Nobody knows precisely when and where grills were invented. Anyways, these appliances have seen a massive degree of evolution since then, and it isn’t surprising that more people keep joining the BBQ bandwagon. If you’re a BBQ enthusiast, it’s high time you moved away from the primitive charcoal grill and started using the newer and more modern infrared grill. Apart from being much easier to set up and use, the best infrared grill offers much better performance than traditional grills while helping you to save on fuel. Not only that, but an infrared grill also delivers more flavorful food, thanks to its radiant heat that provides an even temperature grilling surface.
Since the infrared technology is an innovation in the grill industry, however, buying an infrared grill is never an easy task, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. This is why our guide with best infrared thermometers can help you. There’re many options to choose from, and if adequate care isn’t taken, you could possibly end up with a poor-performing unit that you may not even be able to use. With that in mind, we have scoured the entire grill market to assemble this guide, which comprises of the top sixteen infrared grills currently available out there. Some of the factors we considered for our compilation and that you might also need to consider when making your selection, include primary cooking area, availability of a warming rack, BTUs, and dimensions of each grill.
We have invested about 50 hours on research, reading customer reviews, and technical specifications for several of the most popular infrared grills on the market. The result of that research is our compilation of the 16 best infrared grills enumerated in the table below, topped with the Char-Broil 463370719 Performance, our Editor’s Choice. As you read further, you will find our comprehensive reviews for the twelve chosen infrared grills before eventually landing in our buying guide. It contains all the useful tips you’ll ever need when shopping for the right product for your needs.
More features: temperature gauge, lidded side burner, fast & reliable startups
The Char-Broil 463370719 Performance features TRU-Infrared cooking technology that delivers even heat and prevents flare ups. The Amplifire feature is not only versatile and easy to use, but it prevents flare ups by creating a barrier between the flames and the foods. This helps prevent charred food and your cookout being ruined.
This technology also provides evenly cooked, juicy foods each time you grill. Amplifire has been inspired by the grilling methods that have been in use in steakhouses and restaurants for decades. It is designed to lock in the flavor and produce juicier food. This means this grill produces delicious burgers, chicken, steaks or other dishes. It uses an emitter plate to evenly distribute heat to the food, eliminating the cold and hot spots along with any guesswork.
Additionally, the steel, porcelain coated grates are rust resistant, durable and easy to clean. There is a primary cooking area of 450 square inches, which is ample space for 6 chickens, 16 burgers or plenty of steaks. This means that whether you’re cooking for the family, or entertaining, you should have sufficient cookspace.
More features: dual-level sear plates, LED spectrum night light control knobs
Nothing comes close to the Napoleon Prestige Pro in delivering a professional-grade grilling experience. The grill is packed with distinguishing features that make grilling in the backyard a fun experience. It boasts a shiny stainless steel exterior with chrome details that is both attractive and easy to clean. Its interior components, like the tube burners, cooking grids, basin, and dual-level sear plates, are also durably built with stainless steel.
The grill is our second best pick because of its large cooking area. Its total cooking area measures 1140 sq. inches, which is enough space for cooking a large amount of food for a big party. It features an infrared sizzle zone side burner that produces high heat for searing in less than thirty seconds after ignition. The cooking area also constitutes a built-in smoker tray and a dedicated burner that you can use to add a hint of smoke to your food. Furthermore, you can grill at dusk or at night as the grill features interior LED lights that illuminate the cooking surface.
The Napoleon Prestige Pro 665 offers a larger cooking area than all the other grills on this list. Its only downside is that you can only use it if you already have natural gas plumbed out to your patio, deck, or backyard. If you do, then you will enjoy it.
More features: electronic ignition integrated into gas control knob
If huge charcoal grills aren’t your thing, we are confident that you will like this infrared grill from Char-Broil. The infrared cooking system built into the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill allows you to enjoy high temperature for food searing, no flare-ups, and evenly grilled meat that remains moist. Thanks to the unique design on this infrared grill, you can add some smoky flavor as well. All you need to do is directly add little wood chips on the grate and you are set.
