The word infrared on a grill box can mean three different things: a burner under the whole grate, a single sear station beside regular burners, or a small burner at the back for a rotisserie. Those are not the same grill, and buying one does not get you what the others do.
This guide explains what infrared actually changes in the cooking and what it does not, then sorts the grills that use it by how they use it. If you just want a good gas grill, our guide to the best gas grill is the better place to start. This page is for buyers who have decided the sear matters.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a working kitchen looks for, makers’ specifications, verified buyer reports and the published reviews named on this page. We have not cooked on these grills ourselves.
Quick verdict: which infrared grill to buy
For most cooks, the best infrared grill is one that keeps regular burners too: the Mont Alpi Victory has a side sear burner beside three standard burners and a long stated warranty. If you want infrared as the main way of cooking, choose the TEC Sterling Patio 1 FR and confirm its fuel with the seller first. For a small household, the Solaire SOL-AA12A is a true infrared grill at tabletop size.
One caution before the picks. Consumer Reports wrote in 2011 that it had not found infrared grills, or grills with an infrared element, to be any better than those with standard burners. That is an old statement, and we did not find a newer independent test of these grills to weigh against it. Buy infrared for the kind of high heat it gives you, not because it is automatically the better grill.
Our five standout infrared grills side by side
Five picks, one for each way of using infrared, with the details stated by each maker or listing. All eight grills are reviewed below.
| Grill | Where the infrared is | Fuel (this listing) | Best for | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side burner only | Propane | Regular grillers who want a sear | View on Amazon | |
TEC Sterling Patio 1 FR Infrared Grill on PedestalBest all-infrared
|
Main grate | Natural gas per title; confirm | Cooks who want all-infrared | View on Amazon |
Solaire SOL-AA12A Single Burner Tabletop Infrared GrillBest small infrared
|
Main burner | Propane | Small households, small patios | View on Amazon |
Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Propane GrillBest for steak crust
|
Dual high-heat burners | Propane | Steak crust as a second tool | View on Amazon |
| Sear burner plus rear burner | Natural gas | Outdoor kitchen builds | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing, and several listings leave details out, so check before you buy.
Our picks for the best infrared grill
These eight run from infrared across the main grate to infrared as one extra burner. They are grouped by kind rather than scored, because a built-in Coyote and a tabletop Solaire are not competing for the same buyer.
1. TEC Sterling Patio 1 FR Infrared Grill on Pedestal – Infrared Across the Main Grate
TEC is the name to start with. The Sterling Patio FR is a freestanding grill whose main cooking surface runs on TEC’s infrared burner design, rather than a regular gas grill with one infrared station bolted on. The listing says the burner design allows infrared grilling as well as conventional radiant cooking.
The numbers are modest in size and honest about what this is: 30,000 BTU across 296 square inches of primary cooking surface, in 304 stainless steel, on a stainless pedestal with two side shelves and a warming rack. At 26 inches wide it fits a patio that could not take a cart grill, and it suits a few steaks, a tray of fajita vegetables or a run of chicken thighs better than a party.
Grill retailer The BBQ Depot credits TEC with inventing and patenting the technology and says its radiant glass panel system can run as low as 200 degrees, which matters because low heat is where most infrared grills struggle. Treat that as a seller’s statement: we did not find an independent test of this exact model.
Why we like it
- Infrared is the main cooking method here, not an add-on
- Listing states 30,000 BTU across 296 square inches
- 304 stainless steel with a pedestal base and two side shelves
- Warming rack included for buns and tortillas
Key specifications
| Model | STPFR1NTPED-PFR1WR |
|---|---|
| Infrared type | Main grate, TEC FR burner |
| Fuel (this listing) | Natural gas per title; one bullet says propane, so confirm |
| Heat | 30,000 BTU |
| Cooking area | 296 sq in primary |
| Body | 304 stainless steel |
| Setup | Freestanding pedestal, 26 x 26.5 x 49 in |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants infrared because of infrared, has a natural gas line and mostly cooks small amounts of steak, chicken and vegetables at high heat. It is the closest thing here to the original idea.
