Imagine biting into a perfectly seared steak, its juices locked inside, with a smoky flavor that makes your taste buds sing. That’s the magic of infrared grilling, and if you’re looking to elevate your backyard cooking game, an infrared gas grill might be your next best friend. But with so many models out there, how do you pick the one that’s right for you? It can feel like a confusing maze, trying to understand all the different features and promises.
Choosing the best infrared gas grill can be a headache. You want that amazing sear and fast cooking, but you also need it to be reliable and fit your budget. You might be wondering about the differences between ceramic and stainless steel infrared burners, or what kind of heat output you really need. We get it! That’s why we’ve put together this guide.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel much more confident about what makes a great infrared gas grill. We’ll break down the key features, explain what they mean for your cooking, and help you spot the grills that deliver on their promises. Get ready to say goodbye to guesswork and hello to delicious, perfectly grilled meals!
Our Top 5 Infrared Gas Grill Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Infrared Gas Grill Detailed Reviews
1. Char-Broil® Performance Series™ TRU-Infrared Cooking Technology 3-Burner with Side Burner Cabinet Style Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463371719
Rating: 9.3/10
The Char-Broil® Performance Series™ TRU-Infrared Cooking Technology 3-Burner with Side Burner Cabinet Style Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463371719 is a fantastic addition to any backyard. This grill cooks food quickly and evenly, making it perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner. Its stainless steel design looks sleek and modern.
What We Like:
- The TRU-Infrared cooking technology cooks food up to 50% juicier by preventing flare-ups and delivering even heat.
- You can cook up to 16 burgers at once on the generous 600-square-inches of cooking space.
- The 10,000 BTU side burner is handy for keeping sauces warm or cooking side dishes.
- The porcelain-coated steel grates are easy to clean and create impressive grill marks.
- A lid-mounted temperature gauge helps you monitor cooking temperatures accurately.
- The removable grease tray makes cleanup simple.
- Electronic ignition provides reliable startups every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20-pound propane tank is not included and must be purchased separately.
- While the BTU rating is 34,000, it’s important to remember that BTU doesn’t directly measure how hot the grill gets.
This grill offers a superior grilling experience with its innovative technology and user-friendly features. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game.
2. Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner
Rating: 9.4/10
The Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill is a versatile grilling machine. It lets you switch from grilling to griddling in no time. You can even try charcoal grilling with an extra tray. This grill heats up fast and cooks food evenly. It’s built to last and makes grilling fun for everyone.
What We Like:
- Super-fast switch between grilling and griddling. You can go from searing burgers to making pancakes in less than 90 seconds!
- Grills juicier food and stops flare-ups thanks to the Amplifire cooking system. No more burnt edges!
- Lots of cooking space! You can grill up to 25 burgers at once.
- The griddle top heats evenly and has a special slot for grease.
- Easy to move around with strong wheels, and it locks in place so it won’t roll away.
- Long warranty on the burners, firebox, and other parts.
What Could Be Improved:
- The charcoal tray is sold separately. You need to buy it to get that smoky charcoal flavor.
- BTU rating is about fuel use, not how hot it gets, which might confuse some people.
This grill offers a lot of flexibility for any outdoor cook. It’s a great choice for backyard barbecues and creative cooking.
3. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill – Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to level up your outdoor cooking with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill. This portable powerhouse is designed to deliver restaurant-quality results right in your backyard or on your next adventure. Its intense heat and smart design make grilling quick, easy, and delicious.
What We Like:
- Super-fast heating: It reaches a blazing 1500°F in just 3-5 minutes with its powerful 19,000 BTU infrared burner.
- Restaurant-style searing: The top-down infrared heat locks in juices and flavor, making steaks incredibly tender and reducing smoke.
- Easy to start: A one-touch pulse ignition means no more struggling with matches. It starts up safely and quickly.
- Flexible cooking: The 10-tier adjustable rack lets you control the heat, perfect for searing steaks or even baking.
- Built tough and easy to clean: Made from durable stainless steel, it’s rust-resistant and all parts are easy to remove and clean, even in the dishwasher.
- Versatile use: It comes with a pizza stone, adding even more delicious options to your grilling.
- Portable and convenient: Its compact, tabletop design makes it perfect for camping, tailgating, or just a small backyard party.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 13″ wide cooking chamber might be a bit small for cooking for a very large crowd at once.
This grill is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves juicy steaks and wants a convenient, high-performance grilling experience on the go. It brings the excitement of a professional broiler right to your outdoor space.
4. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler Propane Gas Grill
Rating: 9.0/10
Craving perfectly seared steaks in minutes? The BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler is your answer. This powerful propane gas grill brings the heat, delivering restaurant-quality results right on your tabletop. It’s built for speed and flavor, making it ideal for quick meals and outdoor gatherings.
What We Like:
- Super Fast Cooking: Enjoy juicy steaks cooked in just 5 minutes thanks to the intense 1500℉ infrared heat.
- Home Steakhouse Quality: Achieve that perfect sear and delicious flavor for your steaks, seafood, and veggies.
- Built to Last: Made from premium, rustproof stainless steel, this grill is sturdy and easy to clean, even in the dishwasher.
- Take It Anywhere: Its portable design makes it perfect for picnics, camping trips, or just grilling in your backyard.
- Control Your Cook: The adjustable grill grate offers 10 different height settings, giving you precise control over your cooking heat.
- Safety First: A protective front panel stops the grill from overheating and keeps your table safe. The cool-touch handle makes handling the hot grate easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 21.6 lbs weight, while manageable, might be a bit heavy for some to carry long distances.
