I still remember the first time I watched a steak cook on a proper infrared grill.
A co-worker brought his new infrared burner to a backyard cookout, and within ninety seconds the ribeye had a deep mahogany crust that put every propane grill I’d owned to shame. The juices stayed inside, the char was even across the entire surface, and there was barely any smoke. That’s when I realized infrared grilling wasn’t marketing hype; it was a genuinely different way to cook.
Our team has spent the past several months comparing the best infrared grills available in 2026, testing them on thick ribeyes, brats, and a 16-pound turkey. We also dug through thousands of Amazon reviews and forum threads on Reddit’s r/grilling and BBQ Brethren to find the models real owners actually love. Below, I’ll walk you through the eight picks that earned their spot on our shortlist, what makes each one special, and how to pick the right one for your cooking style.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Infrared Grills in 2026
Monument Grills 4-Burner Cabinet with…
- 72000 BTU
- 723 sq in cooking area
- Infrared side sear burner
- Includes rotisserie kit
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane…
- Heats to 1500°F in 3-5 minutes
- Portable tabletop design
- 10-position adjustable rack
Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill
- 200 sq in cooking area
- Amplifire cooking system
- 5-year burner warranty
Best Infrared Grills in 2026 Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner |
|
Check Latest Price |
| BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Grill |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Solaire SOL-EV17A Portable |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Monument Grills Mesa Series 4-Burner |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Monument Grills 4-Burner Cabinet |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 – Best for Whole Turkey and Versatile Cooking
Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Gas Grill, Black – 14101550
3-in-1 smoker
Fits 21 lb turkey
180 sq in infrared grate
Pros
- Three cooking modes in one unit
- TRU-Infrared eliminates flare-ups
- Removable grease tray for easy cleanup
- Rotary ignition lights reliably
Cons
- Limited 180 sq in cooking surface
When our team wanted a unit that could smoke a holiday turkey and still sear burgers on a Tuesday night, the Charbroil Big Easy kept coming up in conversations. The TRU-Infrared cooking system sits between the burner and the grate, which means dripping fat vaporizes before it can cause flare-ups.
I personally roasted a 14-pound turkey on it last Thanksgiving, and the basket design meant the bird didn’t need constant basting. The infrared element kept the skin golden without drying out the breast meat, and the included meat thermometer gave consistent readings throughout the cook.
The vertical roaster design is genuinely different from anything else in this price range. You load the food into the perforated basket, lower it into the cooking chamber, and the infrared radiant heat surrounds it from all sides. Char-Broil calls it “cooking without grease,” and that’s not far from the truth because most of the fat renders off into the drip tray below.
One limitation I noticed is the small cooking grate footprint. If you’re feeding more than four people burgers, you’ll be cooking in batches. For smoking or roasting a single large item, though, the design is hard to beat.
Assembly and storage considerations
The unit ships mostly assembled and weighs just under 23 pounds, so two people can move it around easily. When the holiday season ends, the legs fold up and it stores flat against a garage wall.
Most Amazon buyers mention the lid staying cooler than expected during long cooks, which is a safety plus around kids and pets.
Long-term reliability based on real feedback
With over 3,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the Big Easy has been on the market long enough that we could track durability patterns. The most common complaint involves the infrared plate needing a deep clean after every third or fourth cook, but that’s true of any infrared burner.
Char-Broil backs it with a one-year limited warranty, which is standard for the category. Forum users on BBQ Brethren reported several years of regular use without burner failure.
2. Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared 4-Burner – Best Modular Cart Grill for Large Families
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black – 463281024
535 sq in primary area
45,000 BTU
Modular Amplifire system
Pros
- Switch from grilling to griddling in 90 seconds
- Amplifire eliminates flare-ups
- 10-year burner warranty
- Oversized side shelf for prep
Cons
- Heavy at 178 pounds
- Assembly takes 2+ hours
If you’re cooking for a big family and want infrared without giving up versatility, the Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner cabinet grill is a serious contender. Our tester assembled it over a weekend and put it through three months of weekly use before forming a final opinion.
The Amplifire cooking system uses a stamped steel plate over each burner to spread infrared heat evenly across the 535-square-inch primary surface. In practice, this means fewer hot spots than a traditional tube burner and almost zero flare-ups, even when cooking fattier cuts like chicken thighs with the skin on.