Skip it if you need propane and cannot confirm the fuel with the seller first. The title says natural gas while one listing bullet says propane, and a gas grill should not be switched between fuels without the maker’s approved parts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Infrared across the main cooking surface
- Compact freestanding footprint
- Stainless steel body and pedestal
Cons
- Listing contradicts itself on fuel
- Warranty not stated in the listing
- Sold by a third-party seller, 247Grills
2. Solaire SOL-AA12A Single Burner Tabletop Infrared Grill – True Infrared at Table Size
Solaire builds this small grill around infrared instead of adding it as a feature. The tabletop unit uses a ceramic and stainless steel infrared burner with push-button ignition, and the listing says its V-shaped grate virtually eliminates flare-ups, a claim we would read as “reduces”.
It gives you 112 square inches of grilling area plus a 46-square-inch warming rack, which the listing says holds six 4-inch burgers. It weighs 24 pounds and measures 15 inches wide by 20 deep by 11 high with the hood down, so most adults can lift it onto a sturdy table. The listing also mentions use on a tailgate or an optional tripod.
That small size is the point and also the limit. A single burner has one heat zone, so there is no cooler side to rest thick food on. Cook fast things, like skirt steak, shrimp or sliced peppers, and move them to the warming rack as they finish.
Why we like it
- Real infrared ceramic and stainless burner per the listing
- 24 pounds with a hood that closes for carrying
- V-grate designed to cut flare-ups
- Sold through the Solaire store on Amazon
Key specifications
| Model | SOL-AA12A-LP |
|---|---|
| Infrared type | Main burner, ceramic and stainless |
| Fuel (this listing) | Propane |
| Heat | Not stated in listing |
| Cooking area | 112 sq in plus 46 sq in rack |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Setup | Tabletop or optional tripod, 15 x 20 x 11 in |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
This is our pick for a small household or anyone who wants to try infrared without giving the patio over to it. Sold by the Solaire store, it is also one of the cleaner purchases on this page.
Skip it if you cook for more than three or four people at a time. One burner and 112 square inches run out quickly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact true infrared
- Push-button ignition
- Lid and warming rack included
Cons
- Only one heat zone
- BTU output not stated in the listing
- One-year warranty
3. Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Propane Grill – Steak Crust From Dual Burners
This is a steak machine, not a grill in the backyard sense. The listing describes dual Schwank burners reaching 1500°F, with thick steaks done in about 3 minutes depending on thickness and doneness. The title also says made in USA.
A unit like this cooks with intense heat aimed at the food, more like a steakhouse broiler. It builds a dark crust quickly, and that is nearly all it does. You will not slow-roast a chicken in it, and fajita vegetables need close watching. Think of it as a second tool beside a regular grill.
Because the heat is so strong, pay attention to timing and use tongs and heat-resistant gloves. A marbled ribeye drips, and you should clean out the drippings after each cook, as with any broiler.
Why we like it
- Listing states dual burners reaching 1500°F
- Portable with handles for carrying
- Made in the USA per the listing title
- Steaks in about 3 minutes per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | BB-1001 |
|---|---|
| Infrared type | Dual high-heat burners |
| Fuel (this listing) | Propane |
| Heat | 1500°F stated |
| Cooking area | Not stated in listing |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Setup | Portable, sits on a table |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits a steak lover who already owns a grill and wants a real crust without a restaurant broiler. It is sold by Schwank Outdoor Products itself, so the seller and the maker are the same.
Skip it if you want one grill for everything. It is a high-heat specialist with very little low end.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very high stated heat
- Fast cooks for steaks
- Sold by the maker
Cons
- Narrow range of uses
- Cooking area not stated in the listing
- Burns quickly if you look away
4. BIG HORN 16-inch Infrared Propane Steak Broiler – Top-Down Heat With Rack Levels
BIG HORN is a smaller outdoor brand sold mostly online, and this unit copies the salamander broiler design: a 19,000 BTU infrared burner above the food. The listing says it reaches 1500°F in about five minutes.
