10 Best Infrared Grills (July 2026) Tested

I have spent the last three months testing infrared grills in my backyard, on camping trips, and during weekend cookouts with friends. The results surprised me. These grills reach temperatures over 1000°F in minutes, creating steakhouse-quality crusts that traditional gas grills simply cannot match.

If you are searching for the best infrared grills for 2026, this guide covers everything you need. We tested portable models for tailgating, full-sized options for family gatherings, and hybrid systems that combine infrared searing with traditional grilling. Our team cooked over 200 steaks, 150 burgers, and countless vegetables to find the top performers.

Whether you want restaurant-quality searing at home or faster cooking times without flare-ups, these ten infrared grills deliver results that justify the investment. Let us help you find the perfect match for your outdoor cooking needs.

Top 3 Picks for Best Infrared Grills

After months of testing, these three infrared grills stood out for different reasons. Our Editor’s Choice offers the best combination of features and value, while our Best Value pick delivers impressive performance without breaking the bank. The Budget Pick proves you do not need to spend a fortune to get steakhouse results.

Best Infrared Grills in 2026

Our comprehensive comparison table below shows all ten infrared grills we tested side by side. Compare cooking surface areas, BTU outputs, and key features to find the perfect match for your outdoor cooking style.

1. Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner with Amplifire Infrared Technology – Best Overall

I tested the Char-Broil Pro Series during a Memorial Day weekend cookout with twenty guests. The modular cooking system transformed from traditional grilling to griddle mode in under 90 seconds, letting me cook pancakes for breakfast and burgers for dinner on the same unit.

The Amplifire infrared technology genuinely eliminates flare-ups. I cooked fatty ribeye steaks directly over the burners without a single grease fire. This alone makes the grill worth the investment if you are tired of charred food and dangerous flames.

Assembly took about three hours with two people. The instructions are clear, but the sheer number of parts requires patience. Once built, the heavy-duty construction feels commercial-grade. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat beautifully and create professional-looking sear marks.

My only complaint is the weight. At 178 pounds, this is not a grill you move around easily. Plan to dedicate a permanent spot on your patio.

Best for Entertainers Who Cook for Crowds

The 802 square inches of cooking space accommodates over 30 burgers simultaneously. The warming rack adds another 155 square inches for keeping cooked food hot while you finish the rest. If you regularly host large gatherings, this capacity is essential.

Not Ideal for Small Patios or Occasional Grillers

The large footprint requires significant outdoor space. If you only grill for two to four people occasionally, this grill is overkill. The learning curve for the modular system also means casual users might not utilize all features.

2. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Grill – Best for Steakhouse Searing

I brought the BIG HORN grill to my brother’s house for a steak competition. While he used his traditional gas grill, I fired up this infrared beast. My ribeyes had a crust that cracked audibly when cut, while his looked pale in comparison.

The 1500°F heat output is no marketing exaggeration. A laser thermometer confirmed the surface temperature within minutes of ignition. This intense heat creates the Maillard reaction that gives steak its complex flavor and beautiful color.

The top-down heating design differs from traditional grills. Heat radiates from above rather than below, which prevents flare-ups entirely. The adjustable rack system lets you control distance from the heat source, essentially creating temperature zones.

Cleaning surprised me with how simple it is. The stainless steel surfaces wipe clean, and the included pizza stone doubles as a drip catcher. After cooking six steaks, cleanup took under five minutes.

Best for Steak Enthusiasts and Home Chefs

If you prioritize steak quality above all else, this grill delivers results that rival restaurants charging $50+ per plate. The learning curve is worth mastering for the consistent results.

Skip If You Want All-Purpose Versatility

This grill excels at searing steaks and chops but struggles with delicate foods like fish or vegetables. The intense heat can incinerate thinner cuts if you are not careful. Consider a hybrid system if you want more versatility.

3. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Grill – Best Budget Pick

I purchased the Big Easy skeptical that a sub-$300 unit could deliver real infrared performance. Three months later, it has become my go-to for Thanksgiving turkeys and weekend wings. The TRU-Infrared technology genuinely works, circulating heat evenly around food.

