Infrared burners are built to deliver high-heat searing and faster cook times without sacrificing moisture. The following reviews spotlight five grills that integrate infrared technology, offering restaurant-style sears, even heat distribution, and outdoor versatility. Each option balances power, durability, and cooking area to fit different backyards and entertaining needs.
| Product | Brand | Infrared Feature | Primary Cooking Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Cabinet | Char-Broil | Amp lifire Infrared Technology | Grill + Griddle: 274 sq in griddle |
| Brand-Man Portable Propane Gas Grill, 4 Burner Compact Cabinet Style | BRANDMAN GRILLS | Infrared Side Burner | 4 Main Burners, additional infrared side burner |
| BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill | BIG HORN OUTDOORS | 266? infrared top-sear style burner | Tabletop grill with sear capabilities |
| Veralune 4 Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner | veralune | Infrared Side Burner | 4 main burners + infrared side burner |
| Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 Propane Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner | Napoleon | Infrared Sear Station | 4 burners |
Char-Broil Pro Series With Amplifire Infrared Technology
The Char-Broil Pro Series combines two main burners with Amplifire infrared technology to deliver intense sear temperatures quickly. The grill heats to around 500°F in under ten minutes and maintains even heat across the cooking surface. It includes a modular cooking system that lets you switch to a 274-square-inch griddle surface for flat-top cooking, or swap to a Gas2Coal charcoal tray (sold separately) to explore different grilling styles. Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates resist rust and clean easily, helping achieve consistent grill marks. The fixed cabinet design provides convenient storage for tools and accessories.
Brand-Man Portable 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill With Infrared Side Burner
This compact cabinet-style grill blends restaurant-grade heat distribution with a 8,500 BTU infrared side burner for searing steaks and grilling sides quickly. The grill uses heavy porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for durability and superior heat retention. An advanced dual ignition system—flame-thrower and electronic—provides reliable, push-button startup. The infrared side burner complements the main cooking area, enabling fast searing without extending cook times for the rest of the meal.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Grill
This portable unit emphasizes speed and efficiency, delivering up to 1500°F infrared heat in about five minutes with a 19,000 BTU burner. The top-down infrared design helps sear deeply while locking in juices, producing restaurant-quality results in a compact, travel-friendly form. Features include easy one-touch ignition and a sturdy tabletop footprint suitable for patios, decks, or campsites. It’s ideal for quick steaks, burgers, and direct searing without smoky flavor loss.
Veralune 4 Burner Gas Grill With Infrared Side Burner
The Veralune grill delivers 42,000 BTU total across four main burners plus a dedicated 13,000 BTU infrared side burner for searing or quick sauces. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates provide excellent heat retention and are designed to resist rust. The grill’s expansive primary cooking area and warming rack support larger gatherings. The flame tamers and stainless steel construction promote even heat distribution and cleaner drippings, with lockable wheels adding portability and stability for backyard use.
Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 Infrared Side Burner
The Napoleon Rogue PRO 425 pairs a robust 4-burner setup with an infrared sear station, delivering the high-temperature sear that locks in flavors. The stainless steel construction resists weathering, and the weather-ready finish maintains a stylish look over time. The infrared sear station excels at creating restaurant-grade sear marks, while the main burners handle traditional grilling tasks. It’s a strong all-around choice for serious grillers who want fast, flavorful results and a durable, stylish grill.
Buying Guide: Infrared Grills And What To Consider
- Infrared vs. traditional burners: Infrared sears meat quickly, creating a crust that locks in juices. Consider whether you want a dedicated infrared burner, an infrared sear station, or multiple infrared zones for flexibility.
- BTU and heat distribution: Higher BTUs can help reach sear temperatures fast, but even heat across the entire cooking surface matters for even doneness. Look for grills with quality flame tamers and cast iron grates for consistent heat.
- Cooking space and layout: Decide between portable tabletop grills and larger built-in or cabinet models. Factor primary cooking area, warming racks, and any secondary surfaces (griddles, side burners) that fit your cooking style.
- Materials and durability: Stainless steel construction, porcelain-enameled grates, and rust resistance extend lifespan in varied climates. Check warranty coverage for components like burners and grates.
- Ignition reliability: Dual ignition systems (electronic plus flame-thrower) can improve startup consistency, especially outdoors where winds interfere with lighting.
- Ease of maintenance: Porcelain coatings, easy-clean grates, and accessible grease management reduce cleaning time after cooking.
- Modular features: Some models offer griddles, charcoal trays, or convert-to-charcoal options, expanding cooking versatility beyond traditional grilling.
- Size and footprint: For smaller spaces, tabletop or compact cabinet models are ideal. For gatherings, opt for wide primary cooking areas and ample warming space to accommodate multiple dishes.
- Price versus value: Infrared grills vary widely in price. Compare features such as sear quality, build durability, included accessories, and overall cooking capacity to determine value.
- Safety and accessibility: Look for solid lid latches, stable legs, temperature gauges, and accessible grease management to reduce flare-ups and simplify control.