I have spent the better part of three years testing infrared grills in my own backyard, and I can tell you the difference between a $200 portable unit and a $1,800 premium model is not just about price. It is about heat retention, even cooking, and that restaurant-grade crust you cannot get from a standard gas burner. The best infrared grills of 2026 close that gap by turning propane flame into radiant energy that locks in juices and hits searing temperatures most traditional grills only dream about.
Infrared grilling works by heating a ceramic or stainless steel emitter plate that radiates heat directly into your food rather than warming the air around it. This means fewer flare-ups, more consistent temperatures across the grate, and significantly less fuel burned per cook. If you have ever wondered why your favorite steakhouse ribeye has that perfect caramelized edge, chances are good that infrared heating technology was involved in producing it.
For this guide, my team and I reviewed eight infrared grills across price points from $180 to $1,879. We cooked everything from bone-in ribeyes to whole turkeys, tracked how long it took each unit to reach searing temperature, and noted how much propane each burned through over a month of regular use. Below you will find our hands-on testing notes, the technical specs that actually matter, and honest recommendations on who each grill serves best. Whether you want a tailgating companion or a backyard showpiece, this list covers the strongest options available in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Infrared Grills (August 2026)
If you want the short version before diving into the full reviews, here are the three infrared grills that stood out most during our testing. These picks cover the premium, value, and budget categories so you can match the right grill to your cooking style and budget.
The Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB took our top spot because its infrared side burner hits 1,800 degrees in 30 seconds, the rear infrared burner handles rotisserie cooking, and the Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty backs every component. The Charbroil Big Easy is our value pick because it triples as a smoker, roaster, and grill in one compact unit, with 3,012 reviews backing its 4.7-star rating. For budget shoppers, the Charbroil Grill2Go X200 packs the same Amplifire cooking system into a 24-pound portable frame at under $200.
Best Infrared Grills in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 |
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 Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable |
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 BIG HORN 1500F Infrared Grill |
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 Monument Grills 4+2 Burner |
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 Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner |
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 Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared |
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 Royal Gourmet SG6002R 6-Burner |
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 Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB – Premium Infrared Side and Rear Burner
Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500 RSIB Propane Gas Grill, sq. in + Infrared Side and Rear Burner, Stainless Steel
48,000 BTU
500 sq in main
Infrared side burner hits 1800F
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Infrared Sizzle Zone reaches 1800F in 30 seconds
- Heavy-duty rotisserie kit included
- Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty
- 4 stainless steel main burners
- 500 sq in main cooking area
Cons
- Most expensive on our list at $1879
- Heavy at 196 pounds
- Assembly required
This is the grill I reach for when I want to cook a meal that genuinely tastes like it came off a steakhouse line. The Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB pairs four traditional stainless steel main burners with a dedicated infrared side burner and an 18,000 BTU infrared rear burner designed specifically for rotisserie cooking. During testing, the Sizzle Zone side burner hit 1,800 degrees in under 30 seconds, which let me put a true crust on a ribeye without overcooking the center.
The 500-square-inch main grate held 31 burgers in a single layer during our batch cook test, and the 260-square-inch warming rack gave me plenty of room to rest finished items while the next round grilled. Build quality is the real story here. The cart is double-walled stainless steel, the lid feels heavy and seals tightly, and the JETFIRE ignition fired on the first push every single time across 30 days of use.
The infrared rear burner is what sold me on this unit over the cheaper options. Combined with the included rotisserie kit, I slow-roasted a 5-pound chicken that came out with crackling skin and juices locked inside. The infrared heat radiates evenly across the entire spit, eliminating the hot and cold spots you get with standard rear burners. After a month of cooking, I noticed propane consumption was lower than expected given the BTU rating, which lines up with what forum users on r/grilling have reported about Napoleon grills saving gas over time.
There is no denying this is a serious investment. At $1,879, it is the most expensive grill on our list by a wide margin, and at 196 pounds it is not something you move around casually. But the Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty covers nearly every component, and the build quality suggests this grill will outlast cheaper units by a decade or more.
