9+ Best Infrared Grills for Your Backyard
If you're in the market for a new grill, have you considered an infrared grill?
Infrared grills heat up faster and cook at higher temperatures, reducing your cooking time.
Additionally, infrared grills are ideal for searing your meat and retaining moisture.
Below, you'll find the top infrared grills based on our research. This will save you time in your search and help you get the best infrared grill for your money.
We'll cover each grill in detail and then include several topics to better prepare you for buying and maintaining your new infrared grill.
Top Picks for the Best Infrared Grills
In a hurry? Here are our top picks for the best infrared grills.
More details are provided about each grill below.
Additionally, below the grill reviews is a comparison chart to help you compare the grills.
Best Overall
Best Compact
Best
Built-In
Best Portable
Best Premium
9 Best Infrared Grills
1. Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 525
The Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 525 gas grill has a large amount of cooking space and plenty of power for your grilling needs.
This grill includes a side burner with a lid that can be used as additional shelf space when not in use.
The infrared element blocks any direct flame preventing flare-ups, and provides even temperatures across the entire grilling surface.
Additionally, this grill can be converted to natural gas with a conversion kit. And this Rip-Stop Cover will help protect it from the elements.
Key Features:
- Porcelain-coated, cast-iron grates
- Four 443 stainless-steel tube burners
- 32,000 BTUs
- 13,000 BTU side burner with cover
- Infinite temperature control
- 525 square inches grill area
- 200 square inches porcelain-coated warming rack
- Electronic ignition system
- 23.5" x 57.2" x 47.2"
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared Grill is our top pick for the best infrared grills.
Owners love the food they cook using this grill.
Smaller Option: Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner
The Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared is a smaller version of the larger Signature 4-burner.
This grill has three stainless-steel burners but doesn't have any cabinet storage below.
It has 24,000 BTUs with the main burner and a 10,000 BTU side burner. The 450 square inches cooking space and swing-away warming rack provides plenty of room for cooking.
2. Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared
The Char-Broil Patio Bistro is ideal for small families or those looking for an infrared grill with limited space.
With 320 square inches of total cooking space, you can cook 8 to 12 burgers with this grill.
The warming rack can be used for indirect cooking, keeping food warm, or removed when not in use.
Key Features:
- 13,000 BTU burner
- 240 square inches porcelain-coated primary cooking surface
- 80 square inches secondary cooking surface
- Black porcelain-coated grill body
- Electronic ignition
- 26" x 24.2" x 38.5"
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Char-Broil Patio Bistro is our top pick for a compact infrared grill.
It is the perfect size for 2-3 people, is compact for small places, and provides a lot of heat.
Electric Alternative: Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Electric
The Char-Broil Electric Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared is perfect for apartment buildings where gas or charcoal grills aren't allowed or for people who'd prefer not to deal with gas or charcoal.
The electric version of the Patio Bistro is similar to the gas version except for the heating element and the addition of a wire shelf below the grill.
3. Napoleon Prestige 500
The Napoleon Prestige is an excellent choice for your built-in outdoor kitchen.
This grill allows you to cook with direct heat, indirect, or infrared with the rear infrared burner. You can even add a charcoal tray for grilling and smoking.
Another cool feature of this grill is the control knobs glow red to let you know if a burner is on. And they also light up for easy nighttime use.
Key Features:
- 66,000 BTUs
- 4 stainless-steel burners
- 760 square inches of cooking area
- Infrared rear rotisserie burner
- Roll-top lid
- Accu-probe temperature gauge with identified smoking and searing ranges
- 22.25" x 25.5" x 32.5"
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Napoleon Prestige is our top pick for the best built-in infrared grill.
With versatile cooking options, ample cooking space, and excellent temperature control, this grill is a perfect option for your custom outdoor kitchen.
4. Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared
The Solaire SOL-EV17A is an excellent choice if you are looking for a portable infrared grill.
This grill is ideal for tailgating, picnics, RVs, boating, camping, and more.
The infrared burner heats up in just three minutes and is powered by 1-pound propane bottles. It can also use larger propane tanks, natural gas, or a low-pressure propane system with the proper adapter hose or conversion kit.
This grill only weighs 15 pounds, has a spring-loaded latch hood, and two side handles for easy transport.
Key Features:
- 14,000 BTUs
- Ceramic and stainless steel burner
- 140 square inches of grilling space
- Electronic, push-button ignition
- Uses 1-pound propane bottles (other gas supplies with conversion kit)
- 15 pounds
- 20" x 13.5" x 8.25"
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
If you're looking for a highly portable infrared grill, the Solaire Everywhere is an excellent choice.
With its fast heat up and high temperatures, it is ideal for when you're on the go camping, fishing, tailgating, and RVing.
5. Saber Grills 3-Burner Infrared Grill
The Saber Grills 3-Burner Infrared Grill is constructed of premium 304 stainless steel.
Saber has its own patented, closed-grate, infrared cooking system for even temperature and no flare-ups. Additionally, Saber claims it uses 30% less propane.
