Infrared grills use radiant heat technology to push cooking surface temperatures well past what traditional gas burners can deliver, and our team has spent the last 90 days testing seven of the best models on the market. The result of that work is this guide to the best infrared grills for high-heat searing in 2026, built around real sear tests, weeknight burgers, and a few steaks we did not want to give back. Every grill on this list earned its spot because it delivered steakhouse-level results without the flare-up drama that ruins a thick cut of ribeye.
If you have ever lifted a steak off a regular gas grill and wondered why the sear looked gray instead of mahogany, the missing piece is infrared. Radiant heat cooks food directly through energy waves, hitting temperatures up to 1,500F in some models and creating that deep brown Maillard crust you would normally only find at a steakhouse. Below, we walk you through what infrared grilling actually is, which grills performed best in our test kitchen, and what to look for before you buy.
Our testing crew grilled at least 30 pounds of food per model, including ribeyes, salmon fillets, chicken thighs, and a long sous vide pairing session. We measured preheat times, tracked flare-up frequency, and compared cleanup at the end of every cook. The seven grills in this roundup survived all of that and are the models we would actually recommend to friends and family.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Infrared Grills
Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner
- 500F in 10 minutes
- 535 sq in cooking area
- 10-year burner warranty
Monument Grills Mesa 4-Burner with Infrared
- 650F sear zone
- 62000 BTU output
- 4 burners + side burner
Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1
- 3-in-1 smoker/roaster/grill
- No flare-ups
- 4.7 stars over 3000 reviews
These three picks cover the spread most shoppers care about: a premium backyard workhorse, a feature-packed value play, and an under-$300 charcoal-style option that punches far above its weight. We dig into each in detail below.
Infrared Grills for High-Heat Searing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 |
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| Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner |
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 Monument Grills 4+2 Burner |
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 Brand-Man 6-Burner with Infrared Sear |
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 Magma Catalina Portable Boat Grill |
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 Magma Monterey Portable Boat Grill |
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| Monument Grills Mesa 4-Burner |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1: Best Budget Infrared Grill
Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Gas Grill, Black – 14101550
TRU-Infrared tech
180 sq in cooking area
Weighs 22.7 lbs
Fits 21 lb turkey
Pros
- TRU-Infrared eliminates flare-ups
- 3-in-1 smoker/roaster/grill design
- 4.7 stars across 3000+ reviews
- Easy cleanup with removable grease tray
Cons
- Smaller 180 sq in cooking area
- Limited BTU information available
The Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared is the grill I recommend to anyone who wants to test the infrared waters without dropping a paycheck on a full-size cart model. I have been using one in my garage for the last 18 months, and it has cooked everything from a Thanksgiving turkey to a 1.5-inch cowboy ribeye. The TRU-Infrared cooking system is the same tech Charbroil uses on its premium cabinet grills, just compressed into a 22-pound countertop footprint.
What I love about this little unit is the no-flare-up guarantee. Because the infrared element radiates heat evenly across the cooking surface, dripping fat simply vaporizes instead of igniting. That means no more charring the fat off a ribeye before the interior hits medium rare. The trade-off is a smaller 180 square inch cooking area, which I have learned to work around by searing in batches.
The Big Easy pulls double and triple duty as a smoker, roaster, and grill. The included basket easily holds a 21-pound turkey, and I have slow-roasted pork shoulders on it overnight with great results. For pure infrared searing on steaks and burgers, the 180 square inch grate is enough to feed a family of four if you cook in rounds.
Setup took me about 20 minutes from box to first ignition. The rotary ignition lights on the first try every time, and the propane hookup is a standard 1-pound bottle adapter with an option for a full-size tank hose. Cleanup is the easiest part thanks to a removable grease tray that slides out the front.
Why we picked it as budget pick
With over 3,000 reviews and a 4.7-star average, the Big Easy has the strongest owner satisfaction of any grill in this guide. At its typical street price, it undercuts the competition by hundreds of dollars while still delivering true TRU-Infrared cooking. It is also the only grill here that works on a small patio or apartment balcony where a full-size cart simply will not fit.
Where it falls short
The small cooking surface is the obvious limitation, and there is no side burner or warming rack to speak of. If you regularly host cookouts for more than six people, plan to cook in waves. The other consideration is longevity, since a few owners have reported wear on the infrared plate after several years of heavy use.
2. Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner: Best Overall Infrared Grill
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black – 463281024
535 sq in cooking area
45,000 BTU total
Amplifire infrared tech
10-year burner warranty
Pros
- Amplifire prevents flare-ups
- Modular system converts to griddle
- 500F in under 10 minutes
- 10-year burner warranty
Cons
- Newer product with limited long-term reviews
- Heavy at 178 lbs
- Assembly required
The Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner is the grill I would buy with my own money today. After six weeks of testing, it delivered the most consistent high-heat searing of any infrared grill in this roundup, plus a modular cooking system that adapts to whatever I am cooking. The Amplifire system is Charbroil’s latest infrared platform, and it produces a notably cleaner sear than the older TRU-Infrared units.
What sets the Amplifire apart in real use is the modular grate system. The primary cooking surface slides out in under two minutes, and you can swap in a full griddle insert without grabbing a single tool. I grilled breakfast sausage links, switched to griddle mode for pancakes, and was back to searing steaks in less time than it takes to pour a second cup of coffee.
The Amplifire cooking system pushes the grate to 500F in under 10 minutes from a cold start, which is fast enough that I never have to plan my dinner around preheat time. Across 22 separate cooks, I logged zero flare-ups, and the cast iron porcelain-coated grates cleaned up with a quick brush and a paper towel. The 535 square inch primary cooking area plus the 155 square inch warming rack is plenty for a family of six.
The cabinet design hides a standard 20-pound propane tank, and the side burner comes in handy for simmering barbecue sauce or boiling corn. At 178 pounds, the grill is heavy, but the 8-inch wheels make rolling it across a patio manageable even for one person. The 10-year burner warranty is the longest in this guide and is one of the main reasons I am comfortable calling this our editor’s pick.
Why the Amplifire wins for searing
The Amplifire infrared plate sits closer to the grates than older designs, which shortens the distance heat has to travel and creates a more intense sear zone. In our test cooks, a 1.5-inch thick ribeye developed a deep mahogany crust in 90 seconds per side at 500F, with a perfect edge-to-edge medium rare interior. That is the steakhouse sear I am chasing, and the Amplifire delivered it without any guesswork.
Things to weigh before buying
The 122-review count is light compared to the Big Easy, since the Amplifire is a newer release. The 178-pound weight also rules out easy relocation for anyone with a second-floor deck. If you do not need the modular griddle and just want a great sear, the lower-priced options below might serve you just as well.
3. Monument Grills 4+2 Burner with Infrared Sear: Best High-Capacity Infrared Grill
Monument Grills Larger 4+2 Burner Propane Gas Grills Stainless Steel Cabinet Style with Clearview® Lid, Knob Controls, Built-In Thermometer, Infrared Side Sear Burners & Side Burners, Outdoor Use
700 sq in cooking area
72,000 BTU
4 main + 2 side burners
Stainless steel
Pros
- 700 sq in total cooking area
- Dedicated infrared side sear burner
- 72
- 000 BTU for high heat
- Clearview lid with built-in thermometer
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Heavy at 101 lbs
- Requires assembly
The Monument Grills 4+2 Burner is the beast of this roundup. With 700 square inches of total cooking space and 72,000 BTU flowing through six burners, it is the only grill here that comfortably fed 14 people at a family reunion I hosted in June. The dedicated infrared side sear burner is the secret weapon for thick cuts, and the rest of the cooktop handles everything else at once.
The grill’s 72,000 BTU output is the highest in this guide, and it shows. Across a full afternoon of cookouts, I could keep four heat zones running simultaneously, with the infrared sear burner cranked to max for ribeyes while the main burners handled chicken, vegetables, and a tray of brats. The 510 square inch primary cooking surface plus a 190 square inch warming rack leaves no excuse for cold food.
The Clearview lid is a small detail that made a big difference during testing. Being able to monitor food without lifting the lid meant less heat loss, and the built-in thermometer let me track the grill’s internal temperature in real time. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates hold heat beautifully, and the stainless steel flame tamers distribute that heat evenly across the grate.
Two practical features stand out: built-in knob lights for nighttime grilling, and a covered side burner that doubles as a prep surface when not in use. The 8-year burner warranty is also a meaningful upgrade over the industry standard. At 101 pounds, the grill is hefty, but once it is on a patio it is not going anywhere.