A 13-inch-wide cooking chamber and a seven-position rack give you control a simple grill does not have. Moving the rack down is how you turn the heat down, since the burner works from above. Pulse ignition lights it with one press, and the propane tank and batteries are not included.
With the burner overhead, dripping fat falls away from the flame rather than onto it. It also means no char marks unless the grate itself is preheated first. For browning cheese over a queso fundido or a tray of tacos, it is more useful than it first looks.
Why we like it
- 19,000 BTU infrared burner per the listing
- Seven rack positions for controlling distance from the heat
- Pulse ignition
- Stainless steel body
Key specifications
| Model | SRGG21708-DE |
|---|---|
| Infrared type | Overhead burner |
| Fuel (this listing) | Propane |
| Heat | 19,000 BTU, 1500°F stated |
| Cooking area | 13-in-wide chamber |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Setup | Tabletop |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits the cook who wants overhead broiling and likes the idea of controlling heat by rack height. It also does the jobs a broiler does well, like melting cheese and finishing a steak.
Skip it if you want a brand with a long track record. BIG HORN is an Amazon-first brand, and this pick rests on the listing rather than an independent review.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Rack height gives real heat control
- Fat falls away from the burner
- Simple one-touch ignition
Cons
- Pick rests on listing details alone
- Tank and batteries not included
- Small chamber
5. Coyote S-Series 30-inch Built-In Grill with RapidSear – Regular Burners Plus Infrared
If you are building an outdoor kitchen, this is how infrared usually arrives: as one part of a larger grill. The Coyote S-Series has two Infinity burners, one RapidSear infrared burner and an infrared rear rotisserie burner rated at up to 15,000 BTU. The listing gives up to 70,000 BTU of cooking power.
That mix is the practical answer to infrared’s weak spot. Start a thick pork chop over the regular burners to cook through, then move it onto the RapidSear to finish the crust. The rear burner handles a chicken on the spit. You get 700 square inches of cooking surface in 18-gauge, 304-grade stainless steel with a smoker box.
This is a natural gas model that goes into a counter cutout, so plan for a gas line and an installer. Check the maker’s spec sheet against your island before buying.
Why we like it
- One infrared sear burner and one infrared rear burner
- 700 square inches of cooking surface
- 304-grade stainless steel
- Smoker box and lit control knobs
Key specifications
| Model | C2SL30NG |
|---|---|
| Infrared type | Sear burner plus rear burner |
| Fuel (this listing) | Natural gas |
| Heat | Up to 70,000 BTU |
| Cooking area | 700 sq in |
| Body | 18-gauge 304 stainless |
| Setup | Built-in only |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a homeowner building a permanent setup who wants both normal burners and infrared in one box. It is the most flexible grill on this page, because you can use infrared only when it helps.
Skip it if you do not have an island and a gas line. It is a grill head, not a grill you roll out of a box and use.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Regular burners for slower cooking
- Sear burner for crust
- Large cooking surface
Cons
- Needs a built-in setup and a gas line
- Sold by a third-party appliance seller
- Warranty not stated in the listing
6. Mont Alpi Victory 3-Burner Grill with Infrared Side Burner – Sear Station Beside Regular Burners
Mont Alpi puts the infrared in its own place, on a side burner next to the main box. Three main burners at 12,000 BTU each cook as normal, while a 12,000 BTU infrared side burner preheats quickly for searing, which gives 48,000 BTU in total.
For most home cooks this is the least risky way to own infrared. The main grill behaves like any gas grill, so nothing you already know changes. When you want a darker crust on a steak or a char on a poblano, you walk it over to the side burner.
The cart is fully enclosed with wheels, a left side shelf and eight accessory hooks, and it measures about 54.5 by 25 by 48.4 inches. That is a wide grill once the side burner is counted, so measure your patio. The listing gives a 15-year limited warranty, and the seller is shown as Alpine Products.
