Best Infrared Grills for Searing, Camping and Backyard Cooking

The best infrared grills in this set come in two kinds: compact sear stations built around an infrared burner, and full-size propane cabinet grills that add an infrared side or sear burner. Only some listings are infrared-first, and we point that out below so you do not buy a conventional gas grill expecting a steakhouse broiler. For a household that wants one grill for weeknights, the cabinet-style models are the more flexible choice, while the compact BIG HORN units suit a sear-focused cook with limited space.

Top picks at a glance

Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black - 463281024

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill 1500°F in 3-5 Mins, 16 inch | Cook Restaurant-Quality Steak, Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station, Outdoor Salamander BBQ, Stainless Steel

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas Grill – Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station, Outdoor Salamander BBQ, Stainless Steel, 21.2 inch

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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Veralune 4 Burner Gas Grill with 1 Infrared Side Burner & Steel Grates | 55000 BTU, Outdoor Gas Grill with New Upgrade Heavy Duty Rack, Built-in Thermometer, Travel Locks for Tailgating, Camping

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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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)

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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Captiva Designs 4 Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grills with Infrared Sear Burner | 650SQ.IN. 42,000BTU Stainless Steel Barbecue Grill with Removable Center Grate for Outdoor Cooking Backyard Party, Black

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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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, Blue

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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What is changing in this category

Infrared cooking used to be associated with high-end restaurant broilers and a few specialist outdoor grills. Now the label appears on a wide range of propane grills, often as a single sear burner on the side of an otherwise ordinary four-burner cabinet. That makes shopping confusing, because “infrared” in a title can describe the whole cooking system or just one zone. Reading the product name carefully, rather than the search term, is the best habit.

Sellers also compete on headline numbers. Surface temperature claims such as 1500°F, BTU ratings and “minutes to heat” figures are common, but they are manufacturer statements and not directly comparable between products. A high BTU number does not by itself say how evenly a grill cooks, and the cooking area and burner layout matter at least as much.

Convenience features keep spreading: built-in thermometers, clear lids, rotisserie kits, travel locks and removable center grates. Compact sear stations are also popular with campers and tailgaters because they heat quickly and use a small footprint. Expect more hybrids that combine a conventional grill with a dedicated infrared zone, and treat any specification as a prompt to check the manual.

How we picked these seven

We chose listings that name infrared in the title and cover both compact sear stations and full-size cabinet grills. We drew on published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews in general terms. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. We rely on what each title states and mark everything else “check the listing”. Price tiers are relative within this set. Some listings are close relatives or near duplicates, such as the two BIG HORN sizes, and we say so where it affects the choice.

The seven listings

Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire infrared technology, 4-burner cabinet

The title describes a 4-burner propane cabinet grill with Amplifire infrared technology and a side burner, in black, model 463281024. Of the cabinet-style listings, this is the one that frames infrared as the technology of the grill itself rather than a single sear zone, though the title does not explain how much of the cooking surface uses it. It is in the premium tier.

Scenario: a household that grills most nights and wants one machine for burgers, chicken and the occasional steak, with a side burner for a pot of beans. Infrared designs tend to run hot, so expect a learning curve with timing.

Pros

• Infrared named as the core technology
• Side burner for sauces and sides
• Cabinet storage format

Cons

• Premium tier
• Title gives no cooking area or BTU figures

Check the listing for cooking area, assembly time and propane tank placement. Question to ask: how much of the cooking surface actually uses the infrared system?

Who should skip it: anyone who mostly cooks slow, low-temperature food or who wants the lowest purchase price. Because the title says little about size, compare the dimensions on the listing against the patio or deck space you actually have, and leave room around the cabinet for clearance. Assembly of a cabinet grill takes time, so read the instructions before starting and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the propane connection.

BIG HORN OUTDOORS infrared propane gas grill, 16 inch

The title claims 1500°F in 3 to 5 minutes and describes a portable steak broiler and sear station, an outdoor salamander BBQ in stainless steel. This is a different product class from a full-size grill: it is built to finish steaks quickly, not to cook a whole cookout. It is the lowest price tier here.

Scenario: a camper or small-patio cook who wants a restaurant-style sear on two steaks and does not need a lid or a large grate. A 1500°F claim is a seller figure and should be taken as a maximum.

