Imagine biting into a steak that’s perfectly seared on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, every single time. Does that sound like a grilling dream? For many backyard chefs, achieving that restaurant-quality result can feel like a challenge. You might have tried different grills, but still struggle with uneven cooking or dry meats. That’s where infrared grills come in, promising a new level of grilling perfection.
But navigating the world of infrared grills can be confusing. There are so many brands and features to consider! How do you know which one is right for you? What makes them so special? This post is here to cut through the noise and shine a light on what makes infrared grilling a game-changer.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly how infrared grills work, what makes them different from regular grills, and the key things to look for when you’re ready to buy. We’ll break down the jargon and help you find the perfect infrared grill to elevate your outdoor cooking. Get ready to discover the secret to consistently delicious grilled food!
Our Top 5 Infrared Grills Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Infrared Grills Detailed Reviews
1. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill – Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor cooking with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill. This portable grill is like having a professional steak broiler right in your backyard or on your next adventure. It’s designed to cook your food fast and make it taste incredible, giving you that perfect, juicy steak every single time.
What We Like:
- Super fast heating: Reaches 1500°F in just 3-5 minutes with a powerful 19,000 BTU infrared burner.
- Restaurant-quality searing: Top-down infrared heat locks in juices and flavor, just like in fancy restaurants.
- Easy to start: The windproof pulse ignition starts it up with one push, no matches needed.
- Versatile cooking: A 10-tier adjustable rack lets you cook at different temperatures, from searing to baking.
- Durable and easy to clean: Made of rust-resistant stainless steel, all parts are easy to take apart and clean, even the dishwasher-safe ones.
- Portable and party-ready: Its compact size makes it great for camping, tailgating, or just your patio.
- Comes with a pizza stone: Adds even more cooking options to your grill.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cooking chamber is relatively small (13″ wide), which might limit the size of food you can cook at once.
- While portable, it still requires a propane tank, adding to the overall setup.
This grill brings serious flavor and speed to your outdoor meals. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who loves great-tasting grilled food on the go.
2. Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 2-Burner Cabinet Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463673519P1
Rating: 9.3/10
The Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 2-Burner Cabinet Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game. This grill heats up quickly and keeps a steady, even temperature, making it easy to cook all your favorites.
What We Like:
- It heats up fast and cooks food evenly thanks to its 24,000 BTU rating.
- You get 300 square inches of primary cooking space, enough for 16 burgers, and a 100 square inch warming rack.
- The porcelain-coated cast-iron grates are tough, resist rust, and clean up easily. They also give food those awesome grill marks.
- LED-illuminated control knobs add a cool style and help you see when you’re grilling after dark.
- A big side shelf gives you plenty of room for your plates and tools.
- The electronic ignition makes starting the grill super simple every time.
- A removable grease tray with an optional liner makes cleanup a breeze.
- The built-in temperature gauge on the lid helps you keep an eye on the cooking temperature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20-pound propane tank is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
This grill offers a great balance of performance and convenience for backyard chefs. It’s a solid option for delicious meals and memorable cookouts.
3. Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner
Rating: 9.1/10
The Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Gas Grill with Amplifire Infrared Technology is a versatile cooking machine for any backyard chef. This black cabinet-style grill offers a wide range of cooking options, from classic grilling to griddling and even charcoal cooking, all designed to make your outdoor meals delicious and easy.
What We Like:
- The modular cooking system lets you switch between grilling and griddling in under 90 seconds. You can even add a charcoal tray (sold separately) for that smoky, chargrilled flavor.
- The Amplifire Infrared Technology cooks juicier food and stops flare-ups, so you get great results every time.
- It heats up fast, reaching 500°F in under 10 minutes.
- The large 535-square-inch primary cooking area can handle up to 25 burgers.
- A spacious side shelf gives you plenty of room for your grilling tools and plates.
- The grill comes with a 10-year warranty on the burners, offering peace of mind.
- Heavy-duty wheels make it easy to move the grill, and locking casters keep it steady while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Gas2Coal charcoal tray is sold separately, adding to the overall cost if you want to use charcoal.
- While the BTU rating is 45,000, remember this measures fuel use, not necessarily how hot it gets compared to other grills.
This grill offers a lot of flexibility for different cooking styles. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor cooking experience.
4. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler Propane Gas Grill
Rating: 9.3/10
Craving a perfectly seared steak in minutes? The BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler Propane Gas Grill promises restaurant-quality results right on your tabletop. This compact grill uses intense infrared heat to cook your favorite foods quickly and deliciously, making it a fantastic addition to any outdoor gathering.
What We Like:
- FAST COOKING: It cooks a steak in about 5 minutes with its 1500°F infrared burner and 12,000 BTU power.
- JUICY STEAKS: This grill makes delicious, juicy steaks at home.
- DURABLE DESIGN: It’s made of strong, rustproof stainless steel, so it lasts a long time.
- PORTABLE: You can easily take it on picnics or camping trips because it’s not too big or heavy.
- ADJUSTABLE GRATE: The cooking grate has 10 different height settings to help you control the heat perfectly.
- SAFE TO USE: A front panel stops it from getting too hot and protects your table. The handle safely removes the hot grate.
- EASY TO CLEAN: It’s simple to put together, take apart, and clean. It’s even dishwasher-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The propane tank is not included.
- While portable, it does weigh over 20 pounds, so it’s not the lightest option for long hikes.