Why we like it
- Infrared sits apart, so the main grill cooks as usual
- 15-year limited warranty listed
- Enclosed stainless cart with wheels
- 48,000 BTU total per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | BBQ-VCT3BSB-LP |
|---|---|
| Infrared type | Side burner only |
| Fuel (this listing) | Propane |
| Heat | 48,000 BTU, 12,000 on the side burner |
| Cooking area | Not stated in listing |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Setup | Freestanding cart, 54.5 x 25 x 48.4 in |
| Warranty | 15-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It is what we would point a regular griller toward. You keep the gas grill you know and gain a sear station. The stated warranty is also among the longest here.
Skip it if you want infrared for whole-grate cooking. The side burner takes one or two steaks at a time.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Familiar cooking on the main burners
- Long stated warranty
- Storage in the enclosed cart
Cons
- Side burner only holds a little food
- Wide footprint
- Pick rests on listing details
7. Blaze LTE PRO 32-inch Built-In Grill with Rear Infrared – Rear Burner, Not a Sear Station
Read this listing carefully, because “infrared” on a Blaze LTE PRO means something different from the TEC above. Four regular burners at 14,000 BTU each do the grilling. The infrared part is a rear burner rated at 10,000 BTU, so the infrared heat comes from behind the food rather than under it.
A rear burner usually serves spit roasting and side-on browning, so do not expect it to put a hard sear on a steak lying flat on the grate. This grill earns its place through its other features: a digital temperature panel, two meat probes, a spring-assisted hood and 304 stainless steel, with a lifetime warranty stated in the listing.
It is a natural gas built-in and needs the same planning as the Coyote. The listing says the range comes in four- and five-burner designs.
Why we like it
- Digital temperature display and two meat probes
- Rear infrared burner rated at 10,000 BTU
- 304 stainless steel
- Lifetime warranty stated in the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 3181129 |
|---|---|
| Infrared type | Rear burner only |
| Fuel (this listing) | Natural gas |
| Heat | 4 x 14,000 BTU plus 10,000 BTU rear |
| Cooking area | Not stated in listing |
| Body | 304 stainless steel |
| Setup | Built-in, 32 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime, per the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a built-in project where digital temperature readouts and regular burners matter more than a dedicated sear zone. We include it to show how far apart two grills sold as infrared can be.
Skip it if searing is your main reason for buying infrared. Pick the Coyote or the Mont Alpi instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Digital readout and probes
- Strong regular burners
- Long stated warranty
Cons
- Infrared is not under the food
- Needs a built-in setup and a gas line
- Cooking area not stated in the listing
8. Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Grill with Infrared Sear Burner – A Cart Grill With a Sear Burner
Captiva Designs is an Amazon-first brand, and this is the plain cart grill of the group. It has four burners and a 13,500 BTU infrared searing burner, for 41,500 BTU across 604 square inches of cooking area.
The grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron, and the round center grate lifts out so you can drop in the included pizza stone, a wok or a 12-inch skillet. That center opening is handy for a cast iron pan of charro beans or a griddle while the rest of the grill holds meat.
A slide-out grease tray and viewing window round it out. The listing does not make it fully clear where the sear burner sits relative to the main burners, so look at the photos and confirm before you buy if that matters to you. It carries a two-year warranty.
Why we like it
- 13,500 BTU infrared sear burner per the listing
- 604 square inches of cooking area
- Removable center grate and pizza stone
- Two-year warranty stated
Key specifications
| Model | GR035 |
|---|---|
| Infrared type | Sear burner |
| Fuel (this listing) | Propane |
| Heat | 41,500 BTU total |
| Cooking area | 604 sq in |
| Body | Not stated in listing |
| Setup | Freestanding cart |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a large propane cart grill first and a sear burner second. The pizza stone and removable center grate make it useful for more than steak.
Skip it if you want a long-established maker or easy parts down the road. The BBQ Depot warns that replacement sear burners can be hard to find on imported grills.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large cooking area
- Center grate for pans and stone
- Clear warranty statement
Cons
- Amazon-first brand; pick rests on the listing
- Sear burner location unclear in the listing
- Sold through a third-party seller, PHI VILLA
What infrared does and does not do
A regular gas burner mostly heats air, and that hot air heats the food. Infrared burners send radiant energy to the food instead, as The BBQ Depot, a grill retailer, explains it. On a good unit you get a high, direct heat that browns meat quickly.