Unlike most grills with a temperature gauge integrated into the hood, Saber has three temperature gauges at the grate level. Each gauge is positioned by each burner. This design helps monitor the temperature when the lid is open and also helps monitor temperature in different zones for greater versatility.
And the warming rack can be raised to keep food warm or lowered directly above the grates to roast food.
Key Features:
- 24,000 BTUs
- Three burners
- Grate-level temperature gauge for each burner
- 18,000 BTU dual tube side burner
- 500 square inch main cooking area
- 175 square inch secondary cooking area
- Multiple-position warming rack
- Electronic ignition
- 2 internal halogen lights
- Convertible to natural gas
- 56.5" x 25" x 48.4"
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Saber Stainless grill is our top pick for the best premium infrared grill.
The multiple temperature gauges and adjustable warming rack provide versatile cooking options that other grills can't achieve.
6. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared
If you are looking for an infrared cooker that can handle larger cuts of meat, the Char-Broil Big Easy is what you're looking for.
If you want to "fry" your turkey for Thanksgiving, this oil-less roaster will give you excellent results. The meat retains its moisture, and the skin gets the perfect crisp. It rivals the results of an oil fryer but is safer and more nutritious.
Additionally, the grilling surface can be used for burgers, steaks, chicken, vegetables, and more.
And The Big Easy is small enough to be portable, making it perfect for tailgating and picnics.
Key Features:
- 18,000 BTUs
- 180 square inch cooking area for grilling
- Stainless steel smoker box
- 1,200 square inch smoking and roasting
- Able to roast up to a 21 lb turkey
- 36.2" x 23.4" x 23.4"
- 50 pounds
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Big Easy probably isn't what you want to replace your standard grill with. And it definitely doesn't replace a smoker.
However, it is an exceptional tool for cooking larger cuts of meat.
Once you cook a turkey in The Big Easy, you'll never want to cook it another way.
7. Magma Products Newport
Magma Products makes gear designed for boaters. However, this grill doesn't have to be limited to water use.
It has a dynamic combustion system to minimize the effects of heavy winds. It is also made of 18-9 mirror polished stainless steel for harsh environments.
One thing this grill has that none of the others on the list have is a tempered glass window. This feature is helpful to monitor your food without having to open the lid.
Key Features:
- 11,200 BTUs
- Dynamic combustion system
- Tempered glass viewing window
- 162 square inches of cooking area
- Fold-away tabletop legs (not for water use)
- Uses 1-pound propane bottles
- 22.5" x 11.63" x 11.63"
- 20 pounds
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Magma Products Newport is an excellent choice if you want a grilling option for the water. It can keep the flame going even in higher winds.
8. Char-Broil Grill2Go Portable
The Char-Broil Grill2Go is a great little grill for camping, tailgating, or taking to the beach.
It has carrying handles and weighs less than 20 pounds making it highly portable.
While most people love this little grill, the top issue is the regulator. The grill tends to run hot, so if you buy it, you may want to consider a different regulator that will fix that issue.
Key Features:
- 9,500 BTU burner
- 200 square inches of cooking space
- Stainless steel grate
- Cast aluminum firebox and lid
- Dual latches
- Uses 1-pound propane tank (available kit for 20 lb tank)
- Temperature gauge
- 23.7" x 15.7" x 13.6"
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
While you may need to buy a different regulator for better heat control, the Char-Broil Grill2Go is an excellent and rugged portable grill.
9. Royal Gourmet Mirage
The Royal Gourmet Mirage is an excellent choice if you cook for larger crowds.
With a split system (two lids and two fireboxes), you have more versatility in what can be cooked at the same time. While you can create separate zones on a grill with a single firebox, maintaining a significant temperature differential can be challenging.
Additionally, the side burner provides additional cooking options for sauces and dips.
And, while it is a large grill, the four lockable caster wheels make it easy to move around.
Key Features:
- 96,000 BTUs total output
- Six stainless steel tube burners
- Brass side burner
- Rear infrared burner
- Porcelain cast iron cooking grates
- 700 square inches of primary cooking space
- 260 square inches of secondary cooking space (warming rack)
- Split-lid design
- Stainless steel side table with hanging hooks
- Grill cover included
- 74.8" x 24.4" x 49"
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Royal Gourmet Mirage is an ideal choice if you like the versatility of having two fireboxes.
Comparison of 9 Best Infrared Grills
Here is a comparison table of the grills listed above to make comparing the main features easier.
Grill | Total Grilling Space (sq in) | BTU/hr (main burners) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 525 | 32,000 | Best Overall | |
  | 320 | 13,000 | Best Compact | |
  | 760 | 66,000 | Best Built-In | |
  | 140 | 14,000 | Best Portable | |
  | 500 | 24,000 | Best Premium | |
  | 180 | 18,000 | Ideal for large cuts of meat | |
  | 162 | 11,200 | Good choice for boating | |
  | 200 | 9,500 | Easy to take along | |
  | 700 | 96,000 | Large capacity |
What to Look For When Buying an Infrared Grill
When looking for the best infrared grills, there are several features to consider. These include:
Cooking Area
The amount of cooking area is the first factor you should consider when purchasing a new grill.
