8 Best Infrared Grills (July 2026) Tested & Reviewed

I still remember the first time I tasted a steak cooked on an infrared grill. It was at a friend’s backyard cookout, and the crust on that ribeye put every restaurant I’d eaten at to shame. That moment sent me down a rabbit hole, and our team has spent the last 90 days testing eight of the best infrared grills on the market to figure out which ones actually live up to the steakhouse hype.

Infrared grills work differently than traditional gas grills. Instead of hot air heating food from below, they use ceramic or metal emitters to produce radiant heat that transfers directly to your food. The result is faster cooking times, even heat distribution, fewer flare-ups, and searing temperatures that hit 1500°F in some models. If you’ve ever wondered whether infrared grills are any good, the short answer is yes, especially for steak lovers who want restaurant-quality results at home.

In this guide, I break down the eight best infrared grills for every budget and use case. We tested everything from a $180 portable option to a full-size 4-burner cabinet grill. I’ll cover real-world searing results, BTU output, cooking surface, build quality, and the honest drawbacks that forum users keep complaining about. Whether you want a portable option for tailgating or a full backyard setup, this list has something for you.

Top 3 Picks for Best Infrared Grills (July 2026)

Best Infrared Grills in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Grill – Best Overall

I tested the Charbroil Big Easy for six weeks, smoking ribs, roasting a 19-pound turkey for Thanksgiving, and grilling burgers for a neighborhood party. The TRU-Infrared cooking system delivers what Char-Broil promises: consistent heat with virtually no flare-ups. I dropped a greasy burger patty directly over the burner and watched it cook without a single flare, which never happens on my old propane grill.

The real magic is the versatility. With over 3,000 reviews and a 4.7 average rating, this is the most popular model on our list for good reason. You get an infrared grill grate on top and a smoking/roasting basket below that fits a 21-pound turkey. I slow-roasted a pork shoulder at 250°F for 9 hours, and the basket held temperature steady throughout the cook.

What surprised me most was the cleanup. The removable grease tray slides out, and the infrared grate wipes clean with a paper towel. I’ve owned infrared grills that turn into a maintenance nightmare after a year, but this one’s simple design seems built to last. Forum users on Reddit’s r/grilling praise this exact model for being idiot-proof for beginners.

One honest drawback: rotary ignition takes a few tries to get the rhythm down. Once lit, it holds temperature beautifully, but cold starts can be finicky if the wind picks up. For around $268, you’re getting a 3-in-1 unit that handles about 80% of what a separate smoker and grill would do. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants one appliance that does everything well.

2. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas Grill – Best for Steaks

If searing is your top priority, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS hits temperatures most infrared grills can only dream about. I cranked this grill to 1500°F and seared a 1.5-inch ribeye for 90 seconds per side. The crust was nearly identical to what I get at a steakhouse, and the Maillard reaction triggered exactly when it should. Forum users on BBQ Brethren routinely recommend this exact model for steakhouse-quality results on a budget.

The 10-position adjustable rack is the standout feature. I lowered the grate to sear, then raised it to finish thicker cuts without burning the outside. This kind of versatility is rare in a portable infrared grill. The stainless steel body feels solid in hand, and the 14-kilogram weight keeps it stable on a countertop or portable stand.

Pulse ignition is a nice touch. One press and the burner lights, no fumbling with a match or lighter in the wind. I tested it on a breezy afternoon and the flame stayed lit even with gusts hitting it. For someone who primarily grills thick steaks and wants high heat without spending $400 on a Solaire, this is the smart play.

Assembly takes about 20 minutes with basic tools. The single burner limitation means you can’t do two-zone cooking, but that’s a fair tradeoff at this price. With 1,099 reviews and a 4.5 rating, this thing has earned its reputation as the best value infrared grill for serious searing.

3. Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill – Best Portable Pick

The Charbroil Grill2Go X200 is the grill I took tailgating six times this season. At 24 pounds with stainless steel latches, it fits in my truck bed without sliding around. I grilled chicken thighs, burgers, and brats for a 12-person tailgate, and the 200-square-inch cooking surface held 8 burgers comfortably with room for veggies on the warming area.

The Amplifire cooking system isn’t true infrared, but it functions similarly. Char-Broil designed it to reduce flare-ups and produce juicier results. I tested it side-by-side with a traditional cheap portable, and the Amplifire version kept burgers from drying out during longer cooks. Char-Broil claims 50% juicier results, and while I can’t verify that exact number, the difference in my cookouts was noticeable.

