Best Infrared Grill Reviews

The infrared grills use the infrared technology as the heat source instead of an open fire. They can be compact enough to be placed on your dinner table or big enough for large outdoor parties. The best infrared grill is an economical, easy-to-use grilling device which is much more convenient than a regular grill.

Don’t think that the infrared grilles are something innovative and very expensive: they have appeared in the late 70s and have already proven their efficiency by staying relevant till today. They have several undoubtable advantages that have made them attractive to many buyers around the world.

First of all, the IR grills are able to provide an even heat distribution which reduces chances to get undercooked or semi-raw food. They also very universal as they allow you to bake, fry, stew, and even smoke a variety of products: meat steaks, fish, burgers, vegetables, etc. Intense flavor is also an advantage when you use an infrared grill since there is less dry air flowing around, so your food stays juicier. It’s also a safe type of grill as you don’t have to contact with an open fire.

The infrared grills are very easy to maintain as they don’t tend to leave a lot of cooking residue. The grates are usually removable which greatly simplifies the cleaning process. With a shortage of time, you can simply turn on the grill at full power for 10 minutes. When the leftover food burns out, just shake it off the grate.

This way, infrared grills can be very useful when you need to ensure safety, efficiency, and simplicity. So, our comprehensive infrared grill reviews and buyer’s guide will help you in choosing. By checking out our top 10 picks, you will be able to find out about the infrared grills pros and cons as well as about their features.

Infrared Grill Reviews

Char-Broil The Big Easy

The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared grill goes as an all-in-one unit which allows smoking, roasting, and grilling. Thanks to the TRU-Infrared technology, the food cooks more evenly, stays juicer, and there are minimal flare-ups. It also allows using less oil while cooking food, but it will still stay crispy on the outside. It provides temperature control from 9,000 to 18,000 BTUs.

The Big Easy is manufactured of high-quality parts which means that it will serve many years of frequent use.

As you open up the cover, you see the 180 square inches cooking area which is plenty of space for grilling steaks, burgers, chicken, veggies, chops, wings, etc. There is also a removable grease tray which is easy to clean up.

Inside, it has the roasting basket where you can cook different cuts of meat, like, for example, turkey, ribs, roast, etc. It has 1200 square inches area and can even fit up a 25 lbs turkey.

There is no reason to worry that you won’t be able to achieve a smoke flavor when using this infrared grill as it’s equipped with a side-mounted smoker box. Just open it and put some chips from apple, cherry, or hickory tree.

The grill is 36.2 inches high and 23.4 inches wide and weighs 50 lbs, so it’s one of the portable infrared outdoor grills. Two side-mounted handles allow carrying the unit from place to place with ease. The grill stands on four steel legs that keep it from the ground for better stability.

It’s not just portable but also easy to use: there are only two control knobs (to turn on the unit and to set the temperature). This grill is gas-powered and must be connected to a standard liquid propane tank.

Video Char-Broil The Big Easy

Philips Avance

This model from Philips is a small infrared grill, designed for indoor use. Measuring 7.5 x 21.9 x 16.9 inches, it will easily fit in your kitchen.

With this grill, you don’t have to control the temperature. It takes up to 5 minutes to heat up to 446°F and maintains it throughout the entire cooking process. This temperature is optimal for cooking and searing meat, poultry, fish, etc. However, this makes it impossible to cook your meat slower, and someone may prefer an adjustable control over the heat output.

Thanks to the special patented smoke-less technology, this grill emits 80% less smoke than the usual grill. Although this pleasant fragrance of cooked meat will still be filling your kitchen. To ensure an evenly grilled food, it uses special reflectors that guide heat directly to the cooking grid.

The unit stands on four non-slip feet. The die-cast grid leaves perfect grill marks and has a nice looking black matte finish. It’s also non-stick, so it’s not necessary to butter or oil up the surface. The unit itself is finished with glossy black. It’s also supplied with an automatic rotary skewer that consistently rotates.

This model is powered by electricity (120V, 1660W). It’s extremely easy to use: you just need to plug the grill into a power outlet, put the food on the grid, and that’s all.

This grill from Philips is also very easy to clean. You can either wipe the grid or place it in the dishwasher as all of its removable parts are dishwasher-safe.

Video Philips Avance

Char-Broil 17602048

This outdoor electric infrared grill from Char-Broil uses a TRU-Infrared cooking system which provides an even grilling, ensures that your food will be juicier, and eliminates flare-ups. The unit is available in 2 color options: red and graphite. It’s supplied with wheels for enhanced mobility so there is no need to pick it up and carry around.

It has a 240 square inch grilling surface which can fit up to 12 hamburgers. The grates are made of porcelain-coated cast iron and are resistant to rust. The unit is additionally equipped with a secondary warming area which is an 80 square inch warming rack, designed for indirect heating, like, for example, warming sides or toasting buns. The cooking area can be covered by a lid that has a thermometer on its top.

For safety reasons, there is an oven-style temperature control knob with a light ring that glows red when the grill surface is hot. It has markings for “off” and temperature settings from 1-5.

