After getting over my concerns on health issues of infrared grilling after a thorough research on how they work, I finally decided to purchase a new infrared grill given the myriad benefits they offer.
But honestly choosing one was a big task given the plethora of options available in the market.
However, I could narrow my list down to the 7 best infrared grills that come with the right features for a great grilling experience. I’ve compiled all my research into this detailed buying guide to help you buy the best infrared grill for your needs.
Table of Contents
- 1 Main Points of Consideration Before Purchasing an Infrared Grill
- 2 Best Infrared Grills in 2021
- 2.1 Best Infrared Grills For Indoor Cooking
- 2.2 Best Infrared Grills For Outdoor Cooking:
- 2.2.1 3. Saber Deluxe Stainless 500 32-Inch 3-Burner Infrared Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner – Review
- 2.2.2 4. Char-Broil 20602108 Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill – Review
- 2.2.3 5. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill – Review
- 2.2.4 6. Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere Portable Infrared Warming Rack Gas Grill – Review
- 2.3 Best Infrared Grills for Professional Use
- 3 Main Buying Considerations – Buying Guide
- 4 How to Get the Best Out of Your Infrared Grill?
Main Points of Consideration Before Purchasing an Infrared Grill
Here are a few factors to look for when buying an infrared grill.
- Type of burner – ceramic, TEC or heat emitter
- Easy of use
- Cooking space
- Size of an infrared grill
- Fuel source
- Portability
- Storage space
- Build quality
- Extra cooking area
I will get into the details of each later, but let me first give a brief review of the best infrared grills I found while I did my research.
Best Infrared Grills in 2021
Best Infrared Grills For Indoor Cooking
1. Simple Living Infrared Electric Indoor Smokeless Grill – Review
It provides even heat across the entire grill, with no cold spots or flare-ups, and can be used to grill indoors and outdoors.
The Simple Living is a budget-friendly infrared grill that comes with an always cool drip tray that’s tucked away neatly under the heating elements.
This drip tray is designed to collect oil, fat, and grease to prevent smoke, splatter, and smell.
Adding to this, the Simple Living infrared grill is backed by advanced infrared technology, so you can expect nothing less than healthy, delicious, grill food each time you fire it up.
It is an ideal choice for grilling meat, poultry, fish and veggies, and comes with a moderately sized 8” x 14″ cooking surface that can accommodate six burgers, four large steaks or eight chicken fillets at one time.
The Simple Living infrared grill showcases a sleek design, and tips the scales at just a little over 10 lbs, making it easy to take with you on the go.
It heats up quickly, and takes up less space on your kitchen countertop. For a grill that’s compact, powerful, lightweight, and one that can be used indoors and outdoors, The Simple Living infrared grill is worth a second look.
Pros:
- Advanced infrared technology
- Lightweight and compact footprint
- Always cool drip tray
- Large 8” x 14” cooking surface
- 30-day return guarantee
Cons:
- Limited to 2 color options
2. Tenergy Redigrill Infrared Grill – Review
Further, the infrared heat is directed towards the grill’s rack surface, and the drip tray catches the grease and oils from the food items, resulting in less smoke.
The Tenergy Redigrill infrared grill evenly cooks all types of meat and veggies using advanced infrared technology, and without producing any cold zones or weak spots.
It can be used both indoors and outdoors, and takes just two minutes to start up, making it quicker to grill than ever before.
The Tenergy Redigrill can be used both indoors and outdoors, and takes up just 19.5 x 13.5 x 7 inches of space on your countertop.
It is easy to clean with its dishwasher safe parts, and is certified safe by North American ETL standards.
Pros:
- Smokeless technology
- Drip tray catches grease and oil
- No cold zones or weak spots
- 2-min start up time
- Measures 19.5 x 13.5 x 7 inches
Cons:
- Cooking surface may be a bit small for some users
Best Infrared Grills For Outdoor Cooking:
3. Saber Deluxe Stainless 500 32-Inch 3-Burner Infrared Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner – Review
For an infrared grill that literally comes with all the bells and whistles, and one that delivers professional grade results, the Saber infrared grill is hard to beat.