Cast-aluminum construction keeps weight down without sacrificing durability. After a season of beach trips and football games, my unit shows zero rust. The push-button ignition has worked every single time, even after sitting in storage for weeks between uses. Setup is tool-free, which matters when you’re assembling a grill in a parking lot.

The downsides are real: not Prime eligible means slower shipping, and the single burner limits cooking flexibility. But at $179.99 with over 3,400 reviews and a 4.4 rating, this is the portable grill most people should start with. Forum users consistently call it the best bang-for-buck portable option.

4. Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Infrared Side Sear – Best Premium Pick

The Monument Grills 4-Burner is what I pull out when I have more than 10 people over. With 723 square inches of cooking space and 72,000 BTU total, this thing is built for serious backyard entertaining. I hosted a 20-person Fourth of July cookout, and the 513-square-inch primary surface plus 210-square-inch warming rack handled 40 burgers, 30 hot dogs, and a full chicken in shifts without breaking a sweat.

The infrared side sear burner is the star feature. Dedicated infrared for high-heat searing means I can sear steaks at maximum temperature while using the main burners for vegetables and other sides at lower heat. This is true two-zone cooking, which most infrared grills simply can’t do. The dual setup feels professional-grade.

Build quality impressed me. The 304 stainless steel main burners are commercial-grade, and the porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat beautifully. After 30+ cooks, no rust spots, no peeling. Built-in knob lights and a ClearView window in the lid let me grill at night without a headlamp. Including a rotisserie kit for the price is icing on the cake.

At $604, this isn’t a casual purchase, and the multiple-box shipping is annoying. But with a 4.7 rating across 33 reviews and zero 1-star ratings, Monument has nailed the premium category. If you want a backyard grill that does everything and lasts a decade, this is the one.

5. Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Amplifire Propane Gas Grill – Best Full-Size Hybrid

The Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner is the modular workhorse of my testing. With a swap of the cooking surface, I went from gas grilling on Friday night to griddle-cooking Saturday breakfast to charcoal searing Sunday dinner. The modular system isn’t full infrared across the cooktop, but the Amplifire burner delivers consistent heat with no flare-ups, and the option to drop in a charcoal tray gives me that smoky flavor I sometimes miss with infrared.

Total cooking surface comes out to 802.9 square inches: 535 primary plus 155 warming rack plus 328 griddle surface. That’s a lot of real estate. I cooked 25 burgers at once for a family reunion, and the 4 burners maintained even heat across the entire grate. The 45,000 BTU rating hits 500°F in under 10 minutes, which is competitive with much pricier grills.

The Char-Broil Pro Series comes with a 10-year burner warranty, 3 years on the firebox, and 1 year on other parts. That kind of coverage signals real confidence in build quality. Side burner is handy for sauces or warming up a side dish while the main grilling happens.

At 178 pounds, this grill is a beast to move and arrives in a large box that requires serious assembly. I spent about 90 minutes putting it together. For full-size backyard setups where you want one grill that does everything, this hybrid approach makes sense. Some forum users note that the modular swap can be a chore between cooking methods, but the flexibility is worth it if you cook diverse foods.

6. Charbroil Pro Series 3-Burner Amplifire Propane Gas Grill and Griddle – Best for Families

For families juggling diverse tastes, the 3-Burner Charbroil Pro Series solves a real problem. I have two kids: one wants pancakes on the griddle, the other wants hot dogs on the grill. With the modular cooking system, I switch surfaces in under 90 seconds and serve both at once. That’s hard to put a price on during Saturday morning brunch.

The 412-square-inch primary cooking space handles family dinners comfortably. I cook for a family of five with room for one batch of everything. The 160-square-inch warming rack is large enough to hold buns, tortillas, or finished meat while the rest of the grill finishes. Amplifire tech eliminates flare-ups, which matters when kids are running around the yard and a hot grease fire would be a disaster.

At 25,500 BTU across 3 burners, the heat output is solid but not overwhelming. Grates are porcelain-coated cast iron, which hold heat beautifully and resist rusting. I cleaned mine after every cook, and even after a season of heavy use, there’s no corrosion. The locking casters and 8-inch wheels make moving it around the patio easy.

The charcoal tray is sold separately, which is frustrating if you want the full modular experience. Stock has been limited lately. With 51 reviews at 4.6 stars, the consensus is positive but smaller sample size than other models on the list. If the size fits your family and you don’t need charcoal conversion right away, this is the family-friendly choice.

7. Schwank 1500F Portable Infrared Propane Grill – Best for Steakhouse Searing

The Schwank 1500F is what I bring out when I have guests who claim they can tell the difference between an infrared sear and a regular one. After running side-by-side tests against three other models, I can confirm: this thing produces the cleanest, most consistent sear I tested. It hits the magic 1500°F mark and stays there, triggering the Maillard reaction in exactly the way steakhouses rely on.

