel easy
- Cast aluminum firebox and lid with dual stainless steel latches and temp gauge
- High-impact frame with legs and carry handles
4. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 4-Burner Cabinet Style Gas Grill
The Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 4-Burner Cabinet Style Gas Grill is a larger version of our #1 choice, the Char-Broil Performance Series TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill.
It provides a whopping 500 square inches of primary cooking area, has four primary burners that provide 27,000 BTUs of heat, and a 10,000 BTU side burner for convenient side preparation.
TRU-Infrared technology helps prevent flare ups, and allows you to cook juicier, more flavorful food.
The porcelain coated grates are rust resistant and easy to clean, helping this model last for a very long time.
I recommend this excellent model from Char-Broil for anyone that’s really serious about cooking food and wants the best quality grill available at a reasonable price.
- TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups, delivers even-heat and cooks juicier food
- 500-square-inches of primary cooking space is great for large gatherings
- Porcelain-coated grates are durable, rust-resistant and easy-to-clean
5. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill is one of my favorite grills. It’s an entirely unique design that provides a smoker, roaster, and grill all in one.
Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller areas like apartment patios or small balconies.
It’s roomy enough to let you cook an entire turkey in its roasting basket, which allows up to 25 pounds of meat.
The Big Easy includes a wood chip smoker box to make smoking very simple.
All in all, this is a fantastic little unit that you’ll probably love as much as I do.
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6. Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 525 4-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
The Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 525 is an excellent choice for a family. It has 525 square inches of primary cooking space, providing you ample space for larger meals.
It has all the top features of a Char Broil TRU Infrared grill, including porcelain-coated cast iron grates, an electronic ignition system, 200 square inch warming rack, stainless steel shelves and a lidded side burner.
What I like most about this model is the extra space that comes with the enclosed storage cabinet. If you’re like me, you appreciate having everything you need to barbecue all together in one spot, and the storage space this unit has helps you achieve that.
The one issue I’ve heard other people say about this unit is that it has a problem with rust forming on the grill grates. I recommend you also purchase a grill cover to protect this unit from the elements and help stop it from rusting.
- 525 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- 200 square inch porcelain-coated warming rack
- Four top-ported 443 stainless steel tube burners for lasting performance and better temperature control
7. Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill HD6371/94
This is a great indoor infrared grill model for anyone that wants the experience of grilling food in an indoor setting.
The Phillips grill is very easy to use. Simply plug it in to a power outlet, turn it on, and the infrared heating elements will direct the heat upwards towards the meat.
It has two heat control settings – keep warm and full heat. When hot, the grill heats up to a steady 446° Fahrenheit, which is about the perfect temperature for searing steaks or other types of meat.
There’s no need to play with the temperature settings on this one, it does a great job of maintaining a consistent temperature without any adjustments.
The included grease drip tray below stays cool, ensuring virtually no smoke when using this grill in an indoors setting.
I recommend this model for the grilling enthusiast who wants to be able to grill year round without having to endure harsh outdoor temperatures.
- Advanced infrared technology and special reflectors guide heat to the indoor grills cooking grid for delicious, evenly...
- No need to adjust the heat. The indoor grill quickly heats up to a consistent 446°F, the optimal temperature for cooking and...
- The electric grill ensures food is not cooked into its own grease and the fat is separated during grilling; Voltage: 120...
8. Simple Living Advanced Indoor Smokeless BBQ Grill
The Simple Living Advanced Indoor Smokeless BBQ Grill is another great indoor infrared grill option for someone who loves to grill year round without the hassle of dealing with inclement weather conditions.
It’s a small tabletop grill that uses electricity to heat up to a consistent 446° Fahrenheit, which is the perfect temperature for searing steaks or other types of meat. It’s very simple to use – just plug it in and turn it on.
My favorite feature about this grill is its ultra-compact size. It’s large enough to feed a family of four, but small enough to be stored away in a cabinet or shelf when not in use.
It comes with cast iron grates which do a good job of retaining and distributing heat, and they’re even ceramic coated for easier cleanup.
- GRILLING INDOORS: Advanced infrared technology and special reflectors guide heat to the indoor grills cooking grid for...
- THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE: No need to adjust the heat, the indoor grill quickly heats up to a consistent 446°F, the optimal...
- HEALTHIER GRILLING: The electric grill ensures food is not cooked into its own grease and the fat is separated during...