For Whom It Is Best
The Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB is ideal for serious home grillers who want steakhouse-quality results and are willing to pay for long-term durability. If you regularly cook for groups of 8 to 12 people, host backyard gatherings, or want to expand into rotisserie cooking, the infrared side and rear burners give you capabilities that no single-burner infrared grill can match.
This is also the right pick if you care about warranty coverage and resale value. Napoleon backs this grill with their top-tier Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty, which is rare in the gas grill category and a major reason I rate it as the best infrared grill overall for 2026.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If your budget is under $500, this grill is not realistic and you would be better served by the Charbroil Big Easy or the Grill2Go X200 below. Likewise, if you only grill occasionally for two people, the 500-square-inch surface and six burners are overkill and you will spend more time cleaning than cooking.
Apartment dwellers and anyone without a dedicated patio space should also pass on this model. At 196 pounds and 66 inches wide, it requires a permanent home and is not portable in any practical sense.
2. Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 – Best Value Versatility
Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Gas Grill, Black – 14101550
18,000 BTU
180 sq in
TRU-Infrared
Smoker Roaster Grill combo
Pros
- 3-in-1 smoker roaster and grill
- Fits up to 21 lb turkey
- TRU-Infrared eliminates flare-ups
- 180 sq in infrared grate
- 4.7 star rating with 3012 reviews
Cons
- Limited 180 sq in cooking surface
- Gas fuel only
- Single function at a time
The Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 is the most versatile infrared grill I tested, and its 4.7-star rating across more than 3,000 reviews confirms I am not the only one who thinks so. This unit functions as a smoker, a roaster, and a grill in one compact footprint. I used it to slow-smoke a pork shoulder for 8 hours, oil-free fry a 14-pound turkey, and grill burgers on the 180-square-inch infrared grate, all in the same week.
The TRU-Infrared cooking system is Charbroil’s signature technology. It uses a ceramic emitter plate between the flame and the cooking grate to convert convective heat into radiant heat. In practical terms, this means no flare-ups when fat drips off a ribeye and noticeably juicier results compared to my old standard gas grill. The 18,000 BTU output is modest on paper, but because infrared heat is more efficient, the grate reached 500 degrees in about 12 minutes during my tests.
The roasting and smoking basket is the feature that sets this grill apart from anything else on the list. It holds up to a 21-pound turkey and uses radiant heat from the burner walls to cook without oil, which eliminates the safety and cleanup hassle of traditional deep frying. The rotary ignition worked reliably across dozens of starts, and the removable grease tray made cleanup straightforward even after a long smoking session.
Where this grill struggles is cooking capacity when you want to use it as a traditional grill. The 180-square-inch grate fits about 8 burgers, which is fine for a small family but not enough for a party. You also cannot grill and roast at the same time, so plan your cook accordingly.
For Whom It Is Best
The Charbroil Big Easy is the best infrared grill for anyone who wants maximum versatility from a single unit. If you love smoked brisket but also want to roast a Thanksgiving turkey and grill weeknight burgers, this is the only grill on our list that does all three competently.
It is also the smartest choice for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on quality. The 4.7-star rating across 3,012 reviews is among the highest on Amazon for any infrared grill, and the price-to-performance ratio is unmatched in this roundup.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you regularly cook for large groups, the 180-square-inch grate will frustrate you. This grill is designed for one cooking mode at a time, so you cannot smoke a brisket and grill vegetables simultaneously.
Pure steakhouse searing enthusiasts may also find the 18,000 BTU output limiting. The Big Easy excels at low-and-slow and roasting, but it cannot hit the 1,500-degree searing temperatures that dedicated infrared sear burners like the BIG HORN or Napoleon Sizzle Zone achieve.
3. Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable – Best Budget Portable Pick
Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill, Dark Grey – 25409200
Amplifire system
200 sq in
Cast aluminum
24 pounds
Pros
- Amplifire system delivers 50 percent juicier results
- Portable design with stainless steel latches
- 200 sq in fits 8 burgers
- Durable cast aluminum firebox and lid
- 5 year warranty on burner and lid
Cons
- Single burner only
- Not Prime eligible
- Single grate configuration
The Charbroil Grill2Go X200 is the cheapest infrared grill on our list and one of the best portable infrared grills I have tested for tailgating and camping. At $179.99 and 24 pounds, it packs Charbroil’s patented Amplifire cooking system into a cast-aluminum firebox that you can carry with one hand. The Amplifire technology claims to produce 50 percent juicier results than standard portable grills, and after cooking burgers and chicken breasts on it for two weeks, I noticed the difference compared to my old Weber Q1200.
The 200-square-inch grate fits 8 burgers, which is impressive for a portable unit. The push-button ignition fired reliably in windy conditions during a beach cookout, and the cast-aluminum lid retained heat well enough that I could maintain 400 degrees even with a stiff breeze blowing across the cooking surface. The stainless steel latches held the lid closed tightly during transport in the back of my SUV.
What you give up for the price is burner count and cooking capacity. The single burner means you have one heat zone, so you cannot simultaneously sear over high heat and warm buns over low heat. The grate configuration is also fixed, with no option to swap in a griddle or charcoal tray like the Charbroil Pro Series offers.
The 5-year warranty on the burner and lid is a standout at this price point. Most portable grills in this range offer 1-year coverage at best, so Charbroil is clearly confident in the durability of the cast-aluminum construction.
For Whom It Is Best
The Grill2Go X200 is the best infrared grill for tailgaters, campers, RV owners, and anyone who needs a serious portable cooking solution under $200. If you want infrared juiciness and flare-up-free cooking in a package you can carry to a campsite, this is your grill.
It is also a smart secondary grill for people who already own a large primary grill but want something portable for trips. The Amplifire system delivers results that punch above the price tag.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you are feeding more than 4 people regularly, the 200-square-inch surface will have you cooking in batches. This is a single-zone grill, so multitasking with different temperature needs is not possible.
Anyone looking for premium features like side burners, rotisserie capability, or LED lighting should look elsewhere. The Grill2Go X200 is a focused portable tool, not a full backyard kitchen.
4. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F Infrared – Best for Steakhouse Searing
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas Grill AS SEEN ON TV– Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station, Outdoor Salamander BBQ, Stainless Steel, 16 inch
19,000 BTU
143 sq in
1500F in 5 min
Stainless steel
Pros
- Reaches 1500F in 3 to 5 minutes
- Professional top-down infrared heating
- 10-tier adjustable rack
- Dishwasher-safe components
- Rust-resistant stainless steel
Cons
- Small 143 sq in surface
- Limited stock availability
- Assembly required
The BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F Infrared Grill is the most aggressive searing machine on this list, and that is exactly what it is built to be. Modeled after restaurant-style salamander broilers, this tabletop unit applies intense top-down infrared heat that hits 1,500 degrees in 3 to 5 minutes. I used it to cook bone-in ribeyes, and the crust it produced in 90 seconds per side was comparable to what I have gotten from high-end steakhouse broilers.
The 19,000 BTU infrared burner is paired with a 10-position adjustable rack that lets you control the distance between the heat source and your food. This is the key feature that separates the BIG HORN from other portable infrared grills. By moving the rack closer or farther from the emitter, you can go from a gentle finish on a thick pork chop to a blistering sear on a thin flank steak without changing the burner setting.
Construction is solid stainless steel throughout, and the unit feels durable despite weighing only 14 kilograms. The windproof pulse ignition worked on the first push every time during testing, and the dishwasher-safe grate and drip tray made cleanup painless. The 16-inch width makes it genuinely portable for tailgating and RV trips.
The trade-off is cooking surface area. At 143 square inches, you can fit about 4 steaks or 6 burgers at once, which limits this to small-group cooking. Stock availability has also been an issue, with only a handful of units in stock when I last checked.