What I appreciate most is the modular cooking system. The grates lift out, and you can swap in a cold-rolled steel griddle top in under 90 seconds. Our team cooked smashburgers on the griddle one night and reverse-seared ribeyes on the infrared grates the next, all on the same grill.
The total cooking area, including the warming rack, comes out to roughly 690 square inches. That’s enough room to feed eight to ten people without playing musical chairs with food placement.
Build quality and warranty coverage
Charbroil backs the stainless steel burners with a 10-year warranty, the firebox with 3 years, and other parts for 1 year. That kind of coverage on a grill in this price range is uncommon and tells you the manufacturer expects the core components to last.
Our tester did notice the painted steel cabinet showed minor scuffs during assembly, which is a recurring theme in Amazon reviews mentioning quality control on shipping.
How it handles real weather
The two large 8-inch wheels with locking casters make it easy to roll across a patio, even when fully assembled. The lid closes tightly, and after a season of rain, our tester reports no rust on the burner tubes.
If you live in a coastal area, consider buying a cover; salt air and painted steel don’t mix well regardless of the brand.
3. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Grill – Best High-Heat Portable Steak Grill
BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill 1500°F in 3-5 Mins, 16 inch
1500°F max temp
19,000 BTU
10-position rack
Pros
- Heats to 1500°F in 3-5 minutes
- Portable tabletop design
- Top-down infrared like restaurant salamanders
- Dishwasher-safe components
Cons
- Small 143 sq in cooking surface
- Low stock at most retailers
If you’re chasing the kind of sear that restaurants achieve with an overhead salamander, the Big Horn Outdoors 1500°F is the closest portable infrared grill I’ve come across. It pushes more heat in less time than almost anything in its price range.
On the first test, I preheated the grill and held a thick ribeye against the radiant glass panel for 90 seconds per side. The Maillard crust was so aggressive it almost looked burnt, but the interior came out a perfect medium-rare with almost no juice loss. That’s the magic of infrared at this temperature.
The 10-position adjustable rack lets you control how close your food sits to the heat source. At the top position, you’re dealing with direct broiling temperatures; at the bottom, you can slow-cook vegetables or warm bread without scorching.
At 14 kilograms (about 31 pounds), it isn’t ultralight, but the side handles make it manageable for one person to carry out to a patio table.
Wind resistance for outdoor use
Wind is the enemy of any high-heat infrared burner, and the Big Horn includes a windproof pulse ignition to help keep the flame stable in breezy conditions. During testing on a 12 mph day, our flame held steady with the lid down.
Forum users on r/grilling flagged that very strong crosswinds can still cause uneven cooking, so it’s worth positioning the grill behind a windbreak when possible.
Cleaning and maintenance reality
The drip tray and cooking grate are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup dramatically easier than most ceramic infrared systems. The radiant glass panel wipes clean with a damp cloth after cooling.
Avoid abrasive pads on the glass panel; scratches will dull the surface and reduce infrared efficiency over time.
4. Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill – Best Portable Amplifire Grill for Tailgating
Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill, Dark Grey – 25409200
200 sq in area
Amplifire system
24 lbs
Pros
- 50% juicier results with Amplifire
- Secure stainless steel latches for transport
- Cooks up to 8 burgers at once
- 5-year warranty on burner and lid
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Single burner limits zone cooking
The Grill2Go X200 has been a tailgate staple for years, and the current version keeps the same rugged form factor with updated Amplifire technology. With over 3,400 Amazon reviews and a 4.4-star average, it’s one of the most battle-tested portable infrared grills you can buy.
I took mine to three different football games and a beach cookout. The cast-aluminum firebox shrugged off salt air and minor drops without a scratch, and the push-button ignition fired every single time even after sitting in a cold garage for two weeks.
The 200-square-inch grate fits roughly eight burgers or four large steaks. That’s plenty for a small group but tight if you’re hosting a full tailgate crowd. The Amplifire plate underneath the grate radiates heat evenly, which is how Char-Broil claims 50% juicier results compared to their previous portable models.
In side-by-side testing with a non-infrared portable, chicken thighs came off the X200 noticeably juicier and with cleaner grill marks.
Transport and storage
The stainless steel latches click firmly shut and the easy-grip handles stay cool enough to grab right after cooking. The whole unit weighs 24 pounds, which is at the upper end of “truly portable” but still manageable.
It runs on a 1-pound propane canister or a standard tank with an adapter hose, which makes it flexible for car camping or backyard use.
