What is the best infrared grill? There are many different types of grills on the market, but not all of them are created equal. For some people, it’s important to have a grill that can be used for both charcoal and gas. Others want an electric grill with its own stand so they don’t need any other utensils or accessories. If you’re looking for something sleek and powerful, then this article will show you 8 great options!
What is an Infrared Grill?
Infrared grills use infrared heat (or radiant heat) to cook the food, as opposed to having burners that bring the cooking surface up to high temperatures. The advantage of using infrared is that it requires less time for the grill to reach desired cooking temperatures. This means that foods can be cooked at a faster rate. Infrared grills can also be beneficial because they do not produce flame flare-ups
An added benefit is the energy efficiency of an infrared grill. With traditional gas or charcoal grills, about 90% of your gas bill is being used by the burner only 10% reaches your food. With an infrared grill, an estimated 40% of your propane goes towards heating up your cooking area and 60% towards making your food delicious.
Infrared grills are also beneficial because they require less attention than traditional gas or charcoal grills. Many infrared grills have automated features that allow for the user to set desired grill temperatures and only engage the burner when necessary to maintain those settings. The lack of open flame makes it easy to clean up after grilling, as there is no ash left over from burning wood or charcoal. Also, infrared burners do not need to be lit with a match, saving you valuable time.
Differences Between Types Of Infrared Grills
There are two main categories of infrared grills: gas-fired and electric-fired. Within these categories, there are distinct differences in how each type of grill operates. When selecting an infrared grill, consider factors such as propane usage, BTU burners, cooking area, durability, ease of use and clean up.
When using a gas-fired infrared grill, the infrared burner is usually powered by propane or natural gas. There are also some models that use butane. The food is cooked quickly due to the intense heat supplied by these burners. These grills work similar to regular gas grills in that they have turn knobs for heat control and a regulator to adjust flame height . Some models even have additional features such as side burners and rotisseries. Many models also come with a built-in thermometer gauge for more accurate temperature readings
An electric-fired infrared grill uses electrical coils similar to those found in electric ovens. As opposed to using natural gas or propane, these grills have an electric power cord that plugs into a standard wall outlet. Although more expensive, many users prefer this type of grill because it does not require the user to purchase propane tanks or attach hoses for gas hook-ups. Instead, the food is cooked on plates that are heated by electrical coils. These models are considerably less expensive than similar gas-fired infrared grills with comparable features, but do come with some drawbacks. For example, only one plate can be used at a time and they cook slowly. This makes them best suited for cooking relatively small portions of food simultaneously
Benefits of Infrared Grills
There are many benefits of using an infrared grill. These include:
- Cooks food quickly – Because infrared grills have a high heat output, they can reduce cooking time by up to 50%. This is beneficial for individuals that do not want to wait long periods of time for their food to be ready. It also reduces the amount of energy used which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 25%
- Requires less attention – Many infrared grills have automated features that allow you to set desired temperatures and only engage the burner when necessary for maintaining those settings. This makes it easier for you as a user because there is no need to constantly monitor your food while it cooks.
- Energy efficient – With traditional gas or charcoal grills, about 90% of your gas bill is spent on the burner only 10% reaches your food. With an infrared grill, about 40% goes towards heating up the cooking area and 60% towards making your food delicious. This means you will spend less money on energy costs
- Easy to clean – There are no open flames when using an infrared grill which makes it much easier to clean than traditional gas or charcoal grills that collect ash after use.
- Food tastes better – Because infrared burners don’t need to be lit with a match, there is no charring of food. This results in better tasting food that is more appealing to the eye as well
- Higher BTU output – Gas-fired and electric-fired infrared grills require high BTU output for cooking properly. The higher the number, the greater the intensity of heat will be reaching your food
Best Infrared Grills Reviewed
1. Char Broil Infrared Grill
The Char-Broil 463370719 Performance TRU-Infrared 3 Burner Cart Style Gas Grill is the ideal cooking station for anyone looking to bring back their barbecue days of summer. With rust-resistant porcelain coated cast iron grates, stainless steel top pored burners, and a wide temperature range with precise control, this grill comes out on top in delivering that juicy and flavorful food you’ve been craving all fall long.
