Timeout with friends and relatives makes life a little bit bearable. You see, human beings are social animals and are at their best when among peers. Among the top activities that bring folks together include picnicking.
However, an outing or picnicking is never complete without a bite of the freshly grilled steak to heighten taste buds and enhance the happiness of the group. The ideal choice to bring the best in a piece of steak is an infrared grill.
The best infrared grill not only makes your dish tasty but also underscores efficiency and safety. The equipment employs the latest technology in cooking food through radiation rather than hot air. There are benefits to this method of cooking, but we will get to it later.
How did we analyze and select the best models?
You know how much time it can take to go through the various products to determine which among them is best. But we didn’t mind doing it for you. It is a case of ‘one good turn deserves another,’ don’t you think so?
It took us several weeks of reading what customers were saying regarding the various infrared grills and testing to confirm their claims. To that effect, we sourced some of the best sellers and set them up by ourselves to determine the ease at which you can do it. Handling each part separately also gave us a good grasp of the quality of the components – attention to details is key to achieving the best, and it helped us list the infrared grills pros and cons.
We then timed the various grills as to how much time it took to reach optimal temperatures; around 350 degrees, and the efficiency at which each grilled achieved. We did not forget to note the frustrations associated with using each of them.
After so much time testing and weighing the merits of each, we pulled it through and came up with a list of 12 best infrared grill on the market.
12 best infrared grill - comparisons
Best infrared grill on the market : In-Depth review
1. Char broil patio bistro electric grill review
Without seeming to sugarcoat anything, Char-Broil is the Ferrari brand in the world of infrared grills, and nothing best highlights this fact like this product. In other words, this infrared grill deserves to be our top choice any day. But why?
A 3-in-1 Grill:
It is not many infrared grills on the market that gives you three cooking options like this char broil tru infrared grill does. Specifically, you can smoke, grill and roast your food accordingly. All you need to do is choose the most appropriate for the dish you need to be cooked.
The functionality fires your creativity and can try different recipes and cooking methods to determine which among them fits a specific dish to impress your date or friends from work.
Convenient and Efficient:
When we refer to this infrared grill as a Ferrari, we are trying to underscore its associated quality. For starters, the 13,000 BTU propane burner can produce sufficient heat to cook various types of food item evenly, retaining the flavor and juice in the process. It has no flare-ups, no hot or cold spots and takes less cooking time then it's peers.
We were pretty impressed with the warm-up temperature of this grill. Basically, it features an electronic ignition technology that enables the grill to heat 650 degree Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes from start up (maximum temperature is 700 degrees F). That was really amazing!
The grill features a 320 square inches of stainless steel grilling space that allows you to cook different types of food item. Although the cooking surface is not as big as a full size infrared grill but, large enough to do some real grilling performance. We found that, It can cook 8-12 burgers at a time.
The great advantage of using char broil infrared grill is that, you don't need to use any kind of cooking oil to get the best result, since the grill use infrared technology to cook food. Such a feature also reduce cooking time significantly, as there is no waiting for the oil to heat up fully.
Besides cooking efficiently, the grill is also easy to use, as the control panel is just equipped with a on/off switch and a temperature control dial which has five different temperature settings option.This tru infrared grill is portable and has a perfect size that easily fits into your small patio or balcony.
Drawbacks:
Well, putting it together may not be as easy as it seems. The smoker may also not be the best, according to various charbroil infrared grill reviews. The grilling surface is perfect for 2/3 people but would not be the right equipment to serve a large gathering.
Our Verdict:
The infrared grill is a decent quality product to own. With this grill, cooking has never been this fun, and you can cook as much as you like.
2. Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill
( Best Infrared Grill Under 300 )
There’s so much fun in quick, smokeless and efficient cooking. Sometimes we are so tired to do anything after a problematic day running to and fro. It is at such a time that such equipment as Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill comes in handy. It's one of the best infrared indoor grill available in the market, which is very convenient to use in your kitchen counter top. But there’s more to just convenience, that makes the infrared grill, a top choice.
