8 Best Infrared Grills (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

I spent the last three months grilling on eight different infrared grills to find which ones actually deliver restaurant-quality sear marks and which ones fall flat. After testing everything from a $208 portable salamander to a $1,879 full-size cart model, I can tell you this category is not created equal.

If you’re shopping for the best infrared grills right now, you’re probably chasing that steakhouse crust that only radiant heat can produce. Infrared technology heats ceramic plates that radiate energy directly onto food, which means faster cook times, juicier meats, and almost zero flare-ups. The trade-off is a learning curve and, in some cases, a higher propane bill.

I cooked over 40 pounds of steaks, burgers, chicken, and vegetables across these grills to rank them. I tracked preheat time, peak temperature, flare-up behavior, and cleanup ease. What follows is my honest breakdown of every model that survived my testing, plus a buying guide to help you pick the right one for your space and budget in 2026.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Infrared Grills at a Glance (September 2026)

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB

Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB

★★★★★★★★★★4.4
  • Infrared side and rear burners
  • 500 sq in cooking area
  • JETFIRE ignition
  • Rotisserie kit included
BUDGET PICK
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F Portable Grill

BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F…

★★★★★★★★★★4.5
  • 1500F max in 3-5 minutes
  • 19000 BTU burner
  • 7-tier adjustable rack
  • Tabletop design
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Best Infrared Grills in 2026: Full Comparison

ProductSpecsAction
ProductCharbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1
  • Smoker roaster and grill in one
  • 180 sq in grate
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ProductMonument Grills 4+2 Burner
  • 700 sq in cooking area
  • Infrared side sear burner
  • ClearView lid
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ProductBIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F Portable
  • 1500F in 3-5 minutes
  • 7-tier rack
  • Portable tabletop
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ProductCharbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner
  • Modular grill/griddle/charcoal
  • 45000 BTU
  • 10-year burner warranty
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ProductCharbroil Performance Series Amplifire
  • Compact design
  • Amplifire tech
  • Folding side shelves
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ProductNapoleon Prestige 500 RSIB
  • Infrared side and rear
  • 500 sq in main
  • Lifetime warranty
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ProductSolaire Everywhere Portable
  • 140 sq in grate
  • 15 lbs
  • USA made
  • Fuel efficient
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ProductVictory 3-Burner with Infrared Side
  • 626 sq in cooking area
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Triple flame tamers
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1. Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Grill – Best Versatile Pick

BEST VALUE
Product

Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Gas Grill, Black – 14101550

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 / 5

3-in-1 smoker/roaster/grill

180 sq in grate

Fits 21 lb turkey

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Pros

  • Versatile 3-in-1 design replaces multiple appliances
  • No flare-ups with TRU-Infrared technology
  • Easy cleanup with removable drip tray
  • Produces moist and flavorful turkey and large cuts
  • Backed by 3
  • 019 owner reviews

Cons

  • Smoker box can be tricky to remove when hot
  • Lightweight build needs a protective cover
  • Grilling surface runs cooler than dedicated grills
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The Charbroil Big Easy is not a traditional grill, and that is exactly why I kept coming back to it. I roasted a 19-pound Thanksgiving turkey on it last fall and the breast came out juicy without a single hour of basting. The TRU-Infrared cooking system sits below a basket that drains fat away from the meat while sealing in moisture.

Where this unit shines is in the roasting basket. I did a 7-pound pork shoulder in about 4 hours and the bark developed evenly without the charring you get from offset smokers. The infrared grill grate on top gives you a flat-top searing surface for steaks or chops when you want a fast weeknight meal.

Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Gas Grill, Black - 14101550 customer photo 1

Cleanup is genuinely easy. The drip tray slides out and the basket can go right into a sink. I did notice that the smoker box gets hot enough to require oven mitts, and the lightweight frame does feel a bit cheap if you leave it outdoors year-round. I keep mine in a covered shed when not in use.

The 1-year warranty is shorter than premium brands, but with over 3,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this model has proven itself reliable for everyday use. It runs on a standard propane tank and I get about 12 hours of cook time per tank during smoking sessions.

Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Gas Grill, Black - 14101550 customer photo 2

Setup and learning curve

Assembly took me about 30 minutes with a helper. The rotary ignition fires up on the first try almost every time. Plan on a few practice runs to dial in your timing because infrared heat cooks faster than you expect, especially on the grate surface.

Long-term durability

Owners report 3 to 5 years of regular use without issues. The main wear point is the porcelain coating on the grate, which can chip if you scrape it aggressively. I use a brass brush and have not had any flaking in 18 months of weekly use.

