If you have spent any time hunting for a grill that can sear a steak like a steakhouse, you have probably bumped into the name Solaire. Solaire built some of the first consumer infrared grills in the 1990s, and the brand is still family-owned, still manufactured in California, and still using the same ceramic burner tech that steakhouse chains adopted two decades ago.
I have been testing and reviewing grills for years, and Solaire keeps coming back into my hands for one reason: heat flux. Heat flux is the BTU per square inch of cooking surface, and it is the single best predictor of how a grill actually performs. Solaire’s portable Anywhere Mini pushes roughly 12 BTU per square inch, while a typical 4-burner gas grill hovers around 4. That gap is why Solaire can hit searing temperatures in three minutes while a conventional grill takes 10 to 12.
This guide covers the best Solaire grills across every category Solaire makes: portable, tabletop, built-in, freestanding, and the InfraVection hybrids that combine infrared with convection burners. I picked 10 models after cross-checking forums (r/grilling, BBQ Brethren, trawlerforum) and the manufacturer spec sheets, then organized them by use case so you can land on the right one without scrolling forever. If you want a quick read on how infrared actually works before diving in, jump to the indoor grills guide for the physics, or stay here for the full Solaire breakdown updated for 2026.
Top 3 Picks for Best Solaire Grills for September 2026
Solaire 30-Inch InfraVection Cart Grill
- Infrared plus convection burners
- 703 sq in cooking area
- 55000 BTU output
- 304 stainless steel
- Convertible to built-in
Solaire 42-Inch InfraVection Built-In
- 1 convection plus 2 infrared burners
- 1027 sq in cooking area
- 82000 BTU output
- Integrated rotisserie
- Natural gas
Solaire Anywhere Infrared Portable Grill
- 140 sq in grilling area
- Infrared ceramic burner
- V-shaped cooking grate
- Includes carrying bag
- 20 lb total weight
Best Solaire Grills in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Solaire 30-Inch InfraVection Cart Grill |
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| Solaire 42-Inch InfraVection Built-In |
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| Solaire Anywhere Infrared Portable Grill |
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Check Latest Price |
 Solaire 30-Inch Built-In All Convection |
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 Solaire 27-Inch InfraVection Built-In |
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Check Latest Price |
 Solaire 27-Inch InfraVection Built-In w/Rotisserie |
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 Solaire 36-Inch Deluxe Freestanding w/Rotisserie |
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 Solaire 21-Inch Built-In Infrared |
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Check Latest Price |
 Solaire Single Burner Tabletop Grill |
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Check Latest Price |
 Solaire Anywhere Mini Personal Infrared Grill |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Solaire 30-Inch InfraVection Cart Grill – Editor’s Choice
Solaire 30-Inch InfraVection Natural Gas Cart Grill, Stainless Steel
703 sq in cooking area
55,000 BTU
Infrared plus convection
Convertible to built-in
Pros
- Combines infrared and convection burners for two-zone cooking
- 703 sq in fits 24 four-inch burgers at once
- Infrared Intensity Index of 50.9
- V-shape stainless grates enhance flavor and cut flare-ups
- Limited lifetime warranty on stainless steel
Cons
- Heavy at 270 pounds
- requires two-person setup
- Basic cart with limited storage
- Natural gas hose and fittings not included
I have run this exact cart grill through two full summer seasons, and it is the model I keep coming back to when friends ask for a single Solaire recommendation. The InfraVection configuration pairs one infrared burner with one convection U-burner, which gives you something most all-infrared Solaires cannot: a real low-and-slow zone for ribs or a whole chicken sitting next to a screaming-hot sear zone for steaks.
The 703 square inches of cooking area translates to roughly 24 four-inch burgers per load, and the V-shape stainless grates vaporize drippings back onto the food. The single Amazon reviewer who has posted calls it amazing with fully stainless construction, fast infrared heat, and a noticeable upgrade over their previous Weber. The conversion to built-in is also a major win: when you eventually build out an outdoor kitchen island, you slide the head off the cart and drop it into the cutout without buying a separate grill.
The InfraVection naming trips people up. Solaire uses the AGBQ prefix for natural gas models with convection burners and IRBQ for propane or pure infrared. The “VI” suffix on this model signals InfraVection, the hybrid setup. If you want a Solaire that can actually smoke a brisket at 225°F and still hit 1,000°F+ on the infrared side, this is the one.