Pros

• Most affordable in the set
• Compact and portable
• Fast heat-up claim

Cons

• Small cooking area
• Not a general-purpose grill

Check the listing for weight, regulator type and how to adjust height. Question to ask: how do you safely handle and clean a surface that hot?

Who should skip it: anyone cooking for a crowd, or anyone who wants a lid and a general-purpose grate. A sear station does one job well and leaves the rest of the menu to another appliance. If you camp, ask where the propane cylinder sits during use and how the unit is secured against tipping on uneven ground, and remember that it must only be used outdoors with plenty of open air around it.

BIG HORN OUTDOORS infrared propane gas grill, 21.2 inch

This near sibling of the 16-inch model carries the same 1500°F claim and portable steak broiler description in a 21.2-inch size. The two listings are close enough that the main decision is footprint: more width lets you sear more steaks at once, but costs more and takes more space. The title does not state any other differences.

Scenario: a family of four that wants to sear several steaks in one round at a tailgate. The larger unit helps if you cook for more than two.

Pros

• More searing width than the 16-inch version
• Same compact format

Cons

• Near duplicate of the smaller listing
• Still a specialist sear station

Check the listing for the cooking area, weight and any included stand. Question to ask: does the larger size use more propane or take longer to heat?

Who should skip it: solo cooks and couples, who will rarely use the extra width, and anyone short on storage space. Since the two BIG HORN listings are so similar, read both descriptions side by side and look for any difference in weight, grate material or included accessories before paying more for the larger one.

Veralune 4-burner gas grill with 1 infrared side burner

The title lists a 4-burner grill with one infrared side burner, steel grates, 55000 BTU, a heavy-duty rack, a built-in thermometer and travel locks for tailgating and camping. This is a conventional gas grill with a single infrared burner, not an infrared-first design. It is in the lowest-cost group of cabinet-style models.

Scenario: a tailgater who wants a grill that transports easily and a sear option for steaks at the end. The travel locks suggest the lid or legs are meant to be secured for transport, but check the listing for details.

Pros

• Travel locks named
• High stated BTU
• Built-in thermometer

Cons

• Infrared is limited to one side burner
• BTU is a headline claim

Check the listing for cooking area, weight and whether the legs fold. Question to ask: how many BTU are assigned to the infrared burner itself?

Who should skip it: buyers who want infrared to be the primary cooking method. Here it is an add-on to an otherwise standard burner layout. Be careful with transport too: even with locks, a grill should be fully cool and disconnected from its propane cylinder before it is packed, and cylinders should travel upright and secured, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Captiva Designs 4-burner propane grill with infrared sear burner

The title states a 650 square inch cooking area, 42,000 BTU, a stainless steel build, an infrared sear burner and a removable center grate, in black. The sear burner is an add-on, so this too is a conventional gas grill with a hot zone. The removable center grate is an unusual detail that may allow other accessories, but the title does not say which.

Scenario: a backyard family that wants a standard grill with a sear step for steaks. At 650 square inches, it should handle a party-sized cook.

Pros

• Cooking area stated
• Removable center grate
• Mid-range tier

Cons

• Infrared limited to a sear burner
• Lower BTU than the Veralune headline

Check the listing for what can replace the center grate and how the sear burner is lit. Question to ask: is the 650 square inch figure total or primary cooking area?

Who should skip it: anyone who wants a built-in rotisserie or a viewing window, since neither appears in the title. If you value a stated cooking area and a straightforward layout over extras, it is a sensible middle choice, but confirm assembly requirements, warranty terms and how replacement parts are sold.

Monument Grills 4+2 burner with Clearview lid, infrared side sear burners

The title describes a 4+2 burner propane grill, stainless steel cabinet, Clearview lid, knob controls, a built-in thermometer, infrared side sear burners and side burners, in blue. The wording “4+2” is ambiguous: it likely means four main burners plus two extra, but confirm which are the infrared sear burners and which are side burners. The Clearview lid lets you watch food without lifting it.

Scenario: a cook who likes to keep the lid down for even heat and still see what is happening. A transparent lid is helpful, but check how it handles grease splatter and cleaning.

Pros

• Clear lid named
• Plural sear burners
• Mid-range tier

Cons

• Burner count wording is ambiguous
• Infrared is limited to side burners

Check the listing for cooking area, BTU and lid material. Question to ask: how many burners are infrared and how many are conventional?