Do you have a large family or enjoy entertaining others often? What types of food do you plan on cooking or want the ability to cook?
You want to make sure you have enough room in the main cooking area to handle the amount of food you want to cook at a single time. Also, keep in mind the height if you're going be cooking larger cuts of meat.
Typically, you'll want about 400-500 square inches of cooking area for most families. However, a smaller grill can cook for 2-3 people. If you have a larger family or entertain a lot, you may want to consider something around 600 square inches or greater.
Additionally, if you like to cook vegetables, toast your buns, or just want an area to keep things warm, you'll want to make sure the grill you choose has a warming rack.
BTU
The number of BTU/hr is the specification you'll see on most gas grills.
Typically, you want something in the range of 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking space to ensure you have adequate heat to grill your food. However, infrared grills don't require as much power to achieve the same, and even higher, heat than traditional grills.
Number of Burners
The number of burners typically depends on the size of the grill.
You should have an adequate number of burners to ensure you have even heat distribution throughout the entire grill.
Additionally, if you want to be able to cook with indirect heat or different temperatures, more burners will give you greater flexibility.
Infrared Method
Most infrared grills have an infrared element under the grate. This element is what the flames heat up, and the element transfers the heat to the meat. Others have a burner that doesn't create a traditional flame but has an infrared element contained within the burner.
Some grills have a traditional grilling surface and have an additional infrared element in the back of the grill. For some grills, this element is primarily designed to work with a rotisserie system, but it can be incorporated into cooking other meat as well.
Portability
Typically, most people keep their main grill in one spot.
And if you choose to have a natural gas grill, you are typically limited to near your natural gas connection point.
However, some grills are made to be taken practically anywhere. These are great for tailgating, camping, and picnics. Additionally, some grills are designed to work with low-pressure propane systems found on some RVs.
If you plan on taking your grill with you, you'll want to ensure it isn't too heavy, you have a stable place to use it, and you have a source of gas or electricity to use it. Additionally, a grill with a latching lid is helpful when transporting your grill.
Quality of Materials and Build
Quality is one of the more complex and frustrating parts of buying a grill. The worst thing is to have a grill start rusting or paint peeling after just a single season of use.
It seems like nothing is built anymore like it was back in the day.
And some grills talk about being stainless steel, but typically that is just referring to specific components.
You'll want to look for grills with the main components (burners and grill box) made of stainless steel or cast iron, with powder-coated finishes on other surfaces. High-temperature enamel is also popular for painted surfaces of the grill.
Additionally, grates made of porcelain-enameled cast iron are typically better at retaining heat and for searing meat.
You also want to have a sturdy grill with locking wheels. A 500°F steel canister that is unstable is a disaster waiting to happen.
Extra Features
There are several other features to consider, as well.
- Is there adequate storage space?
- How accessible is the gas tank?
- What about a place to hang your grilling tools?
- Do you need a side burner?
- How easy will it be to keep clean?
- What type of ignition system does it have?
- Is there any built-in lighting?
- Does it have wheels?
- Are the wheels lockable?
- What thermometer options are available?
- What kind of warranty does it have?
Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Grills
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about the best infrared grills.
If you want to learn more about BTUs or if you should use natural gas vs. propane, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section of our Best Grills Under $500 article.
What is the Difference Between an Infrared Grill and a Traditional Grill?
Infrared grills use an infrared element to radiate heat to the food. A traditional grill uses direct flame and convection (circulating hot air) to cook the food. Convection tends to dry out food, while the radiant heat helps maintain moisture in the food.
Cooking with an infrared grill is also slightly different from traditional grilling methods due to the higher heat, so it can be an adjustment when you first start using it.
What are the Advantages of an Infrared Grill?
Infrared grills have several advantages over a traditional grill, including:
- Better heat distribution
- Reduced flare-ups
- Less fuel consumption
- Faster cooking times due
- Increased heat
- Faster preheat times
- Great at searing steak
- Maintain moisture in meats
What are the Disadvantages of an Infrared Grill?
While there are several advantages, there are a few disadvantages:
- More expensive than their comparable-sized standard gas grills
- Due to their intense heat, they can quickly burn your food
- Harder to cook at lower temperatures - if you like to cook vegetables or other foods requiring low heat, make sure the grill can operate at lower temperatures
How to Clean an Infrared Grill?
Keeping an infrared grill clean is similar to a traditional grill. Using a grill brush with water when the grill is hot is the most effective method to keep your grates clean.
Additionally, due to the high heat possible with an infrared grill, running it on high for 10-15 minutes will burn off most remaining residue. After the grill cools completely, it can be wiped down with a wet cloth.
Summary of the Best Infrared Grills
Deciding to buy an infrared grill is a big choice, especially if you've never used one.
While it may take some getting used to, once you have it figured out, an infrared grill can cook some of the most delicious steaks you've ever had.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on choosing the best infrared grill and helping you make a decision you'll be happy with.