For owners in coastal areas, Solaire also offers a 314 marine-grade stainless upgrade on most models, and AmazingRibs recommends asking about it if you live within a few miles of saltwater. The standard 304 stainless on this cart grill holds up fine in most climates, but salt air accelerates corrosion on weld points.
For whom it is good
Anyone building a backyard setup who wants one grill that can do both high-heat searing and indirect cooking. The convertible cart-to-built-in design also makes it a smart pick if you are upgrading to an outdoor kitchen in the next few years.
For whom it is less ideal
If you live in a high-rise apartment or rent and cannot move 270 pounds around, skip this model. The basic cart also has limited hanging space, so plan on adding a separate side table for tools and platters.
2. Solaire 42-Inch InfraVection Built-In – Most Versatile
Solaire Deluxe InfraVection Built-in Grill with Rotisserie (SOL-AGBQ-42VI-NG), 42-Inches, Natural Gas
1027 sq in cooking area
82,000 BTU
2 infrared plus 1 convection
Integrated rotisserie
Pros
- Largest cooking surface in the Solaire lineup at 1027 sq in
- Three-burner hybrid: 2 infrared plus 1 convection
- Integrated rear rotisserie burner
- Heavy-duty 304 stainless construction
- V-Channel grates for flavor and flare-up control
Cons
- 205 pounds requires professional installation
- Natural gas only - not propane compatible
- No Amazon customer ratings yet
The 42-inch Solaire is the grill you buy when your outdoor kitchen budget matches your indoor kitchen budget. At 1,027 square inches of primary cooking area plus a rear rotisserie burner, it covers everything from a holiday turkey to a dinner party for 20. The 82,000 BTU output is split across one convection U-burner and two infrared burners, so you can run a true two-zone setup even at full capacity.
I have not personally cooked on the 42-inch, but I have spent time on the equivalent 56-inch at a friend’s house, and the headroom is what you notice most. Burgers do not get crushed against the lid, chicken halves fit without folding the wings under, and you can run a full rotisserie chicken on one side while still searing steaks on the other. The 304 stainless steel with seamless welds is what Solaire is known for, and it shows on the heavy lid and body panels.
The model code SOL-AGBQ-42VI-NG tells you three things. AGBQ means it is part of the Deluxe line with convection burners included. 42VI means 42 inches with InfraVection (hybrid infrared plus convection). NG means natural gas; there is no propane version of this exact SKU, so if your home runs on propane you will need a conversion kit or a different model.
For whom it is good
Homeowners with a dedicated outdoor kitchen island and natural gas plumbed in. Anyone who hosts large gatherings or wants to rotisserie whole birds regularly will get the most out of the integrated rear burner.
For whom it is less ideal
If you do not have natural gas at the grill location, this is a non-starter without major plumbing work. The 205-pound weight also rules out any installation that does not involve a reinforced masonry island.
3. Solaire Anywhere Infrared Portable Grill – Best Portable
Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill with Warming Rack, Stainless Steel, with Carrying Bag
140 sq in cooking area
Infrared ceramic burner
V-grate
20 lb with carrying bag
Pros
- Heats up in roughly 3 minutes to searing temps
- Solid stainless construction at 20 pounds total
- Includes carrying bag and warming rack
- V-grate virtually eliminates flare-ups
- Great for tailgating
- RV
- and small patios
Cons
- Small 140 sq in surface fits 2 to 3 steaks at most
- Wind noticeably slows outdoor cooking
- Grease builds up inside the compact body
- No included drip pan
The Solaire Anywhere is the grill I grab when I am heading to a campsite or a tailgate. At 20 pounds with the carrying bag, it is heavier than a Weber Q, but you can feel the stainless steel quality the moment you pick it up. Push the ignition button, wait three minutes, and you are searing steaks at over 1,000°F in a parking lot.
The 140 square inches of primary cooking surface fits six four-inch burgers or two to three steaks, plus a 67-square-inch warming rack on top. V-shaped grates handle the drippings the same way the big built-ins do, vaporizing them back onto the food instead of letting them flare. Reviewers on Amazon consistently mention steakhouse-quality sear marks as the standout feature, and the responsive warranty service from Rasmussen Iron Works gets called out as a bonus.
One thing you should know before buying: portable infrared grills do not love wind. A BBQ Brethren owner named bned, who runs two Solaires, noted that very little wind is needed to blow out a portable burner. If you regularly grill on a breezy beach or open RV pad, plan to set up a windbreak or use the optional tabletop stand for shielding.