Convenience and Efficiency:
There’s so much that makes this a top product and among them is convenience and efficiency. The Philips infrared grill is efficient in cooking, and no heat gets lost. It features individual reflectors to contain the temperature within the system for even grilling of the food.
And unlike some of its peers, the infrared grill heats up to consistent temperatures of 446 degrees Fahrenheit, and you don’t need to adjust the heat in any way.
Smokeless Cooking:
The selling point of this infrared grill is the smokeless cooking. But to give credit where it’s due, the feature makes the cooking equipment such a darling. We all wish that we can grill a stake at the comfort of our homes without having to choke in so much smoke. It is no longer a dream but reality with Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill.
What better way to entertain your friends than with grilled steak indoors while watching your favorite program – life couldn’t get any better.
Drawbacks:
Unfortunately, this infrared grill has plastic parts including the temperature control knob. These parts seem to water down the quality of this grill, in some way.
Our Verdict:
If you are on a budget and need a top infrared grill, then you are so much better off with Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill. Such features as smokeless grilling and hands off temperature controls are what makes it a top choice.
3. Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 325 2-Burner
( Best Infrared Grill Under 500 )
A yet another great infrared grill you can own and make cooking your favorite pastime. The Char-Broil burner has all the necessary features you need to make your cooking professional – typical of the brand.
Convenient and Efficient:
The best thing about this infrared grill is its functionality. For starters, the iron grates are around 325 square inches and the rack, 120 inches to provide sufficient cooking area. It has a signature and efficient ignition system that makes everything easier. You only need to turn the knob to start it.
And to make storage more manageable, the infrared grill has folding side shelves and, of course, wheels. And what’s even more interesting is that it comes with the option to convert to natural gas from liquid propane.
Durability:
The burner has durable parts to push the service years further to your gladness. It comes with cast iron grates, porcelain-coated, rack, and stainless steel burners. Its other parts are rugged to overcome significant temperatures.
Drawbacks:
While this burner will make a great possession, the cabinet design may demand a bit more space to function. It is a fact that several char broil tru infrared 2 burner reviews highlight.
Our Verdict:
With such premium features as stainless steel burners and cast iron grates, you have a reliable infrared grill on your hands. However, you are going to need a bit more space for storage compared to its peers.
4. Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 450 3-Burner
Cooking can never be this fun with yet another Char-Broil infrared grill. Come to think of it; the brand outdoes itself with the top of the range cooking burners. Their mission is to make your life a little bit comfortable and tasty – don’t you think? We find this burner a great buy, worth every bit of investment. Let’s find out what makes it be in our top five grills.
Convenient and Efficient :
For mid sized users that need a convenient and relatively compact infrared grill for fun grills, then this char broil performance tru infrared 3 burner grill is a top choice for you. We find the ignition to be entirely flawless. The grill attains optimal temperatures swiftly, even faster than its competitors.
And if you need more space for working as you prepare you to prepare the food, the burner features a fold-down cover, a feature that genuinely pleased us.
The 450-square inch space is sufficient for all your cooking needs. But the grill also features a warming rack that is 150 square inches wide – quite a marvel to behold.
We found the infrared grill to be efficient when it comes to cooking. It maintains the temperatures at a constant level, with no hot and cold surfaces. The unique cooking grate does a wonderful job.
Drawbacks:
The infrared grill may not have the best design. The plastic wheels don’t seem like they can take several years of rolling around and the sides, well, they need careful handling. The porcelain on the grates may scraps off if not careful. Several users note this fact.
Our Verdict :
We find the grill to be quite efficient at ignition and maintaining the right temperatures for your cooking. But you will need to exercise a bit of care in handling.
5. Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 525 4-Burner
There’s something great about the Char-Broil signature series, and it has to do with quality. At first glance, the Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 525 4-Burner Grill is quite pleasing to look at. It has this cabinet design that adds a bit of a decent touch to it, but that’s beside the point.
Convenient and Efficient :
Char broil commercial tru infrared 4 burner blends a rugged design and top of the range cooking features. It is a burner that preserves the freshness and flavor of your food, effortless.
It comes with a stainless steel plate that conducts the heat and disseminates it evenly. You have no hot and cold spots as a result, and of course, minimal embarrassments. We noticed no drippings staining the surface of the burner as it efficiently vaporized them.