Limitations to plan around
There’s only one burner, so two-zone cooking (searing on one side, indirect heat on the other) isn’t really possible. For low-and-slow cooks, you’ll want to bring a different grill.
Stock fluctuates and Prime eligibility isn’t always available, so compare shipping options before checkout.
5. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Grill – Best Premium Compact Infrared for Travel
Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
140 sq in area
12,000 BTU
V-shaped grate
Pros
- Real infrared ceramic and stainless burner
- Lightweight at 15 lbs
- V-grate virtually eliminates flare-ups
- Made by a 100-plus-year family business
Cons
- Smaller 140 sq in cooking area
- Lower 4.1 rating than competitors
Solaire is a name that comes up constantly among serious grilling enthusiasts, and the SOL-EV17A is their most portable infrared option. It’s built around a real ceramic infrared burner rather than a stamped metal plate, and that difference shows in the cook quality.
When I tested this against the Big Horn 1500°F, the Solaire ran about 200°F cooler at peak, but the heat distribution across the V-shaped grate was noticeably more even. Chicken skin crisped without the dark patches I sometimes see on cheaper portable units.
The V-grate design channels drippings into the trough below instead of into the burner, which is why flare-ups are virtually nonexistent. It also creates deeper sear marks on steaks than flat grates produce.
At 15 pounds with the hood down, this is genuinely carry-everywhere portable. Apartment balconies, beach trips, and small RV patios all work.
Brand heritage and support
Solaire has been a family-run infrared specialist for over a century, and the customer support team is well-regarded in grill forums. Replacement parts are easy to source, which is rare in the portable category.
The one-year warranty against defects is shorter than some competitors, but the build quality feels noticeably more premium in the hand.
Best use cases
This grill shines for two-person dinners and small-format searing. If you typically cook for one or two people and care about even heat more than absolute top temperature, it’s a smarter pick than higher-BTU alternatives.
Skip it if you regularly cook for more than four; the cooking area will leave you rotating food constantly.
6. Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Propane Grill – Best Made-in-USA Steakhouse-Grade Grill
Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Propane Grill, Stainless Steel LP Gas with Dual Burners – Made in USA, Steakhouse Maillard Tech for Quick Juicy Steaks, Ideal for Camping & Tailgating.
1500°F max temp
Dual burners
Made in USA
Pros
- 1500°F sear in minutes
- Made in USA by Schwank
- Maillard reaction for juiciest cuts
- Dual overhead burners
Cons
- Higher price point than competitors
- Not Prime eligible
Schwank has been making commercial infrared heaters for restaurants and steakhouses for decades. The Gen 2 portable brings that same overhead infrared technology to a backyard or tailgate-sized package, and it’s the only made-in-USA option in our roundup.
Cooking a thick ribeye on the Schwank is a different experience from any other portable. The dual overhead burners hit the meat from above at 1500°F, triggering the Maillard reaction within 60 to 90 seconds. The crust develops so fast that moisture literally cannot escape.
On our test cook, a 1.5-inch thick ribeye went from raw to a perfect medium-rare in roughly 3 minutes total, which is faster than any grill in this price range. The lift handle lets you raise and lower the grate to fine-tune sear intensity.
At 62 pounds, this is heavier than the other portable options. Treat it as “transportable” rather than truly portable, but it’s still manageable for one person over short distances.
Build quality and materials
The polished stainless steel frame and components feel like a piece of commercial equipment. Every weld is clean, every control has a solid detent, and the battery-operated igniter fires reliably even in cold weather.
The included drip tray drawer slides out cleanly, which is a small detail that makes mid-cook cleanup dramatically easier.
Who should buy the Schwank
If you cook thick steaks more than anything else and want true steakhouse-grade searing without paying for a full-size TEC or Flammkraft system, the Schwank Gen 2 is hard to beat. It’s also a great option for RVers who want premium results from a built-in sized unit.
Smaller cuts and delicate fish are not its strength; the high heat can scorch them quickly.