Both the grill and the cooking grate are porcelain-coated, which makes this unit incredibly durable and allows it to weather different types of storms. Not only that, but it also has a 240 square-inch primary cooking area, which is decent enough for a small infrared grill. It’s important to note that this space fits about eleven burgers. The primary cooking area is complemented by a detachable warming rack that you can easily use indirectly for cooking as well. For portability, the unit comes with two large wheels which allow you to move the grill around. Although, there are no locking casters on the wheels to keep the unit in place, though the design of the rubberized base doesn’t require it.
Living in an apartment complex or a condo doesn’t mean you cannot relish some backyard BBQ. This infrared grill from Char-Broil is a quite basic unit that allows you to enjoy delectably grilled meals with your friends, family, or even neighbors without the mess of charcoal grills. Of course, nothing comes with a flaw, and the few drawbacks you might encounter with this grill include its high-maintenance grate and difficult-to-use igniter.
More features: No flare-up TRU-Infrared cooking system, high impact frame, latching lid
The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is a well-made portable grill that provides plenty of BTUs for high heat and improved cooking performance. This makes it a good choice for cooking burgers, dogs and steaks and you can get trendy with “infrared cooking” options. The lid locks in place for easy storage and three 1 lb propane tanks can be held in transit. One main drawback to this grill is that it’s ill-suited to lower and slower cooking styles. If you like to grill chicken slowly you will soon notice that the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is too hot. Even on the lower settings the heat will char the exterior of a chicken breast before the meat inside is cooked safely!
The output power of this grill is high due to the “infrared” capability that has become very popular in recent years. When you want to cook fast and you don’t mind smoke, they are a great option. The theory behind infrared cooking is that the juices are vaporized before they drip below the heat source and this improves the taste of the meat. There is some truth to this, but this feature does limit the flexibility of the grill when it comes to more delicate meats and fish. The control of the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is pretty narrow and the lid works well.
More features: integrated fold-away legs; made in the USA
With about 40 years of experience when it comes to manufacturing high-quality cookware, Magma Products is a company you just can’t doubt. One of their recent inventions, the Magma Products Newport 2 A10-918-2GS comes with an advanced design and the latest infrared technology. Not only that, but it is also produced using corrosion-resistant 18-9 marine-grade polished stainless steel, which allows it to stand up against the toughest of conditions and last for many years. To further back our claims about its superb quality, this grill has been designed without the sharp edges, and the new stylish round ones it features will cut on the odds of an accident.
Furthermore, the design features a reliable combustion system which helps keep the flame on regardless of the weather conditions. There are also reduced odds of heat discoloration and flare-ups, thanks to the fully double lower safety shell. The unit even comes with a hermetically sealed thermometer, which allows you to control its heat level effortlessly. Apart from that, the manufacturers have also integrated fold-away legs, which allow you to take the unit anywhere you go. As we mentioned earlier, this unit is packed with advanced features, and another one is the tempered glass viewing window, which enables you to keep an eye on the dish at all times.
Unfortunately, the grilling area is smaller than most people would have wanted. But even with the 162 square inches, it is capable of producing an intense amount of heat, which is in no small part to the infrared system. With this grill, you are guaranteed of even heat distribution as well. Remarkably, this model features multiple fuel systems – propane or CNG or LPG system – unlike most other models on our list. However, all the advanced features you will get to enjoy on this unit come at a price. While the grill is expensive, you are sure to get your money’s worth.
More features: made from 20 gauge type-304 stainless steel; electronic push-button ignition
The Solaire SOL-EV17A is an epitome of a portable grill, and if portability is your primary concern, you can’t look further than this model. It has an extremely compact design and will only take up about 140 square inches of space in your abode. Despite the very small footprint though, it is still capable of fitting six pieces of burger which is quite impressive considering this was mainly designed to be small. And thanks to its infrared burner, this unit has an incredible heat control.