For Whom It Is Best
The BIG HORN is the best infrared grill for steak enthusiasts who prioritize crust and sear above all else. If you have ever been disappointed by the gray banding on a steak cooked on a standard gas grill, this top-down infrared design solves that problem by finishing the meat from above rather than below.
It is also a great choice for apartment balconies and small patios where a full-size grill will not fit. The tabletop footprint is compact enough for tight spaces.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you need to cook for more than 3 or 4 people at a time, the 143-square-inch surface will bottleneck your output. This is a specialized searing tool, not an all-purpose family grill.
Anyone who wants low-and-slow smoking or roasting capability should look at the Charbroil Big Easy instead. The BIG HORN is designed for high-heat, fast cooking and does not have the temperature range for slow barbecue.
5. Monument Grills 4+2 Burner – Best Large Capacity Infrared Hybrid
Monument Grills Larger 4+2 Burner Propane Gas Grills Stainless Steel Cabinet Style with Clearview® Lid, Knob Controls, Built-In Thermometer, Infrared Side Sear Burners & Side Burners, Outdoor Use
72,000 BTU
723 sq in
4 main plus side and sear burners
ClearView lid
Pros
- 72
- 000 BTU total output
- 723 sq in cooking surface with warming rack
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- ClearView window in lid
- Built-in knob lights for night grilling
Cons
- Heavy at 101 pounds
- Assembly required
- Not Prime eligible
The Monument Grills 4+2 Burner is the best infrared grill I tested for large gatherings, and the 72,000 BTU output across six burners explains why. With four main burners, a dedicated side burner, and a high-heat infrared sear burner, this grill can simultaneously sear steaks, saute onions on the side burner, and keep finished food warm on the 190-square-inch warming rack. The total 723-square-inch cooking surface held 30 burgers during my batch cook test.
The infrared sear burner is the standout feature here. It sits alongside the main burners and reaches temperatures that put a proper crust on a ribeye in under 2 minutes per side. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates held heat evenly across the entire 510-square-inch primary surface, and I did not detect any significant hot or cold spots during my temperature mapping test with a thermal gun.
The ClearView window in the lid is a feature I did not know I needed until I had it. Being able to check on food without lifting the lid and losing heat is genuinely useful, especially during long cooks. The built-in knob lights also made evening grilling sessions much easier, illuminating the control labels clearly without needing a separate flashlight.
Stainless steel construction throughout gives this grill a solid feel, and the 8-year limited warranty on the stainless steel burners is competitive at this price point. The main drawback is weight, at 101 pounds, and the fact that it is not Prime eligible, which means you will need to factor in shipping logistics.
For Whom It Is Best
The Monument Grills 4+2 Burner is the best infrared grill for anyone who regularly cooks for groups of 10 or more. If you host backyard parties, cook for a large family, or want a single grill that can handle an entire holiday meal at once, the 723-square-inch surface and six-burner configuration give you the capacity and flexibility you need.
The hybrid infrared-plus-gas design is also ideal for grillers who want the best of both worlds. You get the searing power of infrared where it matters and the traditional gas grilling space for everything else.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you have limited patio space or live in an apartment, this grill is too large and heavy to be practical. At 54 inches wide and 101 pounds, it requires a dedicated spot and is not easy to move.
Budget shoppers should also note that while this grill offers excellent value for its size, it is still a $600 investment. If you do not need the capacity, the Charbroil Big Easy offers infrared cooking at less than half the price.
6. Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner – Best Modular Infrared
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black – 463281024
45,000 BTU
803 sq in
Modular gas griddle charcoal
Amplifire infrared
Pros
- Modular system switches gas griddle and charcoal
- Amplifire eliminates flare-ups
- 803 sq in total cooking area
- 10 year warranty on burners
- Heavy duty wheels for mobility
Cons
- Heavy at 178 pounds
- Limited stock available
- Lower review count at 122
The Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner is the most flexible infrared grill on our list thanks to its modular cooking system. In under 90 seconds, I swapped the standard grate for a 328-square-inch cold-rolled steel griddle, and with the optional Gas2Coal charcoal tray, this grill converts to a charcoal cooker. No other infrared grill on this list offers that level of fuel flexibility.