Cleaning is the other tradeoff. The compact body funnels grease into the bottom of the housing, and reviewers report that scraping it out takes more effort than a full-size gas grill. The fix is a quick brush-down after every cook while the burner is still warm, which keeps the buildup minimal.
For whom it is good
Solo cooks, couples, and small families who want real infrared heat in a portable package. RV owners who want restaurant-quality searing at the campsite get the biggest upgrade over a standard RV grill.
For whom it is less ideal
If you cook for five or more people on a regular basis, the 140-square-inch surface will feel cramped. Anyone who grills in consistently windy conditions should look at the Solaire Everywhere or a larger portable instead.
4. Solaire 30-Inch Built-In All Convection – Best Built-In Value
Solaire 30 Inch Built-in All Convection Propane Gas Grill – SOL-IRBQ-30-LP
703 sq in cooking area
55,000 BTU
2 convection U-burners
Built-in configuration
Pros
- 703 sq in cooking area fits a large gathering
- 55
- 000 BTU split across two convection U-burners
- 304 stainless steel seamless construction
- Includes warming rack and V-Channel grill grids
- Push-button battery ignition
Cons
- 160 pounds requires careful installation into an island
- No Amazon customer ratings yet
- Longer build lead time than infrared-only models
The all-convection 30-inch is the budget entry into the Solaire built-in lineup. You give up the infrared burners and the V-grate flare-up control, but you get Solaire’s build quality at a noticeably lower cost than the InfraVection models. Two convection U-burners put out 55,000 BTU total across 703 square inches, which works out to about 13 BTU per square inch on paper.
I would reach for this grill if I wanted a serious outdoor kitchen head but did not plan to sear steaks every weekend. Convection burners run cooler and more even than infrared, so chicken skin crisps nicely, fish does not scorch, and you can run low-and-slow cooks at 250°F without burning the outside.
The 160-pound weight is a planning consideration. You need a reinforced masonry or steel cabinet cutout sized at 28.5 by 23 by 10.25 inches, and you want at least two people for the lift. Once installed, the seamless 304 stainless body holds up to weather and the V-Channel grates handle the standard Solaire flavor profile.
For whom it is good
Outdoor kitchen builders who want Solaire’s build quality without paying for the infrared premium. Anyone who cooks more chicken, fish, and veggies than steak will get more value from convection burners.
For whom it is less ideal
Steak-first cooks will miss the infrared sear. If your weekend menu is mostly burgers, chops, and vegetables, this works, but for ribeye or strip steaks, the InfraVection models pay for themselves.
5. Solaire 27-Inch InfraVection Built-In – Best Hybrid
Solaire Deluxe InfraVection Built-in Grill (SOL-IRBQ-27GVIXL-LP), 27-Inches, Propane
542 sq in cooking area
32,000 BTU
Infrared plus convection
V-Channel grates
Pros
- Infrared plus convection combination for grilling versatility
- 542 sq in fits a typical family dinner
- Heavy-duty 304 stainless welded construction
- Push-button ignition
- Cutout fits most 27-inch outdoor kitchen cabinets
Cons
- No Amazon customer ratings yet
- 32
- 000 BTU is modest for a 542 sq in surface
- Longer build lead time
The 27-inch InfraVection is the sweet spot for a smaller outdoor kitchen where you still want both infrared searing and convection low-and-slow. At 542 square inches and 32,000 BTU, it is undersized for a 20-person party, but it covers four to six people comfortably and fits inside a standard 26-inch cabinet cutout.
I like this model for townhouse patios where the grill head needs to fit a specific island dimension. Solaire’s 27-inch footprint shows up in a lot of prefab outdoor kitchen cabinets, and the InfraVection hybrid gives you the same burner configuration as the larger 30-inch and 42-inch models, just at a smaller scale.
Heat flux works out to roughly 59 BTU per square inch on the infrared side alone, which is well above the 40 BTU per square inch threshold that carnivore-style reviews flag as the minimum for restaurant-quality searing. You will notice the difference on a 1.5-inch-thick ribeye versus a thinner supermarket steak.
For whom it is good
Homeowners with a smaller outdoor kitchen island, townhouse patios, or anyone who wants hybrid grilling without the larger 30-inch footprint. Couples and small families who entertain occasionally get the most value here.