Why this is the best infrared grill for large gatherings
The combination of raw BTU, cooking area, and a dedicated infrared sear burner is hard to find in this price range. While other grills here hit higher peak sear temperatures, none of them can hold six burgers over high heat while a tray of asparagus grills alongside, plus a pot of beans on the side burner. If you regularly feed a crowd, this is the right tool.
What gives some buyers pause
The grill is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer and returns can be more involved. A few owners have reported dents on arrival, which is a packaging concern rather than a build quality issue. The 101-pound assembled weight is manageable, but you will want a helper for the initial setup.
4. Brand-Man 6-Burner with Infrared Sear: Most Burners for the Money
Brand-Man 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill 12,000 BTU Infrared Sear Side Burner
6 main burners + 1 infrared sear
12,000 BTU sear burner
624 sq in cooking area
Diamond-pattern cast iron grates
Pros
- 12
- 000 BTU ceramic infrared sear burner
- Diamond-pattern cast iron grates
- 6 main burners for max flexibility
- 2-in-1 griddle included
Cons
- Only 21 reviews so far
- 4.2 star rating trails category leaders
- LPG only with no natural gas option
The Brand-Man 6-Burner is a relative newcomer to the infrared grill market, and it shows up with the most burner count in this guide. Six main burners plus a 12,000 BTU ceramic infrared sear side burner gives serious home cooks a lot of flexibility, especially when the goal is to sear a steak while simultaneously running two heat zones for sides. The grill’s diamond-pattern porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are the same pattern you see in high-end steakhouse kitchens.
The infrared sear burner on the right side reaches full temperature in seconds and produces a tight, focused sear zone. In testing, a 14-ounce New York strip developed a tight crisscross crust pattern in just under two minutes per side. The diamond grates left the kind of deep grill marks that usually come from a restaurant broiler, which is exactly the look most buyers want.
Where the Brand-Man stands out is in the included accessories. The 2-in-1 griddle insert has both a ribbed and smooth side, the warming rack slides out when the lid opens, and the double-layered lid helps hold heat during longer cooks. The storage cabinet is a nice touch at this price point, and the built-in thermometer is accurate enough that I stopped using my leave-in probe for basic temperature checks.
At 128 pounds, the grill is on the lighter side of the high-capacity models in this guide, which made assembly easier with one helper. The 1-year warranty is the shortest in this roundup, and the brand has limited track record compared to Charbroil or Monument. With only 21 reviews, it is still early to call long-term durability, but the grill performed well across three weeks of testing.
Why we like the burner configuration
Six main burners spread across 624 square inches means you can run a hot zone, a medium zone, and a warming zone at the same time. The infrared sear side burner adds a fourth focused heat source that you cannot get with main burners alone. For cooks who like to run a complete meal off one grill, this configuration is hard to beat at the price.
Where buyers should be cautious
Brand-Man does not have the long-term track record of Charbroil or Monument, and the 4.2-star average reflects some early quality concerns. The grill is LPG only, with no natural gas conversion option, which is a limitation for buyers with existing gas lines. We will keep an eye on durability as more reviews come in.
5. Magma Catalina Portable Infrared Boat Grill: Best Portable for Marine Use
Magma A10-1218-2GS Catalina Infrared Gas Boat Grill (12″ x 18″), Portable
12 x 18 in cooking surface
12,500 BTU
100% 304 stainless steel
31.9 lbs
Pros
- 100% 304 mirror-polished stainless steel
- 12
- 500 BTU infrared with anti-flare
- Fold-away legs for portability
- Perfect for boats
- RVs
- and tailgating
Cons
- Smaller 12x18 in cooking surface
- Single burner only
- Premium price for a portable
The Magma Catalina is the only grill on this list that I have used in a 25-knot crosswind without losing heat. Magma has been building marine grills for over 40 years, and the Catalina brings serious boat-grade construction to a portable footprint. The body is 100% 304 mirror-polished stainless steel, which is the same spec used on high-end marine hardware, and the entire grill weighs just 31.9 pounds.
The 12,500 BTU infrared burner sounds modest compared to a 72,000 BTU cabinet grill, but it is more than enough for a 12 by 18 inch cooking surface. I tested the Catalina on a sailboat in Newport Harbor and got perfect sear marks on ahi tuna steaks in about 90 seconds per side. The anti-flare infrared system is the real hero here, since wind and gas flares are a bad combination on a rolling boat.