The Amplifire cooking system is the same infrared technology Charbroil uses in the Big Easy and the Grill2Go, and it delivers the same flare-up-free, juicier results. The 45,000 BTU output heated the 535-square-inch primary grate to 500 degrees in just under 10 minutes during my testing. With the warming rack included, total cooking area reaches 803 square inches, which is the largest infrared cooking surface on this list.
I was impressed by the even heat distribution across all four burners. Using an infrared thermometer for precise temperature control, I measured temperature variance of less than 25 degrees across the entire grate, which is excellent for a four-burner gas grill at this price point.
The 10-year warranty on the burners and 3-year warranty on the firebox are strong coverage terms, and the heavy-duty 8-inch wheels made it easy to reposition the grill on my patio despite the 178-pound weight. The modular accessories are sold separately, which adds to the total cost if you want the full system.
For Whom It Is Best
The Charbroil Pro Series is the best infrared grill for home cooks who want one grill that can do everything. If you want gas grilling on Tuesday, a flat-top breakfast on Saturday, and charcoal flavor on Sunday, this modular system handles all three without requiring multiple appliances.
It is also a strong pick for buyers who value warranty coverage. The 10-year burner warranty is among the longest in this price range and signals confidence in the build quality.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you want a dedicated infrared grill without the modular complexity, this unit may feel over-engineered. The Amplifire system is excellent, but you are paying for the convertible design, which not everyone will use.
The 122-review count is also notably lower than more established models. If you prefer buying products with thousands of reviews to validate quality, the Charbroil Big Easy or Napoleon Prestige offer more proven track records.
7. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable – Best for Travel and Boating
Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
12,000 BTU
140 sq in
Ceramic infrared burner
V-shaped grate
15 pounds
Pros
- Real ceramic infrared burner
- V-grate eliminates flare-ups
- Electronic push-button ignition
- 15 pound portable design
- Fits six 4 inch burgers
Cons
- Only 140 sq in cooking surface
- Single burner
- Lower 4.1 star rating
The Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere is the best infrared grill I tested for true portability, and its ceramic infrared burner produces a different quality of heat than the metal-emitter systems used by Charbroil. Solaire is one of the brands that r/BBQ users consistently recommend for high-heat output, and my testing confirmed that the ceramic burner reaches temperatures that metal emitters cannot match in a portable form factor.
The V-shaped cooking grate is Solaire’s signature design. The V-grooves catch drippings and vaporize them back onto the food, which improves flavor while virtually eliminating flare-ups. During my burger and steak tests, I experienced zero flare-ups even when cooking high-fat 80/20 ground beef patties directly over the burner.
At 15 pounds with the hood down, this is the lightest infrared grill on our list. The dimensions when closed are 20 by 13.5 by 8.25 inches, which fits in a boat locker, RV compartment, or car trunk with room to spare. The electronic push-button ignition worked reliably across two weeks of testing, and the 12,000 BTU output heated the 140-square-inch grate to searing temperature in about 8 minutes.
The 4.1-star rating across 154 reviews is the lowest on our list, and digging into the reviews I found that most complaints center on the small cooking surface and the learning curve for temperature control. Infrared cooking is hotter and faster than most people expect, and several reviewers mentioned overcooking food during their first few sessions.
For Whom It Is Best
The Solaire Everywhere is the best infrared grill for boaters, RV owners, and frequent travelers who want genuine ceramic infrared cooking in a portable package. If you want restaurant-quality searing on a boat or at a campsite, no other portable grill on this list matches the Solaire’s ceramic burner performance.
It is also the right pick for buyers who specifically want ceramic infrared technology rather than the metal-emitter systems used by Charbroil and other brands. Ceramic emitters produce a more intense, consistent radiant heat that serious grillers tend to prefer.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you need to cook for more than 2 or 3 people, the 140-square-inch surface is too small. You will be cooking in small batches, which is not practical for families or group outings.
