When it comes to power efficiency and moisture-locking performance, there are few better types of grill than infrared. Find the right one for you with our guide to the best infrared grills of this year.
Our Top 3 Infrared Grills
OUR #1 RATED
Napoleon Prestige 500
With 48,000 BTUs of power spread over four burners, this grill has a lot of grilling power considering that it's a (sort of) portable unit.
BEST BUDGET GRILL
Char-Broil Performance 450
If you're wanting to make the step up from Char Broil's Signature series, then the Performance 450 is the perfect entry point to their more senior grills.
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
Char-Broil Signature 525
A premium, portable fire & stone pizza oven. It reaches high temperatures of over 932ºF to give you the ideal balance of thin base and perfectly puffed up, charred artisan crust - in just 60 seconds.
There are few types of grill that are as fuel-efficient and high performing as infrareds. Their build is designed to ensure every ounce of power is used to its maximum, all while using radiant heat to cook the food beautifully without leaving it prone to drying out.
If you're new to the infrared game then this list of the infrared grill reviews will show you what you've been missing out on.
Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500
I get excited whenever I get my hands on a Napoleon grill. Part of it is because it's not everyday you get to use a high-end product, but the brand make grills that are simply incredible to use.
WHY IT'S OUR #1 PICK
This grill uses its 48,000 BTUs to the maximum, with excellent heat retention and very generous cooking space. It's built to last, and has probably the best heat distribution we've seen on an infrared grill.
The Canadian brand know what they're doing, and the Prestige 500 is proof of that.
With 48,000 BTUs of power spread over four burners, this grill has a lot of grilling power considering that it's a (sort of) portable unit.
On top of these burners sits a generous 500 square inches of cooking space, with an added 260 square inches on its side burners and warming racks.
Like any good infrared grill, it has porcelain enamled grates sitting over infrared covered burners. It's powerful, it cooks evenly, and it will get the very most out of your propane stock.
Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 450
If you're wanting to make the step up from Char Broil's Signature series, then the Performance 450 is the perfect entry point to their more senior grills.
- 450 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated grates
- 150 square inch porcelain-coated swing-a-way rack for warming
- Three top-ported tube burners for lasting performance and better temperature control
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This 3 burner unit isn't just one of their most popular infrared grills, but is one of their most popular grills. Period.
It has 34,000 BTUs in total, with 24,000 across its main grilling area, and the other 10,000 given to its side burner.
This is technically a mid size grill, but at 450 square inches its cooking space is more than large enough to handle enough food for home use.
Its porcelain coated grills are perfect for great heat retention and distribution, and are also rust resistant. Any grill that boasts these immediately has my attention, so I'm pleased that Char Broil offers them at pretty much every level of grill they now offer.
Not just this though, but also their warming rack is also porcelain enameled. In most cases, the warming rack on a grill is often neglected and left with cheap materials. Not so here.
Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 525
Char-Broil are one of my favorite brands when it comes to matching performance with affordability, and this Tru-Infrared grill is the perfect example of this.
- 525 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- 200 square inch porcelain-coated warming rack
- Four top-ported 443 stainless steel tube burners for lasting performance and better temperature...
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model actually had a redesign in 2015 where its steel grates were replaced with porcelain-coated cast iron grates. These are far better at retaining and distributing heat, and this works in combination with its infrared emitter to provide a highly energy-efficient cooking environment.
This also packs in a more powerful punch, with four 8,000 BTU burners, fuelling the grill’s emitter that transforms the convection heat into infrared heat.
All of this and it comes with a 13,000 BTU side burner for cooking side dishes or even searing meat for a beautiful BBQ finish. Plus, its cooking grates are 725 square inches in size, offering a generous amount of cooking space.
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro
This is a small and good value grill that’s perfect for small patios and balconies alike. It’s a perfect option for either newbie BBQ cooks, or people who just want something small and simple.
- Small on size, mighty on features - perfect for a patio or balcony
- Cooking System:Gas TRU-Infrared
- Electronic ignition integrated into gas control knob for a wide range of temperatures
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Its modest size makes it easy to move around and also store away, and while its 240-square-inch grill size is well overshadowed by more premium grills, it’s more than enough for cooking for 4 people.
Again, its power output of 13,000 BTUs is low compared to premium gas models, but its infrared technology more than helps to make up for this without even using that much fuel. All of this while achieving an even cook, without any hot spots or flare ups.