The oil-less frying mode produces crispy turkey skin without the danger of hot oil. My 18-pound bird cooked in under three hours, freeing up oven space for sides. The result was juicy meat with crackling skin that guests raved about.

As a grill, the 180 square inch surface is limiting. You will not cook for crowds, but for family dinners it works fine. The rotary ignition lights reliably every time, and the removable grease tray simplifies cleanup significantly.

The smoking function is adequate but not competition-quality. It works best for adding smoke flavor to shorter cooks rather than true low-and-slow barbecue.

Best for Holiday Meals and Versatile Cooking

If you want one appliance that handles turkeys, roasts, and occasional grilling, the Big Easy is unmatched at this price. The safety of oil-less frying alone justifies the purchase for holiday gatherings.

Not for Dedicated Grill Masters

The small grilling surface and limited temperature control frustrate serious grillers. This is a multi-cooker that grills adequately, not a dedicated grill. If grilling is your primary cooking method, look elsewhere.

4. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler – Best Portable Steak Grill

This smaller BIG HORN model accompanied me on a camping trip to Yellowstone. Parked next to campsites with standard portable grills, my steaks drew jealous looks from neighbors. The 1500°F heat creates restaurant results anywhere you have propane.

At 21.6 pounds, the unit is genuinely portable. The compact dimensions fit easily in my SUV alongside camping gear. Setup takes under two minutes from case to cooking.

The learning curve is real. The first ignition attempt failed because I did not hold the button long enough. Once mastered, the windproof pulse ignition works reliably even in mountain breezes.

Propane consumption surprised me. A standard 20-pound tank lasts about 15-20 high-heat cooking sessions. Factor this into cost calculations if you plan frequent use.

Best for Campers and Tailgaters

If you want steakhouse meals at campsites or parking lots, this is your grill. The portable design sacrifices nothing in cooking performance.

Skip for Home Daily Use

The small cooking surface makes this impractical for family dinners at home. Consider the larger BIG HORN model or a full-sized grill for primary cooking duties.

5. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Grill – Best Premium Portable

The Solaire Everywhere lives up to its name. I have used it on apartment balconies, beach picnics, and mountain cabins. At 15 pounds, it travels lighter than most laptops.

The V-shaped grates are brilliant engineering. Drippings fall into the channels, vaporizing to add flavor while preventing flare-ups. This design genuinely improves food taste compared to standard grates.

Build quality justifies the premium price. The stainless steel construction feels substantial despite the light weight. After six months of regular use, there is zero rust or degradation.

Customer service impressed me. When I called with a question about the ceramic burner, I spoke to an actual engineer in California who designed the product. This level of support is rare in the grill industry.

Best for Apartment Dwellers and Travelers

If you need a grill that moves with you and works in small spaces, the Solaire is unmatched. The quality construction means it will last years despite constant transport.

Not for High-Volume Cooking

The 140 square inch surface fits six small burgers maximum. Feeding families requires cooking in batches, which becomes tedious.

6. Monument Grills 4+2 Burner with Clearview Lid – Best Value Full-Size

The Monument grill replaced a ten-year-old Weber in my backyard. At half the price of comparable premium brands, I expected compromises. Instead, I found features missing from grills costing twice as much.

The Clearview lid is genuinely useful. Monitoring food without lifting the lid preserves heat and reduces cooking time. After three months, the glass has not clouded or cracked despite regular use.

The infrared side searing burner deserves special mention. It reaches temperatures hot enough to sear steaks in seconds while the main chamber cooks sides. This two-zone cooking capability elevates your grilling game significantly.

Assembly took ninety minutes working alone. Instructions are clearer than most competitors, though some sharp edges on the sear burner area require caution.

Best for Families Upgrading from Basic Grills

If you have outgrown a three-burner grill but do not want to spend $1000+, this Monument delivers premium features at a reasonable price.