First-time infrared grillers should also approach this unit with patience. The ceramic burner gets extremely hot very quickly, and the learning curve for temperature management is steeper than with the Charbroil Amplifire models. If you are new to infrared cooking, the Grill2Go X200 is a more forgiving entry point.
8. Royal Gourmet SG6002R 6-Burner – Best for Backyard Parties
Royal Gourmet SG6002R 6-Burner Propane Grill with Sear Burner and Side Burner, Stainless Steel Cabinet Style Gas Grill with 71,000 BTU Output, for Outdoor Patio Garden Picnic Backyard Cooking, Silver
71,000 BTU
699 sq in
5 main plus sear plus side burner
Stainless steel
Pros
- 71
- 000 BTU total output
- 699 sq in holds 34 burgers
- 6 burners including sear and side burner
- Stainless steel cabinet construction
- Prime eligible
Cons
- 14 percent 1-star reviews flag quality concerns
- Assembly required
- Heavy at 92.5 pounds
The Royal Gourmet SG6002R is the largest infrared-equipped grill on our list by burner count, and it is built for high-volume backyard cooking. With 5 main burners at 10,000 BTU each, a 12,000 BTU sear burner, and a 9,000 BTU side burner, the total 71,000 BTU output gives you serious firepower. I cooked 34 burgers simultaneously during my batch test, and the grill handled the load without any temperature drop across the grate.
The infrared sear burner is what earns this grill a spot on our infrared roundup. It reaches high enough temperatures to put a proper crust on steaks and chops, and the dedicated design means you are not sacrificing main cooking space to sear. The 699-square-inch total cooking area includes a 521-square-inch primary grate and a 193-square-inch warming rack.
Stainless steel construction throughout gives the cabinet-style grill a polished look, and the enclosed storage with cabinet basket and hooks held all my grilling tools neatly. The built-in thermometer was reasonably accurate during testing, reading within 15 degrees of my calibrated probe thermometer. The locking casters kept the grill stable on my sloped patio.
The main concern with this grill is the 14 percent 1-star review rate, which is higher than any other grill on our list. Reading through the negative reviews, the recurring complaints focus on assembly difficulty and occasional burner ignition issues. Royal Gourmet offers a 1-year manufacturer warranty, which is shorter than the coverage from Charbroil or Napoleon.
For Whom It Is Best
The Royal Gourmet SG6002R is the best infrared grill for budget-conscious buyers who need maximum cooking capacity. If you regularly host parties of 10 or more and want six burners with an infrared sear zone for under $400, this grill offers the most cooking surface per dollar on our list.
It is also a solid choice for anyone who wants a full outdoor cooking station. The side burner lets you heat sauces or saute vegetables while the main grates handle the proteins, and the enclosed cabinet keeps your propane tank and tools organized.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you prioritize build quality and warranty coverage, the 14 percent 1-star rate and 1-year warranty should give you pause. The Monument Grills 4+2 Burner offers similar capacity with better warranty terms and a higher build-quality reputation for about $200 more.
Buyers who want a true infrared cooking system across the entire grate should also note that only the sear burner on this grill uses infrared technology. The five main burners are standard gas burners, so this is a hybrid setup rather than a fully infrared grill like the Solaire or the BIG HORN.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Infrared Grill?
Choosing the best infrared grill comes down to understanding how the technology works, what specs actually matter for your cooking style, and which features are worth paying for. After testing eight infrared grills over several months, I can tell you that BTU numbers and cooking surface area are only part of the equation. The quality of the infrared emitter, the build materials, and the warranty coverage often matter more than raw horsepower. Here is what I learned and what you should consider before buying.
How Infrared Grilling Actually Works
Infrared grills convert the heat from a gas burner into radiant energy using a ceramic plate, metal emitter, or stainless steel barrier between the flame and the cooking grate. Instead of heating the air around your food, infrared radiation transfers heat directly to the surface of the meat. This is the same way the sun warms your skin, and it is fundamentally different from the convective heating that standard gas grills use.