Being an American product, this grill is also very reliable, not like we were expecting any less though. The grates have a unique “V” design, which improves the flavor of the food significantly. At the same time, there are no risks of flare-ups, so you can rest easy knowing you can safely use your grill without any accidents. And this grill is also exceptional when it comes to durability, which is understandable since it was built with ceramic and stainless steel. Since you don’t have to worry about break or rust from regular cleaning, you can trust the unit to serve you for many years.
Weighing in at only 15 pounds, this unit is also outstandingly lightweight. Its lightweight design means you can move it wherever you want comfortably, making it suitable for women and teenagers as well. The only flaw we could attribute to this grill is its unattractive design. While that may not seem any detrimental to most people, some buyers actually care about aesthetics. It’s perfect for indoors usage though, and that alone might be enough.
More features: comes with a rotisserie spit with 2 forks, a kebab set with 7 skewers & 2 round plates, a fish basket, a fries cage, a non-stick grill rack and a drip tray.
The ChefWave Sosaku Smokeless Indoor Grill is a fantastic 5 in 1 indoor BBQ that allows you to enjoy the fun of outdoor grilling inside. Whether you don’t have a great deal of outdoor space or your plans are put on hold due to bad weather, this device can provide the solution. It uses infrared heating technology that produces 80% less smoke compared to other electric grills. This means that you can cook with virtually no smoke, while grilling to perfection.
This is a complete kit to make versatile dishes and foods. The grill comes with a rotisserie spit with two forks, a kebab set, a fries cage, a fish basket, a non-stick grilling rack and a drip tray. So, you can make various dishes including grilling with the one appliance. The grill heats up in a matter of minutes, and can prepare seared, juicy foods. It has a temperature range of 0ºf to 450ºf, so all you need to do is set your desired temperature and a cook time of up to 90 minutes. When you’re done, clean up is a breeze since the detachable parts are all dishwasher safe.
All the parts and the main unit is supported with a one-year warranty. So, you can enjoy worry free use with a money back guarantee.
More features: 304 stainless steel, push button electronic igniter, warms up in 4 minutes
If you have limited outdoor space, but still want to grill, the GASPRO 1500℉ Quick Cooking Propane Infrared Steak Grill could provide the solution. This grill boasts an infrared cook system that can reach an impressive 1500ºf. This means that you can enjoy steakhouse quality meats with just a couple of minutes per side.
The grill has six notches in the grill rack that determines the proximity of the grate to the heat source. This allows you to create different heat zones for veggies, seafood and meats. You can even cook sous vide, sandwiches and enchiladas. Since the grill cooks at high temperatures, you can keep all the flavor and juices inside your meats for a perfect finish.
The GASPRO has an easy start ignition that allows you to start the heat with the push of a button. The warm up time is approximately four minutes, so you can be cooking within minutes.
Another convenience feature of this grill is that there are multiple connection options. You can use a disposable LP cylinder, large propane tank or RV tank, but you will need to purchase a separate propane hose. There is a built in ⅜” male flare fitting in the regulator and valve. This makes it ideal for backyard grilling, camping or RV traveling.
More features: 180-day return policy, non-stick finish, dishwasher-safe parts
The Trundlia Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill is a compact, affordable, and easy-to-use tabletop grill that can be used to prepare steakhouse-quality meats. This grill has nearly everything you would expect from a quality infrared grill without the high price tag. It retails for around $100, which is a fraction of the price of other grills on this list.
This portable indoor grill is ideal for those new to using infrared grills and do not want to invest in a larger, more expensive product. The grill features advanced infrared heating technology to evenly cook meat, fish, poultry, and veggies. It is easy to use and low-maintenance.
The Trundlia Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill features smoke-less technology. The infrared heat is only directed at the racks surface and the unique cooling tray will catch oil and grease before they are transformed into unwanted smoke. We like this grill because it allows users to grill like a pro, and it heats up to the ideal temperature of 450 degrees in just six minutes. That means the grill creates 80% less smoke than other indoor grills.
