Best Infrared Grill
Grilling has come a long way since our ancestors used to cook over an open flame. This long-standing American love affair today is not just limited to special occasions such as Memorial Day or Mother’s Day, but today is a year around lifestyle choice.
Just like the grilling landscape has changed, so are the types of grills available, and now you have a lot more options to choose from apart from the traditional charcoal grills such as pellet grills, electric grills, gas grills, and the latest entrée in this segment – infrared grills.
Infrared grills have garnered a surge of appeal among grilling enthusiasts ever since they went mainstream a few years ago, and for several great reasons. This latest trend in outdoor grilling is basically a gas grill, only one that is powered by infrared technology, and utilizes a radiant heat cooking concept rather than a convection cooking system.
Flames in a conventional gas grill heat the grates directly. However, the flames in an infrared grill heat the integrated infrared element set between the grates and the flame for concentrated cooking power, quick heating and cook times. Infrared grills provide uniform heat, and are great for searing without any flare-ups, so your food remains tender and juicy!
Shopping for the best infrared grill however will leave you spoilt for choice, given the myriad options available. But I’ve checked out this segment, and have narrowed down on 6 best infrared grills that offer unmatched performance, and great durability. I’ve also created a short infrared grill buying guide to ease your decision.
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#1. Best Overall
Char-Broil 463370719 Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill
Char-Broil has been America’s favorite grilling brand since 1948, and the 463370719 Performance TRU-Infrared is yet another hit addition to the company’s lineup. It boasts a stainless steel finish, and offers 450 square inches of grilling space.
With regards to firepower, the 463370719 Performance TRU-Infrared grill is equipped with three high performance stainless steel burners that collectively generate 24,000 BTUs. If that’s not enough, you’ve got a 10,000 BTU side burner that you can use to cook or warm up your sauces and sides.
Apart from its great versatility and ease of use, the 463370719 Performance TRU-Infrared grill comes with durable porcelain coated cooking grates, which are rust resistant and easy to clean, and designed to spread heat evenly across the top of the grill surface. The cooking grates create a barrier between the food and flames, resulting in little or no flare-ups, and juicier and flavorful food every time.
The TRU-infrared cooking system of the 463370719 Performance grill by Char-Broil provides you with optimal temperature control, facilitates faster cooking times, and prevents hot and cold spots on the cooking surface, without using much gas. The top ported stainless steel burners of the grill can be adjusted easily to deliver low or high temperatures across the cooking grates.
The 463370719 measures 26.6-in wide x 17.3-in deep, and is equipped with a temperature gauge on the top lid. It starts up quickly, thanks to the reliable push-to-start ignition system, so you can get cooking in no time, Further, it comes with a warming rack in the interior to heat up small items such as buns while the main items cook below.
This infrared grill by Char-Broil features a sturdy handle on the top lid, and three large control knobs on the front. It weighs roughly 100 lbs, and is easy to assemble with the included instructions. Additionally, it is equipped with two wheels at the bottom to easily move the grill, and is backed by a 5-year warranty on the stainless steel burners, 2-years on the firebox and lid, and 1-year on all other parts.
What I Like Best About The 463370719:
Easy to get super-hot cooking temperatures without the risk of flare ups.
Pros
- 3 stainless steel burners
- 24,000 BTUs and 10,000 BTU side burner
- Reliable and quick start ignition system
- Porcelain coated cooking grates
- Temperature gauge, easy to assemble, and wheels
- Backed by manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Does not include tools for assembly
#2. Best for Pros
Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO 500 with Rear and Side Infrared Burners Propane Gas Grill
For an infrared grill that comes with all the bells and whistles, and offers unmatched performance, you really can’t go wrong with the Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO 500 grilling machine. It offers an expansive 500 square inch grilling real estate, which is divided between the warming rack, side burners and main burners.
The four stainless steel tube burners of the Napoleon infrared grill provide up to an impressive 48,000 BTUs, whereas the infrared sizzle zone side burner offers 14,000 BTUs cooking power. But that’s’ not all, the Prestige PRO 500 grill is equipped with a 18,000 BTU stainless steel rear infrared burner for high heat searing, and slow pit roasting with the included rotisserie kit.
The Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 infrared grill features a shining stainless steel body that provides great resistance from the elements, and is topped with chrome details for a luxurious look. It boasts a generously spaced illuminated cooking area, and is fitted with LED Spectrum NIGHT LIGHT control knobs that can be adjusted to any color you choose, or set it to cycle between the many colors available.
These knobs glow red when the gas is on for enhanced safety when using the grill. Additionally, the Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 infrared grill comes factory equipped with extra thick 9.5 mm Iconic Wave stainless steel cooking grids. These cooking grates provide even heat transfer, and are also designed to prevent smaller foods from falling into the grill.
Adding to its overall appeal is its integrated and inviting logo light, which displays the Napoleon logo on the ground. The interior of the Prestige PRO 500 is fitted with halogen lights that illuminate the cooking surface for night-time grilling, while the side shelf can be used as an ice bucket to keep your drinks chilled or as a cutting board for easy prep.