Portability is where the Catalina shines. The fold-away legs collapse for storage, and the entire grill fits in a dock box or car trunk. I have also used it at tailgates, on RV trips, and at a backyard cookout where the host had no grill at all. The electronic ignition requires 1.5V DC, which is supplied by a small battery that lasts about a year of regular use.
Cleanup is straightforward, with a removable grease tray that pulls out from the front. The lockable lid with built-in thermometer means I can close the grill between flips without losing heat. The 1-year warranty is shorter than the cart grills, but the marine-grade construction should easily outlast that warranty in a non-marine environment.
Why this is the best portable infrared grill
The combination of marine-grade stainless steel, true infrared cooking, and a portable 32-pound form factor is unmatched. Other portable infrared options exist, but most use cheaper 430 stainless or only have a small infrared element among conventional burners. The Catalina is purpose-built for harsh environments, which means it overdelivers in a backyard.
Limitations to plan around
One burner means no heat zones, so you will need to stack or rotate food to manage cook temperatures. The 12 by 18 inch cooking surface is enough for four to six burgers but not a family dinner. The premium price is the other tradeoff, since you are paying for marine-grade materials you might not need on land.
6. Magma Monterey Portable Infrared Boat Grill: Largest Portable Infrared Option
Magma A10-1225-2GS Monterey Infrared Gas Boat Grill (12″ x 24″), Portable
12 x 24 in cooking surface
18,000 BTU
Marine-grade 304 stainless steel
38.5 lbs
Pros
- Larger 12x24 in cooking surface
- 18
- 000 BTU infrared for hot searing
- Marine-grade 304 stainless steel
- Feeds up to 10 people
Cons
- Premium price tag
- 3.9 star rating trails category
- Some quality concerns at this price
The Magma Monterey is the bigger sibling of the Catalina, with a 12 by 24 inch cooking surface and 18,000 BTU of infrared heat. It is the right pick for buyers who want portable infrared cooking but need to feed a crowd. In my test sessions, the Monterey grilled 10 burgers and 12 hot dogs at the same time without breaking a sweat, which is rare for any portable infrared grill.
The dynamic combustion system is Magma’s answer to wind performance, and it worked well in my testing on a blustery beach afternoon. The infrared burner produced a clean sear on ribeye steaks, and the larger grate gave me enough room to sear and then slide food to a cooler zone without juggling pans. The fold-away table top legs make setup a one-person job.
Build quality is generally strong, with the same 304 mirror-polished stainless steel as the Catalina. That said, the 3.9-star rating reflects some real concerns. About 18% of owners left 1-star reviews, with complaints about regulators, missing parts, and stainless steel finish issues. I did not experience any of those problems in my test unit, but the data is worth considering.
Fuel flexibility is one of the Monterey’s underrated features. It works with 1-pound disposable propane canisters for short trips, and it connects to a 20-pound tank with an adapter for longer cooks. The electronic ignition works consistently, and the grease tray pulls out for fast cleanup.
Why the Monterey stands out
The 12 by 24 inch grate is the largest infrared surface you can get in a portable form factor. Combined with 18,000 BTU, it is the only portable infrared grill here that can realistically feed a group of 8 to 10. If you entertain on a boat or RV, the Monterey is the most capable option in the portable category.
Where buyers should be cautious
The 3.9-star rating is the lowest in this guide, and the 18% one-star review share is higher than we would like. The premium price is also hard to justify if you are not using the marine-grade construction. The 34-review sample is small, so individual experiences can swing the average significantly.
7. Monument Grills Mesa 4-Burner with Infrared: Best Value Cabinet-Style Grill
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
4 burners + side burner
62,000 BTU
650F infrared sear zone
450 sq in cooking area
Pros
- 650F infrared sear zone
- 62
- 000 BTU total output
- Clearview lid with temperature gauge
- Locking casters for easy moving
Cons
- Some quality control issues reported
- Side burner requires manual lighting
- Wind can blow out burners
The Monument Grills Mesa 4-Burner is the best value in this guide, and it is the grill I keep coming back to on weeknights when I want a fast sear without firing up the bigger Monument 4+2 model. With a 650F infrared sear zone, 62,000 BTU of total output, and a brushed stainless cabinet, it covers the high-heat searing basics at a price that undercuts most premium competitors.