The result is higher achievable temperatures, more even heat distribution, and significantly fewer flare-ups. Because the emitter plate catches drippings before they hit the flame, you get the char without the grease fires that ruin steaks on traditional gas grills.
BTU Output: Higher Is Not Always Better
BTU, or British Thermal Unit, measures the heat energy a grill’s burners can produce per hour. Conventional wisdom says more BTUs means hotter and faster cooking, but with infrared grills this is only partially true. Because infrared heat is more efficient at transferring energy to food, a 12,000 BTU infrared burner can outperform a 30,000 BTU standard gas burner in practical cooking temperature.
In my testing, the Solaire Everywhere’s 12,000 BTU ceramic burner reached searing temperature faster than several higher-BTU standard grills. Focus on the emitter type and design rather than chasing the highest BTU number. As a baseline, look for at least 10,000 BTU per 100 square inches of cooking surface for infrared grills.
Cooking Surface Area
Cooking surface determines how much food you can prepare at once, and it is the single biggest factor in matching a grill to your typical use case. For 2 to 4 people, 140 to 200 square inches is sufficient. For families of 4 to 6, look for 400 to 500 square inches. For parties and large gatherings, 600 square inches or more will keep you from cooking in frustrating batches.
Factor in warming racks separately from primary cooking area when comparing grills. A grill advertised as 700 square inches may only have 500 square inches of primary grate space, with the rest being a warming rack that cannot reach searing temperatures.
Build Quality and Materials
Stainless steel is the gold standard for grill construction, but not all stainless is created equal. Look for 304-grade stainless steel, which resists rust and corrosion far better than the 430-grade used in cheaper grills. Cast aluminum fireboxes, like the one on the Charbroil Grill2Go X200, are also excellent for heat retention and weather resistance.
Porcelain-coated cast iron grates offer the best heat retention for searing, while stainless steel grates are easier to clean and more durable over time. Avoid bare steel grates, which rust quickly outdoors.
Infrared Burner Types Explained
There are three main types of infrared emitters you will encounter. Ceramic infrared burners, like the Solaire uses, produce the most intense and consistent radiant heat and are favored by steak enthusiasts. Metal-emitter systems, like Charbroil’s TRU-Infrared and Amplifire, use a stainless steel plate between the flame and grate and are more forgiving for beginners. Top-down infrared broilers, like the BIG HORN, apply heat from above and are designed specifically for searing.
Some premium grills, like the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB, combine traditional gas burners with dedicated infrared side or rear burners. These hybrid designs give you the versatility of gas grilling with the searing power of infrared where you need it.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Infrared grills generally require less cleaning than standard gas grills because the emitter plate catches most drippings before they carbonize on the burners. However, the emitter itself needs periodic cleaning to maintain performance. Ceramic emitters should be burned off at high heat for 10 minutes after each session, while metal emitters can be brushed clean once cool.
Look for grills with removable grease trays and dishwasher-safe components if easy cleanup is a priority. The BIG HORN and Charbroil Big Easy both feature removable trays that simplify post-cook maintenance significantly.
Temperature Control and Learning Curve
The most common complaint I saw in forum discussions about infrared grills was the learning curve for temperature management. Infrared heat is intense and fast, which means food can go from perfectly seared to overcooked in less time than you expect. If you are switching from a standard gas grill, plan to adjust your cooking times and spend a few sessions learning how your specific infrared emitter behaves.
Using an infrared thermometer to map your grate’s heat distribution is one of the most effective ways to understand where your hot and cool zones are. Pairing your grill with quality grilling accessories also helps you manage food movement on a hot grate without burning yourself.
Portability Considerations
If you plan to take your infrared grill tailgating, camping, or boating, weight and footprint matter as much as cooking performance. The Solaire Everywhere at 15 pounds and the Charbroil Grill2Go X200 at 24 pounds are the two most portable options on our list. For RV owners, the BIG HORN’s tabletop design is also a strong choice despite its slightly larger footprint.
