Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled steak, juicy and tender, with a beautiful char. That’s the dream for many backyard chefs. But when it comes to infrared grills, the choices can feel overwhelming, right? You see terms like “ceramic burner” and “halogen lamps,” and suddenly, picking the best one feels like a science project.
This confusion can lead to disappointing meals and wasted money. You want that amazing infrared grill experience, but figuring out which one will actually deliver can be a real headache. It’s tough to know what features truly matter and which ones are just fancy extras.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re going to break down what makes infrared grills so special and help you understand the key differences. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to find the perfect infrared grill for your backyard. Get ready to say goodbye to grilling guesswork and hello to delicious, perfectly cooked food!
Our Top 5 Infrared Bbq Grill Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Infrared Bbq Grill Detailed Reviews
1. Char-Broil® Pro Series™ with Amplifire™ Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to become the grill master of your neighborhood with the Char-Broil® Pro Series™ 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill. This grill is packed with features to make your outdoor cooking experience exciting and delicious.
What We Like:
- Modular Cooking System: Easily switch between grilling, griddling, and even charcoal grilling with the optional Gas2Coal tray. You can go from burgers to pancakes in no time!
- Amplifire Infrared Technology: This grill cooks juicier food and stops annoying flare-ups. It also makes sure your food cooks evenly, so you don’t have to guess.
- Spacious Cooking Area: With 535 square inches of main cooking space, you can cook up to 25 burgers at once. Perfect for parties and family gatherings.
- Heavy-Duty Griddle: The included cold-rolled steel griddle is great for making breakfast or smashing burgers. It heats up evenly for perfect results.
- Convenient Side Burner: Use the side burner for sauces, side dishes, or boiling water. It adds even more cooking options.
- Easy to Move: The large wheels make it simple to move your grill around your backyard. Locking casters keep it steady when you’re cooking.
- Durable Construction: The porcelain-coated cast-iron grates resist rust and give you those classic grill marks.
- Generous Warranty: Enjoy peace of mind with a 10-year warranty on the burners.
What Could Be Improved:
- Optional Charcoal Tray: To get the charcoal grilling feature, you need to buy the Gas2Coal charcoal tray separately.
- BTU Explanation: While the 45,000 BTU rating is provided, it’s explained that BTU measures fuel use, not directly how hot the grill gets, which might be confusing for some users.
This Char-Broil grill offers fantastic versatility and power for any outdoor cook. It’s a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their grilling game.
2. Char-Broil® Performance Series™ Amplifire™ Infrared Cooking Technology 2-Burner Cabinet Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463655621
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to grill like a pro with the Char-Broil® Performance Series™ Amplifire™ Infrared Cooking Technology 2-Burner Cabinet Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463655621. This grill makes cooking delicious food easy and fun.
What We Like:
- Grills juicier food and prevents flare-ups thanks to Amplifire™ technology.
- Heats up fast and cooks evenly for perfect results every time.
- Plenty of space to cook up to 16 burgers at once.
- Side shelves fold down for easy storage.
- Electronic ignition means quick and reliable starts.
- Built-in tank gauge lets you know when to refill.
- Porcelain-coated steel grates are easy to clean and create great grill marks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Propane tank is not included.
This grill is a fantastic option for anyone looking to step up their grilling game. It delivers great flavor and makes cooking enjoyable.
3. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill – Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to grill like a pro with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill. This portable powerhouse brings the heat, perfect for everything from a backyard steak night to a camping trip. It’s designed to give you that amazing, restaurant-quality sear right at home.
What We Like:
- Heats up super fast to 1500°F in just 3-5 minutes, thanks to its powerful 19,000 BTU infrared burner.
- Mimics professional salamander broilers for a perfect top-down sear that locks in juices and flavor.
- Easy one-touch pulse ignition means no more struggling with matches.
- Features a 10-tier adjustable rack for versatile cooking temperatures and zones.
- Made from durable, rust-resistant stainless steel and is easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Comes with a pizza stone for extra cooking options.
- Its portable, tabletop design makes it great for camping, tailgating, and any outdoor adventure.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “small” size might be limiting for larger gatherings or cooking multiple items at once.
- While durable, the stainless steel could show fingerprints easily.
This grill is a fantastic option for anyone who loves perfectly seared steaks and versatile outdoor cooking. It’s a compact grill that delivers big flavor and convenience.
4. 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. It’s built to make grilling easy and deliver delicious results every time.
What We Like:
- TRU-Infrared cooking means your food is up to 50% juicier and there are no annoying flare-ups.
- You get 600 square inches of cooking space, so you can grill plenty of food at once – up to 16 burgers!
- The side burner is great for making sauces or keeping your side dishes warm while you grill.
- The porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean and help cook food evenly, leaving nice grill marks.
- It heats up fast and keeps a steady temperature for perfect cooking.
- The electronic ignition makes starting the grill simple and reliable.
- A large side shelf gives you a handy spot for your grilling tools and plates.