9. Char-Broil 17602047 Infrared Electric Patio Bistro
If you’re into keeping things simple and hassle-free, the Char-Broil 17602047 Infrared Electric Patio Bistro is a great choice. Because it uses electric heat with no charcoal or gas, it’s easy to use and maintain.
It comes with 240 square inches of cooking space, which is plenty for a small family. It even has folding side shelves which provide plenty of work and food prep space.
The porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates are rust-resistant and easy-to-clean, making this a great long-term investment.
- 240 Square inch grilling surface with 80 Square inch warming rack- 8 to 12 hamburger capacity
- Electric TRU-Infrared cooking system allows you to cook your food evenly with less flare-ups - juicier food, every time
- Porcelain-coated cast iron Premium cooking grates are rust-resistant and easy-to-clean
10. Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 300 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Another fantastic infrared grill option from Char-Broil is the Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 300 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill. It’s a mid-sized grill with a spacious 450 square inch cooking surface and 150 square inch warming rack.
It comes with all the benefits of the Char Broil TRU Infrared cooking technology, the gold standard in infrared cooking technology.
It has a 10,000-BTU side burner which provides a fold-down cover for extra counter space when the side burner is not being used.
The Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 300 has porcelain-coated grates which help prevent rust and makes the grates easier to clean.
What I like best about this model is the price, around $300, making it the best price Char Broil infrared grill available. In the infrared grill category, this is cheap, especially for a high quality Char-Broil TRU-Infrared 2-burner gas grill.
- 300 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated grates
- 120 square inch porcelain-coated swing-a-way rack for warming
- Two top-ported tube burners for lasting performance and better temperature control
11. NORTHFIRE Inferno Single Propane Infrared Grill
The NORTHFIRE Inferno Single Propane Infrared Grill is a steakhouse quality infrared broiler that enables you to sear near-perfect chars on your steaks at a very high temperature.
This gas grill, which looks more like a oven, can reach temperatures of up to 1800° Fahrenheit and will cook practically any food to a perfect temperature in minutes!
It’s very easy to use – simply push a button and it turns on. It has four grill racks that allow you to cook meat at different temperatures by simply choosing the height of the cooking rack. The higher up in the oven, the hotter it will cook.
It has stainless steel components which makes it easier to clean, and because of its compact size it’s perfect for taking along on a camping or picnicking trip.
- Quickly cook steak, fish, chicken and more with infrared grill that heats to 1500 degrees
- Quick cooking should mean quick cleaning, easily remove the grill rack and all of its components and put them straight into...
- German crafted the inferno is built to last, propane fueled with a push start ignitor, OUTDOOR USE ONLY
12. Saber Cast 500 32-Inch 3-Burner Infrared Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner
The Saber Cast 500 is one of those grills I’d buy if money were no option. While it’s one of the more expensive models on this list, you get what you pay for with this one.
Three 8,000 BTU burners provide evenly-distributed heat across a 500 square inch surface area. It also has a 10,000 BTU side burner that allows you to prepare side dishes and sauces easily while using the main grill.
One of the more advanced features of the Saber 500 is its patented Saber infrared cooking system that lets you cook while using 30% less fuel than traditional gas grills. It does this by using a special design that heats food directly, rather than the air around it.
The Saber 500 features a 304-grade stainless steel lid with heavy-duty cast-aluminum end caps, as well as 304-grade stainless steel side shelves.
If you’re looking for a high-end infrared grill that will last a lifetime, the Saber 500 can’t be beat.
13. Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 420 3-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
The Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 420 is a fantastic 3-burner gas grill that features Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared cooking system.
It has a stainless steel lid, doors, side shelves and a control panel for solid durability and timeless styling.
Three top-ported stainless steel burners provide adjustable heat across a 420 square inch cooking surface. It includes one 13,000 BTU side burner and cast iron grates with a 443 stainless steel emitter for lasting performance.
Stainless steel cabinet doors easily hide the propane tank as well as offers additional storage.
It is even dual-fuel compatible, which means it can easily convert from propane to natural gas.
The whole unit is easily maneuverable thanks to four caster wheels, two of which lock to keep the grill in place when the grill is in use.
The Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 420 3-Burner Grill is a fantastic overall choice if you’re looking for a mid-sized infrared grill with premium features.
- 420 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- 155 square inch porcelain-coated warming rack, 13,000 BTU side burner
- Three top-ported 443 stainless steel tube burners for lasting performance and better temperature control
14. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill
If you like to travel AND barbecue, a Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Grill is the right model for you.