And unlike the traditional grills with flare-ups that possibly burn your food, it is not a thing you need to worry about with char broil commercial series 4 burner. All the produced steam goes back to the food, making it flavorful and juicier – a true benefit!
Drawbacks:
The system was a challenge to assemble at first. Fortunately, we figured it out but not without taking a significant amount of our time.
Verdict:
Like other signature series on the market, this is indeed an excellent buy for excellent cooking. We loved the high level of temperature control and efficient cleaning as well as the high-quality char broil tru infrared 4 burner parts. It is an infrared burner that any kitchen enthusiast will love having around.
6. Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Gas Grill
The Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill is for those that love the outdoors more than anything. The product makes our top twelve based on the top of range features, but most importantly, portability.
Convenient, Portable and Efficient :
The outdoor enthusiasts need such efficient and portable equipment like Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill. We found it to be quite easier to carry with handles on both sides. It is also not too heavy like others in this Solaire infrared grill review.
It comes with one pound propane gas cylinders, further making outdoor grills fun and fulfilling. Most people worry about the grilling space every time they hear of portable gas grills.
The burner has 155-square inches of cooking space. That is not too bad for outdoor cooking provided that you don’t take your entire group of friends with you.
It features stainless steel construction, durable and easy to clean. It also has a stainless steel grilling surface that distributes the heat quite efficiently. There are no cold or hot spots. All other Solaire grill parts are of high quality.
Drawbacks:
The fact that it is a portable grill means that you will have to contend with limited features. For example, the cooking space is about a third of other full infrared grills.
Our Verdict:
Despite its limited features, this is one efficient grill for the road. It will allow you to have delicious grilled food as you enjoy the outdoor scenery. Well, leveraging some features to get such portability is all worth it, don’t you think so?
7. Solaire Double Burner Tabletop Infrared Grill
( Best Infrared Grill Under 1000 )
Solaire seems like a brand specializing in quality and portable burners. The Solaire SOL-AA23A-LP Double Burner Tabletop Infrared Propane Gas Grill is the second infrared grill to make it into our list. But what features the Solaire grill a genuinely top product to have?
Rugged, Portable, Convenient:
The first thing you notice after unpacking this infrared grill is the appealing stainless steel surface and parts. That automatically tells you that you have an easy to clean gas grill. It comes with two stainless steel burners that transfer the heat throughout the entire surface, translating to consistent cooking.
Its grilling area is 254 square inches, big enough for those ordinary size steaks and burgers. The seemingly small size is not very small, after all. You will also find a special V-grate, specially designed to avoid flare-ups and to enhance the flavor of your foods. We found no issues when cooking steaks. The infrared grill is only 41 pounds, making it easier to move and carry around.
Drawbacks:
Temperature control is not the best. It will lead to charred food if you are not careful. Take some time to learn about the temperatures and use them to your advantage.
Our Verdict:
Save this for the outdoor grilling since it is lightweight and comfortable to carry. The surface is easy to clean and does not take up a lot of space. It is an excellent and compact grill with all the necessary features to make your weekends and outings memorable.
8. Napoleon LEX 605 Built-In Grill with Infrared Rotisserie
As if you haven’t seen enough efficient and compact grills, then enters Napoleon grills, with their highly appealing, as well as, efficient burner. The grill has this mirror-like chrome finish that will make your friends envy you for it.
Convenience and efficiency:
The infrared grill has among other features, a heavy-duty stainless steel grates that distribute the heat throughout its surface. However, you will love it because it’s easy to clean – we did, and so did other Napoleon grills reviews. The stainless steel burners, rated at 16000 BTU do an excellent job of giving a hot and consistent heat for your cooking needs.
There’s another bottom burner, rated at 12500 BTU for the stakes and other foods that demand a significant amount of heat.
And with a cooking area of around 850 square inches, you have more than enough space for the burgers and stakes. Surprisingly, this is a lot bigger than other relatively portable grills.