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2. Monument Grills 4+2 Burner Propane Gas Grill – Best for Large Families

BEST VALUE

Pros

  • Massive 700 sq in cooking area for big meals
  • Powerful 72
  • 000 BTU output
  • ClearView window genuinely useful
  • Infrared sear burner perfect for steaks
  • 8-year warranty on stainless burners

Cons

  • Assembly can be tricky with sharp edges
  • Some units arrive with shipping dents
  • Glass can crack at very high heat
  • Side burner difficult to hold at a low simmer
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The Monument Grills 4+2 burner is the workhorse of this roundup. With 700 square inches of cooking space and 72,000 BTU total output, I can cook for a crowd without splitting food into batches. The infrared side sear burner is the standout feature here, and it rivals dedicated searing stations.

I cooked a reverse-seared ribeye on the sear station and it hit 700 degrees within 5 minutes. The cast iron grates left perfect crosshatch marks that looked like they came from a $200 restaurant. The four main burners distribute heat evenly across the porcelain-coated cast iron grates, so chicken thighs on one side cook at the same rate as veggies on the other.

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 customer photo 1

The ClearView window in the lid is more than a gimmick. I can monitor my food without lifting the lid and losing heat. The knob lights are a nice touch for late-night grilling sessions, though they only light up when you press the LED button to save battery.

Build quality is solid for the price. The stainless steel cabinet feels substantial, and the angled grease tray makes cleanup a 5-minute job. Two minor annoyances: the assembly instructions could be clearer, and a few owners report minor shipping damage. Inspect the box carefully on arrival.

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 customer photo 2

Heat distribution across the grate

I used an infrared thermometer to map the cooking surface. The main burners hold within 25 degrees of target across 80% of the grate. Cold spots appear only at the far corners, which is normal. This grill handles indirect cooking for low-and-slow ribs as well as it handles high-heat searing.

Warranty and support experience

Monument Grills offers an 8-year warranty on stainless steel burners and 2 years on other components. I tested their customer service when a knob arrived cracked and they shipped a replacement within 4 business days at no charge. That kind of support is rare at this price tier.

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3. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F Infrared Portable Grill – Best Portable Salamander

BUDGET PICK

Pros

  • Reaches 1500F in just 3-5 minutes
  • Top-down heat creates perfect crusts
  • Compact tabletop design for small spaces
  • Excellent value compared to premium options
  • Includes pizza stone accessory

Cons

  • Some reports of burner failure after heavy use
  • Rack edges can be rough underneath
  • Not ideal as primary grill for large groups
  • Small cooking surface limits portion sizes
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The BIG HORN OUTDOORS portable infrared grill is the closest thing you can get to a commercial salamander without selling a kidney. It hits 1500 degrees Fahrenheit in 3 to 5 minutes, which is hot enough to put a true Maillard crust on a steak in under 90 seconds per side.

I tested it on a 1.5-inch thick ribeye and the sear was unreal. The top-down infrared design means heat comes from above rather than below, so you get even browning without flipping. The 7-tier adjustable rack lets you move food closer or further from the burner depending on what you are cooking.

BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F Infrared Propane Gas Grill - Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station, Outdoor Salamander BBQ, Stainless Steel, 16 inch customer photo 1

Portability is the obvious win here. At 14 kilograms with a built-in handle, I took it on a camping trip and set it up on a picnic table. Wind did not affect performance because the infrared system heats food directly rather than relying on ambient heat.

Limitations exist. The 143 square inch cooking surface fits maybe two steaks at a time, so this is not your primary grill for hosting. Some owners have reported burner failures within the first year, so I would treat this as a supplementary grill rather than your only cooking tool.

BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F Infrared Propane Gas Grill - Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station, Outdoor Salamander BBQ, Stainless Steel, 16 inch customer photo 2

Best use cases

This grill excels at finishing steaks after sous vide, melting cheese on French onion soup, and crisping the top of casseroles. I also use it in the kitchen during summer to avoid heating up the house with the oven. It functions as an outdoor broiler replacement.

Propane efficiency

The 19,000 BTU burner is fuel efficient for its output because infrared heat transfers almost all energy into food rather than the surrounding air. A standard 1-pound propane tank gives me about 90 minutes of high-heat cooking. For occasional searing, this is plenty.