The top lid of the Prestige PRO 500 infrared grill is especially crafted for optimal center gravity, allowing you to lift it smoothly without extending it past the back of the appliance. The Prestige PRO 500 starts up quickly, owing to its onsite instant JETFIRE ignition system that shoots a jet flame to light each burner individually.
Moving to the top of the grill, you get a class leading and highly accurate Accu-Probe temperature gauge for optimal temperature control when BBQing. The Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 infrared grill comes with dual level stainless steel sear plates that protect the burners, and enhance even heat distribution.
In terms of maintenance, the Prestige PRO 500 Napoleon grill comes with a full width drip pan for easy cleanup. Even though it’s a bit heavy at 254 lbs, it can be easily moved around with the integrated easy roll locking casters. The Prestige PRO 500 grill is designed with premium quality materials, and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
What I Like Best About The Pro 500:
Premium quality with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Robust stainless steel build and lifetime warranty
- Easy roll locking casters
- 48,000 BTUs main burners and 14,000 BTUs side burner
- 18,000 BTU rear infrared burner with rotisserie kit
- Logo light, interior halogen lights and illuminated control knobs
Cons
- This kind of quality does not come cheap.
#3. Best for Versatility
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill
Another bestselling model from the Char-Broil stable, the Big Easy is a multifaceted grill in that it allows you to smoke, roast and grill in the same appliance. It offers 180 square inches of cooking space for grilling, and a 25 lbs capacity for roasting.
The Big Easy grill by Char-Broil is backed by RU-Infrared cooking technology, so you get juicy and tender results, without any flare-ups. The smoking and roasting basket of the Big Easy infrared grill measures 1200 square inches, so it can easily accommodate large cuts of meat, etc.
It is fitted with a removable grill grate for easy cleaning, and offers great portability. The Big Easy grill tips the scales at 50 lbs, and measures 36.2-inches H x 23.4-inches W when fully assembled. It comes with everything you need to start grilling right out of the box including a removable grease tray, smoker box, two half shelves, metal thermometer and smoking and roasting basket.
This smoker and grill combo by Char-Broil is equipped with a side mounted smoker box, which can be easily accessed from outside the appliance, so you can add wood chips without having to open the lid. The unit can be moved around easily with its side mounted carrying handles, making it an ideal choice for tailgates, picnics, and your own backyard.
The Char-Broil Big Easy infrared grill is easy to use, and connects with a standard propane tank. It is fitted with two knobs, one to turn it on, and other to fire up the grill, and comes with a removable grease tray for mess-free cleanup. This 3-in-1 grill by Char-Broil sits sturdily on four steel legs, and is backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
What I Like Best About The Big Easy:
You can grill, roast or smoke just about anything in this grill.
Pros
- 180 square inches space for grilling, and 25 lbs capacity for roasting
- Side mounted stainless steel smoker box
- Removable grill grate for easy cleaning
- Carrying handles and 4 sturdy steel legs
- 1-yr manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Propane tank not included
#4. Best Budget
Char-Broil 20602107 Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
If you’re on a budget, but would like get your feet wet with infrared grilling, the Patio Bistro grill by Char-Broil is a cost efficient way to get started. It can be ordered in an assortment of exciting colors including blue, graphite, red, and is engineered to deliver consistently tender, juicy and delicious food every time.
This infrared grilling appliance by Char-Broil offers a moderate 320 square inches of cooking space, which is just the right amount of space to cook medium size steaks, and approximately 12 burgers. It comes with a porcelain coated cooking grate, and a warming rack, both of which are rust resistant, and easy to clean.
Speaking of the cooking grate, it is designed to distribute heat evenly across the grill surface top, and prevents flare-ups, owing to the barrier it creates between the food and flames. The Char-Broil Patio Bistro infrared grill features a premium quality electric grilling surface, so you won’t have to deal with charcoal or worry about filling up propane tanks.
It weighs 45.6 pounds, measures a compact 26 x 24.2 x 38.5 inches, and is fitted with two rear wheels for easy movability. The infrared technology of the grill facilitates quicker cooking times with the use of less gas, and prevents hot and cold spots on the grill’s top cooking surface.
Adding to its list of features is a lid mounted temperature gauge for optimal heat control, and a pull-out easy to access grill tray for easy cleanup. And if you’re going to be grilling taller items, you can simply remove the warming rack to create extra space. This grill is easy to assemble, and comes with a limited manufacturer warranty.
What I Like Best About The Patio Bistro:
Entry level price on a small portable grill.
Pros
- Electric grilling surface
- 320 square inches grilling space
- Measures 26 x 24.2 x 38.5 inches and weighs 45 lbs
- Several colors available
- Limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Cleaning the inside maybe a bit challenging
#5. Best Tabletop
Magma Products Newport 2 Infra Red, Gourmet Series Gas Grill
The Magma Products Newport 2 is part of the company’s bestselling gourmet series, and showcases a compact yet study footprint at just 22.5 x 11.6 x 11.6 inches and roughly 19 lbs. Made in the USA, the Newport 2 is crafted entirely from 18-9 marine grade polished stainless steel, so you can rest assured it will serve you well for may years to come.