The grease tray is removable so you can clean it without any problems. It’s easily accessible from the front side of the unit.

The assembled grill measures 39.8 x 25.6 x 39.8 and weighs 54 lbs being one of the most portable full-sized outdoor solutions you can find on the infrared grills reviews. Above the wheels, there is a chrome rack for storage.

This grill has a very simple working principle. Just plug it into any standard 120V outlet and start grilling.

Video Char-Broil 17602048

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200

The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is a compact grill that features a tool-box style with a black porcelain finish. It’s mainly designed for travels (camping, fishing, picnics, etc.). It’s durable enough to withstand a lot of transportations due to the firebox and lid (with temp gauge) that are made of cast aluminum. There are also a high-impact frame, legs, and carrying handles. The 9,500 BTUs tubular burner is made of stainless steel. To keep the grill secured, it can be closed with the help of latches that are constructed of stainless steel as well. Such construction also prevents rust formation.

The grill uses TRU-Infrared cooking system to ensure a decent quality of grilling with less flare-ups as it creates a barrier between food and flame. It also spreads heat evenly across the grill top, eliminating the appearance of hot and cold spots.

The grate is made of stainless steel and leaves deep grill marks. It has a 200 square inch grilling area which is able to fit 8 normal-sized burgers. The drip pan for excessive grease is removable, so you can clean it with ease.

The grill is powered by gas, being compatible with a regular 1 lb propane tank which connects directly to the side of the grill.

To start grilling, you just have to push the piezoelectric ignition button thanks to which the unit preheats in minutes.

Being a portable infrared grill, the Grill2Go X200 measures 23.75 x 13.6 x 15 inches and weighs only 22 lbs.

Video Char-Broil Grill2Go X200

Magma A10-918-2GS

The Magma A10-918-2GS is a gas-powered model that can possibly be the best infrared grill for outdoor use, as it uses the dynamic combustion system which keeps the grill even and stable in strong winds.

Its body is made of 100% 18-9 marine grade mirror polished stainless steel so it’s corrosion-resistant and able to withstand harsh environments. The lower shell has a full double lining. The rounded edges give the unit a modern look. To monitor the cooking state of your food, there is a viewing window which is made of tempered glass. At the top, you will find the hermetically sealed thermometer that lets you control the grill’s fuel system. The lid is lockable, so it can secure the inner components during transportation. The unit stands on fold-away legs which allow placing the grill on any surface.

This model uses an Anti-Flare grill infrared technology which produces intense, evenly distributed heat, reduces flare-ups, and emulsifies drippings. The total grilling area measures 162 square inches. The grates are made of stainless steel and are easy to remove for cleaning. They also will easily fit into a dishwasher.

The grill is equipped with an electronic ignition system and uses standard propane tanks.
The A10-918-2GS weighs 21.04 lbs. With the lid closed, the grill is 22.7 inches long, 11.4 inches wide, and 11.6 inches high.

Char-Broil 463370719

This cart-style outdoor infrared gas grill features a modern and sleek design with steel body construction. The top-ported burners are made of stainless steel as well. The temperature gauge can be found on top of the lid. The assembled grill measures 54.1 x 23.4 x 45.5 inches and weighs about 98 lbs. For added mobility, there are also two locking caster wheels.

Thanks to the usage of TRU infrared cooking technology, the grill prevents flare-ups, spreads heat evenly across the surface of the grates, and ensures that the food will stay juicer. It also prevents hot and cold spot and allows using less gas.

The grates are 26.6 inches wide and 17.3 inches deep. They are coated with porcelain and are easy to clean. There is also a swing-a-way warming rack with a 150 square inches surface. On the left part of the unit, there is a side burner which is good for preparing sauces or warming sides while grilling. It can be covered with a dedicated lid when not in use for better protection. The main cooking area measures 450 square inches and can be covered by lid as well. This area is quite large and can fit up to 24 burgers.

In terms of usage, the grill has an electronic ignition push-button. It also offers precise control thanks to 4 control knobs. The temperature can be controlled from low to high: 10,000 BTUs for side burner, 24,000 BTUs for main burners. Besides, all the parts can be removed for cleaning. This gas grill infrared burner requires a 20 lbs propane tank.

Napoleon P500RSIBNSS-3

The Napoleon P500RSIBNSS-3 is an infrared natural gas grill for outdoor usage so you should have natural gas plumbed out in your yard if you want to opt for this model. The grill’s body is mostly made of stainless steel and is available in 3 colors: standard stainless steel color, black, and charcoal grey. Due to the wheels, the grill gives the ability to move it from place to place.

The present grill is equipped with 4 stainless steel main burners (48,000 BTUs). The main cooking surface measures 500 square inches which is pretty much enough for large outdoor parties since it can fit up to 31 burgers at once. The warming rack has an area of 260 square inches, and the side burner offers 140 square inches surface. The grill is able to heat up to 1800 degrees in just 30 seconds which is enough to cook quality steaks quickly and with ease.