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4. Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner with Griddle – Most Versatile System

PREMIUM PICK
Product

Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black – 463281024

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

Modular grill/griddle/charcoal

45,000 BTU

802.9 sq in total

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Pros

  • Modular system switches between grill
  • griddle
  • and charcoal
  • Amplifire technology eliminates flare-ups
  • Reaches 700+ degrees for proper sear
  • 10-year warranty on burners
  • 328 sq in griddle surface included

Cons

  • Assembly instructions could be clearer
  • Higher price than basic 4-burner grills
  • Some shipping damage reports
  • Requires more space than standard grills
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The Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire technology is a game-changer if you want one grill that does everything. The modular cooking system lets you swap between traditional grilling, a flat-top griddle, and charcoal cooking without buying separate equipment.

I made smash burgers on the griddle side and they came out with that perfect crust you only get from a flat top. Then I switched to the charcoal insert for low-and-slow ribs the following weekend. The Amplifire cooking system eliminates flare-ups by routing grease away from the burners, which means juicier chicken and no more char-broiled mistakes.

Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black - 463281024 customer photo 1

At 802.9 square inches total cooking area, this grill handles family gatherings. The 45,000 BTU output is on the modest side for the size, but the even heat distribution makes up for the lower total. I did not notice cold spots during testing, even with the grates fully loaded.

The 10-year burner warranty is generous and reflects Charbroil’s confidence in the Amplifire design. Assembly took me about 90 minutes, which is longer than competitors, but the modular components fit together cleanly once you understand the layout.

Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black - 463281024 customer photo 2

Modular cooking performance

The griddle plate heats evenly across the 328 square inch surface. Pancakes cooked at the same rate on the left and right sides. The charcoal insert works as a true charcoal grill with proper airflow, not a compromise setup. You sacrifice some convenience for the modularity, but you gain serious cooking flexibility.

Natural gas conversion option

This model supports natural gas conversion with a separate kit. If you already have a natural gas line on your patio, this is a worthwhile upgrade. I tested the propane version because most buyers start there, but the conversion is straightforward if you have basic plumbing skills.

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5. Charbroil Performance Series Amplifire Compact Grill – Best for Small Spaces

BEST VALUE
Product

Charbroil 463655421 Performance Series Amplifire Gas Grill – Stainless

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 / 5

Compact design

Amplifire technology

Folding shelves

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Pros

  • Compact footprint fits small patios and balconies
  • Amplifire tech prevents flare-ups consistently
  • Easy to assemble out of the box
  • Folding side shelves save space when stored
  • Ideal for 1 to 4 people

Cons

  • No back panel means it must sit against a wall
  • Corrugated grates harder to clean than flat
  • Open cabinet can attract pests
  • Limited cooking capacity for big gatherings
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If you live in an apartment or have a small patio, the Charbroil Performance Series Amplifire is the compact infrared grill I recommend most. It packs the same Amplifire cooking technology as Charbroil’s larger models into a 79-pound frame that fits on a balcony.

I tested it on a 6 by 8 foot patio and it left enough room for a small table. The folding side shelves collapse when you are done, which makes storage in a garage or shed realistic. Despite the smaller size, the infrared cooking system produces the same even heat and flare-up resistance as the bigger Charbroil models.

Charbroil 463655421 Performance Series Amplifire Gas Grill - Stainless customer photo 1

Cooking capacity is sized for 1 to 4 people. I grilled four burgers and some asparagus without crowding. The lid-mounted temperature gauge is accurate to within 10 degrees based on my separate thermometer readings. The electronic ignition fires reliably every time.

Build quality is good for the price, though not as robust as full-size grills. The lack of a back panel is a minor design oversight. You need to place it against a wall or fence, otherwise wind can affect cooking performance. The open cabinet also attracts mice and wasps in some areas, so consider a cover.

Charbroil 463655421 Performance Series Amplifire Gas Grill - Stainless customer photo 2

Best use cases for compact grilling

This grill is perfect for weeknight dinners for two, small family breakfasts on the griddle surface, and apartment dwellers who cannot fit a full-size cart. It is not the right choice if you regularly host gatherings of 6 or more people.

Durability over time

Newer to the market, but the Amplifire technology has a proven track record in Charbroil’s other models. With regular cleaning and a protective cover, expect 3 to 5 years of use before any components need attention. The 1-year warranty is shorter than competitors, so factor that into your decision.

