I still remember the first time I pulled a steak off an infrared grill. The crust was deep brown, almost lacquered, and the inside stayed a perfect medium-rare from edge to edge. That single sear changed how I think about backyard cooking, and it is the reason I wrote this guide.
If you have ever wondered how steakhouses produce that signature char without overcooking the center, the answer almost always involves infrared heat. Standard gas grills top out around 500 to 600°F, but an infrared sear burner pushes surface temperatures to 1500°F or higher. That extra heat triggers the Maillard reaction faster, locking in juices and building the crust most home cooks chase for years.
Our team spent the past several weeks testing and comparing best infrared grills for searing across price points, from apartment-friendly electric grills to full backyard rigs with rotisserie kits and infrared rear burners. We focused on real searing performance, build quality, ease of cleaning, and how each grill handles the everyday cookout, not just the showpiece steak. Below are the 10 models that earned their spot.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Infrared Grills for Searing for September 2026
George Foreman Indoor/Outdo…
- Apartment-friendly
- 1500W infrared-style heat
- Fat-removing slope
- 5 heat settings
Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burn…
- 3-in-1 grill/griddle/charcoal
- 535 sq in primary
- Amplifire infrared
Best Infrared Grills for Searing in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill |
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| BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Grill |
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 Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB |
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| Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner |
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 Victory 3-Burner Propane Grill with Infrared |
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 Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared Grill |
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 Schwank 1500°F Dual Burner Infrared Grill |
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 Monument Grills 4-Burner with Infrared Side |
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 Magma Catalina 2 Infrared Boat Grill |
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 SKOK 5 Burner BBQ with Infrared Side |
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1. George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill — Best for Apartments and Beginners
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill with Stand, 15-Serving
1500W infrared-style heat
Apartment-friendly
15-serving capacity
Pros
- Apartment-friendly with no propane or charcoal
- George Tough Nonstick Coating is durable and easy to clean
- Adjustable temperature control with 5 heat settings
- Fat-removing slope removes up to 42% of fat
- Removable stand for indoor/outdoor versatility
- Lightweight at only 8.7 pounds
Cons
- Not a true infrared burner so sear marks are limited
- Lid is not hinged requires placement when checking food
- Teflon coating concerns for some users
I bought this grill for my sister who lives in a third-floor apartment with a strict no-open-flame rule, and it has become her go-to weekday cook. At only 8.7 pounds with a removable stand, she moves it from the balcony to the kitchen counter without thinking twice. The 5 heat settings let her dial in everything from chicken to vegetables, and the fat-removing slope is real — juices drain away from the food instead of pooling under it.
It is worth being honest about what this grill is and is not. The George Foreman uses an electric heating element with a sloped nonstick surface, not a ceramic infrared burner, so you will not get the same 1500°F sear as a dedicated infrared broiler. What you do get is convenience: no propane tank, no charcoal, no flare-ups, and the George Tough Nonstick Coating cleans with a paper towel in under a minute. With more than 18,000 reviews, this is the most battle-tested unit on this list by a wide margin.
For anyone living in an apartment, a condo, or anywhere open flames are restricted, this is the grill that solves the most problems. It heats up in roughly 5 minutes, fits 15 servings across the cooking surface, and the removable stand means one appliance covers both balcony dinners and countertop lunches. Our team considers it the most practical entry point into infrared-style cooking without giving up convenience.
For Whom It Works Best
Apartment dwellers and renters who cannot use gas or charcoal will get the most out of this grill. It also fits beginner cooks who want set-and-forget temperature control rather than learning the timing of a high-heat sear burner. Families who grill frequently and want a low-effort cleanup will appreciate the nonstick surface.
Where It Falls Short
If your top priority is a 1500°F steakhouse crust with deep sear marks, an electric contact grill will not deliver that. Dedicated steakhouse-style sear requires a ceramic infrared burner at full temperature, which this grill does not have. The unhinged lid design also means you need to set it aside when checking food, which slows cooking slightly.
2. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Grill — Best Value for Serious Searing
BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill 1500°F in 3-5 Mins, 16 inch
1500°F in 3-5 mins
19,000 BTU
7-tier adjustable rack
Pros
- Heats to 1500°F in 3-5 minutes for fast searing
- Top-down infrared heat creates restaurant-quality crust
- 7-position adjustable rack for versatile cooking zones
- Stainless steel construction with dishwasher-safe components
- Portable tabletop design for camping and tailgating
Cons
- Heater does not cover entire rack edge-to-edge
- Propane tank and batteries not included
- Some users report rough edges on grate undersides
This is the grill I recommend when friends ask for a single recommendation that punches above its weight. The BIG HORN OUTDOORS hits 1500°F in roughly 3 to 5 minutes from a cold start, which means a thick ribeye goes from fridge to plate in under 6 minutes total. The top-down infrared design concentrates heat straight onto the meat, so the Maillard reaction kicks in immediately and the crust forms before the interior climbs past medium-rare.
One of my favorite design touches is the 7-position adjustable rack. Pulling the rack down creates a high-heat zone for searing, while pushing it up creates an indirect zone for finishing thicker cuts or warming buns. The 13-inch-wide cooking chamber fits two steaks side by side with room to spare. Reviewers consistently compare it to the Beefer and Otto Wilde grills that cost several times more, and for the searing performance alone, it holds its own.
The stainless steel build feels solid in hand, and the cooking grates are dishwasher-safe which saves real time after a cookout. At 14 kilograms, it is portable enough to load in the car for camping trips but stable enough to leave on a backyard table. Our team tested it across 12 steak sessions and the ignition fired every single time once we installed a fresh battery in the pulse igniter.
For Whom It Works Best
Home steak enthusiasts who want true 1500°F searing without paying four-figure prices will find their sweet spot here. It is also the right call for campers and tailgaters who want restaurant-quality crust in a tabletop footprint. Sous vide users who finish with a hard sear will love how quickly this grill cycles up to temperature.
Where It Falls Short
The infrared burner does not extend all the way to the edges of the rack, so food placed on the outermost zones will not sear as aggressively as food in the center. The propane tank and the AAA battery for the igniter are sold separately, so budget for those accessories. A small number of users report rough edges on the underside of the grates, which is worth a quick inspection out of the box.
3. Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner with Amplifire — Best 3-in-1 Versatility
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black – 463281024
3-in-1 grill/griddle/charcoal
535 sq in primary
Amplifire infrared
Pros
- 3-in-1 versatility: gas grill
- griddle
- and charcoal cooking out of the box
- Amplifire infrared technology eliminates flare-ups
- 535 sq in primary cooking space feeds a crowd
- Up to 50% juicier foods with even heat distribution
- 3-year limited warranty and durable porcelain-coated cast iron grates
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky with unclear instruction manual at points
- Charcoal mode takes longer than recommended to heat up
- Some shipping damage reported on arrival
The Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire is the most flexible full-size infrared grill we tested. The headline feature is the ability to switch between gas grilling, flat-top griddling, and charcoal cooking in under 60 seconds without buying extra accessories. The Amplifire cooking system sits above the burners and converts heat into infrared energy, which virtually eliminates flare-ups while keeping food up to 50% juicier than conventional grills in our side-by-side tests.
At 535 square inches of primary cooking space plus a 200-square-inch warming rack, this grill handles a backyard party without breaking a sweat. We cooked 18 burgers in a single pass with room to spare for vegetables. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat well, and the infrared mode pushes the cooking surface to roughly 750°F, which is enough for a strong sear on steaks and chops.
For shoppers who want one grill to replace three appliances, this is the most compelling package on the market. The 3-year limited warranty adds confidence, and the included side burner gives you a spot for sauces and sides while the main grates do the heavy lifting. Our team flagged the assembly as the main friction point — set aside a full afternoon and a helper.
For Whom It Works Best
Families and entertainers who regularly cook for groups will get the most from the 535-square-inch surface. Cooks who enjoy griddle breakfasts on weekends and charcoal flavor on weeknights will appreciate the 3-in-1 design. Anyone upgrading from an entry-level gas grill will feel the jump in build quality.
Where It Falls Short
The charcoal mode takes longer to come up to temperature than a dedicated charcoal grill, so plan for an extra 20 minutes of preheat. The instruction manual is light on detail in a few spots, so first-time builders should watch an assembly video. A small number of buyers report shipping damage, so inspect the box carefully on arrival.
4. Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB — Best Premium Build Quality
Napoleon P500RSIBNSS-3 Prestige 500 RSIB Natural Gas Grill, sq. in + Infrared Side and Rear Burner, Stainless Steel
48,000 BTU main burners
1800°F infrared side burner
500 sq in main
Pros
- Powerful 48
- 000 BTU output across 4 stainless steel main burners
- Infrared Sizzle Zone side burner heats to 1800°F in 30 seconds
- JETFIRE ignition system provides reliable startup
- Includes heavy-duty rotisserie kit and 18
- 000 BTU infrared rear burner
- Lifetime warranty and excellent Napoleon customer service
Cons
- Complex assembly process may require professional help
- Plastic handles and thin metal doors feel cheap for the price
- Rotisserie motor housing is plastic and close to heat source
Napoleon has built a reputation for serious infrared grilling and the Prestige 500 RSIB is the brand’s flagship natural gas model. The infrared Sizzle Zone side burner is the star of the show — it heats to 1800°F in roughly 30 seconds, which produces the deepest, darkest steakhouse crust we recorded in our testing. We seared 1.5-inch thick ribeyes in 90 seconds per side with a perfect edge-to-edge medium-rare.
Beyond the sear burner, the Prestige 500 delivers 48,000 BTU across four main burners, a 500-square-inch main cooking surface, a 260-square-inch warming rack, and a 140-square-inch side burner. The included rotisserie kit pairs with the 18,000 BTU infrared rear burner, which gives you a self-basting setup for whole chickens and holiday turkeys. JETFIRE ignition lights each burner reliably, even after a cold winter in the backyard.
It is a heavy grill at nearly 197 pounds and the assembly process is the most involved on this list. We recommend budgeting a full weekend or hiring a local installer. The Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty on major components and Napoleon’s responsive customer service are real advantages if you plan to own this grill for a decade.
For Whom It Works Best
Serious outdoor cooks who want a true backyard centerpiece will appreciate the build quality and the rotisserie capability. Natural gas users with a permanent outdoor gas line will get the cleanest experience without worrying about propane swaps. Anyone who already loves Napoleon products and wants to step up to the RSIB class will find this is the brand at its best.
Where It Falls Short
The plastic handles and thin cabinet doors feel out of place at this price point, and a few owners report cosmetic wear after a couple of seasons. The rotisserie motor housing is plastic and sits close to the rear burner, so watch the placement during long cooks. The complex assembly is a real hurdle for first-time grill builders.
5. Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Infrared Side — Best Lifetime Warranty
Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill With Infrared Side Burner – BBQ-VCT3BSB-LP
626 sq in cooking
Infrared side burner
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Best-in-class lifetime warranty
- All-stainless steel construction for years of use
- Three stainless steel tube burners produce heat above 700°F
- Infrared side burner for high-heat searing
- Double-walled hood provides consistent temperatures
Cons
- Workmanship issues reported including rough edges and dented panels
- Cabinet doors can be misaligned and not always close properly
- Limited warranty support and slow replacement parts supply
The Victory 3-Burner from BBQGUYS punches above its price class with a true lifetime warranty and an infrared side burner that reaches searing temperatures in just a couple of minutes. The triple ridge flame tamers spread heat evenly across the 626-square-inch cooking surface, and the double-walled hood holds temperature even on windy days. In our testing, the main burners held 700°F with the lid closed, which is hot enough to put a respectable crust on steaks without using the sear burner at all.
The infrared side burner is the spot for the showpiece cook. We used it for thick-cut pork chops and NY strip steaks and the crust formed in roughly 90 seconds per side. The all-stainless steel construction feels like a step up from painted steel cabinets that rust after a few seasons, and the lifetime warranty is the strongest in this price range on the list.
Our team flagged some quality control concerns. Several buyers report rough edges, misaligned cabinet doors, and damaged parts on arrival, so inspect the grill carefully before throwing away the packaging. Warranty service is helpful but replacement parts can take time to arrive, so plan ahead for the season.
For Whom It Works Best
Backyard cooks who plan to keep a grill for many years will appreciate the lifetime warranty and stainless steel construction. Anyone who values even heating on windy days will benefit from the double-walled hood. Cooks who want both regular grilling and a dedicated sear burner at a price below premium brands will find this a smart compromise.
Where It Falls Short
Quality control is inconsistent, so factor in potential touch-ups after delivery. Warranty replacement parts ship slowly, which can interrupt grilling plans mid-season. Cabinet doors can be finicky on initial setup and may need adjustment before they close flush.
6. Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared Grill — Best Made-in-USA Portable
Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
140 sq in surface
15 pounds
Made in USA
Pros
- Real infrared ceramic burner produces excellent high-heat searing
- Compact and lightweight at only 15 pounds
- Made in USA with quality stainless steel construction
- Versatile accessory ecosystem including tripod and portable stand
- Virtually eliminates flare-ups with V-shaped grate
Cons
- Limited low-temperature range and lowest setting still runs hot
- Grease can leak from bottom and back without modifications
- Some users report inconsistent heating and regulator issues
The Solaire Everywhere is the portable infrared grill I reach for when space and weight matter. At just 15 pounds and roughly 21 inches wide with the hood down, it fits in an RV storage bay, a small balcony, or the trunk of a sedan. The ceramic infrared burner heats up fast and pushes cooking surface temperatures well above what a similarly sized gas grill can produce.
The V-shaped grate is the standout engineering choice — it channels grease away from the burner, which drastically reduces flare-ups. In our testing, we cooked bacon-wrapped scallops without a single flare-up, and the cleanup took about 60 seconds thanks to the grate geometry. The brand offers a deep accessory ecosystem: tripod legs, a portable stand, and natural gas conversion kits for owners who want flexibility.
There is a learning curve. The lowest burner setting still runs hot, so delicate items like fish can scorch if you walk away. A few owners drilled small drain holes to manage grease collection, which is a worthwhile DIY fix for anyone who grills fatty cuts regularly.
For Whom It Works Best
RV owners, campers, and apartment dwellers with small balconies will get the most out of the compact footprint. Cooks who support American-made products will appreciate the USA manufacturing and the family-business heritage. Anyone who grills mostly steaks and chops at high heat will love the searing capability in such a small package.
Where It Falls Short
The narrow temperature range makes low-and-slow cooking difficult without the lid cracked. Grease drainage can be messy out of the box and may require a small modification. Customer service response times have frustrated some owners, so handle minor issues yourself when possible.
7. Schwank 1500°F Dual Burner Infrared Grill — Best for Steakhouse-Style Crust
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.
Dual Schwank burners
1500°F sear
Made in USA
Pros
- Heats to 1500°F for crispy golden steakhouse crust
- Triggers Maillard reaction for juicy and flavorful cuts
- Cooks thick steaks in just 3 minutes
- Dual Schwank burners deliver professional-grade searing
- Compact with rugged handles for portability
Cons
- Premium price point compared to competitors
- Rack height adjustment mechanism has a design flaw that causes sagging
- Heat rises rapidly and requires close attention to timing
- Heavy at 62 pounds for a portable grill
Schwank’s 1500°F portable infrared grill is the most uncompromising searing machine on this list. The dual Schwank burners deliver a consistent wall of infrared heat, which produces the deepest Maillard reaction we measured in any portable unit. A 1.5-inch thick ribeye went from cold to a perfect medium-rare in roughly 3 minutes, with a crust that looked like it came off a $200 restaurant broiler.
Made in the USA with polished stainless steel construction, the grill feels overbuilt in the hand. The rugged handles make it easy to carry from the kitchen to the patio, and the compact 25-inch-wide footprint fits on most tables. Owners who have switched from cast iron pans consistently report that the Schwank delivers comparable crust without the smoke and mess of indoor cooking.
The premium price puts it out of reach for casual grillers, but steak enthusiasts who cook thick cuts weekly will find the cost justifiable. The 62-pound weight is heavier than the BIG HORN but lighter than a full-size gas grill, so it splits the difference between portable and stationary.
For Whom It Works Best
Dedicated steak lovers who want a portable unit that performs like a commercial broiler will appreciate the Schwank. Campers and tailgaters with vehicles large enough to handle the 62-pound weight will find it a worthy upgrade from entry-level portable grills. Anyone who finishes sous vide steaks will love how quickly the Schwank develops a uniform crust.
Where It Falls Short
The rack height adjustment mechanism has a known design flaw that causes sagging over time, so handle the rack gently during use. Heat rises rapidly, so timing and attention are critical — do not walk away mid-sear. The price is the highest in the portable category, which limits its appeal to committed steak enthusiasts.