It’s built with stainless steel and offers an electronic ignition system for easy start up, as well as ample cooking space with its fold-down lid. This particular model has a temperature gauge mounted on the lid for increased heat monitoring and control. For hands-free cooking while you’re tending to other tasks at your house, there’s also a side burner perfect for their favorite recipe or salsa – without having to wait long lines at your local barbecue shack!
2. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill
The Char-Broil X200 Portable Gas Grill features a cast aluminum firebox and high-impact frame with legs for stability on uneven terrain. It’s perfect for tailgating, picnics, camping or cookouts. The grill includes side carrying handles so it’s easy to transport when you’re ready to take your grilling skills anywhere! Plus – the lid has stainless steel latches so it will stay securely closed while you are cooking up flavor in no time. Control temperature easily by quickly checking the lid mounted thermometer and push button ignition makes starting the grill quick and simple.
The Char-Broil Grill2Go is the perfect way to enjoy high-quality grilled food, anywhere you are. With its simple design and lightweight frame, this grill can be easily carried with one hand while fishing, camping or just relaxing at the beach. It features 200 square inches of cooking space so it’s great for preparing food for large groups of up to ten people. One push of a button lights the grill up in three minutes so you don’t have to worry about being late when trying to figure out how best to heat up your food before it gets cold.
3. Royal Gourmet GA5403B Premier 5 BBQ Propane Gas Grill
The Royal 5 is a heavy-duty model that can grill anything you throw at it. With four main burners, and an enormous sear burner—it’ll be like grilling in your all-purpose kitchen. The 7 strong power burners provide 74,000 BTU output with precision control for each burner; adjust the temperature to suit your needs without waiting too long between batches or steaks. On top of cooking up some tasty food, the rotisserie kit takes things one step further and ensures even browning all around and succulent meat inside and out by using infrared rear burner for high heat searing or slow spit roasting with added versatility at cookouts.
The Royal Gourmet TC5403B Premier 5 BBQ Propane Gas Grill is perfect for grilling at home or in the backyard. The Cooking Space includes 738 sq. in of cooking space in total, including 566 sq. in of porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and 172 sq. inof porcelain-enameled steel wire warming rack that accommodate about 18 hamburgers simultaneously.
This grill’s hassle-free cleanup allows you to remove its grease tray and grease cup components – these collect the excess grease and residues which help reduce the risk of flare-ups when grilling consistently! Additionally, it has stainless steel flame tamers that distribute even heat with every use, a side table for ample workspace and a large upper storage shelf. The grill’s stainless steel cart is also an attractive touch of elegance that easily fits into any outdoor patio theme or décor.
4. Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO 500 RSIB Propane Gas Grill
The newest Pro 500 grills are sleek, sophisticated, and ready for any grill enthusiast. Stopping at nothing less than perfection, you’ll find what makes this gas grill worth the name Napoleon. Built with high quality stainless steel construction, front lock construction ensures safety for stored propane cylinders (ordered separately).
Side & rear infrared tubes allow perfect heat distribution without cumbersome side or rear burners. It has the famous wave cooking grids which provide those distinctive grill marks on your food; steak especially! Storage capacity is up there too with either 200-sq” of space inside or an extra 100 sq inches on the back patio thanks to our dual lid storage tray system that’s easy enough to remove thanks to its new size adjustment feature!
5. Magma Products Newport 2 Infra Red, Gourmet Series Gas Grill
The Newport 2 Infra Red, Gourmet Series Gas Grill design is not only eye-catching but practical. With a full double lined lower shell and hermetically sealed thermometer, you can rest assured that this grill will leave your food crisp and flavorful.