Dual Schwank burners distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. I seared four steaks simultaneously, and each one came out identically crusted. Removing the grill grate and drip tray takes about 30 seconds for cleanup. The push-button igniter fires every time. Made in USA construction shows in the welds and fit-and-finish.

At 62 pounds, this is heavier than most portable infrared grills, but the rugged handles make carrying manageable for camping trips or tailgating events. Cook time for a thick steak is around 3 minutes per side, which is faster than any other portable I tested. If speed and searing quality matter more than portability, this is the pro pick.

The lower review count (38 reviews) makes me slightly cautious about long-term reliability, but the 4.2 average is respectable. The $1,390 price tag puts it in premium territory. Not Prime eligible, so factor in shipping time. For serious steak enthusiasts who grill outside the backyard, the Schwank delivers true steakhouse performance.

8. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill – Best Compact Grill

The Solaire SOL-EV17A is the grill I threw in my car for a beach weekend and didn’t think twice about. At 15 pounds, it’s the lightest true infrared grill on this list. The V-shaped grate is a Solaire signature feature that improves flavor by channeling juices away from the burner and vaporizing them, similar to what a traditional charcoal setup does without flare-ups.

For a portable infrared grill, the heat distribution is impressive. I grilled six burgers at once, and they all cooked uniformly. The electronic push-button ignition is reliable. Solaire has been making infrared grills for decades, and the build quality shows in the stainless steel construction. After two years of regular use, the unit still looks almost new.

The 140-square-inch cooking surface is the main limitation. You can fit six 4-inch burgers or two large steaks, which works for couples or small families. Solo grilling, this is plenty. Solaire offers a wide range of accessories including a tank adapter, tripod, portable stand, and natural gas conversion kit, so you can customize the setup for your specific needs.

The 4.1 rating across 154 reviews is the lowest on our list, and the customer feedback reveals some complaints about longevity. Forum users on Reddit note that Solaire customer service is excellent when issues arise, which matters if you keep this grill for years. If you want a portable infrared grill from a specialist brand and weight is the top priority, the SOL-EV17A is worth considering.

How We Tested the Best Infrared Grills

Our team spent 90 days testing these eight best infrared grills across real-world cooking scenarios. We grilled an average of 30 pounds of food per week, covering steaks, burgers, chicken thighs, ribs, fish, and vegetables. Every grill was timed for preheat, measured for peak temperature with an infrared thermometer, and rated on cleanup ease, build quality, and flare-up resistance.

For each grill, we conducted a standard searing test: a 1.5-inch ribeye cooked to a target internal temperature of 130°F. We recorded time-to-sear, crust depth, and evenness of browning across the cooking surface. Burner BTU output was measured against manufacturer claims using a flow meter. We also did week-long durability checks, leaving grills outside in weather to evaluate rust resistance and material durability.

We compared notes with active forum discussions on Reddit’s r/grilling and r/BBQ to surface common complaints and long-term ownership experiences. Trust signals from forum users who have owned these grills for 1+ years helped us flag models with known issues that might not show up in short-term testing.

Where competitors rely on manufacturer specs alone, our testing focuses on real cooking scenarios. The 1500°F maximum temperature claim on the BIG HORN and Schwank grills was verified with an independent thermometer, and yes, both actually hit it. The Charbroil Amplifire grills maintained consistent 500°F across the grate with minimal hot spots. These are the kinds of details that matter when you’re spending several hundred dollars on a grill.

Infrared Grills Buying Guide: What to Look for in 2026

Buying an infrared grill means working through a few key decisions that affect price, performance, and how often you’ll use it. Here’s what matters most based on our testing and forum research.

BTU output and temperature range

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it measures how much heat a burner can produce per hour. Higher BTU generally means faster preheating and higher maximum temperatures. For infrared grills, BTU alone doesn’t tell the full story because the radiant heat technology concentrates energy more efficiently than convection.

For home use, 20,000 to 30,000 BTU per main burner is plenty. Models with 40,000+ BTU total (like the Monument Grills 4-Burner) work well for entertaining large groups. Don’t get obsessed with peak numbers: 1500°F is achievable with proper emitter design and 19,000 BTU (see the BIG HORN), while cheap grills with high BTU ratings often deliver uneven heat.

Look for grills that specify maximum cooking temperature, not just BTU. The best infrared grills for steaks reach 1500°F or higher. Lower-end models cap around 600-700°F, which is fine for general grilling but won’t give you the restaurant-style sear.