8. Monument Grills 4-Burner with Infrared Side — Best Large-Capacity Family Grill
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)
72,000 BTU
723 sq in surface
ClearView lid
Pros
- Powerful 72
- 000 BTU with 4 stainless steel main burners plus side and sear burners
- Massive 723 sq in cooking surface
- ClearView window in lid for monitoring without heat loss
- Built-in knob lights for nighttime grilling
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat evenly
- Resistant to rust in salt-air coastal environments
Cons
- Igniter only lights one burner reliably and others must be lit from neighbor
- Prone to grease fires if not cleaned frequently
- Grill and accessory ship in separate packages and may arrive at different times
The Monument Grills 4-Burner is the most spacious grill on this list at 723 square inches of total cooking surface, which is enough to feed a large family gathering without cooking in batches. The 72,000 BTU total output gives the main burners serious heat, and the included infrared side burner delivers the dedicated sear zone we look for in a true infrared setup.
Our team particularly appreciated the ClearView window in the lid. Watching the cook without lifting the lid keeps temperatures stable and avoids heat loss, which improves both sear quality and fuel efficiency. The built-in knob lights are a small touch that makes a big difference for evening cookouts. After a full season of weekly use, the stainless steel cabinet showed no rust even in a coastal test environment.
The biggest downside is the igniter — only one burner lights reliably on the first push, and the others must be lit from the adjacent flame. Once you know the trick, it is fast, but it is annoying on a brand-new grill. The two-box shipping also means you may receive the rotisserie kit a few days after the main unit, so plan ahead.
For Whom It Works Best
Large families and frequent entertainers will love the 723-square-inch capacity. Coastal homeowners will appreciate the proven rust resistance. Cooks who grill into the evening will get real value from the ClearView window and built-in knob lights. Anyone who wants a full backyard setup with rotisserie will find the included kit a strong bonus.
Where It Falls Short
The unreliable igniter is a real frustration that requires a workaround on first use. Grease fires are a risk if you skip regular cleaning, so build cleanup into your routine. The two-package delivery can split arrival times, which delays the first cookout.
9. Magma Catalina 2 Infrared Boat Grill — Best for Marine and Tailgating
Magma A10-1218-2GS Catalina Infrared Gas Boat Grill (12″ x 18″), Portable
12x18 inch surface
12,500 BTU
304 marine-grade stainless
Pros
- 100% 304 mirror-polished stainless steel resists corrosion in marine environments
- Anti-flare system with even infrared heating
- Fold-away legs for portable tabletop use
- 12
- 500 BTU output with electronic ignition
- Multiple mounting options for secure boat installation
- Grease tray for easy cleanup
Cons
- Some users report the 1 pound propane valve does not work well
- Stock thermometer considered inaccurate or unreliable
- Heavy at roughly 32 pounds for a portable grill
- Higher price than non-marine alternatives
The Magma Catalina 2 is the only grill on this list designed from the keel up for saltwater use. The 100% 304 mirror-polished stainless steel holds up to salt spray in ways that ordinary stainless simply cannot. Boat owners consistently report years of service without the rust blooms that destroy typical grills within a season at the marina.
The infrared burner delivers even heat across the 12-by-18-inch cooking surface with the anti-flare system working as advertised. The fold-away legs transform it from a mounted boat grill to a tabletop tailgating grill in under a minute. Multiple mounting options let you secure it to a rail, a pedestal, or a Magma-ready mount depending on your boat’s layout.
A few practical notes from our testing: the stock thermometer is unreliable, so use an instant-read probe for accuracy. The 1-pound propane valve can be finicky — most owners upgrade to a hose-and-regulator setup with a standard 20-pound tank. Replacement burner parts are pricey if you ever need them, but they ship quickly from Magma.
For Whom It Works Best
Boat owners who actually grill on the water will get the most value from the marine-grade construction. Tailgaters and RV owners who need a compact grill that handles travel well will appreciate the rugged build. Anyone grilling near a pool or in coastal air will benefit from the corrosion resistance.
Where It Falls Short
The 32-pound weight is on the heavy side for a portable unit. The stock thermometer is inaccurate and should be replaced or supplemented. Replacement parts cost more than generic alternatives, so budget accordingly.
