Traditional gas and charcoal grills have long been the go-to options for backyard barbecues, and their popularity is well-deserved. However, these conventional grilling methods have a notable drawback: they heat the air around the food, which can lead to a drier texture than desired. This is where infrared grills shine, offering a distinct and superior grilling experience.
Infrared grills work by generating radiant heat that cooks food directly, without drying it out. This method not only preserves the moisture in your food but also enhances its flavor in a way that other grills simply can’t match. One of the standout features of infrared grills is their ability to provide even heat distribution. This ensures that every part of your food is cooked to perfection, eliminating the dreaded hot and cold spots that are common with traditional grills.
Moreover, infrared grills are capable of reaching extremely high temperatures, which are essential for achieving that perfect sear on your steaks, burgers, and other grilled favorites. Even in cooler weather, these grills perform exceptionally well, making them a versatile choice for year-round grilling enthusiasts.
As summer comes to a close, the demand for infrared grilling technology is on the rise. The market is now flooded with a wide range of options, catering to various sizes and price points. Whether you are looking for a compact grill for your patio or a larger model for hosting family gatherings, there is an infrared grill to meet your needs.
Our team has meticulously researched and tested a variety of infrared grills over several weeks to bring you the best choices available. From compact, portable models to large, multi-burner setups, we have identified options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Our testing process was rigorous, ensuring that each grill was evaluated for its performance, ease of use, and durability.
In conclusion, if you are looking to elevate your grilling game and enjoy juicy, flavorful food every time, an infrared grill is the way to go. These grills not only preserve moisture and enhance flavor but also provide consistent heat and high-temperature searing capabilities. With a plethora of options available, you can find the perfect infrared grill to suit your needs and enjoy delicious grilled meals no matter the season.
Best Overall: Char-Broil Signature Series Amplifire 2-Burner Gas Grill
- Price: $550 at Wayfair, $530 at Charbroil.com
What We Like:
- Grates are close together
- Food does not stick to grates
- Perfect size – not too big, not too small
What We Don’t Like:
- Can get extra smoky
The Char-Broil Signature Series Amplifire 2-Burner Gas Grill was one of the 99 grills we tested for weeks. While these tests were centered around fuel type, several had infrared capabilities, including this one; it received high marks for its performance, ease of use, and design.
This grill boasts a 325-square-inch cooking area, enough to handle up to 16 burgers or eight steaks simultaneously. During our tests, we grilled fish filets, steak, and onions, and were consistently impressed with the charred grill marks on each. The heat distribution is even, ensuring no food stuck to the grates, which are designed close together to minimize dripping. However, some fat did seep through the cracks, producing a decent amount of smoke off the infrared plates.
Although assembly proved a bit challenging, the grill’s size makes it perfect for families or beginners. It strikes a balance between being spacious without being overly large. For its price and the technology it offers, this grill is an excellent choice.
Dimensions: 22.5 x 46.8 x 47.2 inches | Cooking Area: 325 square inches | Burners: 2 | Power: 20,000 BTUs | Fuel: Gas | Warranty: 10 years (burner); 3 years (grates, firebox); 1 year (all other parts)
Best Charcoal: Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill
- Price: $160 at Amazon, $160 at Wayfair
What We Like:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Even heating
- Long burn time
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be hard to add charcoal into
The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill merges charcoal and infrared technology into one versatile grill. It has a long burn time and two racks, offering 360 square inches of cooking space. Assembly took about 17 minutes and was easy to move around thanks to the wheels on the legs.
We found the heat distribution to be even, but controlling the temperature was slightly challenging. Following the manual’s advice to oil the meat rather than the grates ensured nothing stuck, resulting in nice grill marks on our steak, despite a few flare-ups.
While the infrared heat distribution means we didn’t need to rotate ribs during the test, adding more charcoal or wood required removing the two racks, which can be tricky mid-cook. Cleaning was more difficult than expected due to the close grate lines, but a nylon bristle grill brush from Char-Broil can help with this.
Dimensions: 29.9 x 27.4 x 14.8 inches | Cooking Area: 360 square inches | Burners: 1 | Fuel: Charcoal | Warranty: 10 years (lid); 2 years (all other parts)
Best High-End: Napoleon Prestige 500 Propane Gas Grill
- Price: $1,499 at Amazon, $1,499 at Walmart, $1,599 at Wayfair
What We Like:
- Large cooking area
- Easy to operate
- Additional infrared side burner
What We Don’t Like:
- Heating distribution not even
The Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill offers substantial cooking power and space, with a total cooking area of about 900 square inches. Although the large size made assembly tricky, it remains beginner-friendly. The lid is a bit heavy, but easy to maneuver, and the temperature dials light up when turned.
During our tests, we noticed uneven heating, with the right side consistently 50 degrees hotter than the left. However, this might not be an issue if you spread out the food. The grill is ideal for low-and-slow cooking, with minimal flare-ups when moving food around. For a good sear, use a cast iron pan in the main area or the infrared side burner, which reached 655 degrees Fahrenheit after 34 minutes.
Dimensions: 26.5 x 66.25 x 50.25 inches | Cooking Area: 900 total square inches | Burners: 4 | Power: 48,000 BTUs | Fuel: Gas | Warranty: Lifetime (major components); 15 years (all other parts)
Best Compact: Big Horn Outdoors Portable Infrared Broiler Propane Gas Grill
- Price: $200 at Amazon, $199 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Compact, fits in various spaces
- Two levels of cooking area
- Removable grates are easy to clean
What We Don’t Like:
- Heavier
The Big Horn Outdoors infrared grill is portable but weighs over 30 pounds, which might be cumbersome to maneuver. Its unique shape makes it ideal for backyards or patios, requiring just over two feet of table space. The grill has two grates that slide in and out, offering ten levels for placing food closer or further from the infrared burner. These grates are removable for easy cleaning.