Who should skip it: buyers who need a rotisserie, or anyone who dislikes cleaning glass. A clear lid shows grease and smoke staining over time, so plan to wipe it down when it is completely cool. Also compare it with the other Monument listing in this set, since the two share a brand and differ in their feature lists.

Monument Grills 4-burner with infrared side sear and rotisserie kit

The title lists a larger 4-burner propane cabinet in stainless steel with an infrared side sear burner, side burners, knob controls, a built-in thermometer and a stainless rotisserie kit (2 items). The rotisserie kit is the standout, since it lets you cook a whole chicken or roast. It is in the premium tier along with the Charbroil.

Scenario: a weekend cook who wants a rotisserie chicken one night and seared steaks the next. A rotisserie requires safe handling and stable fuel connections, so read the instructions.

Pros

• Rotisserie kit included per the title
• Infrared sear burner and side burners
• Stainless cabinet

Cons

• Premium tier
• Cooking area not stated in the title

Check the listing for cooking area, motor power source and how the rotisserie mounts. Question to ask: what is the weight limit for the rotisserie spit?

Who should skip it: cooks who never use a rotisserie, because the kit is a main reason for the higher price tier. If you do plan to use it, make sure you know where the motor plugs in or how it is powered, keep the cord away from heat, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on balancing food on the spit.

Brands in this set

Five brand names appear across the seven listings: Charbroil, BIG HORN OUTDOORS, Monument Grills, Veralune and Captiva Designs. We do not rely on reputation claims from memory; instead, compare what each title commits to. Charbroil names an infrared technology and a model number. BIG HORN lists two sizes of the same sear station concept. Monument offers two cabinet grills that differ in burner layout and extras. Veralune and Captiva lead with BTU and cooking area. A brand that publishes a model number, a manual and clear warranty terms is easier to support than one that does not, so check those before you buy.

How infrared cooking differs from a standard gas grill

On a standard gas grill, burners heat the air and metal grates, and the food cooks mainly by hot air and contact with the grates. Infrared burners work differently: they heat an emitter surface until it radiates, and that radiant heat browns the food directly. The result is a very fast sear and a surface crust, with less dependence on how hot the surrounding air is.

The trade-off is control. A radiant surface can brown the outside well before the center is done, which is why thick cuts are often seared and then moved to a cooler zone. Wind has less effect on radiant heat than on a hot-air grill, which many cooks like, but flare-ups from dripping fat still happen and need attention.

For most buyers the practical question is not which method is better, but how much of your cooking is searing. If steaks and chops are your priority, an infrared zone is a real advantage. If you mostly cook sausages, vegetables and chicken pieces, the infrared burner will be an occasional tool, and the cooking area and heat control of the main burners matter more.

Cooking beyond steak

A hot infrared zone is also useful for charring peppers, searing scallops, finishing a reverse-seared roast and crisping the skin on thighs after they have cooked gently elsewhere. Pizza stones and cast-iron pans are sometimes placed on high-heat zones, but check the manual before putting any accessory on the burner, because some designs forbid it. Never leave a very hot grill unattended, and use long-handled tools and heat-resistant gloves.

Buying guide: what to check on an infrared grill

Is it infrared-first or infrared-added?

A sear station and a cabinet grill with an infrared burner are different tools. Sear stations cook fast and small. Cabinet grills with a sear burner give you a mix of conventional zones for gentle cooking and a hot zone for finishing. Decide which you need before comparing prices.

Cooking area and layout

Cooking area is a better planning number than BTU. A 650 square inch grill leaves space for two heat zones and a safe resting area. Check whether the stated area includes warming racks.

BTU claims

BTU measures heat input. It is useful only when compared against area and burner count. High numbers on a thin steel body can waste fuel, and the number does not say how much heat reaches the food.

Safety and installation

Propane grills are for outdoor use only, with enough clearance from structures and anything flammable. Check hoses and connections for leaks as the manufacturer describes, keep a fire extinguisher suited to grease and gas fires nearby, and never leave a hot grill unattended. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes. If you convert to natural gas or connect to a fixed line, have a qualified professional do it.

Heat zones and temperature control

Look for knob controls on each burner, a built-in thermometer, and a layout that lets you leave one zone off. A grill with separate controls for the sear burner lets you move between searing and gentle cooking within a single meal. A built-in lid thermometer shows air temperature, not the surface temperature of the infrared element, so treat it as a rough guide only.