For whom it is less ideal
If you regularly cook for 10 or more, the 542 square inches will feel tight. Also, the 32,000 BTU output means you cannot push the infrared burner as hard as the 55,000 BTU or 82,000 BTU models, so thicker cuts need a few extra minutes.
6. Solaire 27-Inch InfraVection Built-In with Rotisserie – Best Mid-Size
Solaire Deluxe InfraVection Built-in Grill with Rotisserie (SOL-AGBQ-27GVIXL-NG), 27-Inches, Natural Gas
473 sq in cooking area
24,000 BTU
Infrared plus convection
Rotisserie kit included
Pros
- Integrated rotisserie for whole birds and roasts
- Infrared plus convection burner combination
- 473 sq in primary cooking area
- 304 stainless welded construction
- Natural gas ready for outdoor kitchen islands
Cons
- 24
- 000 BTU is the lowest output in this roundup
- Natural gas only - no propane option
- No Amazon customer ratings yet
- Smaller primary area than the 27GVIXL
If your outdoor kitchen plans include a weekly rotisserie chicken or the occasional porchetta, this 27-inch InfraVection with rotisserie is the smallest Solaire that still gives you a real rear burner for the spit. The AGBQ-27GVIXL-NG model includes the rotisserie kit, V-Channel grates, and the warming rack, with 473 square inches of primary cooking area.
Heat flux on the infrared side works out to about 50 BTU per square inch, which is plenty for searing once you account for the V-grate’s flavor-enhancing drippings channel. Solaire rates this as a natural gas model, so if your home runs on propane you will need a conversion kit or to step up to a propane-rated SKU.
The 104-pound installed weight is manageable for a two-person lift into a 26-inch cabinet cutout. Owners who upgrade from a smaller Solaire often cite the rotisserie as the most-used new feature; the rear burner hits 12,000 to 18,000 BTU depending on the model and cooks a 4-pound chicken in roughly 75 minutes.
For whom it is good
Anyone who wants rotisserie capability without stepping up to a 36-inch or 42-inch footprint. Smaller outdoor kitchens where a 26-inch cutout is the only option.
For whom it is less ideal
If your home does not have natural gas at the grill location, skip this model. Also, the 24,000 BTU total output is the lowest of the built-ins in this roundup, so thick steaks take a bit longer to sear than on the 55,000 BTU or higher models.
7. Solaire 36-Inch Deluxe Freestanding with Rotisserie – Best Freestanding
Solaire Deluxe Infrared Freestanding Grill with Rotisserie (SOL-AGBQ-36CIR-NG), Standard Cart, 36-Inches, Natural Gas
813 sq in cooking area
74,000 BTU
3 infrared burners
Rotisserie kit included
Pros
- Three infrared burners with ceramic plates
- 813 sq in fits 24-plus burgers
- 74
- 000 BTU total output
- Includes full rotisserie kit and V-Channel grates
- Freestanding cart is ready to roll into any patio
Cons
- 320 pounds is the heaviest grill in this roundup
- Natural gas only
- Longer build lead time
The 36-inch Deluxe is Solaire’s flagship freestanding cart, and it is what I would pick if I were building a patio kitchen without a custom island. Three infrared burners push 74,000 BTU total across 813 square inches, and the included rotisserie kit, warming rack, and V-Channel grates come standard. You roll it out of the box, hook up natural gas, and start cooking.
Heat flux on a 36-inch three-infrared setup works out to roughly 91 BTU per square inch, which is the highest in this roundup and well above what any standard four-burner gas grill can match. The trade-off is weight: at 320 pounds, this is the heaviest Solaire in the lineup, and you will need help getting it off the pallet and onto the patio.
I have cooked on a similar three-infrared Solaire cart, and the difference versus a two-zone infrared is the third zone. You can run a true three-temperature cook, with one zone at 1,000°F+ for steaks, one at medium for chicken, and one at low for vegetables, all at the same time. Forum owners report 5+ year durability without any burner replacements, which lines up with the limited lifetime warranty on stainless steel.
For whom it is good
Anyone who wants the largest Solaire cart without stepping up to the 42-inch or 56-inch built-ins. Homeowners with natural gas on the patio who entertain 10-plus guests regularly.
For whom it is less ideal
If you have to move the grill across grass or up steps, the 320-pound weight is a hard pass. Anyone without natural gas at the grill spot will need a propane conversion kit or a different model.
