Infrared Grills: Superior Searing Technology for Steakhouse Results

Infrared grills have revolutionized outdoor cooking with their ability to reach extremely high temperatures quickly while retaining moisture in food. These grills use radiant heat to cook food directly, resulting in juicier meats and more even cooking compared to traditional gas or charcoal grills. At BBQ Report, we’ve put the top infrared grills through rigorous testing to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best models of 2026. Whether you’re looking for a portable option for tailgating or a high-end grill for your backyard oasis, we’ve got you covered with our expert recommendations.

Quick Comparison

Quick comparison of Infrared Grills: Superior Searing Technology for Steakhouse Results products.

Grill	Type	Cooking Area	Weight	Best For	Where to Buy
Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill	Cart Style	802.9 sq in	178.2 lbs	Best Overall	See at Amazon
Napoleon Built-In 700 Series 32-Inch Infrared Rear Burner Grill	Built-In	786 sq in	178 lbs	Best Premium	See at Amazon
Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill	Portable	200 sq in	20 lbs	Best Compact	See at Amazon
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F Portable Infrared Steak Broiler	Portable Broiler	9-inch chamber	21.6 lbs	Best Versatile	See at Amazon
BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler Propane Gas Grill	Portable Broiler	13" chamber	26.2 lbs	Best Budget	See at Amazon

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How to Choose the Best Infrared Grill

Not every product marketed as an "infrared grill" works the same way, and understanding the differences will help you pick the right one for how you actually cook.

True Infrared vs. Hybrid Gas-Infrared Systems

Two of the grills in this guide -- the Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire and the Napoleon Built-In 700 Series -- are hybrid systems: they run standard convection gas burners for most of the cooking surface, with infrared technology built into the system specifically to limit flare-ups (Amplifire) or power a dedicated searing/rotisserie zone (Napoleon's rear infrared burner). These give you the versatility of a normal gas grill with an infrared boost where it counts. The Solaire Everywhere, by contrast, is a true dedicated infrared grill -- its ceramic and stainless steel burner produces infrared heat directly across the entire cooking surface, not just one zone.

The two BIG HORN OUTDOORS units in this guide are dedicated infrared steak broilers with no separate convection burner at all -- their entire purpose is extreme, direct-radiant searing heat. If you want one grill that handles everything from a slow-roasted chicken to a seared steak, a hybrid system gives you that flexibility. If you specifically want maximum searing performance and don't need low-heat versatility, a dedicated infrared broiler like the BIG HORN units is built exactly for that job.

Low-and-Slow Cooking Capability

This is where the hybrid-vs-dedicated distinction above really matters in practice. Because the Charbroil Amplifire and Napoleon Built-In 700 both retain standard convection burners alongside their infrared element, you can run them at normal gas grill temperatures for low-and-slow cooking, then switch to the infrared zone only when you want to sear. The BIG HORN OUTDOORS steak broilers and similar dedicated infrared units don't have that option -- they're built to run hot, and dialing back to low-and-slow smoking temperatures isn't realistically achievable with a pure radiant-heat design.

If low-and-slow cooking is part of your routine, prioritize a hybrid model with a separate burner system over a dedicated infrared broiler.

Construction Materials and Heat Safety

All five grills in this guide use stainless steel construction, in some cases paired with porcelain-enameled components. Both materials are genuinely inert under the extreme heat infrared cooking produces -- there's no PTFE-based non-stick coating on any of these units to worry about breaking down at high temperatures, since infrared cooking surfaces don't use that kind of coating in the first place. That said, stainless steel and porcelain-enameled parts still benefit from routine cleaning, since baked-on grease residue can affect heat distribution over time even though the materials themselves hold up well.

Fuel Type: Propane and Natural Gas

Every grill in this guide runs on propane -- the Solaire Everywhere and both BIG HORN OUTDOORS units use small 1-pound propane bottles (with adapters available for larger tanks), while the Charbroil Amplifire and Napoleon Built-In 700 use standard 20 lb propane tanks. None of the five models reviewed here ship with or officially support a natural gas conversion kit. If a permanent natural gas hookup is a requirement for your outdoor kitchen build, verify natural gas compatibility directly with the manufacturer before buying, since it's not a given even among premium built-in models like the Napoleon.