Fuel, regulator and accessories

Check how the grill connects to the propane cylinder, whether a regulator and hose are supplied, and whether the cylinder is included. Rotisserie kits, covers and side shelves vary between listings. Keep cylinders upright, away from heat, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and transport.

Cleaning and grease control

Infrared surfaces and drip trays collect grease, and grease causes flare-ups. Look for accessible trays, removable grates and simple access to the burner area. Let the grill cool and follow the manual’s cleaning advice.

Worked example: fuel and area

Assume a 20 lb propane cylinder holds about 430,000 BTU of fuel, a common rule of thumb. If a grill’s 42,000 BTU rating were run at maximum, that would be roughly 10 hours of burn time. Real cooking rarely uses full output for long, so a more realistic estimate might be two to three times that. For area, 42,000 BTU divided by 650 square inches is about 65 BTU per square inch, assuming the rating covers all burners. These figures are labeled estimates with stated assumptions and should be checked against the manual.

Mistakes buyers make

• Assuming “infrared” means the whole grill. Four of these seven listings use infrared as an extra burner.
• Comparing BTU across different sizes. The same number means something different on a small sear station.
• Cooking delicate foods on the hottest zone. Fish, glazes and thin vegetables can burn quickly.
• Skipping leak checks. Check connections as the manufacturer describes before each season.
• Letting grease build up. It is the main source of flare-ups.
• Using it in enclosed spaces. Outdoor, ventilated use only.
• Ignoring the footprint. A cabinet grill needs clearance on all sides, and a sear station needs a stable, heat-safe surface. Measure your space and check the manual for required distances.
• Buying on the headline temperature. A claim such as 1500°F describes a maximum for a particular surface. It does not describe the temperature of the food or the whole grill.

Verdict by use case

• Everyday family cooking: Charbroil Pro Series, if you want infrared to be the core method.
• Rotisserie plus sear: Monument Grills 4-burner with the kit.
• Watching the food: Monument Grills 4+2 with the Clearview lid.
• Value cabinet grill: Captiva Designs, with the stated area.
• Tailgating: Veralune, with travel locks.
• Restaurant-style steak sear: BIG HORN 16 inch for two, 21.2 inch for more.

If you are torn, ask which part of the cook matters most. For a fast, hard sear on a couple of steaks, the BIG HORN stations are the most focused choices in the set. For everything else, a cabinet grill gives you more room to work, and the details of the burner layout, the lid and the rotisserie decide which one fits your cooking style. Whichever you pick, read the safety section of the manual before the first light.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an infrared grill and a regular gas grill?

A regular gas grill heats the air and grates with open flames, while an infrared burner heats a surface that glows and radiates heat directly onto the food. That gives fast, intense searing but less forgiving heat for delicate foods. Many grills in this guide are conventional gas grills with an infrared sear zone, so check whether the infrared element is the main cooking surface or just a side burner.

Are infrared grills only good for steak?

Steak is the classic use because the high heat browns the surface quickly, but infrared zones are also used for chops, burgers, thick vegetables and finishing a roast. Delicate fish and sugary glazes can burn fast, so move food to a cooler zone or lower the heat. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating and use only tools that tolerate high temperatures.

Can I use a propane infrared grill in a tent or garage?

No. Propane grills are made for outdoor use in open, well-ventilated spaces, away from walls, awnings, tents, vehicles and anything flammable. Burning fuel produces carbon monoxide, and high-heat surfaces can ignite nearby materials. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes, check hoses and connections for leaks, and have any gas conversion or fixed installation done by a qualified professional.

Do infrared grills use more propane?

They can, if you run the infrared burner on high for long periods, because the burner is built to reach high temperatures quickly. Fuel use depends on the burner rating, how long you preheat, and how often you open the lid. Titles quote BTU figures, but those are seller claims for maximum output, not a guide to typical consumption on an average cook.

How do I clean an infrared burner or sear station?

Let it cool fully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which often warn against spraying water or harsh cleaners on the burner or ceramic or metal emitter surfaces. Remove grease and food debris from grates and drip trays regularly, because built-up grease is a fire risk. Brush the grates after each cook, and check the manual for what the maker allows.

Is a portable sear station enough as my only grill?

Usually not. A compact sear station is excellent for steaks and chops, but it offers a small surface, little or no lid control and limited temperature range for slow or gentle cooking. If you cook for a group or want roasts and vegetables, a cabinet grill with an infrared zone covers more ground, and a sear station can be a useful second tool.