- The removable grease tray makes cleanup much easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20-pound propane tank is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
This grill is a solid choice for anyone who loves to grill and wants a reliable, high-quality experience. It makes cooking delicious food simple and enjoyable.
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: 8.5/10
Get ready to host amazing backyard BBQs with the Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill! This grill is built tough with stainless steel and packed with features to make your grilling experience a breeze. It comes with a handy rotisserie kit, so you can cook a whole chicken to perfection.
What We Like:
- Powerful cooking with four 304 stainless steel burners, a side burner, and an infrared sear burner, totaling 72,000 BTUs.
- Huge 723 square inches of cooking space, including a 513 square inch primary grilling area and a 210 square inch warming rack.
- Even heat distribution thanks to porcelain-coated cast iron grates and stainless steel flame tamers.
- Easy temperature control with knob controls and helpful built-in lights for nighttime grilling.
- Keep an eye on your food without lifting the lid with the Clearview viewing lid.
- Precise flame control lets you easily switch from searing to slow cooking.
- Includes a stainless steel rotisserie kit for versatile cooking options.
What Could Be Improved:
- This grill cannot be converted to natural gas.
- The grill and its accessory will arrive in separate packages, so they might not show up at the same time.
This Monument Grill offers a fantastic grilling experience with its power and space. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor cooking game.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Infrared BBQ Grill
Thinking about getting an infrared BBQ grill? These grills are awesome. They cook food super fast and make it taste amazing. We’ll help you find the perfect one.
1. Key Features to Look For
Even Heating
A good infrared grill heats evenly. This means no burnt spots and no undercooked parts. Look for grills with good heat distribution.
BTU Output
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It tells you how much heat the grill can make. More BTUs usually mean hotter and faster cooking. For most people, 8,000 to 15,000 BTUs per burner is a good range.
Cooking Surface Size
How much food do you usually cook? If you cook for a big family or parties, you’ll want a larger cooking area. For smaller families, a smaller grill might be just fine.
Infrared Burner Type
There are a few types of infrared burners. Ceramic burners are common. They get very hot. Stainless steel burners are also good. They last a long time.
2. Important Materials
Stainless Steel
Most good infrared grills use stainless steel. It’s strong and doesn’t rust easily. Look for 304 stainless steel. It’s the best quality.
Cast Iron Grates
Cast iron grates get hot and give food nice grill marks. They need to be seasoned and cared for, though. Porcelain-coated cast iron is easier to clean.
Ceramic Burners
These are made of ceramic. They heat up fast and get very hot. They can be a bit fragile, so handle them with care.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality and Durability
A well-built grill will last longer. Check for sturdy construction. Make sure the parts fit together well. Heavy-duty materials usually mean better quality.
Ease of Cleaning
Grilling is fun, but cleaning can be a chore. Look for grills with removable parts. Drip pans that are easy to access help a lot.
Ignition System
A reliable ignition system makes starting the grill easy. Piezo igniters are common. They spark to light the gas.
Temperature Control
Good temperature control lets you cook different foods perfectly. Knobs that adjust the heat smoothly are important.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Infrared grills are great for many things. They are perfect for searing steaks. They cook chicken and fish very quickly. You can also roast vegetables on them.
People love infrared grills because they cook food evenly. The high heat seals in juices. This makes meat tender and flavorful. They are also faster than regular grills.
Some people might find infrared grills a bit different at first. It takes practice to get used to the high heat. But once you do, you’ll love the results.
FAQs About Infrared BBQ Grills
Q: What is an infrared BBQ grill?
A: An infrared BBQ grill uses infrared heat to cook food. This heat comes from special burners that get very hot.
Q: Are infrared grills better than regular grills?
A: Many people think so! Infrared grills cook food faster and more evenly. They also lock in juices for better flavor.
Q: How hot do infrared grills get?
A: Infrared grills can get very hot, often over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Some can reach 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Can I use an infrared grill in the rain?
A: It’s usually not recommended to grill in heavy rain. Some grills have covers that offer protection.
Q: Do infrared grills use a lot of gas?
A: They can use gas quickly because they cook at high temperatures. However, they cook food faster, so you might use less total gas.
Q: What kind of food cooks best on an infrared grill?
A: Steaks, burgers, chicken, fish, and vegetables all cook wonderfully on infrared grills.
Q: Is it hard to clean an infrared grill?
A: Cleaning can be easier if the grill has removable parts and a good drip pan. High heat can also help burn off food bits.
Q: How do I maintain my infrared grill?
A: Keep it clean. Brush the grates after each use. Protect it from the weather when not in use.
Q: What’s the difference between a full infrared grill and a hybrid grill?
A: A full infrared grill uses only infrared burners. A hybrid grill has both infrared and regular burners.
Q: Where should I place my infrared grill?
A: Place it on a stable, level surface away from anything flammable. Make sure there’s good ventilation.
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.