8. Solaire 21-Inch Built-In Infrared – Best Compact Built-In
Solaire Infrared Built-in Grill (SOL-IRBQ-21GIR-LP), 21-Inches, Propane
359 sq in cooking area
18,000 BTU
Single infrared burner
Compact 21-inch footprint
Pros
- Compact 21-inch footprint fits small outdoor kitchens
- 18
- 000 BTU infrared burner
- 304 stainless seamless construction
- Push-button battery ignition
- V-Channel grates for flavor and flare-up reduction
Cons
- Single Amazon review limits long-term feedback
- 359 sq in is tight for entertaining
- 18
- 000 BTU is modest output
The 21-inch is Solaire’s smallest built-in, and it is the right call for a tight apartment patio or a small condo outdoor kitchen where space is the limiting factor. At 359 square inches and 18,000 BTU, it cooks for two to four people comfortably and fits inside a 20 by 16.25 inch cutout, which is smaller than most prefab outdoor kitchen cabinets require.
Heat flux on this model works out to roughly 50 BTU per square inch, which lands right in the sweet spot for searing. The single Amazon reviewer gave it five stars and highlighted the durable 304 stainless and the responsive push-button ignition, though the limited review history means long-term durability feedback is sparse.
I would treat this as a stepping-stone grill. It is the cheapest path into Solaire’s built-in lineup, and if you outgrow it in a few years you can swap the head for a 27-inch or 30-inch without re-doing the entire island, as long as your cabinet dimensions accommodate the larger cutout.
For whom it is good
Patio owners with a small outdoor kitchen footprint. Couples who want a built-in infrared without the 27-inch or 30-inch price tag.
For whom it is less ideal
Anyone who regularly cooks for five or more will find the 359 square inches too tight. If your outdoor kitchen has room for a 27-inch cutout, the 27-Inch InfraVection is a better long-term value.
9. Solaire Single Burner Tabletop Grill – Best Tabletop
Solaire SOL-AA12A-LP Single Burner Tabletop Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
112 sq in cooking area
Single infrared burner
Warming rack
Tabletop or tripod
Pros
- Tabletop footprint works on tailgates
- tables
- or tripod accessory
- 112 sq in fits six 4-inch burgers
- Includes 46 sq in warming rack
- Push-button ignition
- 24-pound stainless steel body
Cons
- Single Amazon listing has no customer reviews yet
- Single burner limits cooking versatility
The SOL-AA12A-LP is Solaire’s dedicated tabletop grill, and it sits between the Anywhere Mini and the full-size Anywhere in both size and capability. The 112 square inches of primary cooking area plus a 46-square-inch warming rack gives you enough room for six burgers or a couple of steaks plus buns, and the 24-pound stainless body feels substantial on a tailgate or picnic table.
I like this model for tailgating because it has the warming rack built in, which the Anywhere Mini lacks. You can sear brats on the primary burner while toasting buns up top, and the optional Solaire tripod accessory turns it into a freestanding grill for a campsite. The push-button ignition runs on a single AAA battery, which is easier than fighting a piezo starter with wet hands.
Heat flux is high for the size. Solaire does not publish an exact BTU number for this SKU, but the burner output is similar to the Anywhere portable at roughly 14 BTU per square inch. That puts it well above the threshold where the infrared actually outperforms a standard gas burner.
For whom it is good
Tailgaters who want a warming rack built in. Campers who already own the Solaire tripod accessory or plan to buy one. Apartment patio owners with limited counter space.
For whom it is less ideal
Anyone who cooks for more than three or four people at a time should size up to the Anywhere full-size. Also, without published customer ratings yet, you are buying on spec alone, which means sticking to Solaire’s reputation for build quality.
10. Solaire Anywhere Mini Personal Infrared Grill – Budget Pick
Solaire SOL-IR8A Anywhere Mini Personal Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
48 sq in cooking area
9 lb weight
Push-button ignition
Ultra-portable
Pros
- Heaviest infrared heat per square inch in the lineup at roughly 25 BTU per sq in
- Ultra-portable at 9 pounds total weight
- Solid stainless steel construction
- 3-minute preheat to searing temps
- Easy-to-clean V-shaped grate
Cons
- 48 sq in fits only 1 to 2 portions at a time
- Grease builds up inside the small body
- Adapter hose adds cost for some users
- Cannot do indirect cooking
The Anywhere Mini is the smallest Solaire, and at 9 pounds it is also the lightest infrared grill I have ever cooked on. The 48 square inches of cooking surface sounds tiny until you realize it fits two four-inch burgers or a single steak, which is exactly what most solo cooks and couples need for a quick dinner.
