7 Best Infrared Gas Grills Home Cooks Can Upgrade Their BBQ Skills
Infrared gas grills offer efficient, even heat for grilling perfection. Top brands like Charbroil and Saber provide durable, high-performance options for backyard chefs.
The first infrared burner was patented in 1960, but gas-powered infrared grills only hit the market in 2000. Since then, they’ve gained popularity, becoming more affordable and advanced. Now, with plenty of options available, here are the seven best infrared gas grills that will elevate your grilling game.
Charbroil leads the pack with the Charbroil Tru infrared 450, often considered the best infrared gas grill. Weber, Saber, and other brands have also joined the infrared trend, giving backyard chefs the tools to grill like pros.
The technology around infrared grills is not new, but it’s taken time for the concept to win acceptance. Today, however, there are some outstanding products on the market, and we’ve picked the best to talk about in more detail.
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1. Charbroil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner GrillÂ
A favorite for many years, the Charbroil 450 has been replaced by the updated Charbroil Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Grill. At around $420, this model is less expensive than some of its rivals but offers a variety of excellent features and is the best bang for the buck:
- Generous 450 square inches of cooking space can easily handle 20 hamburger patties at a time. There’s an additional 150-square-inch swing-away rack for warming.
- The TRU-infrared system ensures that heat is evenly distributed over the whole cooking space, so food is cooked evenly.
- The system allows for the electronic ignition of all three burners at the touch of a button and has a wide temperature range. The grill reaches the required temperature within minutes and remains constant throughout the cooking process.
- With no direct flame, flare-ups are significantly reduced.
- There is the option of an open-cart style stand or a two-door cabinet with 4 castors for portability.
- Finished in rust-resistant stainless steel, with porcelain-coated grates that are durable and also rust-resistant. In fact, durability is one of the biggest plus factors with this brand, with reports of Charbroil grills lasting twelve years and more.
2. Saber 3-Burner Select Freestanding Infrared Grill 32″
This model in the Saber range is one of the most basic but is still considered a premium product at twice the price of the Charbroil 3- 3-burner.Â
- Quality is constructed from 304 stainless steel; it is exceptionally durable.
- The cooking space is 500 square inches, which is complemented by a 175 square-inch warming rack.
- The Saber cooking system uses up to 30% less gas than other grills, reaches maximum temperature in twelve minutes, and also has a very effective temperature regulator.
- A built-in cleaning system, stainless steel grates, and food drippings designed to vaporize make the cleaning process quick and easy.
- Built-in LED lighting makes night-time cooking much more straightforward.
3. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill
This American-made infrared grill is probably the most portable one you’ll find. Only 15 lbs. in weight, with a carry handle, this suitcase-sized grill looks like a bulky suitcase but provides a respectable 140 square inches of cooking space.
The reason we’ve included Everywhere in our list is its ability to reach an impressive 14,000 BTU heat level pretty quickly. Like all infrared grills, it provides even heat over the whole cooking area. There’s not much ability to control the heat, so slow cooking of chicken or ribs is not practical, but it’s perfect for cooking a well-seared steak or hamburger.
The Solaire Everywhere doesn’t have the features of the larger infrared grills. Still, it’s well-made, constructed from 304 stainless steel, and very durable. It backs up this quality with a lifetime guarantee. For those who love beach barbeques or camping, this infrared grill is the perfect choice.  Â
4. Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Infrared Gas Grill
We’re listing this second portable as a direct comparison to the Solaire Everywhere because it is in a different price category and may appeal to a different market. At $200, it’s $130 cheaper than the Solaire Everywhere and considerably larger, with 187 square inches of cooking area. It weighs 22 lbs., which is 50% more than the Solaire.
A plus factor of the Grill2Go is that you can store three 1lb gas canisters in the lid while transporting it – a benefit that its rivals don’t offer. But portability is hampered a little by the fact that the legs on the grill don’t fold away.
While not quite as efficient as the Charbroil Solaire Everywhere, the Grill2Go offers excellent value. It’s pretty robust and easy to use, so is well worth its place in our Top Seven.
5. Magma Catalina II Infrared Gourmet Gas Grill
The Gourmet range from Magma is designed to be used by the boating fraternity, and the various models have proved themselves ideal for on-deck grilling. Features include:
- Made from f 18-8 mirror-polished stainless steel to withstand the corrosive effect of sea air.
- A redesigned combustion system allows the grill to withstand even high winds and maintain temperature in all conditions at sea.
- The lid has a built-in glass viewing window so that progress can be checked without lifting the lid.
- Anti-Flare technology ensures evenly distributed heat, prevents flare-ups, and emulsifies drippings, giving the meat a lovely smoky flavor.
- Fold-away legs and different mounting options allow for customized positioning on your boat deck.
6. GASPRO Multitasking Infrared Outdoor Cooking Master
The Gaspro is a quality product with some unique features and is ideal for camping, RV adventures, or cooking outdoors at home.
Its oven-like design allows for 6 different rack positions, and with the variable temperature regulator, it’s possible to slow-cook as well as handle delicate fish dishes and vegetables. When needed, the infrared system can achieve a temperature of up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit, getting to maximum heat in a matter of minutes and achieving perfect steaks in under two minutes.
The “multitasking” label is justified as the Gaspro comes with a cast iron skillet, so you can cook breakfast eggs and bacon on top of the oven.
Sturdy, constructed from 304 stainless steel, and with a 117-inch cooking space, the compact Gaspro is ideal for the smaller family but only for a group of up to three people.
7. Charbroil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill
Using a kettle-grill design, this super-compact infrared grill is perfect for small spaces, such as an apartment balcony or patio.
- Despite its compact dimensions, the Bistro still provides 320 square inches of cooking space, including a warming grate in the lid. It’s perfectly sized to cook for up to four people.
- The propane gas bottle fits underneath, giving additional stability.
- Full height with a trolley base makes it highly portable and comfortable.
- Charbroil’s Tru-Infrared technology requires up to 30% less fuel.
Constructed from powder-coated steel, the Bistro is a little flimsier than its stainless-steel rivals, so it will need to be carefully handled, but nevertheless is a real winner for those who want to enjoy an outdoor grill but don’t have much space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes The Best Infrared Gas Grill?
Saber is considered the best manufacturer of infrared grills, while Charbroil offers the best value for money. Weber grills aren’t listed because their infrared feature is limited to the rotisserie in some models, not the main burners.
Is Infrared Better In A Gas Grill?
Yes, infrared grills heat faster, save fuel, provide even heat distribution, and retain moisture in food. However, cheaper models offer limited temperature control, which can make cooking challenging for beginners.
Are Infrared Grills Any Good?
Yes, infrared grills are durable, efficient, and great for searing steaks quickly. However, they may not be ideal for those who enjoy the slower, social aspects of traditional grilling.
What Are The Disadvantages Of An Infrared Grill?
Infrared grills tend to be more expensive, have limited temperature control and versatility, lack the smoky flavor of wood or charcoal, and are heavier due to their built-in technology.