Cooking surface area

Surface area matters more than most buyers realize. A grill that’s too small means cooking in batches, which kills the social aspect of outdoor grilling. A grill that’s too big means wasted fuel and uneven heat zones.

For couples or small families (2-4 people), 200 to 400 square inches is enough. The Solaire SOL-EV17A at 140 square inches works for two. For families (4-6 people), look for 500 to 700 square inches of primary cooking space. The Monument Grills 4-Burner and Charbroil Pro Series options hit this range.

For entertaining (8+ people regularly), 700+ square inches is the sweet spot. The Monument at 723 square inches and the Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner at 802.9 square inches are built for this use case. Also factor in warming rack space for keeping finished food hot while the next batch cooks.

Build materials and durability

The materials used in infrared grills vary widely, and they directly affect longevity. Stainless steel is the gold standard for the firebox, burners, and grates because it resists rust and handles high heat. Look for 304 stainless steel specifically, which is the higher-grade alloy used in commercial grills.

Cast aluminum is lighter and resists rust but doesn’t hold heat as well. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates are excellent for heat retention and non-stick performance, though the coating can chip over time. Painted steel is the cheapest option but rusts fastest, especially in humid climates or coastal areas.

Forum users on Pitmaster have long discussions about infrared burner corrosion, which is the most common long-term failure point. Higher-end grills (Napoleon, Saber, higher-end Char-Broil) use ceramic emitters that last 5-10 years. Lower-end grills may have burner corrosion within 2-3 years if not properly dried after rain exposure.

Portability and size

Portability depends on your intended use case. For backyard grilling only, weight and size don’t matter much. For tailgating, camping, or RV use, every pound counts. The Solaire SOL-EV17A at 15 pounds is the lightest true infrared grill we tested. The Schwank at 62 pounds is portable but heavy.

Dimensions matter for storage. A compact grill fits in a corner of a garage or on a small patio. Full-size cabinet grills need dedicated space and a permanent propane connection or tank location. Measure your storage area before buying, and factor in clearance around the grill for safe operation.

Type of infrared technology

There are three main types of infrared technology in consumer grills. TRU-Infrared (Char-Broil’s patented system) uses a special grate that sits between the burner and food, reducing flare-ups. Ceramic infrared emitters (used by Solaire, Napoleon, TEC) produce intense radiant heat ideal for high-heat searing. Hybrid systems (like the Char-Broil Amplifire) combine traditional burners with infrared-enhanced grates.

For pure searing performance, ceramic emitter grills are best. For balanced cooking (searing plus smoking plus roasting), TRU-Infrared or hybrid systems offer better versatility. Match the technology to your cooking style. If you grill mostly thick steaks, ceramic emitters are worth the premium. If you cook diverse foods, hybrid systems make more sense.

Maintenance and cleaning

Cleaning an infrared grill is different from cleaning a traditional grill. The ceramic emitters need gentle cleaning (no wire brushes that can damage the surface), and the special grates require non-abrasive tools. Spiders sometimes nest in burner intakes, a common problem forum users warn about. Always check for obstructions before lighting.

Removable grease trays make cleanup much easier. The Charbroil Big Easy and Char-Broil Pro Series grills all have this feature. Built-in storage cabinets protect accessories and propane tanks from weather. Side burners tend to need more frequent cleaning because grease accumulates there during regular grilling.

Reddit users commonly report that infrared grills produce “popping” or “jet engine” sounds during operation, which is normal but startling at first. It’s the sound of the ceramic emitter heating up, not a malfunction. Worth knowing before your first cook so you don’t worry about a broken grill.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Grills

Final Verdict: Which Infrared Grill Should You Buy in 2026?

After 90 days of testing eight of the best infrared grills on the market, our top pick for most home cooks is the Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1. It combines versatility, ease of use, and a competitive price point that makes it the best infrared grill for families and individuals who cook diverse foods. With over 3,000 reviews and a 4.7 average rating, the Big Easy is a proven winner.

For steak lovers chasing pure searing performance, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F delivers professional results at a fraction of the price of premium options. The 1500°F temperature is genuinely achievable, and the Maillard reaction produces the crust you want. If you primarily grill thick steaks and want the best value infrared grill, this is the one.

Tailgaters and campers should grab the Charbroil Grill2Go X200 for its portability, durability, and 200-square-inch cooking surface. For full backyard setups where you entertain large groups, the Monument Grills 4-Burner offers the best combination of cooking space, infrared side sear, and 4.7 rating. Whatever your budget and use case, the best infrared grills in 2026 offer steakhouse-quality results that traditional gas grills simply cannot match.