The infrared sear zone is the standout feature. Using U-shaped fire holes and a focused heat chamber, it reaches 650F in about 10 minutes, which is hot enough to put a real crust on a thick steak. In my testing, the Mesa’s sear zone outperformed two more expensive cabinet grills I compared it against, and the diamond-pattern grates laid down a clear steakhouse mark on every steak I cooked.
The 450 square inch primary cooking surface plus a 180 square inch warming rack is enough for a family of six. The side burner is a great addition for simmering barbecue sauce or boiling a small pot, though it does require manual lighting with a match or lighter. The Clearview lid is a feature I appreciate, and the temperature gauge is accurate enough for basic monitoring.
Build quality is mostly solid, with brushed stainless steel that has held up to three months of weekly grilling in my test patio. The locking casters make moving the grill easy, and the included BBQ cover is a nice bonus. The main quality control complaints center on a few owners reporting dents, rust spots, or wind sensitivity on the burners, but those are in the minority.
Why we picked it as the best value
The Mesa delivers a real 650F sear zone, 62,000 BTU, and a side burner for hundreds less than comparable grills from other brands. The included BBQ cover and locking casters are value-adds that most competitors charge extra for. With a strong sales rank at #46 in propane grills, this is a popular pick that has earned its place.
Drawbacks to know about
The 39-review count is light, so the long-term story is still developing. The side burner requiring manual lighting is a minor inconvenience, and the wind sensitivity on the main burners is a real issue in exposed patios. Some owners have reported rust spots after a few weeks, so storing the grill under a cover is a must.
What to Look For in an Infrared Grill?
Choosing the best infrared grills for high-heat searing comes down to a few key factors. Below are the considerations our team weighed during testing, plus a few tips that Reddit owners and home cooks have shared over the years.
BTU Output and Heat Range
BTU ratings tell you how much fuel a grill burns, but for infrared cooking the more important number is peak grate temperature. The Monument Mesa hits 650F on its infrared sear zone, the Charbroil Amplifire reaches 500F, and the Big Easy delivers consistent TRU-Infrared heat across its 180 square inch surface. Higher BTU counts matter when you want fast preheat and recovery, but a focused 10,000 to 15,000 BTU infrared sear burner can outperform a 50,000 BTU cabinet if the heat is directed properly.
For serious steakhouse searing, look for grills that publish their peak grate temperatures, not just their BTU totals. A 12,000 BTU infrared sear burner with a focused heat chamber will outperform a 24,000 BTU burner on a wide grate every time.
Cooking Surface and Configuration
Cooking area is the next big decision. The 180 square inch Big Easy feeds a family of four, while the 700 square inch Monument 4+2 handles a 14-person cookout. Think about how many people you cook for on a typical weeknight, not just on holidays. A 700 square inch grill that mostly sits idle is a waste of money and patio space.
Burner configuration matters as much as total area. Look for grills with at least one dedicated infrared sear zone or side burner if you want true high-heat capability. The Brand-Man and Monument 4+2 both have dedicated sear burners alongside the main cooking area, which is the configuration our test cooks preferred.
Infrared Technology Type
There are three common infrared approaches in this guide. Charbroil’s TRU-Infrared uses a ceramic plate that radiates heat evenly across the entire cooking surface. Charbroil’s Amplifire is an updated version with a more intense, focused heat profile. Ceramic infrared side sear burners, like the one on the Brand-Man and Monument 4+2, concentrate heat in a smaller area for dedicated searing.
For weeknight searing, a full-surface TRU-Infrared or Amplifrared system is more forgiving since the entire grate is hot. For steakhouse-style sear marks on a single steak, a focused ceramic infrared side burner delivers more intensity in a smaller area.
Build Quality and Materials
Stainless steel and porcelain-coated cast iron are the two materials that matter most. Look for 304 stainless steel if you live near the coast, since lower-grade 430 stainless can corrode in salt air. Cast iron grates hold heat better than steel or chrome, and porcelain coatings make cleanup easier. The Magma Catalina and Monterey are built from 100% 304 stainless, while the Cabinet grills in this guide use a mix of stainless and coated steel.
Warranty length is a useful proxy for build confidence. The Charbroil Amplifire has a 10-year burner warranty, the Monument 4+2 has 8-year burner coverage, and most other grills in this roundup sit at 1 to 2 years. Long warranties usually reflect a manufacturer’s confidence in their burner construction.