Additionally, with its integrated fold-away legs and locking front access grease tray, the Newport 2 offers plenty of room for cooking while still leaving ample storage space for utensils and supplies below.
Boasting an 9″x18″ (162 sq. in.) grilling area that accommodates all sizes of meals from barbecue chicken to golden brown Arctic char perfection and everything in between, this amazing product grows better with every use!
6. Camplux Propane Infrared Steak Grill
Camplux is the perfect grill for any time of day, whether you want to cook your steak in 5 minutes or barbecue your pork ribs. The Camplux propane infrared grill comes with all the features that make outdoor grilling fast and easy. Its 10,000 BTU engine can get up to 1600°F within 2 minutes so it’s ready to cook almost anything! With its spacious cooking area, sleek black exterior and comfortable handle, Camplux is truly one-of-a-kind. You don’t have to worry about cleaning this remarkable machine either because it has an easy clean surface finish where all grease just wicks off – no scrubbing necessary!
Be it gas or charcoal, this outdoor infrared grill has adjustable heights for grilling big steaks or mincing meat. Lower your risk of ingesting harmful chemicals like MSG by cooking with infrared radiant technology (also great for delectable toast!). Experience grilling with a difference.
The Camplux Infrared Gas Grill is equipped with retractable type heating grids frame ensure safety while you cook outside brings better taste of food by reducing smoke. Its patented height adjustment feature in five layers accommodate large pieces of meats while folding shelves allow you plenty of space to organise your utensils beforehand. With its portable design, this camping grill can be folded flat for effortless storage and transportation. The Camplux infrared gas grill is sure to give you the perfect bbq every time!
7. Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 525 4-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Large grills deliver family-sized solutions for the master griller. This professional grill is perfect for those looking for high performance and premium features like durable porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grate and top ported 443 Stainless steel burners, which can be easily adjusted to provide both high or very low temperatures throughout the cookin g surface. It’s these features that will give you ultimate satisfaction and let you grill all day long without frying your food!
With 525 sq in of cooking space and 200 sq in warmed rack, the Signature TRU Infrared 525 4-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill allows you to cook for a party’s worth without worrying about finding enough room. The stainless steel shelves and side burner offer extra work space when needed; grill easily converts from propane to natural gas.
8. Broilmaster R3 Infrared Propane Gas Grill
Come hang out on a deck and enjoy some times with friends and family. At the end of the day, there’s no better way to clean up your mess than with a Broilmaster R3 Infrared Propane Gas Grill. Built from heavy-duty cast aluminum construction to last a lifetime, this grill is ready for anything – even spilling beer on it by accident!
But don’t worry because not only does the V-Channel cooking grid grab drippings that would have just gone into your yard or down your storm drain, turning them into delicious smoke that adds flavor to any food, but the Stainless steel adjustable lids stop automatically centers heat so you can dial in just the right temperature for whatever seafood feast you’re cooking. Plus cleanup is quick and easy with the easy-roll wheels and removable grease tray.
The R3 Infrared Series gas grill by Broilmaster is the ultimate barbecue. It features 40,000 BTU dual infrared burners to vaporize any drippings for quick and easy cooking. The 695 square inch grilling area on this stainless steel beauty also includes V-channel grids and a multi-position lid stop for more options when it comes to the perfect sear on the food of your choosing.
Plus, this stainless steel model includes an added benefit: a locking wheeled cart that makes transporting your delicious food from backyard cookouts or even tailgates simple!
How We Tested
The best way to test and compare infrared grills is through empirical measurements, which we trust more than reviews and opinions. This involved cooking as many ribs as possible, as quickly as possible on each of the grills.