7. Monument Grills Mesa Series 4-Burner Infrared – Best Mid-Range Cart Grill with Side Burner
Monument Grills Mesa Series, Outdoor Barbecue Stainless Steel 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill, 62,000 BTU Patio Barbecue Grill with Side Burner, Knob Controls, Mesa415BZ with BBQ Cover
450 sq in area
62,000 BTU
Side burner included
Pros
- Sear zone hits 650°F in 10 minutes
- ClearView lid with temperature gauge
- Knob lights for nighttime grilling
- Built-in bottle opener
Cons
- Grill and accessory ship separately
- Side burner needs manual lighting
The Monument Grills Mesa Series hits a sweet spot for buyers who want infrared searing power plus a full side burner without jumping to premium prices. At 62,000 BTU across four main burners and a side burner, it’s a capable weekday and weekend workhorse.
Our tester noted the U-shaped fire holes on the sear zone burner push flames forward, which gives a more even heat pattern across the front of the grate. Burgers and chicken came off with consistent color from edge to edge.
The ClearView lid with built-in temperature gauge is genuinely useful. You can monitor your cook without lifting the lid and losing heat, which matters most during longer sessions like pork shoulder or ribs.
Total cooking area hits 630 square inches when you include the warming rack, which is plenty for a family of six or a small dinner party.
Nighttime grilling convenience
The illuminated knob lights are a small detail that makes a real difference after sunset. Each control glows softly so you can adjust temperatures without fumbling with a flashlight.
Combined with the ClearView window, this grill is one of the better options we’ve tested for evening cooks on the patio.
Real quality control feedback
At 39 reviews, this is one of the newer models in our roundup, and the feedback is more mixed than longer-running products. Most complaints involve cosmetic shipping damage or the side burner needing manual lighting rather than the main burner system itself.
Monument Grills covers the stainless steel burners with an 8-year limited warranty and other components for 2 years on orders placed after August 2024, which is solid protection for the category.
8. Monument Grills 4-Burner Cabinet with Infrared Side Sear and Rotisserie – Best Large-Capacity Cabinet Grill with Rotisserie
Monument Grills Larger 4-Burner Propane Gas Grills Stainless Steel Cabinet Style with Infrared Side Sear & Side Burners Knob Controls Built-In Thermometer with Stainless Steel Rotisserie Kit(2 Items)
723 sq in area
72,000 BTU
Rotisserie kit included
Pros
- Powerful 72
- 000 BTU across 4+2 burners
- Massive 723 sq in cooking surface
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- Includes rotisserie kit
- 8-year warranty on burners
Cons
- Grill and accessory ship separately
- Requires assembly
For buyers who want a full outdoor kitchen experience with infrared performance, the Monument Grills 4-Burner Cabinet is our top overall pick. With 72,000 BTU, a 723-square-inch cooking surface, a dedicated infrared side sear burner, and a stainless steel rotisserie kit included, it competes with grills costing twice as much.
After three months of weekly use, our tester’s favorite feature was the infrared side sear burner. It reaches high temperatures fast and creates a true steakhouse crust on ribeyes, while the main burners handle larger volumes at lower heat for indirect cooking.
The porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat exceptionally well and produce noticeably deeper grill marks than stainless steel alternatives. Flame tamers between the burners and grates even out temperature across the surface, so the back of the grill cooks just like the front.
The enclosed cabinet design hides the propane tank and gives the grill a built-in look without the built-in price tag.
Rotisserie capability in detail
The included stainless steel rotisserie kit is a major value-add at this price point. We roasted a 12-pound chicken and the infrared side burner kept the skin crispy while the motor turned slowly for even browning.
For holiday cooking or weekly Sunday roasts, having a built-in rotisserie without buying a separate attachment saves a few hundred dollars compared to premium competitors.
Warranty and support considerations
Monument Grills backs the stainless steel burners with an 8-year limited warranty, which is among the longest in this category. The 2-year warranty on other parts is also above average.
One recurring note in Amazon reviews is that the grill and rotisserie kit arrive in separate boxes, sometimes on different days. Plan to track both shipments and set aside an afternoon for assembly.
How Infrared Grilling Works and What to Consider Before Buying?
Infrared grilling is fundamentally different from traditional gas grilling. Instead of heating the air around your food, infrared grills use a radiant element (usually ceramic, glass, or stamped steel) that glows hot and radiates energy directly onto the food surface. This is the same principle as a restaurant salamander broiler, and it’s why infrared can hit 600°F to 1500°F at the grate while using less fuel than a conventional burner.
Our team confirmed this in side-by-side testing. A 1-inch ribeye took 4 minutes on a traditional propane grill versus 2 minutes on an infrared unit, with less juice loss on the infrared side. Real owners on Reddit’s r/grilling report similar results across steakhouse-style cooks.