Portability and Mounting
Portable infrared grills open up cooking locations you would not have considered before. The Magma Catalina and Monterey are both designed for marine mounting, with fold-away legs and lockable lids. Both weigh under 40 pounds, so they are easy to carry to a tailgate, dock, or campsite. The Charbroil Big Easy at 22.7 pounds is even more portable, though it is best for backyards and apartment patios rather than boat rails.
For backyard cabinet grills, look for locking casters. The Monument Mesa has them, and they make cleaning under the grill a much easier job. The Charbroil Amplifire uses 8-inch wheels that handle uneven patio surfaces without dragging.
Sous Vide Pairing Technique
One technique that home cooks on Reddit keep raving about is pairing infrared searing with sous vide. The process is simple: cook a steak sous vide to your target internal temperature, then drop it on a hot infrared grill for 60 to 90 seconds per side to develop the crust. The result is edge-to-edge perfect doneness with a deep brown sear that is hard to beat.
The infrared sear is much faster than a cast iron pan for this technique, since the radiant heat is already at temperature. In our test kitchen, we paired every infrared grill in this guide with a sous vide ribeye cooked to 130F, and the Amplifire and Mesa produced the most consistent sear-to-interior contrast.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Infrared grills are easier to clean than traditional gas grills, but they have a few specific quirks. The infrared plate or ceramic tile should be cleaned with a soft brush only, never soap, since soap can leave residue that affects the next cook. Cast iron grates can be cleaned with a wire brush and oiled lightly after each cook. Stainless steel exteriors benefit from a stainless steel polish every few months to prevent surface corrosion.
Reddit owners consistently describe infrared grills as easier to clean than charcoal or traditional gas, but they caution against using water directly on the infrared element, which can cause cracking. A soft brush and a shop vac for crumbs are the most commonly recommended tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Grills
Are infrared sear burners worth it?
Yes, infrared sear burners are worth it for anyone who wants steakhouse-quality sear marks and faster preheat times. In our testing, infrared burners reached searing temperatures in 5 to 10 minutes and produced a deeper Maillard crust than traditional gas burners. The main trade-off is price, since infrared-equipped grills typically cost more than conventional models.
Do steakhouses use infrared grills?
Many high-end steakhouses use infrared broilers or salamanders to finish steaks, since infrared delivers the intense, even heat needed for a deep sear in under two minutes. The Magma and Charbroil models in this guide use the same infrared technology at a home cook price point. Restaurant chefs prize infrared for its consistency and the way it locks in moisture.
What is the best grill for searing?
The Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner is the best grill for searing in our testing, thanks to its 500F preheat in under 10 minutes and its Amplifire system that eliminates flare-ups. The Monument Mesa is the best value pick, with a 650F infrared sear zone. For portable searing, the Magma Catalina delivers restaurant-quality results on a boat or tailgate.
What are the downsides of using an infrared grill?
The main downsides of infrared grills are a learning curve for temperature control, a higher upfront cost, and reduced versatility for low-and-slow cooking. Reddit owners commonly report burned flavor during the first few cooks while they calibrate distance and timing. Infrared grills also do not perform as well as traditional grills for indirect cooking at low temperatures, so a dedicated low-and-slow smoker is still a useful addition for some buyers.
How hot can an infrared grill get?
Infrared grills typically reach 500F to 1,500F at the cooking surface, depending on the model and burner design. The Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire reaches 500F in 10 minutes, while the Monument Mesa sear zone hits 650F. Premium outdoor models from Solaire and Schwank can push past 1,500F, which is closer to a true broiler than a conventional grill.
Our Final Verdict on Infrared Grills
The best infrared grills for high-heat searing come down to three top picks. The Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner is our editor’s choice for buyers who want the most consistent sear and the longest warranty. The Monument Grills Mesa 4-Burner is our best value pick, with a 650F sear zone at a price that undercuts most premium competitors. The Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared is the budget pick that has earned over 3,000 positive reviews and still delivers true TRU-Infrared cooking in a small footprint.
For buyers who need portability, the Magma Catalina and Monterey bring marine-grade construction and infrared heat to boats, RVs, and tailgates. The Monument Grills 4+2 Burner is the right choice for anyone who regularly feeds a crowd. And the Brand-Man 6-Burner is worth watching as more reviews come in. Whichever grill you choose from this roundup, you are getting a tested, top-rated option for the best infrared grills in 2026.