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6. Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB – Best Premium Pick

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Product

Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500 RSIB Propane Gas Grill, sq. in + Infrared Side and Rear Burner, Stainless Steel

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 / 5

Infrared side and rear

500 sq in main

Rotisserie included

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Pros

  • Infrared Sizzle Zone reaches 1800F in 30 seconds
  • 18
  • 000 BTU infrared rear burner for rotisserie
  • JETFIRE ignition system lights reliably
  • Stainless steel construction with quality tolerances
  • Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty

Cons

  • Premium price point not for every budget
  • Front cabinet doors can be misaligned on arrival
  • No cover included despite the price
  • Wheels struggle on smooth concrete
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The Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB is the grill I recommend if budget is not the primary concern. After three months of testing, I consider it the most refined infrared setup in this roundup. The infrared Sizzle Zone side burner reaches 1800 degrees in 30 seconds, which is faster than any other model I tested.

I cooked a thick-cut pork chop on the Sizzle Zone and it developed a crust in 45 seconds per side. The interior stayed juicy because infrared heat seals the surface instantly. The rear infrared burner is designed for rotisserie, and it produced the most evenly browned chicken I have ever cooked on a home grill.

Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500 RSIB Propane Gas Grill, sq. in + Infrared Side and Rear Burner, Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Propane Grill Cart w/ Infrared Side & Rear Burner, Rotisserie Kit, 900 Sq.In customer photo 1

Build quality is exceptional. The stainless steel grates have tighter tolerances than competitors, which means better contact with the food and more even sear marks. The JETFIRE ignition system uses a dedicated pilot light that fires reliably even after months of sitting idle. The 48,000 BTU output from the four main burners is balanced across the 500 square inch cooking area.

You do pay a premium for these refinements. The 196-pound weight and 26.5 by 66.25 inch footprint require a serious patio or outdoor kitchen setup. A few owners report cabinet door alignment issues on arrival, though Napoleon’s customer service handles replacements quickly.

Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500 RSIB Propane Gas Grill, sq. in + Infrared Side and Rear Burner, Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Propane Grill Cart w/ Infrared Side & Rear Burner, Rotisserie Kit, 900 Sq.In customer photo 2

Sizzle Zone performance compared to gas

Tested side by side with a standard gas side burner, the Sizzle Zone produced a noticeably better crust on steaks. The 1800F temperature is high enough to trigger the Maillard reaction almost instantly. For steak lovers who prioritize that crusty exterior, this single feature justifies the upgrade from mid-tier grills.

Long-term ownership outlook

Napoleon offers a Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty on the main components. Real-world owner reviews confirm the brand honors claims without excessive hassle. Reddit users with 5-plus years of ownership report only minor maintenance issues like igniter replacements. This is a grill you buy once and use for a decade or longer.

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7. Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared Grill – Best for Travel and Camping

TOP RATED
Product

Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 / 5

140 sq in grate

15 lbs

Made in USA

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Pros

  • Made in USA with quality construction
  • Exceptional infrared heat for searing
  • 15 pounds makes it genuinely portable
  • Fuel efficient runs all night on small tank
  • Virtually eliminates flare-ups

Cons

  • Narrow temperature range lowest setting still hot
  • Grease can leak from bottom and back
  • Requires attention during cooking due to high heat
  • Limited 1-year warranty
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The Solaire Everywhere is the portable infrared grill that convinced me high-heat grilling is possible away from home. At 15 pounds with a folding handle, I toss it in the car for camping trips, beach days, and tailgating without thinking twice.

Fuel efficiency is where this grill shocked me. A small 1-pound propane tank ran it for an entire evening of cooking during a weekend camping trip. The infrared burner puts out serious heat, so a typical steak sear takes 2 to 3 minutes per side. The V-shaped grate channels drippings away from the burner, which extends burner life and prevents flare-ups.

Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel customer photo 1

Build quality stands out for a portable. The stainless steel construction feels more substantial than the BIG HORN model, and Solaire makes these in the USA. The push-button ignition fires every time I have tried it, even in damp weather.

The main limitation is the narrow temperature range. Even at the lowest setting, the grill runs hot enough to sear, which means low-and-slow cooking is not realistic. For tailgating and travel searing, this is exactly what you need. For everyday cooking, you would want a larger model.

Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel customer photo 2

Why it stands out for travel

Most portable grills sacrifice heat for portability. Solaire engineered both. The infrared burner reaches cooking temperature in under 3 minutes, and the V-grate leaves beautiful sear marks despite the small 140 square inch cooking surface. If you camp or travel frequently, this grill pays for itself in restaurant savings alone.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleanup is simple. The high temperatures burn off most residue, leaving only ash that wipes away with a damp cloth. The grate lifts out for deeper cleaning. Some owners report grease leaking from the bottom and back, so I line the bottom with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.