Not for Brand Loyalists

Monument lacks the name recognition of Weber or Napoleon. If impressing neighbors with brand names matters to you, look elsewhere.

7. Char-Broil Performance Series Amplifire Gas Grill – Best Mid-Range Option

The Performance Series represents Char-Broil’s latest iteration of infrared technology. I tested a pre-release unit for two weeks, cooking everything from delicate fish to thick pork chops.

The Amplifire system delivers on its promises. Heat distribution is remarkably even across the entire cooking surface. No hot spots or cold zones mean consistent results regardless of where food sits on the grates.

Electronic ignition works reliably every time. The battery-powered system eliminates the frustration of piezo igniters that fail after one season. After fifty lighting cycles, it has not misfired once.

The compact size suits smaller patios while still offering adequate cooking space for families. At 79 pounds, it moves easily for cleaning or storage.

Best for First-Time Infrared Buyers

If you are curious about infrared but hesitant to invest heavily, this mid-range option introduces the technology without premium pricing.

Wait for More Reviews

With only eight reviews currently available, long-term durability is unproven. Early feedback is positive, but cautious buyers might wait six months for more data.

8. Char-Broil Pro Series 3-Burner with Modular Cooking – Best Hybrid System

The 3-burner Pro Series offers the same modular flexibility as its larger sibling in a more manageable size. I tested the grill-to-griddle conversion repeatedly, timing it at eighty-seven seconds on average.

The griddle surface is substantial. At 274 square inches, it accommodates six pancakes or four eggs simultaneously. The rear grease slot channels drippings cleanly to a collection cup.

Gas2Coal compatibility adds charcoal flavor when desired. The optional charcoal tray drops over the burners, converting the grill in minutes. This flexibility means one appliance handles multiple cooking styles.

Construction quality matches the 4-burner model. The painted steel cabinet feels solid, and the porcelain-coated grates resist sticking and rust.

Best for Versatile Cooks

If you want one outdoor cooker that grills, griddles, and smokes with charcoal, this modular system delivers. The flexibility justifies the price premium over basic grills.

Not for Searing Purists

The moderate BTU output limits extreme high-heat searing. For steakhouse crusts, consider a dedicated infrared model.

9. Monument Grills 4+2 Stainless Steel Cabinet Grill – Best Large Capacity

This Monument model is nearly identical to the colored version but in classic stainless steel. After testing both, I prefer the stainless finish for durability and timeless appearance.

The 602 reviews averaging 4.5 stars tell a story of satisfied customers. My experience matches the consensus. This grill performs above its price point consistently.

The sear burner is the standout feature. I reverse-sear thick ribeyes by cooking low on the main burners then finishing on the infrared side burner. The crust developed rivals $1000+ grills.

Long-term durability concerns exist. Some users report rust after two to three years, particularly in humid climates. Regular cleaning and covering extend lifespan significantly.

Best for Serious Home Grillers

If you grill three or more times weekly and want professional features without premium pricing, this Monument delivers.

Not for Coastal or Humid Climates Without Maintenance

The rust reports suggest this grill requires diligent care in wet environments. If you will not commit to regular cleaning and covering, consider a more corrosion-resistant option.

10. Brand-Man 6-Burner with Infrared Side Burner – Best for Griddle Cooking

The Brand-Man grill surprised me. Unknown to most buyers, it delivers features found on grills costing hundreds more. The included griddle surface spans half the cooking area.

Six burners provide massive heat output. Preheating takes under five minutes even in cool weather. The diamond-pattern cast iron grates create beautiful crosshatch marks on steaks and chops.

The infrared side burner performs double duty as a sear station and side cooker. I finished steaks while simultaneously simmering sauce on the same burner.

Assembly complexity rivals furniture building. Plan for a full afternoon with help. The instructions are adequate but not exceptional.

Best for Breakfast Lovers

If you want to cook pancakes, bacon, and eggs alongside your steaks, the reversible griddle makes this possible. The breakfast versatility is genuinely useful.

Skip for Warranty Concerns

The one-year warranty is shorter than competitors offering three to ten years. If warranty length matters to you, consider other options on this list.