There aren’t too many bad things to say about this infrared grill. Like many other smokeless indoor grills we have reviewed in the past, this grill is not 100% smokeless. You will have at least a small amount of smoke depending on the type of food you are grilling and the amount of oil or grease it produces. Aside from that, most users are pleased with the product, and for a quality infrared grill, you can’t go wrong with the low price.
More features: electronic ignitor button, hassle-free cleanup
The Royal Gourmet Premier 5 BBQ Propane and Gas grill includes an infrared rear side burner, so you can enjoy all the benefits of infrared grilling with this cabinet-style outdoor grill. We chose this grill as our the most stylish because it is multi-functional, includes a spacious cooking space, and allows you to prepare multiple dishes, all with different cooking styles, at the same time.
This is the ideal product for any grill enthusiast. With five impressive grilling features that allow you to barbecue, sear, rotisserie, and more, this is one of the best-infrared grills you can find. It features a contemporary look and is available in your choice of Coffee or Blue. It is an excellent product for anyone who enjoys cooking and grilling outdoors.
The Royal Gourmet Premier 5 Grill is porcelain-enameled and has a 738 square inch cooking space total. That includes 566 square inches of porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates. It offers a strong performance with four main burners that operate at 10,000 BTU each. There is also a sear burner that operates at 14,000 BTU and an infrared burner operating at 10,000 BTU. This grill includes a rotisserie kit with a motor so you can prepare a slow-roasted and crispy whole chicken for dinner.
There’s plenty of things to like about this high-quality grill, and we were unable to find many complaints about it. Some customers had a difficult time with assembly, but if you have any experience with putting together a gas or propane grill, it shouldn’t be a major issue. It is also quite expensive but considering all the available features, you are still getting a great product for that price.
More features: LED spectrum night light control knobs, interior lights, heavy-duty casters, lifetime warranty
The Napoleon 3 Prestige Pro Natural Gas Grill is an impressive cooking machine that includes a variety of features to help make your outdoor cooking experience more satisfactory and enjoyable. This grill features an infrared rear and bottom range burner. It is a high-end grill priced at $4,599.00, but we believe it is worth it if you are a serious grill master.
This outdoor propane and gas grill was designed with professionals in mind. It features a natural gas unit which means you will need to have natural gas plumbed to your backyard or patio to use it. But that doesn’t mean you can add it to your backyard or patio for upcoming family gatherings. It operates on 123,000 BTUs with six stainless steel main burners and a total cooking area of 1,430 inches.
The Napoleon 3 Prestige Grill is loaded with features any grill enthusiast is sure to appreciate. With a large cooking space and six stainless steel burners, you can prepare more grilled food than ever before. This grill also features control knobs with LED Spectrum night lights and interior lights, so you can grill long after the sun goes down. It also includes an infrared sizzle zone bottom burner as well as an infrared rear rotisserie burner.
There aren’t many negative things to report about this Napoleon grill. It is expensive, but that’s to be expected due to the quality of the product and all the professional-grade features it includes. Users have reported that it can be difficult to move around so be sure to place It in a permanent location. Others have mentioned the door hardware is not the best quality, considering how durable the rest of the grill is.
More features: porcelain coated, cast iron cooking grates, LED control knobs
If you are looking for an infrared grill that offers a large amount of cooking space whilst being affordably priced, then the Monument 4-Burner Clearview Grill might be a suitable choice. Featuring a primary cooking area of 513 square inches, a warming rack of 210 square inches, a lot of space for food prep on both sides, and a side burner, the power and convenience offered by this option cannot be quantified. It also sports a wheel-cart design which enables it to be easily moved around a yard or patio.
Primarily, the unit has four main burners that offer 72,000 BTUs, and which are heated evenly by just a single ignition button. Apart from increasing the ease of use of this grill, it will also heat up all the food simultaneously. The cooking surface is porcelain-coated, which makes it very durable and easy to clean. Measuring 19 x 54 x 46 inches and weighing 101 pounds, however, this product is on the larger side and may not be suitable for on-the-go usage.