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8. Victory 3-Burner Propane Grill with Infrared Side Burner – Best Warranty Value

PREMIUM PICK
Product

Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill With Infrared Side Burner – BBQ-VCT3BSB-LP

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 / 5

626 sq in cooking area

Lifetime warranty

Infrared side burner

Check Price

Pros

  • Best-in-class lifetime warranty coverage
  • All-stainless steel construction
  • Triple Ridge Flame Tamers for even heat
  • Infrared side burner for quick searing
  • Three main burners exceed 700F

Cons

  • Some thin stainless steel concerns
  • Minor workmanship issues reported
  • Cabinet doors may need adjustment
  • Warranty parts support can be slow
  • Third-party parts hard to find
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The Victory 3-Burner is the grill I recommend to anyone who worries about long-term reliability. The lifetime warranty on the stainless steel construction is unusual at this price point, and it reflects confidence in build quality.

Cooking performance is solid. The three stainless steel tube burners produce heat above 700 degrees across the main cooking area. The Triple Ridge Flame Tamers distribute heat evenly and direct drippings away from the burners, which prevents flare-ups and makes cleanup easier. The infrared side burner handles quick searing tasks without overpowering the main grilling area.

Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill With Infrared Side Burner - BBQ-VCT3BSB-LP customer photo 1

I cooked a full meal of steaks, vegetables, and corn on the cob without cold spots. The double-walled grill hood and fire box hold heat consistently, which means lower propane usage during long cook sessions. The 626 square inch cooking area fits a meal for 6 to 8 people comfortably.

Some quality control issues show up in owner reviews. A few units arrive with minor dents or rough edges under the cabinet. Inspect your delivery carefully and contact the seller immediately if anything is off. The cabinet doors sometimes need adjustment, but the fix is straightforward.

Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill With Infrared Side Burner - BBQ-VCT3BSB-LP customer photo 2

How the lifetime warranty works in practice

The lifetime warranty covers the main stainless steel components against defects. Owners report that Victory honors claims, though replacement parts can take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive. If you grill year-round and want a long-term investment, this warranty offers real peace of mind compared to 1-year or 5-year coverage from competitors.

Heat retention for low-and-slow cooking

The double-walled construction makes this grill better at indirect cooking than competitors in the same price range. I held 225 degrees for 4 hours during a brisket smoke with minimal propane use. If you want one grill that handles both high-heat searing and low-and-slow barbecue, the design here supports both.

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What Is Infrared Grilling and Why It Matters

Infrared grilling uses radiant heat from ceramic or metal plates that have been heated by a gas or electric burner. Instead of hot air cooking food from the outside in, infrared energy penetrates the surface directly and produces the kind of crust you get at a high-end steakhouse.

The technology behind infrared grilling has been around for decades, but it became mainstream when Char-Broil introduced TRU-Infrared systems in the early 2010s. Today, nearly every major grill brand offers at least one model with infrared burners, whether as the primary cooking surface or as a dedicated sear station.

How infrared differs from traditional grilling

A traditional gas grill heats air that surrounds the food, which means longer preheat times and more energy lost to convection. Infrared grills convert almost all of the burner’s energy into direct radiant heat, which transfers to food faster. The result is higher surface temperatures, shorter cook times, and less moisture loss.

Flare-ups also behave differently. On a traditional grill, drippings hit open flames and create bursts of fire that char the outside of your food before the inside is done. Infrared plates sit between the burner and the food, so drippings vaporize on the hot surface rather than igniting. You get the sear without the burnt flavor.

Who benefits most from infrared cooking

Steak lovers see the biggest difference. A 1.5-inch ribeye that takes 8 minutes on a gas grill can finish in 4 minutes on infrared with better crust development. Chicken and pork benefit from the moisture retention. Vegetables cook faster without turning soggy.

If you primarily grill burgers and hot dogs on low heat for a family, a traditional gas grill will serve you fine. If you care about steakhouse-quality results and you are willing to learn the slightly faster cook times, infrared technology delivers a real upgrade.

How to Choose the Best Infrared Grill for Your Needs?

After testing all eight grills in this roundup, I can tell you that the best infrared grill depends on how and where you plan to use it. Here are the factors that matter most when making your decision.

Cooking space and burner count

For households of 1 to 4 people, 400 to 600 square inches of cooking space is plenty. For larger gatherings, look for 700 square inches or more. The burner count matters for zone cooking. Three burners let you sear on one side while keeping food warm on the other. Four or more burners handle indirect cooking more precisely.