It features the company’s patented infrared cooking system that allows you to cook with a whopping 30 percent less fuel consumption than other gas grills.
Adding to this, it is fitted with a unique cooking grate, which features a flame tamer design that provides even cooking temperatures, without any flare-ups.
The Saber infrared grill is equipped with top notch infrared emitters, which direct the heat away from the cooking surface for optimal moisture retention when grilling.
The emitters, burners and grates of the Saber infrared grill are crafted from commercial grade 304 stainless steel, so you can expect them to last a lifetime with proper care.
But that’s not all, the Saber infrared grill comes with a 304-grade stainless steel lid, complete with heavy-duty cast aluminum end caps.
With regards to cooking space, the Saber infrared grill doesn’t disappoint with primary 500-square inches cooking space that is fueled by three 8000-BTU gas burners.
The interior of the main cooking area features an adjustable enamel-coated warming rack that can folded down or away for additional space when grilling.
You also get a 10,000 BTU side burner to heat up your sauces or prepare side dishes while simultaneously cooking on the main cooking area.
Even with its rich set of features, the Saber infrared red grill is easy to use, thanks to its individual burner control knobs, and push-button electronic ignition.
The Saber infrared grill features two 304-grade stainless steel side shelves that provide a convenient work space, and die-cast tool holders, and a towel bars to keep your grilling essentials organized.
The Saber infrared grill is easy to assemble, and comes with a power-coated storage area with stainless steel doors, to store all your tools in the appliance.
Pros:
- 500-square inches cooking space
- 10,000 BTU side burner
- Individual control knobs and push-button electronic ignition
- Stainless steel side shelves, and die-cast tool holders
- 30 percent less fuel consumption
- 10-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- A little heavy, but comes with wheels to move it around
4. Char-Broil 20602108 Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill – Review
It boasts a compact footprint yet offers 320-square-inches of total cooking space, and is backed by the latest TRU-infrared cooking technology, so you won’t have to deal with flare-ups or hotspots.
The Char-Broil 20602108 infrared grill is an easy-to-use appliance, thanks to its onsite control knob that allows you to adjust the temperatures easily.
It comes with a premium quality double porcelain cooking grate that’s both rust-resistant, and easy to clean.
The Char-Broil 20602108 infrared grill is fitted with a removable warming rack, which can be used to keep food warm or for indirect cooking.
The front handle of the Char-Broil 20602108 grill makes it easy to move the appliance around, and doubles down as a towel rack.
Adding to this, the Char-Broil 20602108 infrared grill features a lid-mounted temperature gauge to cook food items to perfection, and an easy-to-access pull-out grease tray.
Pros:
- 320-square-inches of total cooking space
- Lid mounted temperature gauge
- Double porcelain cooking grate
- Removable warming rack
- Four color options
- Doesn’t require gas or charcoal.
Cons:
- Electric power cord is a bit short
5. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill – Review
It comes with porcelain-coated cooking grates that are rust-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. The Char-Broil Performance infrared grill showcases a premium stainless-steel finish, and is fitted with three stainless burners in the primary cooking area that deliver 24,000 BTUs of fire power.
You also get a handy side burner that pumps out 10,000 BTU’s, making it great for sauces and sides.
The Char-Broil Performance infrared grill comes with a swing-away warming rack, and doesn’t produce any flare-ups, hot or cold spots.
It delivers even heat across both its cooking surfaces, and is equipped with a lid-mounted temperature gauge.
The Char-Broil Performance infrared grill is fitted with wheels to easily move it around, and comes with removable parts in the fire box for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- 450-square inches of cooking area
- 10,000 BTU side burner
- Lid mounted temperature gauge
- Swing away warming rack
- Stainless steel finish
Cons:
- Tools for assembly not included
6. Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere Portable Infrared Warming Rack Gas Grill – Review
It offers a 140-square inch cooking area, which is enough to fit six four-inch burgers. Further, the Solaire SOL-IR17BWR infrared grill weighs just 20 lbs, and heats up to searing hot temperatures in just three minutes.