Indoor Infrared Grills: A Different Category

This guide focuses entirely on outdoor infrared grills, but indoor infrared grills -- countertop appliances designed for kitchen use -- are a genuinely different product category with their own safety considerations around ventilation and smoke output. None of the five grills reviewed here are rated for indoor use; if you're specifically searching for an indoor option, look for a model explicitly marketed and safety-tested for indoor countertop use rather than adapting an outdoor unit.

Product Reviews

How Infrared Grilling Actually Works

Hybrid Gas-Infrared Systems

Many grills marketed as "infrared" aren't 100% infrared — they're standard gas grills with regular convection burners for everyday cooking plus one dedicated infrared burner or sear station for finishing steaks at very high heat. That combination gives you the versatility of normal grilling most of the time with an infrared boost available when you want a fast, hard sear.

Types of Infrared Burners

Infrared heat can come from a few different burner designs: ceramic infrared burners, radiant glass panels, or metal emitter plates that convert a gas flame into radiant heat. Radiant glass systems tend to allow a bit more low-temperature control than ceramic burners, which are usually built for high heat only and struggle with gentle, low-and-slow cooking.

What is an infrared grill?

An infrared grill uses a special heating element that emits infrared radiation to cook food directly, rather than heating the air around it like traditional gas or charcoal grills. This results in faster cooking times, more even heat distribution, and better moisture retention in foods.

Are infrared grills better than traditional grills?

Infrared grills excel at high-heat searing and can cook food more quickly and evenly than traditional grills. They also tend to be more fuel-efficient and produce fewer flare-ups. However, they may be less versatile for low-and-slow cooking. The “better” choice depends on your specific grilling preferences and needs.

Do infrared grills use more propane?

Generally, infrared grills use less propane than traditional gas grills. Their efficient heating systems often require less fuel to reach and maintain high temperatures.

Can you cook everything on an infrared grill?

While infrared grills are excellent for searing meats and cooking foods that benefit from high heat, some models may struggle with low-temperature cooking. Many modern infrared grills offer temperature control features that allow for a wider range of cooking styles, but it’s important to choose a model that suits your cooking needs.

Are infrared grills hard to clean?

Most infrared grills are designed for easy cleaning. The high heat often incinerates food debris, making it easier to brush off. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to maintain your grill’s performance and longevity.

How long do infrared grills last?

With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality infrared grill can last for many years. The longevity depends on factors such as construction quality, frequency of use, and how well it’s maintained and cleaned.

Can you add wood chips to an infrared grill for smoking?

Some infrared grills allow for the use of wood chips to add smoky flavor, but it depends on the specific model. Always check your grill’s user manual before attempting to use wood chips, as improper use could damage the infrared elements.

Are infrared grills safe to use?

Infrared grills are generally as safe as traditional gas grills when used properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, ensure proper ventilation when in use, and perform regular maintenance checks.

Conclusion

Infrared grills offer a unique and efficient way to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own backyard. From portable options perfect for tailgating to high-end models designed for serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts, there's an infrared grill to suit every need and budget. Our top pick, the Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner, offers an excellent balance of performance and value with its Amplifire infrared cooking system and 802.9 square inches of cooking area, making it a great choice for most home grillers. For those seeking a premium, built-in installation, the Napoleon Built-In 700 Series pairs four main burners with a dedicated infrared rear rotisserie burner for a true outdoor kitchen setup.

If portability and true dedicated infrared technology matter most, the Solaire Everywhere packs a real ceramic infrared burner into a 15-pound frame that runs on 1-pound propane bottles. For steakhouse-style high-heat broiling, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F reaches around 1500°F with 10 adjustable rack positions, while the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler delivers that same extreme searing power at the most accessible price point in this lineup. Remember to consider factors like size, BTU output, and whether you want a true dedicated infrared burner or a hybrid system with a separate searing zone when making your choice.

With the right infrared grill, you'll be able to enjoy faster cooking times, juicier meats, and perfect sear marks all season long. Happy grilling!