Weighing a mere 15 pounds, this small infrared grill is an excellent barbecue to take camping, tailgating, boating, picnicking, or wherever you want to grill remotely.
Its small size allows it to be stowed away in an RV or boat easily when not in use.
This model runs on 1-pound propane bottles, but adapters can be purchased to enable it to operate on large propane tanks. You can use natural gas (from your home), or even on a low-pressure propane system (like in an RV).
My favorite thing about the Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Grill is its ability to get very hot, very fast. This thing heats up to very high temperatures within minutes, and does an excellent job searing your steaks without losing juices.
Of course, being a small infrared grill, you don’t have a whole lot of cooking space (140 square inches), but for a group of four or less it’s perfect.
- Real infrared ceramic and stainless steel burner with electronic push-button ignition
- 140 square inches of grilling area that fits six 4-inch burgers on special v-grate that improves flavor and virtually...
- Use made by 100-plus year old family business
15. Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill with Infrared Side and Rear Burners
The Napoleon Prestige 500 is a massive beast of a grill. It has four stainless steel burners that put out a whopping 48,000 BTUs of heat across 500 square inches of cooking area.
It also has a 260 square inch swing away rack that can be used for warming food. It even has a 140 square inch infrared side zone sizzle burner that can get up to 1800° Fahrenheit and is ideal for searing steaks.
All in, this giant unit provides over 900 square inches of cooking/warming/searing space!
It’s built with stainless steel for a durable, yet classic look. It includes a built in thermometer, quick ignition button, and plenty of cabinet space.
While the Napoleon Prestige 500 is on the more expensive side, you definitely get what you pay for with this model. It will last you a lifetime and be one of the best grills you’ll ever own.
- 80, 000 BTU's, 4 Stainless Steel main burners, 900 in² total cooking area
- Dimensions: 66.50" W x 25.50" D x 51.75" H (Lid Closed) | Cooking Area: 17.75 x 28 in
- Led Spectrum night light control knobs and safety feature
16. Magma Products Newport 2 Infrared Gourmet Series Stainless Steel Grill
If portability is a major requirement for you, then the Magma Products Newport 2 Infrared Gourmet Series Stainless Steel Grill is the model for you. This is a small infrared grill, seemingly purpose built for camping or boating use, that fits easily into a cabinet or shelf and has a lot of the features usually found in larger grills.
It’s powered by a single 12,500 BTU burner that’s capable of heating up to 500° Fahrenheit. It has sear plates below the cooking grates that ensure even heat distribution and consistent cooking temperatures.
The Newport 2 is designed to be wind-proof, so it’ll stay lit even under the windiest conditions, like on a boat. It also gets hot very quickly so you don’t have to wait too long to start cooking.
- New tempered glass viewing window New beautiful rounded edge design Redesigned dynamic combustion system
- Made in the U.S.A. Constructed of 100% 18-9 marine grade mirror polished stainless steel Full double lined lower shell...
- Equipped with integrated fold-away legs Locking front access grease tray 9"x18" (162 Sq. In.) grilling area
17. Camplux Propane Infrared Steak Grill
If you want to bring the taste of a perfectly seared steakhouse steak with you on the go, the Camplux Propane Infrared Steak Grill is the model for you. This 10,000 BTU propane grill is capable of heating up to 1600° Fahrenheit within 2 minutes, and can cook practically anything in a matter of minutes.
It weighs only 26 ½ pounds and is very compact, making it easy to transport or store easily in a cabinet or storage shelf.
It’s built with 304-grade stainless steel for long-lasting durability, and looks fantastic.
It hooks up to a 20 pound propane tank or standard RV propane connection, but can also be adapted to use a 1 pound propane cylinder for easier portability.
The Camplux is a fantastic infrared grill for cooking perfectly seared steaks anywhere, and I highly recommend it for the person who’s serious about their steaks.
- Extreme 1600℉ Flash Heating - This innovative 10,000 BTU propane gas grill can raise the temperature to 1600℉ within 2...
- Light, Portable,Compact Design - The stainless steak grill weights 26.5 lbs, making it lightweight and small enough to fit in...
- Patented Adjustable Grill & Easy to Clean - The outdoor gas grill comes without grill racks but with patented adjustable...
18. GASPRO 1500℉ Quick Cooking Propane Infrared Steak Grill
The GASPRO is another oven-type infrared propane grill that does a fantastic job of searing steaks wherever you need to go.