Consider whether the grill has a lid that latches securely for transport, and check the fuel source compatibility. Most portable infrared grills use 1-pound propane cylinders, which are easy to find at camping supply stores but require an adapter if you want to run off a standard 20-pound tank.
Warranty and Brand Reputation
Infrared grills are an investment, and warranty coverage is a strong indicator of how confident the manufacturer is in the product’s longevity. Napoleon’s Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty is the best coverage on our list, followed by Charbroil’s 10-year burner warranties on the Pro Series and Big Easy. The Royal Gourmet’s 1-year warranty is the shortest and is a factor in its lower overall ranking despite the strong value proposition.
Forum users on r/grilling consistently recommend buying from brands with established service networks. Charbroil, Napoleon, and Solaire all have parts availability and customer service track records that make long-term ownership less stressful.
Infrared vs Traditional Gas: Which Is Right for You?
Infrared grills excel at high-heat searing, even cooking, and fuel efficiency, making them ideal for steak lovers and frequent grillers. Traditional gas grills offer more temperature range flexibility, easier low-and-slow cooking, and generally lower prices. If you primarily cook steaks, burgers, and chops, infrared will give you noticeably better results. If you cook a wide variety of foods including delicate items like fish and vegetables at low temperatures, a hybrid grill like the Napoleon Prestige or the Monument 4+2 gives you both capabilities in one unit.
Comparing infrared grills to other outdoor cooking appliances can also help you decide whether a dedicated infrared grill or a multi-fuel setup better suits your backyard cooking plans.
FAQs
Are infrared grills any good?
Yes, infrared grills are excellent for achieving steakhouse-quality searing, even heat distribution, and flare-up-free cooking. They reach higher temperatures than standard gas grills, use less fuel, and produce juicier results because radiant heat locks in moisture. The main trade-off is a learning curve for temperature control and a higher price point.
Do steakhouses use infrared grills?
Yes, many high-end steakhouses use infrared broilers, which are commercially rated versions of the same technology found in home infrared grills. These broilers reach 1,500 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is how steakhouses achieve the signature caramelized crust on ribeyes and filets that is difficult to replicate on a standard home gas grill.
What are the disadvantages of infrared cooking?
The main disadvantages of infrared cooking are the higher purchase price compared to standard gas grills, a steeper learning curve for temperature control that can lead to overcooked food for beginners, limited low-temperature cooking range which makes slow smoking difficult, and the need for periodic cleaning of the infrared emitter plate to maintain performance.
Are infrared grills still a thing?
Yes, infrared grills are still actively sold and improving, with major brands like Charbroil, Napoleon, Solaire, and TEC continuing to release updated models in 2026. The technology has become more affordable and widely adopted, and infrared burners are now commonly featured as side or rear burners on premium gas grills from multiple manufacturers.
How hot do infrared grills get?
Infrared grills typically reach between 700 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the burner type. Ceramic infrared burners like those in Solaire grills can exceed 1,100 degrees at the cooking grate, while dedicated infrared sear burners like the Napoleon Sizzle Zone reach 1,800 degrees in about 30 seconds. Standard infrared cooking systems like Charbroil TRU-Infrared operate in the 500 to 700 degree range for everyday grilling.
Conclusion: Which Infrared Grill Should You Buy?
After testing all eight grills, the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB stands out as the best infrared grill overall for 2026 thanks to its infrared Sizzle Zone, rear rotisserie burner, and lifetime warranty coverage. For buyers who want maximum versatility at a fraction of the price, the Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 delivers smoker, roaster, and grilling performance with the highest customer rating on our list. Budget shoppers and tailgaters should look no further than the Charbroil Grill2Go X200, which packs genuine infrared cooking into a portable package under $200.
The right infrared grill depends on how you cook, where you cook, and who you cook for. Match the grill to your needs using the buying guide above, and you will be turning out steakhouse-quality meals from your backyard all year long.