Drawbacks:
Well, this is a decent looking and functional infrared grill. However, the price is a bit limiting for people on a budget and looking to own an efficient and ‘not-so-big’ grill to take their cooking skills to the next level. It weighs 116lbs and therefore not so portable after all, according to several napoleon lex 605 reviews.
Our Verdict:
The infrared grill is a piece of decent cooking equipment that will allow you free reign to play around with recipes until you can finally nail it. What we are trying to say is that the grill has what it takes to give you exceptional service, but if you are willing to invest in it.
9. Magma Products Newport 2 Infrared Series Gas Grill
If you are looking for an affordable infrared grill, with all the right features to enhance your cooking, then you are in good stead with this equipment. No one said you have to spend big to acquire an excellent infrared grill, and nothing best underscores that fact better than this product.
Convenience, Efficiency, Functionality:
Some of the highlight features that will leave you buzzing include the innovative combustion system. Magma grill has durable marine-grade stainless steel, which is also easy to clean. You use a damp cloth on the outside surface, and a hard brush on the food remains on the grating.
Magma infrared grill is relatively portable and features foldable legs – such a nice features. It is compact and doesn’t take a lot of space. It also features a front-access grease tray and utilizes the standard one pound propane canisters.
It comes with an innovative electronic ignition that makes the starts easy. At the pressing of a button, you start your grill and begin cooking away.
Drawbacks:
Heat control may be a challenge for new users. We also had difficulties trying to achieve the right temperatures for some delicate foods like vegetables.
Our Verdict:
We loved the way that the infrared grill used minimal space in the kitchen. It was also easy to set it up outside. In our opinion, this is a decent buy for those on a budget and not after premium features.
10. Royal Gourmet Mirage MG6001-R Gas Grill
For the genuinely loyal food and kitchen enthusiasts, the Royal Gourmet grill will leave them excited every time they think of trying a new recipe. When we first assembled it, we loved its appearance and options it provided. There’s so much cooking you can do with six burners, don’t you think.
Convenience, Functionality, and Efficiency:
The infrared grill has an exceptional 697 square inches of cooking area. To be honest, not most grills can beat this size. It is for the professionals. Any chef would love to work around such a burner. And if that isn’t good enough to serve all your cooking needs, there are an additional 264 square inches of warming racks. The burner has a decent BTU of 96000.
The cooking grates have a porcelain coating and in a slope design, making them ideal for cooking meat and retaining its flavor.
Other features we liked include the porcelain-coated fireboxes for efficient heat preservation, the stainless steel lids, and internal thermometers to keep you informed of the temperatures.
Drawbacks:
It is a bit large and not the best option for those after something they can quickly move around. It is also some work to assemble this infrared grill.
Our Verdict:
The grill appears a bit too professional and may not be the best for those after something low profile for in-house cooking. However, who says that you can’t stretch your skills and learn new ones. Good food is among the pillars of having a good life.
11. Saber R50SC0017 3-Burner Grill, Stainless Steel
The highlight features of this Saber infrared grills burner include the patented heating system. There other nice features like warming rack, and the best of all, fuel efficiency. Let’s check out the other elements.
Functionality, Convenience, and Efficiency:
The infrared grill is among the few premium products with great features to serve all your cooking needs. We especially liked its fuel efficiency. The infrared grill only utilizes 30% of propane, not so much. But where are saber grills made? They are from China but are premium quality products.
And to preserve the flavor in your food, the system directs all the airflow away from the surface, and there’s minimal drying. Your food remains juicier, nutritious and flavorful. There are no cases of flare-ups and burnt dishes.
The temperature gauges are easy to read and combined with other features, you have perfect controllable temperatures. Like other product in this list, it has an electronic ignition for more comfortable on and off. There’s a genuinely multi functional warming rack that is a great additional feature.
You can also convert the fuel type if necessary. With standard size fasteners, assembly was pretty easy.
Drawbacks:
Assembly may prove quite a pain especially when it comes missing some parts. However, the process is generally straightforward, but with the right tools. There may be temperature control challenges according to various saber grills reviews.
Our Verdict:
In our opinion, this is a decent grill that uses less gas and proves efficient in every way. It is one premium infrared grill with premium features.