This grill can reach temperatures of 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit in minutes, hotter than most grills on the market. While the high heat comes with a learning curve, it’s manageable thanks to the grill’s size. Its affordability and performance make it an excellent entry into infrared grilling.
Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 15.35 inches | Burners: 1 | Power: 19,000 BTUs | Fuel: Gas | Weight: 32 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
Best Portable: Solaire Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill
- Price: $399 at Amazon, $399 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Only weighs 15 pounds
- Minimal assembly required
- Heats up in three minutes
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be tough to clean
The Solaire Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill is ideal for grilling on the go. Weighing just 15 pounds, it’s easy to load into a carrying bag and transport. The only assembly required is attaching the side handles. Although a propane cylinder is not included, a AAA battery is provided.
This grill heats up in less than five minutes, reaching up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite some food potentially sticking to the grates, the specially designed v-shaped grates reduce flare-ups and catch drips, though they can be challenging to clean. Fortunately, they are removable, allowing for thorough cleaning of both the grates and the grill’s bottom.
Dimensions: 13 x 21 x 8 inches | Cooking Area: 140 square inches | Burners: 1 | Power: 14,000 BTUs | Fuel: Gas | Weight: 15 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
Best Infrared Side Burner: Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- Price: $600 at Amazon, $600 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Combines traditional and infrared grilling
- Great for searing
- Facilitates multitasking
What We Don’t Like:
- Harder to fully cook on just a side burner
The Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with an infrared side burner offers a blend of traditional and infrared grilling features. It has a main cooking area of 464 square inches and a 162-square-inch warming rack. The 12,000-BTU infrared side burner is ideal for searing two steaks at once.
While cooking an entire meal on the infrared side burner isn’t recommended, the spacious main cooking area compensates for this. The grill also includes a left-side shelf, eight built-in grill tool hooks, storage space underneath, and more, enhancing its usability and convenience.
Dimensions: 25 x 54.5 x 48.4 inches | Cooking Area: 464 square inches | Burners: 3 | Power: 12,000 BTUs | Fuel: Gas | Warranty: 2 years (valves, ignition); 15 years (burners, tamers, cooking grates); lifetime (all other parts)
Final Verdict
After rigorous testing, the Char-Broil Signature Series Amplifire 2-Burner Gas Grill stands out as an exceptional choice for both seasoned grill masters and beginners. This grill combines ease of use, efficient cleaning, and excellent cooking performance, delivering perfectly charred and moist food every time. For those seeking a versatile option that bridges the gap between traditional and infrared grilling, the Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared 22.5-Inch Charcoal Outdoor Grill is an outstanding alternative, offering the benefits of infrared technology with the classic flavor of charcoal grilling.
What to Look for in Infrared Grills
Size
The size of the infrared grill you choose should align with your cooking needs and available space. Infrared grills on this list range from 140 to 900 square inches of cooking area. Smaller grills are ideal for intimate settings or on-the-go use, while larger grills are perfect for hosting large backyard gatherings. The grill’s size also dictates the number of burners, with multiple burners allowing you to cook various types of food simultaneously.
Grates
Grates are a crucial component of any grill, including infrared models. While infrared technology reduces flare-ups, drippings and food particles can still fall through the grates. Look for grills with removable and easy-to-clean grates to maintain optimal performance and hygiene.
BTUs
British Thermal Units (BTUs) measure the energy output of a grill. Infrared grills typically have lower BTU ratings compared to traditional grills because they heat up more efficiently. Despite the lower BTU, infrared grills can achieve higher temperatures quickly, making them ideal for fast cooking and searing.
Unique Features
Infrared grills can come with various features that enhance the grilling experience. Consider options like tool hooks, side shelves, side burners, handles, and wheels. These additional components can make a significant difference in the convenience and versatility of your grilling setup.
FAQs
What is the difference between an infrared grill and a gas or charcoal grill?
Infrared grills use radiant energy to cook food, unlike gas and charcoal grills that rely on an open flame. This method allows infrared grills to heat up quickly and cook food faster. The energy emitted by infrared grills heats the food directly rather than the surrounding air, similar to how sunlight warms objects.
How do you clean an infrared grill?
Cleaning an infrared grill is similar to cleaning other types of grills. Use a grill brush or scraper to remove burned bits from the grates. Many infrared grills feature removable grates, allowing for easier cleaning away from the grill.
How do you sear steak on an infrared grill?
Infrared grills are excellent for searing due to their high temperatures. Preheat the grill, then place the steak directly on the grates or a cast-iron pan. Sear for about a minute on each side. Properly seared steaks should lift easily without sticking to the grates.
Are infrared grills safe?
Infrared grills can reach very high temperatures, making it essential to monitor food closely to prevent burning. While they produce more smoke, placing the grill in a well-ventilated area can mitigate this issue. As with all grilling, caution is necessary to avoid over-charring food.
How We Selected
To curate this list, we conducted extensive testing on 99 grills, focusing on infrared models. Our evaluation included assessing ease of use, heat distribution, and overall performance. Additionally, we researched customer reviews and consulted trusted sources to identify the top infrared grills available. Each grill was rated on a scale from one to five stars, with five being the highest. This comprehensive approach ensured that we recommend only the best infrared grills for your needs.