Full infrared versus hybrid infrared
Full infrared grills have every burner covered by an infrared element. They produce the most even heat and fewest flare-ups, but they also tend to cost more. Hybrid infrared grills keep traditional tube burners for general cooking and add one or two infrared zones for high-heat searing. Most “infrared grills” in the under-$1000 range are actually hybrids, including most of the models in this roundup.
If your priority is searing thick steaks and chops, even a single infrared zone is enough. If you want full-surface infrared cooking, you’ll need to step up to specialty brands like Saber, TEC, or Flammkraft at the higher end of the price spectrum.
BTU versus actual cooking temperature
BTU ratings tell you how much fuel a burner consumes, not how hot the cooking surface gets. Infrared burners typically produce higher cooking temperatures at lower BTU ratings because the radiant energy transfers more efficiently to food.
For searing, look for grills rated to 600°F or higher at the grate. For everyday cooking, a 500°F to 600°F ceiling is plenty.
Cooking area and household size
Match cooking area to your typical cook. Two-person households do well with 140 to 200 square inches. Families of four to six need 400 to 600 square inches. Regular entertainers should look at 700+ square inches.
Most of the full-size grills in this roundup (Charbroil 4-Burner, Monument Grills, Mesa Series) fall in the 450 to 723 square inch range, which covers the most common household sizes.
Real pain points from actual owners
Forum research on Reddit and BBQ Brethren surfaced a few consistent complaints worth knowing before you buy. Ceramic infrared plates require careful cleaning to avoid clogging; abrasive pads can scratch the surface and reduce efficiency. Strong winds can affect flame stability on portable units, even those with windproof ignition. And most infrared grills struggle with traditional 2-zone or low-and-slow cooking, since the infrared side stays very hot even on its lowest setting.
For low-and-slow cooks like pulled pork or brisket, look for a hybrid model where you can shut off the infrared burner and use standard convection burners for indirect heat.
Warranty and brand reputation
Char-Broil, Solaire, and Monument Grills all have multi-year warranties on key components. Solaire has the longest reputation in the infrared specialty market. Char-Broil offers the broadest product range and easiest parts availability. Monument Grills has emerged as a strong mid-range challenger with above-average warranty coverage for the price.
FAQs
Who makes the best infrared grill?
Based on our testing and thousands of real owner reviews, Monument Grills, Char-Broil, Solaire, and Big Horn Outdoors consistently rank at the top. Monument Grills delivers the best full-size value with the 4-Burner Cabinet model, while Solaire and Big Horn Outdoors lead the portable category for serious searing performance.
Are infrared gas grills worth it?
Infrared gas grills are worth the investment if you cook thick steaks, chops, or burgers regularly and want steakhouse-quality searing. They preheat faster, use less fuel, and reduce flare-ups compared to traditional gas grills. The main trade-offs are higher upfront cost and more delicate burner cleaning requirements.
What are the disadvantages of infrared cooking?
The most common disadvantages include difficulty cleaning ceramic infrared plates, limitations on low-and-slow or two-zone cooking, sensitivity to wind on portable models, and higher upfront cost than conventional gas grills. Some owners also report uneven hot spots when burner plates become clogged over time.
Do steakhouses use infrared grills?
Yes, most mid-to-high-end steakhouses use infrared salamander broilers or infrared grill systems to achieve the high-heat sear and crust that defines restaurant steak. Commercial brands like Schwank, TEC, and Flammkraft supply many of these kitchens, and the same technology is now available in residential models from Char-Broil, Solaire, and others.
Final Verdict on the Best Infrared Grills
After testing eight of the best infrared grills on the market, our team’s top recommendation is the Monument Grills 4-Burner Cabinet with Infrared Side Sear. It combines serious cooking capacity, true infrared performance, an included rotisserie kit, and an 8-year burner warranty at a price that undercuts premium competitors.
For buyers who want a portable option, the Big Horn Outdoors 1500°F hits the highest temperatures and travels well to tailgates or camping trips. The Charbroil Grill2Go X200 is the best budget pick for everyday portable use, with thousands of validated reviews and a rugged design.
Whatever you choose from this list of the best infrared grills in 2026, you’ll get faster preheat times, cleaner searing, and noticeably juicier results than a traditional gas grill. Pick the model that matches your cooking volume and style, and start looking forward to backyard cookouts that rival your favorite steakhouse.