- While easy to assemble, some users might prefer even simpler setup instructions.
This grill makes cooking delicious meals fast and fun. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone who loves grilled food and wants convenience.
5. Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grills Stainless Steel Cabinet Style with Infrared Side Sear & Side Burners Knob Controls Built-In Thermometer with Stainless Steel Rotisserie Kit(2 Items)
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to host the ultimate backyard cookout with the Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill. This grill is designed for serious grilling enthusiasts who want power, space, and convenience.
What We Like:
- Unleash serious heat with 72,000 BTUs from four main burners, a side burner, and a searing burner. This grill can handle anything you throw at it.
- You’ll never run out of space with a massive 723 square inch cooking area, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Enjoy perfectly cooked food every time thanks to the even heat distribution from porcelain-coated cast iron grates and stainless steel flame tamers.
- Grill safely after dark with illuminated knob controls, and keep an eye on your food without losing heat through the ClearView window.
- Built with durable stainless steel, this grill is made to last through all your outdoor adventures.
- Precisely control the flame for any dish, from quick sears to slow, gentle cooking.
- The included stainless steel rotisserie kit adds even more cooking versatility.
What Could Be Improved:
- The grill and rotisserie kit will arrive in separate packages, so they might not show up at the same time.
This grill offers exceptional performance and features for any barbecue master. It’s a solid investment for anyone serious about outdoor cooking.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Infrared Gas Grill
Are you ready to take your backyard grilling to the next level? An infrared gas grill is a fantastic choice. It cooks food super fast and gives it a delicious sear. Let’s explore what makes a great infrared grill and help you find the perfect one.
What to Look For in an Infrared Gas Grill
Key Features to Consider
- Burner Type: Most infrared grills have ceramic or stainless steel burners. Ceramic burners heat up fast and get very hot. Stainless steel burners are durable and last a long time.
- BTUs (British Thermal Units): This measures how much heat the grill produces. More BTUs mean hotter and faster cooking. Look for at least 20,000 BTUs for good searing power.
- Grates: Stainless steel grates resist rust and are easy to clean. Cast iron grates provide great heat retention and grill marks, but need more care.
- Side Burner: A side burner is useful for making sauces or cooking other dishes while you grill.
- Warming Rack: This keeps your food warm after it’s cooked.
- Ignition System: An easy-to-use ignition system makes starting the grill a breeze.
- Temperature Gauge: A built-in thermometer helps you keep track of the grill’s temperature.
Important Materials
The grill’s construction matters a lot. Look for grills made with:
- Stainless Steel: This is a top choice for the grill body, lid, and grates. It’s strong, doesn’t rust easily, and looks great.
- Porcelain-Enameled Steel: This material is often used for the lid and firebox. It’s good at holding heat and resists corrosion.
- Cast Iron: Often used for grates, cast iron heats up well and gives food nice grill marks.
What Makes a Grill Great (or Not So Great)
Quality is all about how well the grill is made and how it performs.
- Good Quality: A well-built grill has sturdy construction. The burners heat up evenly. It’s easy to control the temperature. Cleaning is simple.
- Lower Quality: Thin metal can warp or rust quickly. Uneven heating leads to burnt spots. Difficult temperature control makes cooking tricky. Hard-to-clean parts are a hassle.
User Experience and Use Cases
An infrared grill is perfect for many cooking tasks.
- Searing Steaks: The intense heat creates a beautiful crust on steaks, locking in juices.
- Quick Cooking: Burgers, chicken breasts, and fish cook much faster.
- Outdoor Cooking: It’s ideal for backyard parties, family dinners, or tailgating.
- Versatility: Some models can also be used for roasting or baking with the right accessories.
Using an infrared grill is pretty straightforward. You’ll preheat it, place your food, and cook. Because it gets so hot, watch your food closely so it doesn’t burn. Clean the grates after each use to keep them in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is an infrared gas grill?
A: An infrared gas grill uses special burners that heat up a ceramic or metal plate. This plate then radiates intense infrared heat directly onto your food. This cooks food very quickly and gives it a great sear.
Q: How is an infrared grill different from a regular gas grill?
A: Regular gas grills use convection heat, where hot air cooks the food. Infrared grills use radiant heat, which is much hotter and cooks from the surface inward. This leads to faster cooking and better searing.
Q: Can I use an infrared grill for everyday cooking?
A: Yes! While they excel at searing, you can use them for most of your grilling needs. Just adjust cooking times as needed because they cook faster.
Q: Are infrared grills safe?
A: Yes, they are safe when used properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly, operation, and cleaning.
Q: How do I clean an infrared grill?
A: Clean the grates after each use. You can use a grill brush. Wipe down the exterior and interior with soap and water. Make sure to let it cool down completely first.
Q: What kind of fuel do infrared grills use?
A: Like other gas grills, they typically use propane tanks or natural gas lines.
Q: Do infrared grills get hotter than regular gas grills?
A: Yes, infrared burners can reach much higher temperatures, which is why they are so good at searing.
Q: Will an infrared grill burn my food easily?
A: They can if you’re not careful. Because they cook so fast, it’s important to watch your food closely and adjust cooking times. Start with shorter cooking times and check for doneness.
Q: Are infrared grill parts expensive to replace?
A: Replacement parts like burners or grates can vary in price. Stainless steel parts are generally more durable and may cost more upfront but last longer.
Q: What is the best size infrared grill for a family?
A: For a family, a grill with at least 400-500 square inches of cooking space is a good starting point. This allows you to cook enough food for everyone at once.
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.