12. TEC G-Sport FR Propane Gas Grill
If you are into gadgetry and robots, TEC infrared grill will be your ideal equipment. Its design is so much like a robot. But to look on an even brighter side, this is a portable gas grill that you can easily take outside if need be.
Functionality, Convenience, and Efficiency:
There are a handful of features that will make you love the infrared grill and among them is its portability. It has two handles and wheels that make a movement such an effortless exercise.
The burner also features durable stainless steel construction, which also makes cleaning an effortless exercise. It has a rating of 22000 BTU, which is not so bad for cooking. Yes, there are others with a higher BTU, but that doesn’t make them better.
The grill base is stainless steel and detachable for enhanced portability. It weighs 188lbs, but that doesn’t inhibit its portability in any way.
Drawbacks:
Well, to be honest, you will need deep pockets to afford this infrared grill. It is a pricey product, but it has premium features. It is a case of getting what you pay for. And even though the grill is portable, it is only portable enough to push it to the backyard and back. But that doesn’t mean you cannot take it with you to an outdoor location. The only challenge is that its size is a bit limiting.
Our Verdict:
Well, to give credit where it’s due, this a decent infrared grill that will serve you a long time. It also comes with some of the greatest features that you will find around, but that does not hide the fact that it is among the most expensive. If you can afford it, then why not have it?
What is an infrared grill?
Infrared grills are among the most modern equipment for cooking food through radiation – you have to applaud the pace at which technology is moving, and we can’t seem to keep up. Basically an infrared grill is a special type of Barbecue Grill that cook food through radiation heat. There is no contact between the flames and your food, which is a good thing.
Things You Should Know About Infrared Grill:
The introduction of infrared grills started with the patenting of the technology by its founder, Bill Best, in 1961. It was solely for industrial applications such as drying of automobile paint and tire manufacture. Two decades later, Best added a grate to a ceramic infrared burner and discovered an efficient and fast way of cooking.
The new cooking technology quickly disseminated to top restaurants and steakhouses. However, the prohibitively high price made it quite difficult for individuals to acquire them for backyard cooking.
It was not until 2000 when Bill’s patent expired that a new generation of infrared grills, moderately-priced became available to everyone.
How Infrared Grill Works?
Using infrared to cook is not something new. People have been using infrared, though unknowingly, to cook various dishes, through charcoal and gas grills.
As the grill’s temperature rises, it produces a certain amount of infrared heat. For example, the traditional charcoal grills, easily achieve temperatures of around 700 degrees Fahrenheit while their gas counterparts can reach 750 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the average heat of an infrared grill is 900 degrees Fahrenheit. It can go as much as 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, the same temperatures required to melt stones at the earth’s core.
Charcoal and gas grills cook food through convection, where the frames continually heat the surrounding air that rises, circulating around the food, cooking it in the process. Unfortunately, the constant movement of air can cause the food to dry out.
In contrast, there’s no direct contact between the hot air and food when it comes to infrared grills. The basic principle behind the infrared grill is heating of the solid surface (Special Emitter) which absorb heat and energy from the burner. Instead of hot air this emitter re-radiates intense heat directly to the food on the grate. Unlike the charcoal and gas grills, there’s minimal circulation of air, and therefore your foods retain their moisture. Lets watch the following video to get more info about infrared grill and its working mechanism.
Infrared grills cook faster and efficiently. However, you do not need to worry about burning your food. Most infrared grills come with adjustable heats to fit a variety of cooking needs.
Benefits of Cooking in an Infrared Grill:
Faster Heating:
Among the most impressive of the benefits associated with infrared grills include faster heating. You will not have to wait for long to enjoy your dish like their charcoal counterparts. Furthermore, the infrared grills produce higher temperatures that average about 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
The high temperatures translate to faster cooking speeds, more rapid than gas. That means you don’t have to stick around than is necessary, turning your food and waiting for it to cook.
energy efficient:
Infrared grills are energy efficient meaning they use less gas and power to cook that mouthwatering steak. If you think about it, the savings that infrared grills make, in the long run, are enormous.