To do this, we used a digital thermometer to measure the temperature at multiple locations on the grill surface as well as inside the meat. We also used an accurate timer to record how long it took for each grill to cook four slabs of spareribs (about 14 pounds total) to between 180 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit — tender enough that you can pull them apart with your hands but still good and juicy. The higher the temperature and the shorter the time, the better for flavor and texture; lower temperatures take longer, but are better at retaining moisture.
Eight of the infrared grills we tested use infrared burners, which have a ceramic covering that is heated by propane or natural gas flames to about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This produces intense direct heat, which caramelizes the meat surface and locks in juices. The fourth grill uses a hot plate to generate high heat from an electric heating element.
We found that each grill had its own personality in terms of how evenly it cooked the ribs and how easy it was to control the cooking temperature. Some performed well on one aspect while falling short on another, which makes choosing any one clear winner difficult.
To help you find the best infrared grill for your needs among our four top picks, we provide some features to look for in an infrared grill.
What To Look For When Buying An Infrared Grill
When looking to purchase an infrared grill, there are several things you should consider. These include:
- BTU output and burners – A higher BTU Gas output is perfect for grilling large cuts of meat such as steaks and roasts . If you plan on cooking smaller portions, then a gas model with at least six burners will be sufficient. The more burners that your grill has, the better it will be able to maintain the temperature level that you desire
- Cooking area – Larger cooking areas can accommodate multiple food items at once, making them ideal for barbecues or outdoor parties. However, if there are only two people living in your household and you don’t mind cooking your food single-serve portions, then a smaller cooking area may be sufficient
- Consumption of gas – Gas grills are more efficient than electric models, which need about an hour to preheat. Many models offer you the option of using either gas or electricity. For people who live in urban areas near power lines, this is especially beneficial because they can restrict the use of their grill to times where it is most affordable
- Ease of cleaning – Although infrared grills tend to be easier to clean than traditional charcoal and gas grills, there are still some models that require less time and effort on your part
- Cost – Infrared grills come in a wide range of prices that vary depending on size, BTU output, type of fuel used and the amount of features that it has. Before purchasing any model, make sure you check out its price on different websites to ensure you aren’t paying too much for a grill
- Warranty – Some infrared models come with warranties as long as 10 years (for residential models) and 2 years (for commercial models). If you feel like your infrared grill will experience problems down the road, this can ensure that those issues are covered by the manufacturer.
Infrared Grill FAQs
How long should I cook food on an infrared grill?
A: You can cook your food for as little or as much time as you desire. It all depends on the type of food and how well done you want it to be
What is a good temperature range for grills?
A: Temperature ranges vary depending on the model, but most infrared grills have a cooking area that reaches between 400°F and 600°F. The best way to ensure that you are maintaining this temperature level is by keeping the lid closed while your food cooks
How do I clean my infrared grill?
A: There are several different cleaning methods, but many people prefer using a damp paper towel and a soft bristle brush to wipe down the grates. Other people choose to pour water into their grill after it has cooled down, then scrubbing with a sponge. The best way to clean your infrared grill is by reading the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer
What are some great side dishes I can make on my infrared grill?
A- Any traditional barbecue dish would taste amazing on an infrared grill. You will get the same delicious results as you do when using gas or charcoal grills , so there is no need to worry about sacrificing anything for this benefit
Are all types of meats well suited for cooking on an infrared grill?
A: Yes. Infrared cookers work perfectly for any type of meat that requires grilling, including red meats, poultry, and seafood
What are the best cuts of meat to cook on an infrared grill?
A: Some people prefer cooking leaner cuts of meat because they tend to become dried out when using traditional barbecue methods. If you want your food to maintain its moisture while grilling, opt for a fattier cut of meat. You can also sprinkle salt or other seasonings onto your meat before cooking it if you desire
Conclusion
An infrared grill is a great addition to any household. It functions the same as traditional gas or charcoal grill and it is just as easy to use. With an infrared grill, you can still achieve that delicious barbecue flavor without having to sacrifice your indoor cooking space – and it requires significantly less cleanup than other types of grills.