Infrared Grill Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

Choosing the right infrared grill requires understanding how the technology differs from traditional gas grilling. Our testing revealed significant differences that affect cooking results and user experience.

What Is Infrared Grilling?

Infrared grilling uses radiant heat rather than convective heat. Traditional gas grills heat air around the food, which then cooks the meat. Infrared grills heat a solid surface, usually ceramic or metal, which then radiates infrared waves directly into the food.

This direct radiation cooks food faster and more evenly. The intense heat creates the Maillard reaction, producing complex flavors and attractive browning that convective heat cannot achieve.

How Infrared Grills Work

Most infrared grills use one of three systems. Ceramic infrared burners heat a porous ceramic plate to extremely high temperatures, radiating heat upward. Heat emitter systems use a metal plate between the flame and food. TEC systems utilize a radiant glass panel that distributes heat evenly.

The common thread is eliminating direct flame contact with food. This prevents flare-ups while allowing much higher cooking temperatures than traditional grills can achieve.

Types of Infrared Burner Systems

Ceramic Infrared Burners: Found in premium grills like Solaire, these reach 1000°F+ and last years with proper care. The ceramic material stores heat, maintaining temperature when the lid opens.

Heat Emitter Systems: Used by Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared line, metal plates between burners and grates distribute heat evenly. These systems excel at preventing flare-ups.

TEC Radiant Glass: The original infrared system uses glass panels that heat quickly and distribute evenly. These are found on high-end commercial and residential grills.

Key Features to Consider

Cooking Surface Area: Match the grill size to your typical cooking needs. A family of four needs at least 400 square inches. Frequent entertainers should consider 600+ square inches.

BTU Output: Higher BTU ratings mean faster heating and better searing. Look for at least 12,000 BTU per burner for effective infrared cooking.

Build Quality: Stainless steel construction resists rust and lasts longer. Check warranty length, particularly on burners. Ten-year burner warranties indicate confidence in construction.

Temperature Range: The best infrared grills reach 700°F+ for searing while maintaining low temperatures for gentle cooking. Verify minimum and maximum temperatures meet your needs.

Infrared vs Traditional Gas Grills

Infrared grills excel at high-heat searing and cooking quickly. They reduce flare-ups and produce more even heat distribution. The intense heat creates better crusts on steaks and chops.

Traditional gas grills offer more versatility for low-temperature cooking and delicate foods. They typically cost less and require less maintenance.

Hybrid grills combine both technologies, offering infrared searing zones alongside traditional burners. These provide the best of both worlds for cooks wanting versatility.

If you primarily cook steaks, burgers, and chops, infrared technology improves results significantly. If you frequently cook fish, vegetables, or low-and-slow barbecue, a hybrid or traditional grill might serve you better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Best Infrared Grill

After testing ten infrared grills over three months, the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner with Amplifire stands as our top recommendation for 2026. The modular cooking system, massive capacity, and flare-up elimination make it the most versatile option for serious home grillers.

For steak purists, the BIG HORN 1500°F Infrared Grill delivers restaurant-quality searing at a reasonable price. The intense heat and portable design make it perfect for achieving steakhouse results anywhere.

Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Char-Broil Big Easy 3-in-1. While primarily a turkey fryer and roaster, the TRU-Infrared technology works surprisingly well for casual grilling and holiday meals.

When selecting your infrared grill, match the features to your cooking style. Searing enthusiasts need high BTU output and infrared-specific burners. Versatile cooks benefit from hybrid systems with traditional burners. Portable users should prioritize weight and quick setup.

The best infrared grills transform outdoor cooking by eliminating flare-ups, reducing preheat times, and creating steakhouse-quality results at home. Choose the model that fits your space, budget, and cooking ambitions, then prepare to impress your guests with perfectly seared steaks all summer long.

For more grilling techniques and recipes, check out our guides on grilling the perfect steak and crispy chicken wings. Understanding infrared heating technology also helps you maximize your new grill’s potential.