And while this model comes with four burners, there is a less expensive two-burner version on the market, which could be a great alternative provided you don’t find the weight and large footprint of this one convenient. As for the drawbacks, several buyers noted that the instructions are a bit vague.
More features: lid-mounted temperature gauge; removable grease tray
The Char-Broil TRU Infrared Electric Patio Bistro is one of the most unique-looking grills around, and that’s in no small thanks to its retro clam-shell design. Being an infrared grill, this appliance allows you not to fuss with charcoal or propane – just plug in and utilize a simple knob to control temperature. The cooking area of the grill measures 240 square inches, which makes it sufficiently large to handle hot dogs and burgers for your whole family and a couple of friends. Also, it features a useful warming rack above the primary grate, which enables you to cook multiple foods concurrently.
In addition, the grill comes with folding side shelves, which apart from serving as a prep space, also double as storage for your essential cooking items. The cooking grates are also porcelain-coated, which make them durable and easy to clean. The easy cleaning is even aided further by the removable grease-tray included. If you need an infrared grill that you can rely on, this model from Char-Broil is the obvious candidate. Its simple controls and compact size make it a perfect choice for most people.
Nonetheless, there are some small details that could have even been better. The most dramatic one is that the cord is too short, which means you’ll have to use it right beside a power outlet or purchase an extension cord. Apart from that, there aren’t many flaws in this incredible model from the leading manufacturer of infrared grills, Char-Broil. We have little doubt that this is the best infrared grill on the market.
More features: stainless steel grease collector tray; no gas or charcoal required
Simple Living Products is one of the leading companies when it comes to infrared grills, and the Simple Living Infrared Electric Indoor Smokeless Grill is yet another excellent offering from the company. With its capability to quickly heat up within three minutes, this lightweight infrared grill from Simple Living Products will maintain a constant temperature of 446 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the cooking area. Also, this will effortlessly grill a wide range of foods adding more flavor and juice to whatever you’re cooking.
Besides, this is almost a smoke-free grill, and the infrared technology it incorporates means it doesn’t use charcoal or gas. It is ideal for both outdoor and indoor use and is perfect or all kinds of weather. Furthermore, the grill comes with a removable stainless grease collector tray. Thankfully, the grease-tray can be washed by hand or by the dishwasher, which eliminates the stress usually involved in this process.
Like we also mentioned earlier, there is no unpleasant smoke with this unit since it is not a charcoal grill. Nevertheless, you can rest assured that the smoke-free operation won’t reduce the flavor of your food in any way. However, some users complained about the grill being insufficiently hot, so you might want to keep that in mind. But it should still be hot enough to grill most of your foods.
More features: all parts are detachable and dishwasher-proof
While BIG HORN OUTDOORS is not one of the household names in the grill industry in any measure, it’s safe to say that they are on the right path to the top with high-quality products like the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Grill. Being an infrared grill, all the mess and inconvenience you used to encounter with charcoal and gas grills are now issues of the past. This unit helps to cook your food perfectly without creating any smoke or mess, making it suitable for people living in a condo or an apartment.
Another excellent thing about this product is its unique design, which allows it to keep up a consistent temperature of up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit during the grilling process. Also, this grill heats up very quickly and is therefore ideal for a wide range of items. It guarantees to deliver to you a crispy outer-shell, tender, and juicy meat. And you don’t even need to be worried about cleaning – every part of this unit is removable so that you can easily hand-clean them or even wash them in a dishwasher. However, you might still have to put a little effort since the surface isn’t designed to be non-stick. It’s usually a tricky chore scraping off food stuck to it.
But that is one of the little prices you have to pay for buying such an affordable product. While it is the least expensive model on this list, it delivers much more than what you pay for. Additionally, it meets ETL standards, making it a very safe product to use.
More features: double-walled grill hood, side walls, and fire box; 4 caster wheels
Looking for a heavy-duty infrared grill? Look no further than the Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas. Featuring a large primary cooking space that measures 464 square inches, this grill can easily fit 40 hot dogs at a time, making it an ideal choice for a large family and big get-togethers. The main grilling area is also supplemented by a 162-square-inch warming rack, which expands the total cooking area to 626 square inches. Indeed, this model right here is one of the first products you must consider when looking for something to cook for many mouths, perhaps during a large backyard party or a family reunion. Its high price is the only factor that may deter you.
