Infrared grills offer a whole new facet of outdoor cooking. Traditional grills achieve their delicious results through convection, which works by increasing the temperature in the cooking chamber and transferring the heat to the food through the air. Infrared grills use radiation rather than convection. This radiation is safe and heats the food directly.
Infrared grills heat up faster than conventional grills and produce ultra-high temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They provide even heat, cook more quickly, offer excellent searing capability, use less fuel, and are easy to clean. While infrared grills are relatively simple to use, there can be a bit of a learning curve. It is easy to overcook or burn the first few attempts, because the speed and high temperatures offer a different experience than conventional grills.
Finding the best infrared grill for your backyard barbecue can be an exciting and fun proposition. Check out our list to see some of the best infrared grills on the market for your backyard barbecue.
Our Top Picks
Finding the best infrared grill doesn’t have to be a challenge. Read on to check out some of the best options on the market based on grilling area, construction material, portability, and bonus features.
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This three-burner gas grill from Char-Broil looks like a conventional grill but houses Char-Broil’s patented TRU-Infrared technology. Though powered by gas, this is an infrared grill that’s exceptionally competent at delivering even heat.
With 450 square inches of cooking space, this grill is suitable for most family or casual outdoor gatherings. Stainless steel construction provides durability and longevity, and the porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean and resistant to corrosion. This grill is easy to start with a push-button ignition.
Char-Broil offers solid construction, ample cooking space, and an attractive design.
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This two-burner infrared grill is 22.5 inches by 46.8 inches by 47.2 inches, making it an ideal size for a deck or a patio. Powered by propane, no external power is required for operation, and stainless steel construction offers durability.
Shelves offer extra work space for prepping and they fold in for storage. The grill is easy to move as it comes equipped with a sturdy set of wheels. The modern design is stylish and accented with LED lights.
Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates provide an ample 325 square inches of cooking area, which is enough space to handle most family dinners or moderate-sized gatherings. The combination of durability, aesthetics, and functionality earns this grill the runner up award.
Photo: amazon.com
This grill will have backyard cooks delivering infrared heat to their favorite food in no time. Though not as large as some other offerings, this grill offers infrared technology, an attractive design, a smaller footprint, and wheels for easy transportation.
Powered electrically, this grill is not only friendly to the budget but also a great choice for places where gas or charcoal grills are not allowed. With a smaller footprint at just about 2 square feet, it does not take up a lot of space on patios and decks.
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This infrared grill offers a whopping 525 square inches of grilling area along with an additional 200-square-inch porcelain-coated warming rack. An ignition system lights this liquid propane-powered infrared grill. A separately purchased natural-gas conversion kit is available if liquid propane is not preferred.
A 13,000-BTU side burner complements the four 443-grade stainless steel tube burners for premium temperature control and durability. This grill tips the scales at 163 pounds and is 23.5 inches by 57.2 inches by 47.2 inches. Its mounted wheels offset its weight and size for easy movement.
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For infrared technology on the go, this portable infrared grill from Char-Broil is an option. Weighing about 20 pounds, it is 23.87 inches by 15 inches by 13.6 inches. Powered by liquid propane, this infrared grill is perfect for those who wish to grill without plugging into an outlet or hauling bags of charcoal around. Sturdy carrying handles add to its portability.
The cast aluminum firebox is secured with stainless steel latches. An external temperature gauge on the top makes it possible to monitor the food without opening the lid. Though far from the largest grill on the market, the Grill2Go packs 200 square inches of cooking area into a tidy and respectable package for portable grilling.
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Go beyond grilling with this multipurpose infrared offering from Char-Broil. Using infrared heat, The Big Easy is excellent for smoking, roasting, and grilling. The included 1,200-square-inch roasting basket accommodates turkeys, ribs, roasts, or other large cuts up to 25 pounds. With 180 square inches of grilling space, this is not the largest grill on this list but makes up for it with multiple functions.
The propane-powered smoker weighs less than 25 pounds and measures 23 inches by 24 inches by 36 inches. While black on the outside, The Big Easy boasts stainless steel construction for extended durability. Convenient carrying handles makes it easy to pick up, but the lack of wheels make this grill a semipermanent installation.
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For grilling from the comfort of the great indoors, this smokeless infrared grill by Tenergy fits the bill. Tenergy’s infrared grill produces 80 percent less smoke than other indoor grills. It heats up to a grilling temperature of 446 degrees Fahrenheit within six minutes of powering on.
This grill has a built-in shutoff that cuts the energy if the internal temperature is too high. Setup and breakdown are quick and easy as the grill assembles from two main parts and breaks down into dishwasher-safe components for hassle-free cleanup. Keep it simple and delicious by getting the grill flavor indoors or out.