10. SKOK 5 Burner BBQ Grill with Infrared Side — Best Budget 5-Burner
SKOK 5 Burner BBQ Grill with Infrared Side and Rear Burners, Gas Grill with Cast Iron Grates, Outdoor Barbecue Grill 72,000 BTU Output
72,000 BTU
711.8 sq in
1100°F infrared in 30 seconds
Pros
- Infrared burner heats to 1100°F in just 30 seconds
- Cooks twice as fast with virtually no flare-ups
- 72
- 000 BTU total output with 4 stainless steel burners plus infrared side burner
- 711.8 sq in spacious cooking area
- Smoker box accessory adds wood-fired flavor
- Locking casters for easy mobility
Cons
- Battery-powered ignition requires periodic battery replacement
- Cast iron grates require seasoning and maintenance
- Limited brand recognition compared to premium grill brands
The SKOK 5-Burner is the strongest value pick in the full-size infrared category. You get 72,000 BTU of total output, four main stainless steel burners, an infrared side burner that hits 1100°F in 30 seconds, and a generous 711.8-square-inch cooking surface — all at a price that undercuts most premium brands. The infrared burner cuts typical cook times roughly in half compared to standard burners in our side-by-side tests.
The included smoker box is a real bonus. Slide it over a burner, add wood chips, and you can layer smoke flavor into ribs or brisket while the infrared side handles the sear. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat well and produce attractive sear marks. Locking casters make it easy to reposition around the patio, which matters more than people expect once a grill is fully loaded.
The trade-off is brand maturity. SKOK is newer to the grill market than Napoleon or Weber, so long-term support is less proven. The battery-powered ignition needs a fresh battery every grilling season, and the cast iron grates require seasoning to prevent rust. Both are minor chores once you build them into your routine.
For Whom It Works Best
Shoppers who want premium-tier specs without the premium-tier price will find this the strongest match. New homeowners building their first outdoor kitchen will appreciate the all-in-one package. Cooks who want both high-heat searing and smoke flavor in one unit will enjoy the included smoker box.
Where It Falls Short
The battery ignition requires keeping a spare battery on hand. Cast iron grates need regular seasoning to stay rust-free. Brand recognition is limited, so buyer support may be less polished than the big-name manufacturers.
How Infrared Grills Work and Why They Sear Better?
Infrared grills use radiant heat rather than the convection heat of traditional gas grills. A gas flame heats a ceramic tile or a metal emitter plate to extremely high temperatures, and that emitter then radiates infrared energy directly onto the food. The cooking surface itself becomes the heat source, which is why infrared grills reach 700°F to 1500°F while a standard gas grill struggles past 600°F.
That extra heat matters because of the Maillard reaction — the chemical process that creates the browned, flavorful crust on a steak. The Maillard reaction kicks in significantly above 300°F, but it accelerates dramatically as surface temperatures climb toward 700°F and beyond. Higher heat means faster crust formation, which means more time for the interior to stay at the doneness you actually want.
Infrared also reduces flare-ups. On a conventional gas grill, juices drip onto the burners and ignite, which can char the outside of food before the inside finishes cooking. The emitter plate on an infrared grill blocks those drippings from reaching the flame, so you get consistent heat without the bitter, burnt flavor that flare-ups leave behind.
Reddit’s grilling community is divided on infrared. As one user posted on r/grilling: “I don’t like the infrared sear grill. It just seems to produce a burned flavour. I far prefer a cast iron pan cook or even better, cooking over coal.” That is fair feedback for beginners, but most users who learn the timing — short sears, lower total cook time, careful rub selection — end up with results that cast iron simply cannot match in volume.
Ceramic vs Heat Emitter Infrared: Which Is Better?
Infrared grills use one of two main technologies. Ceramic infrared burners — found on the BIG HORN, Schwank, and Solaire models — use a ceramic plate with thousands of tiny holes that the gas flame heats to glowing red. Heat emitter systems use a solid metal plate that radiates infrared energy when heated. Both deliver the searing performance that defines an infrared grill.
Ceramic burners typically reach higher temperatures (1500°F or more) and deliver more intense radiant heat, which is the right choice for the steakhouse-style sear. They also cost more to replace when they eventually crack. Heat emitter systems run cooler but last longer and distribute heat more evenly, which suits full-grate searing on burgers and chops.
For buyers focused specifically on searing thick steaks, ceramic infrared is the stronger choice. For buyers who want a primary grill with a versatile cooking surface, a hybrid setup with both conventional burners and an infrared sear station — like the Napoleon Prestige 500 or the Charbroil Pro Series — delivers the best of both worlds.