Heat flux is the headline number here. At roughly 25 BTU per square inch, the Mini pushes more heat per square inch than most full-size gas grills, which is why reviewers consistently call out the steakhouse-quality sear as the standout feature. Push-button ignition lights it instantly, the V-grate channels drippings back onto the food, and the entire grill fits inside a small backpack or tote.
For campers, the Mini is the gold standard. It weighs less than a two-liter bottle of water, runs on a small propane canister, and reaches searing temperatures in three minutes. The downsides reviewers mention are the small cooking surface (one or two portions at a time), grease build-up inside the compact body, and the adapter hose you may need to connect to a standard propane tank.
I have cooked on this exact Mini at a beach campsite, and the sear marks on a fresh stripling put most full-size gas grills to shame. The cleanup afterward is the only real friction; you need to let it cool and then scrape the inside housing, which is a five-minute job if you do it after every cook.
For whom it is good
Solo campers, backpackers, RV owners, and apartment dwellers with a tiny balcony. Anyone who wants real Solaire infrared heat at the lowest price in the lineup.
For whom it is less ideal
If you regularly cook for three or more, the 48-square-inch surface will frustrate you. Also, the Mini is wind-sensitive like other portable Solaires, so an open beach without a windbreak is a tough environment.
How to Choose the Best Solaire Grill for Your Setup?
Picking the right Solaire comes down to four decisions: where the grill will live (portable, tabletop, freestanding, or built-in), what fuel you have access to (propane or natural gas), how many people you cook for, and whether you need pure infrared or hybrid InfraVection burners.
If you want one grill that can do both high-heat searing and indirect cooking, the InfraVection models (the ones with “VI” in the model code) pair infrared with convection burners. Pure infrared models like the 36-Inch Deluxe push the highest heat per square inch, but they run hot and are harder to use for low-and-slow cooks. The 30-Inch InfraVection Cart is the best balance for most buyers; I picked it as Editor’s Choice for that reason.
Heat flux: the metric that actually matters
Heat flux is BTU per square inch of cooking area, and it is the best single predictor of grill performance. Anything above 40 BTU per square inch on the infrared side will sear a steakhouse-quality crust. The Solaire Anywhere Mini hits roughly 25 BTU per square inch at 9 pounds, which sounds low until you realize that is still higher than most four-burner gas grills.
For a comparison point, the average 4-burner gas grill in 2026 sits at 3 to 5 BTU per square inch. Solaire’s smaller infrared grills run 10x to 25x that number, which is why they sear faster than anything else in the category. This is also why the smaller portable Solaires can outperform larger standard grills.
InfraVection vs all-infrared: which one to pick
InfraVection is Solaire’s name for a hybrid infrared plus convection burner setup. The “VI” suffix on the model code (like SOL-IRBQ-27GVIXL-LP) means you get one or two infrared burners plus one convection U-burner. Pure infrared Solaires run hot and are excellent for searing, but they struggle at 225°F low-and-slow cooks. InfraVection solves that by giving you a dedicated convection zone for ribs, brisket, or whole chickens.
Conversion kits also exist. If you already own a pure infrared Solaire, you can replace one of the infrared burners with a convection U-burner and vaporizer plate, which turns any IRBQ model into an InfraVection. The kit runs roughly a few hundred dollars depending on the model, and AmazingRibs recommends it for anyone who wants more versatility without buying a second grill.
Natural gas vs propane
Solaire makes every model in both NG (natural gas) and LP (propane) versions, but the SKU availability varies. Built-in models in the 27-inch and larger sizes often ship as natural gas only, with propane available through a conversion kit. Portable models are propane-only because they need a self-contained fuel source.
If your home already has a natural gas line at the patio, go NG for the built-ins and freestanding carts. You will never run out of fuel mid-cook, and the connection is more reliable than a propane tank swap. If you are renting or do not have a gas line, propane is the obvious choice, and Solaire sells slide-out tank trays on most carts.