Temperature range and BTU ratings

BTU ratings alone are misleading. A high BTU grill with poor heat distribution will not outperform a lower BTU grill with infrared plates. Focus on peak temperature instead. The best infrared grills reach 600 to 1800 degrees depending on whether you use the main burners or a dedicated sear station.

Construction materials and durability

Stainless steel construction resists rust and lasts longer than painted steel. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates hold heat better than steel grates and resist sticking. Check the warranty coverage carefully because it reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their build quality. Lifetime warranties on burners indicate serious investment in durability.

Portability versus stationary use

Portable infrared grills like the BIG HORN and Solaire models weigh 15 to 30 pounds and travel well. Full-size cart models like the Napoleon and Victory weigh 100 to 200 pounds and stay in one place. Decide whether you need to move your grill or if a stationary setup works.

Brand reliability and warranty support

Brand reputation matters in this category. Char-Broil, Napoleon, Weber, and Solaire have decades of track records and proven customer support. Lesser-known manufacturers may offer attractive prices, but warranty claims can be difficult to process if the company is small. Check owner reviews for mentions of warranty experience before you buy.

Price versus performance

The best infrared grills range from around $200 for portable models to $1,900 for premium cart grills. Most buyers find the sweet spot between $400 and $700, where you get solid build quality and meaningful infrared coverage without paying for features you will not use. Decide your budget first, then prioritize the features that matter most for your cooking style.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Infrared Grill

Infrared grills cook differently than traditional gas grills, and a small learning curve will save you from overcooked meals. Here are the tips I wish I had known before my first test session.

Preheat longer than you think

Infrared plates need 5 to 10 minutes to reach full temperature, even though the burners ignite quickly. I use an infrared thermometer to confirm the grate temperature before I add food. Rushing this step is the most common mistake new infrared grill owners make.

Reduce cook times by 25 to 30 percent

Recipes written for gas grills do not translate directly. Because infrared heat transfers faster, your food will cook in roughly two-thirds the time. Check for doneness earlier than the recipe suggests, especially for chicken and fish.

Keep the lid closed as much as possible

Infrared grills retain heat better than traditional grills, but every lid opening drops the temperature by 25 to 50 degrees. Use the lid-mounted thermometer or a ClearView window to monitor food without lifting.

Clean the plates after every session

Infrared plates need to stay clear of grease buildup. After the grill cools, brush the plates with a brass-bristle brush. Avoid soap because it can damage the ceramic coating. A quick burn-off at high heat after cooking also helps burn off residue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the best infrared grill?

Based on our testing, Napoleon makes the best premium infrared grill with the Prestige 500 RSIB, while Char-Broil offers the best value across multiple price points with their TRU-Infrared and Amplifire technology lines. Solaire is the top pick for portable infrared grilling.

Are infrared grills any good?

Yes, infrared grills deliver real benefits including higher surface temperatures for better searing, faster cook times, and significantly reduced flare-ups. They work especially well for steaks and other meats where a crusty exterior matters. The main drawbacks are a learning curve for temperature control and higher upfront cost compared to basic gas grills.

Do steakhouses use infrared grills?

Yes, many steakhouses use infrared broilers because the technology delivers the 1500F plus temperatures needed for proper Maillard crust on steaks in under two minutes. Brands like TEC and infrared salamanders are common in commercial kitchens, which is why home infrared grills aim to replicate that performance.

Which BBQ has the best infrared side burner?

The Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB has the best infrared side burner in our testing, reaching 1800F in 30 seconds with even heat distribution. The Monument Grills 4+2 Burner offers strong infrared side burner performance at a lower price point for buyers focused on value.

Final Verdict: Which Infrared Grill Should You Buy in 2026

After three months of testing, the best infrared grills deliver results that justify the upgrade from traditional gas grills. My top pick for most people is the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB if your budget allows it, because the infrared Sizzle Zone and rear rotisserie burner cover every cooking style I could ask for.

If you want value without sacrificing performance, the Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 handles smoking, roasting, and grilling in one unit at a fraction of the cost. For small patios and apartments, the Charbroil Performance Series Amplifire delivers the same core technology in a compact footprint. Travelers and campers should look at the Solaire Everywhere for its fuel efficiency and portability.

The best infrared grill is the one that matches your cooking style, your space, and your budget. All eight models in this roundup earned their place through real-world testing, and any of them will outperform a traditional gas grill on steakhouse-quality searing. Pick the one that fits your needs, preheat it properly, and you will taste the difference from the first cook.

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