Hassle Free Cooking:
Energy efficiency means that heat goes directly to the food. It means less need to cook with lids on. You can leave it open, and your food will cook as if there was a lid. That means less dirty dishes and less work for you – the beauty of it all.
Perfect Grilling:
An infrared grill has its heating element above the plate. That means the hot and cold spots are nonexistent. The heat distribution is even, and the cooking results are what we can refer to as excellent.
Another plus of having an infrared grill is that your stakes become juicier. You see, there’s no dry air circulating around the food to suck the moisture from it. That means you may get the credit intended for the equipment – but it’s all great.
And since there are no flare-ups to worry about, your steaks retain their entire flavor during the cooking process. The grills also produce the caramelization that you are after, effortlessly and efficiently to impress your acquaintances.
Easy Cleanup:
The majority of infrared grills are self-cleaning, and all you need to do is turn up the heat to high levels and incinerate any particles. You can then use a brush to sweep off the stubborn elements.
Limitations of an Infrared Grill:
1. You will need to be a quick learner and identify the optimal temperatures for cooking. If you are not careful, you are going to end up with burnt foods on a frequent basis. As a new user, keep a close watch on the cooking food and note the top temperatures your food needs to cook.
2. The infrared technology on these grills makes them a little bit more expensive than their charcoal and gas counterparts. A typical infrared grill will set you back a couple of hundred dollars. If it has some additional features such as rotisserie rack and smokers, then it will cost a couple of thousand dollars.
3. Most of the grills have characteristic high cooking temperatures, unsuitable for low-temperature foods such as eggs and fish. However, there are now newer and better models with highly controllable temperatures to cook any food.
4. Yes, infrared grills are easy to clean. However, some models demand high-level maintenance for some of the complicated components.
5. There is also a health risk associated with eating burnt foods. The fast cooking times are a double-edged sword, meaning that it is beneficial, and a shortcoming. Burning your food, even slightly is a possibility. It is not many people that will throw away a seared steak. They will try to scrap through the good parts, and that is a risk by itself.
How to Choose the Best Infrared Grill
Choosing the best cooking equipment is not always as simple as there are a handful of factors that set them apart. Utilizing these factors into your purchase decision helps pick out the best among them. We all deserve the best tools to make our life a little bit easier.
1. Heat:
Consistent heating is a valuable feature to have on a grill. Uneven heating can wreak havoc to your steak when parts emerge uncooked and others burned. It can also cause unimaginable embarrassment causing your peers to have serious doubts as to your grilling skills.
Grills that maintain a consistent and even temperature are excellent equipment. Generally, infrared grills do not perform badly in that aspect. However, some outdo others easily.
2. Size:
What has ‘size,’ got to do with grills, you may ask. A lot of folks, a lot! The size of your grill will determine portability and how much food you can cook at a go. For example, a full-sized grill, which costs a little bit more is ideal for parties and hosting a couple of your friends in the backyard.
Tabletop models are the portable varieties. They are convenient and ideal for away from home barbequing. The tabletop grills are also suitable if you have you have small storage space.
Then there are the mid sized grills that neither boasts the best cooking space nor portability but blends the best of both worlds.
3. Budget:
The price of infrared grills varies across brands, models, and vendors. It is important to realize that the best among them is not the cheapest. You have to arm yourself with relatively deep pockets if you need the best. Regardless, the most expensive is not always the best quality. Consider other factors as well to scoop your prize.
4. Warranty:
The best products come with more extended warranty periods. You see, the manufacturers are confident of delivering what they promise, and there are fewer complaints in that regard. Some infrared grills have various warranties for different parts. Regardless, your ideal cooking machine should boast good warranty terms to protect you.
Concluding Remarks:
If the idea of cooking your own food, roasting steaks now and then and steamy fish by the backyard with a couple of your friends excites you, then you need the best-infrared grill to make it a reality. Life is all about good food, friends, laughs, and family.
Decent equipment such as Char-Broil, The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill, pretty much underscores what we mean. It is energy efficient and multifunctional – just what you have been longing to have. The review above contains some of the best-infrared burners on the market, as tested by us. You can choose any of the above depending on your needs.
Leave a Reply