This grill is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves quick, flavorful meals. It’s a great way to enjoy perfectly cooked food wherever you go.
5. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill
Rating: 9.5/10
The Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to grill on the go. This grill is made by a family business with over 100 years of experience, so you know it’s built to last. It’s compact and lightweight, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, or just grilling in your backyard.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast and evenly with its real infrared ceramic and stainless steel burner.
- The electronic push-button ignition makes starting it up a breeze.
- The 140 square inches of grilling space can hold six 4-inch burgers at once.
- The special V-grate helps make your food taste even better and stops flare-ups.
- There are lots of cool accessories you can buy, like a tank adapter and a portable stand.
- It’s pretty light at only 15 pounds and doesn’t take up much space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The grilling area might be a bit small for larger gatherings.
- While portable, it’s still a grill, so it needs some care and cleaning.
This Solaire grill offers a great grilling experience in a portable package. It’s a solid option for anyone seeking delicious, quickly cooked food wherever they are.
Choosing the Right Infrared Grill: Your Guide to Sizzling Perfection
Infrared grills offer a unique way to cook food. They use infrared heat to cook food quickly and evenly. This means less waiting and more delicious meals. If you’re looking for a grill that can sear steaks to perfection or roast chicken with crispy skin, an infrared grill might be your next outdoor cooking companion.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an infrared grill, keep these important features in mind.
1. Heating Technology
- Ceramic Burners: These are common. They get very hot. They create radiant infrared heat. This cooks food fast.
- Infrared Burner Assemblies: Some grills have special burner tubes. These tubes heat up and emit infrared waves. Look for durable materials in these assemblies.
- Infrared Sear Burner: Many infrared grills have a separate burner designed just for searing. This burner gets extremely hot. It locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust.
2. Grill Size and Cooking Area
- BTUs (British Thermal Units): This measures how much heat a grill can produce. More BTUs usually mean hotter cooking. For infrared grills, high BTUs are important for effective infrared cooking.
- Cooking Grates: Think about the size of your grill. How many people do you usually cook for? Grills come in different sizes. Make sure it has enough space for your needs.
3. Construction and Durability
- Material: The grill’s body matters. Stainless steel is a popular choice. It resists rust and looks great. Look for heavy-duty stainless steel.
- Lid: A well-fitting lid helps trap heat. It also keeps your food moist while cooking.
Important Materials
The materials used in an infrared grill impact its performance and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is the best material for the grill’s body. It’s strong. It doesn’t rust easily. It can handle outdoor weather.
- Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Grates: These grates hold heat well. They create nice sear marks on your food. Stainless steel grates are easier to clean. Cast iron grates give great flavor.
- Ceramic or Stainless Steel Burners: As mentioned, these are key to the infrared heating. Ceramic gets very hot. Stainless steel is durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an infrared grill great or not so great.
- Heat Distribution: A good infrared grill heats evenly. You don’t want hot spots. Look for grills with good burner design. This helps spread the heat.
- Temperature Control: You need to be able to control the heat. Good knobs and a reliable thermostat help you do this. This is important for different types of cooking.
- Ease of Cleaning: Grills can get messy. Look for features that make cleaning easier. Removable drip pans are helpful. Smooth surfaces are also good.
- Build Quality: A grill that feels solid and well-built will last longer. Check the welds and the thickness of the metal.
User Experience and Use Cases
Infrared grills offer a fantastic cooking experience.
- Speed: They cook food much faster than traditional grills. This is great when you’re in a hurry.
- Searing Power: Infrared heat excels at searing. You can get restaurant-quality steaks with a perfect crust.
- Juicy Food: The fast cooking time helps lock in juices. Your chicken and fish will be moist and flavorful.
- Versatility: While known for searing, many infrared grills can also roast and cook other foods. You can bake, stir-fry, or even make pizza on some models.
- Outdoor Cooking: They are perfect for backyard BBQs, camping trips, or tailgating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Infrared Grills
Q: What is an infrared grill?
A: An infrared grill uses infrared heat to cook your food. This heat comes from special burners that get very hot and radiate heat directly onto the food.
Q: How is infrared heat different from regular grill heat?
A: Regular grills heat the air around the food. Infrared heat cooks food directly. This makes it cook faster and lock in moisture.
Q: Are infrared grills worth the money?
A: Yes, they can be. They cook food faster and give great results for searing. If you love juicy steaks and quick meals, they are a good investment.
Q: What is the main advantage of an infrared grill?
A: The main advantage is its incredible searing ability. It can cook steaks to perfection very quickly.
Q: Can I cook things other than steak on an infrared grill?
A: Absolutely! You can cook chicken, fish, vegetables, and even bake on some models. They are quite versatile.
Q: How hot do infrared grills get?
A: They can get very hot, often reaching temperatures of 1,000 to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. This is what makes them so good for searing.
Q: Are infrared grills hard to clean?
A: They can be a bit messy, but many come with features like removable drip pans to make cleaning easier.
Q: What are BTUs and why are they important for infrared grills?
A: BTUs measure heat output. For infrared grills, higher BTUs are important to achieve the intense heat needed for effective infrared cooking.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for an infrared grill?
A: Yes, stainless steel is excellent. It’s strong, resists rust, and looks good, making it ideal for outdoor grills.
Q: How long do infrared grills typically last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a good quality infrared grill can last many years, often 10 years or more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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