With regards to the design, the Newport 2 infrared grill is appointed with a tempered glass viewing window, so you can check the status of what’s cooking inside. Further, it is equipped with an all new dynamic combustion system, which keeps the grill lit even in heavy wind conditions.
It comes fitted with a thermometer that allows you to adjust the heat inside. With regards to connectivity, the Newport 2 infrared grill can be used with 1 lbs propane canisters or compatible LPG or CNG systems. It come with a large size lockable grease catcher to prevent messes and for easy cleanup.
The Newport 2 infrared grill offers great stability owing to its onboard fold away legs. The interior of the Newport 2 grill is lined with a safety shell, which considerably reduces discoloration by funneling the grease directly into the grease tray. To top things off, it is fitted with a full length stainless steel handle to easily haul it around on the go, and backed by a limited manufacturer warranty.
What I Like Best About The Newport 2:
A quality grill that’s made in the USA.
Pros
- Made from 18-9 marine grade polished stainless steel
- Tempered glass viewing window
- Dynamic combustion system
- To be used with 1 lbs propane canisters
Cons
- Limited to 1 color option
#6. Best Budget Tabletop
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill
For a portable infrared grill that lets you experience succulent grilled foods on the road, the Grill2Go X200 machine by Char-Broil is hard to beat. It showcases a rugged design, and is a perfect choice for camping on the beach, tailgating, and is made from heavy duty cast aluminum complete with stainless steel latches.
The Grill2Go X200 portable infrared grill measures 23.7″W x 15.7″D x 13.6″H, weighs 20 lbs, and is equipped with a push-button ignition system, which fires up the grill quickly within a few seconds. It is fitted with high impact legs and carry handles, making it a joy to carry without causing strain on your body.
Even though the Grill2Go X200 portable infrared grill by Char-Broil offers a compact yet robust exterior design, it packs a mean punch under its hood, starting with the superior quality infrared heating element. With this element, this grill produces no flare-ups, and on the cooking grate, and spreads heat evenly across the grilling top surface.
The infrared system of the Grill2Go X200 infrared grill helps cook food evenly, accelerates cooking times, and prevents hot and cold spots, all with the use of less gas. It comes loaded with top-ported stainless steel burners, which can be adjusted to deliver low temperatures or high heat to meet your cooking needs.
In terms of space, Char-Broil’s Grill2Go X200 portable infrared grill offers 22 square inches of cooking space to cook up to 8 burgers at a time, spread evenly across premium quality stainless steel cooking grates. Powered by propane, the Grill2Go X200 tabletop infrared grill comes with handy features such as a temperature gauge to monitor and control the temperature, and a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty.
What I Like Best About The Grill2Go:
Super low price.
Pros
- Integrated temperature gauge
- 220 square inches cooking space
- Even cooking with no flare ups
- Stainless steel cooking grates and burners
- Propane powered and 1-year warranty
Cons
- Legs underneath the grill may get hot
Best Infrared Grill Buying Guide
Given that infrared red grills are just stepping into the limelight, many consumers ask how to buy an infrared grill, and here the lowdown!
Size
Apart from the physical dimensions, you should consider the space a respective infrared grill offers to ensure it can amount the food you typically cook. Cooking space is measured in square inches, and the higher the number, the more space you have to work with.
Burners
Smaller infrared grills generally come with two burners, whereas as large size models can have six or more. When deciding on the number of burners you need, think about the number of people you usually cook for, and the amount of space you have for the grill.
BTUs
British Thermal Units or BTU’s in short is the measure of the total heat output of a grill. A great infrared gas grill should produce 1000 BTUs per square inch of grilling space to heat up quickly, and to cook food well and evenly.
Natural gas or propane
The best infrared grills mentioned on this list use propane for grilling. Propane can easily be refilled into your tank at your nearest hardware store, or you can even buy a new one at an affordable price. Some larger grills however can also be connected with your home’s natural gas supply line, and are usually more expensive than propane powered models.
Side burners
These prove handy as they extend the space of the grill, and are equipped with burners that produce roughly 10,000 BTUs for light cooking such as warming food, etc.
Portability
Infrared grills, especially the ones that are heavyweight come with wheels to move them around easily. They’re also fitted with sturdy legs that provide great stability when grilling. Tabletop and other portable grills are equipped with handles to carry them around, and legs for easy movability and setup.
Temperature gauge
This handy gadget allows you to keep tabs on the temperature inside the grill, so that you can make the necessary adjustments i.e. turn the heat up or low.
Build quality
You want to buy an infrared grill that lasts for years on end, so look for one that’s made from high quality material such as stainless steel.
Cooking grates
The surface is considered the most important part of a grill, and assists with heat transfer, and prevents food from sticking as long as you have the right cooking grates. Grates can be made from several different materials, most commonly porcelain-coated steel, stainless steel or plain stainless steel.