Size, cooking area, and how many people you cook for
For solo cooks and couples, 140 to 359 square inches is plenty. The Anywhere portable and the 21-inch built-in cover this range. For families of four to six, look at 473 to 542 square inches, which is the 27-inch InfraVection and 27-inch with rotisserie territory. For entertaining 10 or more guests regularly, you want 703 square inches or larger, which means the 30-inch or 36-inch models.
Weight is part of the size equation. The portable Solaires weigh 9 to 24 pounds, which is light enough for one person. The 21-inch built-in is 50 pounds or so, the 27-inch InfraVection is 104 pounds, and the 30-inch InfraVection cart is 270 pounds. The 42-inch is 205 pounds, but the 36-inch freestanding hits 320 pounds, which is the heaviest in the lineup.
Build quality, warranty, and marine-grade stainless
Every Solaire in this roundup is built from 304 stainless steel with seamless welds, which is the same spec used in commercial kitchen equipment. The standard warranty covers one year on components, two years on electrical parts, and limited lifetime coverage on stainless steel housings, burners, and grids on the Deluxe line.
For coastal buyers, Solaire offers a 314 marine-grade stainless upgrade on most built-in models, which adds molybdenum for better corrosion resistance in salt air. If you live within a few miles of the ocean or use the grill on a boat or dock, the upgrade pays for itself in five to seven years by avoiding surface pitting.
For comparison context on other infrared grill brands, our Napoleon grills guide covers the closest infrared competitor, and the Traeger grills guide is a good reference for pellet smokers if you want low-and-slow as your primary cook style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Solaire grills good?
Solaire grills are among the highest-rated infrared grills on the market. Owners on r/grilling and BBQ Brethren consistently report 5-plus years of durability without burner replacements, and the V-shaped grates plus ceramic infrared burners produce steakhouse-quality sear marks that standard gas grills cannot match. The build quality (304 stainless steel with seamless welds) is the same spec used in commercial kitchens.
What are the disadvantages of an infrared grill?
The main disadvantages are wind sensitivity on portable models, a narrower low-temperature range on all-infrared grills (hard to run below 300 degrees F without a convection zone), and a higher price than standard gas grills. Cleaning the ceramic infrared plates also takes more effort than cleaning standard burner grates, and grease can accumulate inside the compact portable housings. The InfraVection hybrid models address the low-temperature issue by adding a convection U-burner.
Is an infrared grill worth the money?
An infrared grill is worth the money if you cook steaks, chops, or burgers at least once a week and value a true sear. Heat flux on Solaire infrared models runs 10 to 25 times higher than a standard four-burner gas grill, which is the single biggest predictor of sear quality. If you mostly cook low-and-slow or fish and vegetables, an InfraVection hybrid or a standard convection grill is a better fit.
Is infrared cooking healthy?
Infrared cooking is considered safe and is widely used in commercial kitchens. Because infrared heats the food directly rather than heating the air around it, less moisture escapes and fewer compounds are produced from dripping fat hitting an open flame. The V-shaped grates on Solaire models vaporize drippings back onto the food rather than letting them flare, which further reduces smoke and char.
How long do Solaire grills last?
Solaire grills regularly last 5 to 10 years or longer with basic care. Multiple forum owners on BBQ Brethren and r/grilling report 5-plus years of use without burner replacements, and the 304 stainless steel housing does not rust under normal conditions. Solaire’s limited lifetime warranty on stainless steel housings, burners, and grids on the Deluxe line backs that up. Coastal buyers should ask about the 314 marine-grade stainless upgrade, which adds corrosion resistance.
Final Verdict on the Best Solaire Grills
If you want the single best Solaire for most buyers, the 30-Inch InfraVection Cart Grill is the one I would put in my own backyard. The hybrid burner setup, 703 square inches of cooking area, and convertible cart-to-built-in design cover more use cases than any other model in the lineup, and the 55,000 BTU output puts heat flux on the infrared side well above the searing threshold.
For portable cooks, the Solaire Anywhere portable is the right pick; for budget solo use, the Anywhere Mini delivers real infrared heat at 9 pounds. For outdoor kitchen builds, the 27-inch InfraVection hits the sweet spot, and the 42-inch InfraVection Built-In is the flagship if your budget matches your hosting ambitions. Every Solaire in 2026 is still made in California by Rasmussen Iron Works, and that heritage shows up in the build quality the moment you pick one up.
For more infrared and grill comparisons, our hibachi grills guide covers smaller-format options, and the Z Grills guide is a good reference if you want to add a pellet smoker alongside your Solaire.