Furthermore, the grill retains heat during cooking, thanks to its stainless steel lid with cast aluminum end cap. Certainly one of the most powerful grills on the market, this product features three burners. Apart from the primary burners, you will also find an infrared side burner which also product 12,000 BTUs each. Bear in mind, though, that the infrared technology is only restricted to the side burner, which is where other models might edge this one.
For optimum oil flowing, it also comes with chrome plated steel grates with slope design, which also helps to retain the natural flavor of the food. Besides, there is a steel cabinet that offers ample storage space for your cooking tools. It doesn’t stop there – the grill is also equipped with four heavy-duty caster wheels for easy movability.
While finding a quality infrared grill is a quite exciting endeavor, it is still very challenging. With the market packed with many models, choosing the ideal one for your unique needs may be hard. That is why this comprehensive guide was created to help buyers narrow down their options and find best infrared thermometer .
Cooking with the aid of infrared heat isn’t really anything new. Albeit unknowingly, people have been making use of infrared to cook different dishes through gas and charcoal grills. As the temperature of the grill increases, it creates a particular degree of infrared heat. The traditional charcoal grills, for instance, effortlessly reach temperatures of about 700 degrees Fahrenheit whilst gas grills are capable of reaching about 750 degrees Fahrenheit. An infrared grill, however, reaches 900 degrees Fahrenheit on an average. Keep in mind that is only the average temperature that can be reached by infrared grills as some models are capable of achieving up to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the same level of temperature needed to melt down stones at the core of the earth.
Gas and charcoal grills use the convection method to cook food, which involves the constant heating of the rising surrounding air that circulates around the meal by the frames, thereby cooking it during that process. The regular air movement, unfortunately, is capable of causing the drying out of the food. Contrastingly, there is nothing of such as far as infrared grills are concerned – no contact occurs directly between the food and hot hair. The fundamental principle by which infrared grills work is heating up of the hard surface which absorbs energy and heat from the grill’s burner. Rather than radiating hot air, the hard surface (Special Emitter) directly radiates intense heat to the meal on the cooking grate again. And unlike gas and charcoal grills, air circulation is reduced to the minimum when it comes to infrared grills, and your foods, therefore, are able to maintain their moistness.
Infrared grills typically heat up much faster (within three minutes). Averaging around 900 degrees Fahrenheit, infrared grills also generate a higher temperature when compared to gas and charcoal grills, which significantly reduces your cooking time. This implies that there is no need for you to stay for long around the grill and its heat to obtain a delectably cooked food. With an infrared grill, you can choose to grill every day rather than weekends only.
Even though infrared models pre-heat quickly and are capable of reaching extremely high temperatures, they don’t utilize as much fuel as other grill types. If you pit an infrared gas grill and a traditional gas grill against each other, the infrared model will reach a higher temperature faster while expending less fuel.
Of course, infrared grills add juicer juice to your food, and that isn’t far-fetched. There is usually less dry air circulating around when using an infrared grill, so your food is able to retain more moisture, and your steak is, therefore, juicer when compared to a charcoal or gas grill.
Infrared grills also add better flavor to the food. Apart from being able to sear your food quickly, any drippings from your marinade or meat fall on the plate directly vaporize, returning to your meat. In addition, infrared grills are also safer to use since you don’t need to worry about flare-ups most times, which makes them a great choice for a boat grill.
An infrared grill’s heating element is usually put above the plate directly, so there are no cold or hot spots along the grilling surface. That is, a gas grill gives you more even heat distribution, which leads to more consistent outcomes.
Most infrared grills automatically clean themselves. When you turn the grill up to a high temperature, all the food particles and remnants stuck on the surface will be burnt off and you can easily utilize a brush to remove the dogged ones that refuse to burn off.