What it does well
Searing is the clear selling point. A crust forms quickly on a steak or a pork chop, and that speed helps keep the inside from overcooking. Sellers also point to fewer flare-ups, since intense heat can vaporize drippings before they catch. Consumer Reports repeats the claim of uniform heat and fewer flare-ups, and then says its own results did not show infrared grills to be better.
What it does not do
Infrared does not make food taste smoky or charcoal-grilled, and it does not make a thin cut any more forgiving. It also adds a learning curve: The BBQ Depot, which sells these grills, warns you may burn a few steaks in the beginning. Long, gentle cooking is the usual weak point on high-heat burners, even if TEC’s system is said to reach as low as 200 degrees. Anything that needs time is easier on the regular burners of a mixed grill.
How to choose an infrared grill
1. Where the infrared sits
Under the main grate means all your cooking changes. A side or sear burner changes only the last couple of minutes. A rear burner mostly helps a rotisserie. Decide which you want, then read the listing for that exact wording.
2. Propane or natural gas
Each listing here is sold in one fuel, and several built-ins are natural gas. Do not assume you can switch without the maker’s approved parts. If you have a gas line, our natural gas grill guide covers more options.
3. How low it can go
If you often cook chicken thighs, ribs or whole vegetables, keep a regular burner in the mix. A mixed grill such as the Mont Alpi or the Coyote lets you cook through first and sear last.
4. Size against what you cook
A single-burner tabletop grill is excellent for two people and frustrating for eight. Count how much food goes on at once, then look at the stated cooking area rather than the outer dimensions.
5. Parts and warranty
Infrared burners are a specific part. The BBQ Depot warns that replacements can be hard to find on imports, so note who sells the parts and what the warranty covers. Several listings here do not state a warranty at all, which is worth asking about before buying.
How we picked these eight infrared grills
We checked each grill’s stock and listing details on Amazon, kept only those sold as new and in stock from an identifiable maker, and limited Amazon-first brands to two. We then sorted them by where the infrared actually sits. Consumer Reports’ 2011 note and The BBQ Depot’s explainer shaped the advice above, though The BBQ Depot is a retailer. Our search did not turn up an independent test of these exact models, so these picks rest on maker and listing details. We have not cooked on these grills. Charbroil’s TRU-Infrared and Amplifire grills are not here: those we found in stock already appear on other pages of this site.
Infrared grill questions, answered
Is an infrared grill better than a regular gas grill?
Not automatically. It can sear harder and faster, but Consumer Reports has said it did not find infrared grills better than those with standard burners. If you want one grill for everything, keep regular burners in the mix.
Can you cook low and slow on an infrared grill?
It is hard on most of them, since they are built for high heat. The BBQ Depot says TEC’s system can go as low as 200 degrees, but we have not seen an independent test. A mixed grill is the safer choice.
Do infrared grills stop flare-ups?
They can reduce them, because high heat can vaporize drippings. They do not eliminate them: The BBQ Depot says flare-ups can still occur with drippings in the pores of ceramic burners.
Is a side infrared burner enough?
For most people, yes. You sear one or two steaks at a time and do the rest on regular burners. If you want to sear for a crowd, look for a larger sear zone or an all-infrared design.
Do infrared burners need special care?
Follow the maker’s manual, since burners differ. Ceramic types in particular can collect drippings in their pores, so keep them clean as the maker directs.
Our final pick for a harder sear
Buy the Mont Alpi Victory if you want a regular gas grill with a sear station, the TEC if you want all-infrared, and the Solaire if your household is small. For side burners more broadly, see our side burner picks, and watch your food temperatures with a good grill thermometer. For a dinner that shows off a hard sear, read how to eat fajitas. If you would rather leave the fire to someone else, see the menu at Julia’s and call to order.