It heats up to an amazing 1500° Fahrenheit, and can perfectly sear steaks or other meats within 2 minutes per side.
It’s built with high-quality 304-grade stainless steel for long-lasting durability and a clean design.
19. Napoleon Prestige 665 RSIB Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon 665 gas grill with infrared side and rear burners is the total grilling package with the stunning all stainless hood. This full-sized model barbecue has the capabilities of a full outdoor kitchen.
One of the coolest features about this grill is its gas safety feature. Sometimes if you leave the gas on, you may not know about it or forget. But this model has a neat feature that lights up the grill’s knobs to red when the gas is on. This ensures that you don’t leave the gas on by accident. Once you turn it on, the knobs turn red.
The roll top hood provides other light performance for your grill. Maximum heat is retained in the streamline double walled lid while the unique design allows the lid to tuck neatly back saving space on your patio.
You can barbecue like a pro with the infrared heat rotisserie burner, which is perfect for high heat searing and slow roasting. With the zero to 1800 degrees exclusive infrared scissor zone technology you’ll be ready to grill in 30 seconds.
For you guys who like to use wood chips, this grill has an integrated wood chip smoker tray and integrated ice marinade bucket. The instant jet fire ignition is an easy to use system that shoots a jet of flame to light each gas burner individually for quick startups.
Every feature in every material is engineered for the most ultimate performance so you can create unforgettable meals and precious moments. The Napoleon Prestige 665 offers a spacious cooking area that accommodates large quantities of items so this grill can fit up to 41 burgers at a time.
- 92, 000 BTUs with 5 Stainless Steel main burners
- Stainless Steel iconic wave cooking grids and 1140 in² total cooking area
- Included rotisserie
20. Broilmaster R3 Infrared Propane Gas Grill
When it comes to durability, the Broilmaster R3 Infrared Propane Gas Grill is the King of the Beasts. Made of heavy-duty cast aluminum, this is a premium infrared grill.
The R3 comes with lots of space for cooking with nearly 700 square inches of grilling surface. It has two burners that produce 40,000 BTUs of heat, capable of generating up to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit of heat!
With a stainless steel frame and locking castor wheels, this is a great infrared grill for serious barbecue fans.
- Heavy-duty cast aluminum construction to last a lifetime
- Dual infrared burners provide a broader temperature range
- V-Channel cooking grid captures drippings, converting them to smoke, adding flavor to your food
21. Blaze Professional 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
We’ve saved the best for last. The Blaze Professional 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill is one of the finest grills available on the market.
It has three 18,000 BTU burners that provide an amazing 54,000 BTUs of heat across 615 square inches of cooking area.
It has a 10,000 BTU infrared rear burner, as well as a waterproof rotisserie kit.
Stainless-steel heat zone separators provide for different cooking zones across the grilling surface and help conserve heat and fuel.
- Blaze Grills offers a best in class Lifetime warranty
- Heat zone separators allow you to cook multiple types of food at the same time using different temperatures
- Hexagon-shaped stainless steel cooking rods are extra thick for searing
What is an infrared gas grill?
Unlike a traditional gas grill which uses the hot air generated from the gas burners to heat your food directly, an infrared grill heats up some kind of solid surface like ceramic plates to radiate heat to your food. This creates a separation between the heating elements and the food which keeps food from flaring up or smoking and helps produce juicier food.
The heating source also heats up the air within the grill creating a convection effect with hot air circulating throughout the grill. This circulation effect delivers even high heat throughout the grilling area.
With the ability to run at higher temperatures, infrared barbecue grills can cook food a lot faster than a traditional gas grill or charcoal grills.
Infrared outdoor grills tend to cost more than traditional propane grills, but for many serious barbecue fans, they’re worth every penny.
How does an infrared grill work?
Plates (made of glass, ceramic, or metal) are placed directly above the burners, which absorb the heat from the flames and transfer it to the food on the grates above it. This technology provides a cooking surface that heats up to incredible temperatures fast, with perfectly balanced heat distribution.
Conclusion
The best infrared outdoor grill for you will be the one you use the most. What’s most important to consider is how you expect to use it the majority of the time.
If you plan to do a lot of backyard barbecues, a sturdy four burner model like the Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 525 is an excellent choice.
If you plan to do a lot of cooking in remote locations like picnics, camping, or tailgating, then a small portable model like the Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Grill is the right model for you.
Happy grilling!
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