It is equipped with a Solitaire V-gate that not only improves flavor, but also eliminates flare-ups. The warming rack of the Solaire SOL-IR17BWR infrared grill is integrated with its hood, so you won’t have to carry any parts around separately.
The Anywhere infrared grill comes with a carry bag complete with three pockets to house three 1-pound propane bottles. It is easy to assemble, and is made in the USA.
Pros:
- Real infrared ceramic and stainless-steel burner
- Electronic push-button ignition
- 140-square inch cooking area
- Weighs just 20 lbs
- Solitaire V-gate
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with propane bottles
Best Infrared Grills for Professional Use
7. Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO 500 RSIB Propane Gas Grill – Review
It provides a massive 500 square inches cooking surface, and is fitted with four stainless-steel burners that collectively generate 80,000 BTU’s cooking power.
The Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO 500 infrared grill features an LED spectrum night light control knobs for safety when grilling in low light conditions. Adding to this, easy to lift roll top lid, and a storage box that can be opened and closed via two doors.
The Napoleon PRO500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige PRO 500 comes with a rotisserie burner, and heats up quickly in just 30 seconds. It features wheels at the bottom to cart it around, and a lid-mounted temperature gauge to avoid the guess work.
Pros:
- 500 square inches cooking surface
- LED spectrum night light control knobs
- 80,000 BTU’s cooking power
- Rotisserie burner
- Wheels at the bottom
Cons:
- A little heavy at 250 lbs
Main Buying Considerations – Buying Guide
Buying an infrared grill can be a big-ticket purchase, but the following factors will help you make an informed decision.
1. Type of Burner System
Infrared grills come with one of three types of burner systems—ceramic, TEC, and heat emitter systems.
Ceramic burner systems, just as the name would suggest features a stainless-steel burner topped with a ceramic surface. The cooking grid is located a few inches above the burner surface, which heats up quickly.
TEC bills itself as the founder of infrared grills, and offers a radian glass panel infrared system. The cooking grid in this system sits right on top of the radiant glass panel, and provides remarkable even heat distribution with virtually no flare-ups.
Heat emitter infrared systems feature a stainless-steel tube burner, and can heat up to temperatures between 300-650 degrees F.
The pipe burners of these systems produce less heat than the other two infrared systems, which is an important factor to consider if you like grilling to searing temperatures.
2. Size of Infrared Grill and Portability
Infrared grills are available in several different sizes including portable models that you can fold away, and haul around with you.
If you have limited outdoor space, choose a compact infrared grill or an indoor infrared grill.
3. Cooking Space
An infrared grill with a large cooking space will allow you to cook more food items at a time. If you only grill for a small in grill, choose an appliance that offers at least 160 square inches of cooking space.
4. Fuel Source
Infrared grills can be fueled by either gas, propane or electricity. There are also a select few natural gas models available that you hook up directly to the natural gas pipeline in your home.
5. Easy to Assemble
Some infrared grills can be challenging to assemble, while others come with detailed assembly instructions, and even the tools needed to get the job done.
6. Storage Space
If you want to store your grilling tools and other essentials in the grill itself, buy an infrared grill that offers a storage area.
7. Extra Features
Some infrared grill comes with all the bells and whistles such as a lid-mounted temperature gauge, side burner, and push-start ignition.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Infrared Grill?
Grill Combinations
By using a combination of burners, you can become the grill king of your neighborhood.
You can use ceramic briquettes at low temperatures to maintain heat for longer periods, and evenly distribute the heat across the cooking surface.
Further, use the infrared searing zone to sear meat on high heat for approximately one minute per side depending on the type of meat.
Direct Cooking
Unlike conventional grills, infrared grills cook food on high heat. Adding to this, they heat up quickly, so you can cook food faster.
Go Blue
Make sure to keep tabs on the colors of the flames, where blue means that the wood is burning properly.
Food Prep
Regardless of the type of grill you use, it is important to prep your food before putting it on the grill.
The first thing to do is pat the meat with a paper towel to remove the moisture on the surface. Next, ensure the meat is at room temperature before cooking, so it stays tender during grilling.