Check out my guide to some of the other best small grills
Solaire 27-Inch Basic Infrared Propane Pedestal Grill
This unusual looking grill from Solaire packs in 24,000 BTUs of power underneath its infrared plates.
- Two infrared burners and electronic push-button ignition; easy assembly of pedestal required
- 473 square inches of grilling space (fits fifteen 4-inch hamburgers); 24,000 BTU/hour; 49.4...
- Stainless steel welded construction; made in the USA by 102-year-old family business
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
While 24,000 BTUs might seem a bit modest, this grill is extremely energy efficient (partly owing to its infrared burners, partly owing to its shape). It heats up in just a few minutes, which is extremely quick, even for a gas grill.
It offers features that we come to expect from modern grills, like a drip tray and a warming rack. However Solaire have gone the extra mile and also included a grill cover, a griddle plate and an insulated jacket.
It's a sturdy and robust grill, and testament to this is the fact that Solaire have included a lifetime warranty with it. If they're that confident in this grill then you should be too.
Magma Newport 2 Infrared Grill
This highly portable grill has foldaway legs for easy mobility and storage. Its size is very unassuming, so is perfect for small homes or apartments. Because of this it can even be great for camping.
- New tempered glass viewing window New beautiful rounded edge design Redesigned dynamic...
- Made in the U.S.A. Constructed of 100% 18-9 marine grade mirror polished stainless steel Full...
- Equipped with integrated fold-away legs Locking front access grease tray 9"x18" (162 Sq. In.)...
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It’s made with marine-grade stainless steel that makes it extremely durable and robust, and even stands up against the elements should you decide to take it camping with you. Considering that infrared grills are often aimed at people with a strict budget, this is excellent value.
It only has one burner, which only fires at 11,200 BTU and a mex temperature of 500°F. This is quite low compared to other grills, however its heat plates does ensure that the heat that it does provide is spread evenly and efficiently.
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Commercial 3-Burner
One of its strongest features is that, unlike a lot of other infrared grills, is that it has superb temperature control that even allows you dial down the levels to go for low and slow cooking.
- Exclusive stainless steel finish for increased style and durability
- TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups, delivers even-heat and cooks juicier food
- 450-square-inches of primary cooking space is great for most cookouts
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a great grill that offers a lot more than some of the other infrareds on this list. It comes with 3 burners, combining to offer you a good deal of BTU power, while its grate area covers a very generous 500 square inches. It also gives you enough space beneath its grates to accommodate wood chips or pellets, which you can use to recreate the authentic smoky taste that a charcoal grill or smoker would.
It’s also a great performer. It packs in a good deal of power, while its stainless steel plates distribute heat efficiently and evenly. These plates are also placed to reheat excess oil and moisture, infusing your meat with extra flavor.
As nice little bonuses, it offers a wide temperature range, a side burner, and a warming rack.
Royal Gourmet Mirage MG6001-R
We go from a modest tailgate grill to something a lot more serious. The Royal Gourmet Mirage boasts a lot of power, with its different burners combining to provide 96,000 BTUs of grilling power.
- 697 sq. in. of primary cooking area provides ample cooking space
- Package length :50.4"
- Package width :30.1"
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It has close to 700 square inches of grilling space, with porcelain cast iron grates to ensure that heat is distributed evenly across its surface. Further to this it also has a large warming rack to help you load on even more food, as well as built-in thermometers so you can easily monitor your cooking temperatures.
Given all of this, it’s incredible value for money and one of the best grills of its kind out there.
Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 420
Char Broil's Signature series is more stripped back and beginner friendly than their Performance grills, but don't let that fool you. This is still a powerful grill that offers plenty of cooking space, as well as a mean side burner on top of its main three burners.
- 420 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- 155 square inch porcelain-coated warming rack, 13,000 BTU side burner
- Three top-ported 443 stainless steel tube burners for lasting performance and better...
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Just as strong at smoking as it is at grilling, the Signature 420 uses its infrared burners to their full potential.
To help ensure maximum grilling power efficiency, it has porcelain enameled iron grilling grates. The porcelain coating helps distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface, further reducing the risk of cold spots and flare-ups.
Char Broil have also kept natural gas in mind, and have an add-on in the form of a conversion kit. If you want to make the change from propane to natural gas, then you can do so easily with this unit.
If you want something bigger then you might want to look towards Char-Broil's Performance grills, but if you're after something that represents better value for money then you Signature 420 could be perfect for you.
Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 325
Back to the Char Broil Signature series here but this one is too good not to mention.
- 325 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- 120 square inch porcelain-coated swing-a-way rack for warming
- Two top-ported 443 stainless steel tube burners for lasting performance and better temperature...
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The most obvious difference between this and the other Char Broils on this list is the size. As specified in the grill's name, the grill surface is 325 square inches, compared to the 420 and 450 square inches on the premium models.
325 square inches is still enough for most home users though, so there is still plenty of bang for your buck to be earned here.
The Signature 325 features everything the other models offers, including one-touch instant ignition from their Surefire tech, and a very fast heat up time.
Underneath its satin enameled grates is the Tru-Infrared burners, which help to reduce flare-ups and allow your meat to retain more moisture.
Blaze Grills 32" 4-Burner Built-In
The prospect of getting a built-in grill can be daunting, but if you have the patio space to build a BBQ island to mount one on then you should seriously consider it.
- Model #: BLZ-4-LP
- Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
- Grill Only
Last update on 2020-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Like a lot of built-in grills, this unit from Blazes rammed full of power Each of its 4 burners packs in 18,000 BTUs of cooking power, giving you 72,000 BTUs in total.
This is impressive in itself, but even more so when factored in with its infrared plate and positioning under 812 square inches of cooking space. Not only is it huge, but every single inch of space gets the absolute most out of its heating potential.
If you need something more affordable than a gas grill yet easier to use than a charcoal grill, then an infrared grill can be the perfect medium.
Here’s why you should consider getting one.
What is an infrared grill?
Infrared grills differ from their standard charcoal or gas counterparts due to the fact that they heat up their food by radiation.
Where charcoal and gas models use hot air flow or convection heat to cook food, infrared grills don’t rely on this airflow. Instead, they contain a glass or metal plate that absorbs heat from its burners, which in turn then radiates it towards the food.
How does infrared grilling work?
The main feature that separates infrared grills from other types is the panel that sits underneath the grates of the grill. This panel is often constructed from ceramic tiles or certain types of metal.
This panel performs two main functions. One is to help reduce severe fluctuations in temperature across the grill's surface by protecting the main cooking area from direct exposure to flames. The other function is to distribute heat more evenly across the grill.
Source: Char-Broil
So rather than produce the convective air flow that we normally see with traditional charcoal or gas grilling, the panel absorbs heat from the burners and then emits it in the form of radiant heat.
This is very different to traditional grilling, but is a far better means of reducing the risk of flare-ups and cold spots, and is also a far more efficient use of fuel.
This also has another key benefit: Your meat is far less likely to dry out. Cooking it with radiant heat allows you to cook at far steadier temperatures, which helps your food retain a lot of its natural juices and moisture.
Of all the different types of infrared burners, ceramic is your best bet for achieving higher grill temperatures (source).
What are the benefits of an infrared grill?
Compared to both traditional gas and charcoal grills, infrareds are lightning quick at heating up. Depending on your target temperature, they usually take about 3-5 minutes. Charcoal grills are difficult to light, famously take somewhere around 30-40 minutes to heat up, and gas about 15, so this quick heat up time is a huge plus.
Not only do they achieve an excellent heat up time, but the temperature to which they’re capable of hitting is remarkable. They average about 900 degrees fahrenheit.
The combination of both of these features means that you are effectively halving the amount of time you need for cooking (source), meaning you don’t have to agonise over every step of your BBQ and you can get on with the more important things: Enjoying the barbecue.
Infrareds are also far more energy efficient than gas or charcoal. They use less energy, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient for you to run.
The absence of hot air flow also means that your food is far less prone to drying out. With a lot of forms of BBQ, particularly indirect cooking, a problem can arise in the meat being over exposed to hot, dry air, which can leave your food bland and dry. With this air flow not being present in infrareds, your meat can retain its moisture, resulting in a far juicier cut of meat come meal time.
Flavor also compares really favorably on infrared grills. With the plate placed beneath the food during cooking, the juices that drip off fall directly onto it before vaporizing and going straight back into your meat, infusing it with even more flavor.
A big problem with charcoal grills in particular is uneven heat across the grill surface. This can result in hot and cold spots, and can be a challenge to get around in order to cook your meat properly. Due to the very nature of radiation cooking, this simply isn’t an issue with infrared grills. They manage to cook your food evenly every single time, giving you consistently well cooked food.