The P500RSIBNSS-3 uses the JETFIRE ignition system which is able to offer a quick start.
As an additional feature, the grill allows the burners to light off each other thanks to back channels between them. This ensures that the grill will never reject to light up. There are 6 control knobs that glow red when the burner is on. The accurate temperature gauge can be found on top of the lid.

The unit measures 26.5 x 66.25 x 50.25 inches, so it’s one of the biggest outdoor grills for home use.

Chefman

This model from Chefman is a compact-sized indoor infrared grill. It measures 21.5 x 8 x 16 inches and weighs only 13.77 lbs. It features an all-black design and its body has a matte finish.

The cooking area is 14 x 8 inches which is not too much even for an indoor model. The grates are non-stick, freeing you from the necessity to use oil. Besides, they will leave classic grill marks on your meat.

Unlike many other indoor grills, it doesn’t produce smoke so you won’t be suffering from any dangerous fumes. The grill preheats in just a few minutes thanks to the carbon fiber heating elements. It’s also able to ensure a truly even heat distribution so you can safely cook different meals.

This model provides 1650W of grilling power and uses a standard 120V power source. The grill can be disassembled for cleaning: the grates and drip tray are removable and can be placed into the dishwasher. By the way, the drip tray is also non-stick, so you won’t have to waste your time trying to scrub off the adhered fat.

Video Chefman

Simple Living SLP-SG-001

The SLP-SG-001 is an indoor model with a small footprint, so it will take minimal place in your kitchen. It measures 19.68 x 7.50 x 15.74 inches and weighs slightly more than 10 lbs, so you can even take it with you for holidays, for example.

The grill produces minimal smoke and eliminates visible vapors to a bare minimum. This way, you shouldn’t worry about any smoke in your house.

The grill heats up to 446°F within minutes and maintains this temperature until you turn it off. This way, there is no temperature control at all. But the grill is able to give an ideal BBQ grill marks.

The cooking surface is non-stick and requires no scrubbing. It measures 14 x 8 inches and can fit up to 8 burgers. The grill separates an excessive grease into a removable drip tray which always stays cool and doesn’t allow your food to be in oil. The special reflectors guide directs the heat to the grates, providing an even grilling.

This grill offers 1600W of grilling power and must be powered via standard 120W power source.

Northfire Inferno

This infrared grill review is dedicated to one of the most compact outdoor models. Weighing 24 lbs and measuring only 10 x 17 x 14 inches (with 6 x 11 inches grill plate), it can easily fit in your car. This model is one of the greatest options for camping and frequent transportations as its German crafted built quality ensures increased durability. The whole unit is made of stainless steel.

This Northfire Inferno grill rapidly (in less than a minute) heats to 1500°F. This way, a steak cooks to medium-rare for 1-2 minutes per side. It has a push-start ignition button for quick a start. The slide-out grill racks are very easy to remove for cleaning. A drip tray that collects all the excessive grease is easily removable as well.

It’s a propane-fueled model and is compatible with 5 lbs and 20 lbs propane tanks. For increased convenience, the manufacturer managed to make the hose almost 40 inches long.

Buyer’s Guide

How Infrared Grills Work?

Wonder how does an infrared grill work? Classic infrared grill contains a special plate that is located under the grate. This plate heats up and gives out heat around the perimeter. The gas or electricity is used to heat the plate, which then emits infrared waves into food.

The infrared technology uses radiant energy that heats the food directly. Plus, the IR grills aren’t prone to flare-ups since they instantly vaporize the drippings. While the traditional grills use 100% of hot air while cooking, the infrared grill eliminates the hot air up to 35% which reduces the chances to get dried out meat. Their grates also separate the food from the heat source, unlike the usual grills. That is why many steakhouses and restaurants use such grills instead of traditional ones.

Heat

The infrared grill uses infrared radiation to heat up to 1000°F. Such a high temperature is vital for cooking meat and steaks of exceptional quality since the high heat quickly sears the outside of meat, so you get crispy crust and the juices don’t leach. Plus, while traditional grills take up to 20 minutes to heat up, the infrared grill usually gets hot quickly (from 1 to 5 minutes), making the cooking process less time-consuming.

Sometimes, open-flame grills can’t even get hot enough because of the wind. Their infrared analogs can’t be affected by wind, so they are able to create an even heat across the cooking surface, so the food cooks more evenly. By comparison, the traditional grills radiate heat through a heat distribution system (it can be ceramic rods, lava stones, etc.) to spread heat over the grilling area. This leads to the appearance of hot spots and most heat is redirected downward.

3 Types of Grills

The infrared grills differ by the way they produce the heat. The classic method involves the use of ceramic plates. It can get very hot, heating up the cooking surface to very high temperatures. This provides a great sear for food, but it’s hard to set a grill for lower temperatures for slower cooking.

The plates made of glass also get very hot and aren’t capable of creating moderate temperatures. Despite the fact that they can provide a balanced approach to infrared grilling, they are among the least common ones.

The infrared grills that use steel burners can be used at both high and low temperatures. However, they usually can’t reach the highest temperatures that you can get with ceramic and glass plates.