While infrared technology has become more easily-reached than it has ever been, you must keep in mind that all infrared grills aren’t created equal. While each grill we listed in this guide is worth purchasing, based on your own unique needs and requirements, some models may be more suitable for you than others.
The primary cooking area is one of the most critical factors you must think about when buying any grill. The number of individuals for whom you will be cooking and the purposes for which you are purchasing a grill in the first place will play a big role here.
For example, if you are cooking for a family with only six members, a model with a grilling space of around 250 to 300 square inches will be sufficient. But you might have to look at larger models like the Royal Gourmet Gas Grill with at least 566 square inches if you intend to be hosting BBQ parties and events.
Of course, not every grill comes with a warming rack, but it’s always great if you could buy a unit with one. Most times, the warming rack only supplements the primary cooking area and can’t serve as the area for the main cooking.
The best IR grills provide an extensive variety of temperatures. While their grates sear food at 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit or thereabout, they are also capable of cooking at lower temperatures. An infrared grill with extensive capabilities like that is very useful as it can not only sear steaks but also cook vegetables and fish, which don’t do well against very high temperatures. Only a couple of infrared grills are capable of such, however.
Often thought as of a standard among grilling enthusiasts and professionals, any infrared grill worthy of any respect must be equipped with two burners at least. The primary reason most enthusiasts don’t consider single-burner models is because infrared cooking heavily relies on the ability of a grill to distribute heat evenly. There are many models of gas-powered grills that utilize a single burner only, but you must remember that they are engineered for convection cooking purely, which will work well with such a simple set up.
Find models that come with two burners at least to make sure that the produced heat will be distributed evenly and adequately and achieve real infrared standards. Models like the Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 450 Gas Grill and the Royal Gourmet Gas Grill are equipped with three and five burners respectively.
Another vital factor you need to look at is the material with which the cooking surface is made. The cooking surface, of course, takes a lot of heat, which means it has to be durable enough to stand the test of time.
Stainless steel is often the most preferred material as it is usually durable enough to take whatever is thrown at it. Avoid aluminum materials by all means as they are generally very lightweight and not able to stand up against severe heat.
Infrared grills don’t really require as much BTU output as traditional gas and charcoal grills. The infrared cooking system generates an intense heat that is evenly distributed over the grates. This heat generated is efficiently and quickly transferred to your food directly. Quickly searing food and retaining juices and flavors, these grills expend less fuel. When buying an infrared grill, you are recommended to be looking at a model with at least 8,000 BTUs.
The grill’s size is the most important consideration for several prospective buyers – regardless of how good the grill is, buying it has no point whatsoever if it won’t fit in your available space. And even if it fits, you shouldn’t buy a giant grill if you often cook for not more than three people. Apart from consuming more space, larger grills take a longer time to preheat as well. Also, moving a heavy grill or storing it away during the wintertime will be much more difficult.
Virtually every infrared grill is engineered to work with either natural or propane gas, which means you will have either line hookups or tanks to keep in mind. Several high-quality infrared grills work upon the basics of gas grills – a durable body that will be put on either a steady surface or an inbuilt stand or caster wheels. If you don’t like grilling outside at all times or you like being able to reorganize your cooking setup, look for freestanding models or those that are totally portable. The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is the best portable infrared grill on our list.
The weight is also as important as both size and portability. While most infrared grills are known for their heavy construction, there are still some models like the Simple Living Infrared Electric Indoor Smokeless Grill that weigh less than ten pounds. If you are likely to be moving your grill around a lot, we recommend looking at the lightweight models.
The best products usually feature longer warranty periods. Of course, a more extended warranty means the company is convinced of delivering exactly what it promises, and you can’t really complain about that. Some IR grills have different warranty terms for various parts. Notwithstanding, your ideal grilling machine ought to be backed by good warranty terms for adequate protection in case of defects.
Most times, the extra features don’t have any direct effect on your cooking, but they just bump up your level of convenience. That’s why you might want to look at features such as a temperature gauge which offers you more control on the grill’s temperature. Also, you may want to know whether the grill is easy to assemble or not.