Choosing the Best Infrared Grill for Your Needs
Fuel type is the first decision. Propane infrared grills are the most common and the most portable. Natural gas models like the Napoleon Prestige 500 require a permanent gas line but eliminate propane swaps. Electric infrared-style grills like the George Foreman suit apartments and condos where open flames are not allowed, but they do not reach the same searing temperatures as true infrared burners.
Cooking surface area matters more than raw BTU. A grill with 500+ square inches of primary space handles family meals without forcing you to cook in batches. For couples and small households, a 140 to 300-square-inch portable works well. For entertainers, anything above 600 square inches gives you the flexibility to grill mains and sides at the same time.
Warranty length is a meaningful indicator of manufacturer confidence. The Napoleon Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty and the BBQGUYS best-in-class lifetime warranty on the Victory are real value adds. Charbroil’s 3-year limited warranty on the Pro Series is also strong for the price range. Shorter 1-year warranties are common on portable infrared grills, which is typical for the category.
Indoor use is possible with electric contact grills but not with gas infrared grills in most apartments. Ventilation requirements and fire codes typically restrict gas infrared grills to outdoor spaces, even on covered patios in some jurisdictions. If you need indoor-friendly searing, the George Foreman is the only model on this list that fits the bill.
For buyers comparing across grill types, our guides to the best electric grills, best charcoal grills, and best pellet grills cover the alternatives in detail. If you are building a backyard cooking station, you may also want to read about best kamado grills for low-and-slow smoking alongside an infrared sear grill.
Searing Technique Tips for Infrared Grills
Pat the steak dry before it hits the grill. Surface moisture is the enemy of crust formation, so paper-towel dry your steaks and let them sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Salt early — at least 40 minutes before the cook — to draw out moisture and improve the sear.
Avoid sweet rubs and sugary marinades on infrared burners. Sugar burns quickly at 1500°F and leaves a bitter char rather than a flavorful crust. Stick to coarse salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and savory herbs for the best results.
Use the timer aggressively. A 1.5-inch steak needs roughly 90 seconds per side on a true infrared burner for medium-rare. Walk away for an extra 30 seconds and you can easily overshoot to medium or beyond. The heat does not forgive hesitation.
Finish thicker cuts with a reverse sear. Cook the steak gently on a low burner or in an oven to bring it up to 115°F internal, then move it to the infrared burner for a fast, hot sear on each side. This technique produces the most even doneness from edge to edge on cuts thicker than 1.5 inches.
For cooks interested in recovery and wellness alongside their grilling hobby, our guide to the best infrared saunas for home explores a related use of the same technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an infrared sear burner worth it?
Yes, for serious steak enthusiasts. An infrared sear burner reaches 700-1500°F, which triggers the Maillard reaction faster than a standard gas burner. That means deeper crust, juicier interiors, and fewer flare-ups. The trade-off is cost — infrared grills run higher than comparable conventional models.
Which grill has the best sear burner?
The Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB has the best dedicated sear burner on this list, with an infrared Sizzle Zone side burner that hits 1800°F in roughly 30 seconds. For portable searing, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS and the Schwank 1500°F both reach 1500°F and deliver steakhouse-quality crust.
What is the best grill for searing steak?
For at-home steakhouse results, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F is the strongest balance of searing performance and price. It heats to 1500°F in 3-5 minutes and costs a fraction of premium built-in units. The Schwank 1500°F is the upgrade pick for cooks who want dual burners and a Made-in-USA build.
Is infrared better for grilling?
Infrared is better for high-heat searing and finishing, but it is not a complete replacement for conventional burners. The strongest setups pair conventional burners for everyday cooking with a dedicated infrared sear station for steaks, chops, and finishing sous vide proteins. All-in-one infrared grills work well for compact spaces and portable use.
Final Verdict: Which Infrared Grill Should You Buy?
After weeks of testing, the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill earns our EDITOR’S CHOICE as the best infrared grill for searing for most buyers in 2026. Its apartment-friendly design, 15-serving capacity, and 1500W infrared-style heat deliver steakhouse-quality convenience without propane, charcoal, or open flames — making it the most practical pick for renters and home cooks who value ease of use over maximum temperature.
For dedicated steak enthusiasts who want true 1500°F searing, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F is the best value in the full-size category. For buyers who want a full backyard centerpiece with a lifetime warranty, the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB is the gold standard. Whatever grill you choose, infrared heat will change the way you think about searing — and likely how your family rates your steaks from now on.