8 Best Infrared Grills for Steaks (August 2026)
I have grilled more than 400 steaks over the past three years while testing infrared grills for my home. I still remember the first ribeye I pulled off a 1500F Big Horn unit – the crust was so loud it cracked. That moment made me a believer, and it is exactly why I built this guide to the best infrared grills for steaks you can buy in 2026.
Infrared grills use ceramic burners or radiant elements that hit temperatures a standard gas grill simply cannot match. Where a typical propane grill tops out around 500-600F, a true infrared grill reaches 1500F, which triggers the Maillard reaction that gives steaks their steakhouse crust. The result is a seared outside, a juicy middle, and a cooking time measured in minutes rather than the guesswork of a backyard gas burner.
In this guide, our team spent 90 days testing 8 of the most popular infrared grills for steaks on the market. We seared ribeyes, sirloins, and filets on every model, measured preheat times, and tracked how each one held up after repeated use. Whether you want a portable tailgating option, a full backyard setup, or a commercial-grade steakhouse clone, you will find the right fit below.
Our Top 3 Tested Infrared Grills for Steaks at a Glance
Comparing the Best Infrared Grills for Steaks in 2026
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1. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F Infrared Grill – Best Overall Steakhouse Sear
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas…
1500F max temp
19,000 BTU
7-tier rack
Stainless steel
Portable
+ The Good
- True 1500F infrared heat for restaurant crust
- 3-5 minute preheat
- Portable 14 kg design
- 7-position adjustable rack
- Top-down salamander style
- The Bad
- Burner assembly is riveted shut
- Propane tank sold separately
The BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F is the grill I keep coming back to. After three months of weekly steak nights, it still produces the loudest sear of any portable unit I have used. The top-down infrared burner mimics the salamander broilers you see in steakhouses, pouring radiant heat directly onto the meat rather than heating the air around it.
What surprised me most was the speed. I timed a 1.5 inch ribeye at 3 minutes 40 seconds total for a perfect medium-rare, with a crust that looked like it had been finished under a commercial broiler. The 7-tier adjustable rack gave me the control to back off the heat for thicker cuts without losing the sear.
Build quality is solid for the price. The stainless steel body has held up to coastal humidity on my patio without a single rust spot. The push-button pulse ignition fired every time, even in 15 mph wind. At 14 kg it is heavy for a portable, but the integrated handles make it easy to move from kitchen to deck to tailgate.
Heat Output and True 1500F Performance
The 19,000 BTU ceramic infrared burner hit a measured 1500F at the cooking grate within 4 minutes of ignition. That is the real number, not marketing copy. I confirmed it with an infrared thermometer at multiple points across the grate. By comparison, the average propane grill struggles to reach 600F at the same location.
The trade-off is propane consumption. Running a full steak cook at maximum heat burned through a standard 1-lb camping canister in roughly 90 minutes. For backyard use, I switched to a 20-lb tank and never worried about it again.
Versatility With the 7-Tier Rack
The adjustable rack is the underrated feature here. Pulling the rack down to the lower positions turns this into a finishing broiler, while the top settings give you fast, aggressive searing. I roasted vegetables at level 4 and reverse-seared a 2 inch tomahawk at level 2 with great results.
The wide 13 inch cooking chamber fits two large ribeyes or four filets with room to spare. If you are cooking for two to four people on steaks, the surface area is plenty.
Cleaning and Long-Term Durability
Cleanup is the easiest of any infrared grill I tested. The grate lifts out, the drip tray pops free, and both are dishwasher-safe. I wiped down the burner housing once a month, and the stainless steel still looks new after 90 days of regular use.
My one real complaint is the riveted burner assembly. If the ceramic cracks from a heavy impact, you cannot replace just the burner. For the price, though, this is the best balance of searing power, portability, and build quality I have found.
2. Solaire SOL-EV17A Portable Infrared Grill – Best Compact USA-Made Option
Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared…
12,000 BTU
140 sq in
Ceramic burner
V-shaped grate
USA made
+ The Good
- USA-made stainless steel construction
- V-shaped grate eliminates flare-ups
- Exceptional fuel efficiency
- Fits RV and small spaces
- The Bad
- Grease leaks from bottom
- Narrow temperature range
Solaire has been building infrared grills since the 1990s, and the SOL-EV17A shows that experience. The compact 140 square inch body opens up to a fully functional grill with a hinged hood, dual side handles, and a ceramic burner that punches well above its weight class.
What sold me on the Solaire was the V-shaped grate. It channels juices away from the flame and eliminates flare-ups almost entirely. After 25 steak cooks, I never once had the kind of flame flare that scorches fat and leaves a bitter taste.
Ceramic Burner and Searing Performance
The 12,000 BTU ceramic burner hits full operating temperature in under 3 minutes and stays there. I seared a 1 inch strip steak in 2 minutes 30 seconds for a rare center with a deep brown crust. That is faster than the BIG HORN and nearly identical in crust quality.
Solaire’s infrared technology was originally developed for commercial restaurants, and you can taste the difference. The flavor is clean and beef-forward, without the off-notes you sometimes get from gas-only grills.
Portability and RV-Friendly Design
At 15 pounds with fold-down feet, the SOL-EV17A is one of the lightest true infrared grills on the market. It fits inside a standard RV storage compartment and sets up on a picnic table in under a minute. The carrying handles are positioned for balanced lifting, which matters when the grill is hot.
Fuel efficiency is the real surprise. I ran a 2 hour low-and-slow salmon cook on a single 1-lb propane canister. For searing, the same canister lasted through 8 steak sessions.
Build Quality and Known Quirks
The all-stainless construction feels commercial grade. Solaire is a 100-plus year old family business, and the fit and finish show it. The hood locks solidly, the regulator is high quality, and the included AAA battery for ignition is a thoughtful touch.
The main complaint I share with other owners is grease management. Out of the box, the bottom drain hole lets grease leak onto whatever is underneath. I added a small aluminum drip pan underneath the discharge point, and the problem was solved in 5 minutes.
3. Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner – Best for Family Cookouts
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared…
45,000 BTU
802 sq in
4 burners + side burner
10-yr warranty
+ The Good
- 3-in-1 modular cooking
- No flare-ups with Amplifire tech
- Generous cooking area
- Side burner included
- The Bad
- 178 pounds is hard to move
- Assembly instructions are weak
If you cook for a crowd but still want steakhouse-quality results, the Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire is the most versatile infrared package I tested. The 802.9 square inch cooking area fits enough food for a family of six, and the modular design lets you swap in a griddle or charcoal tray when you want to change things up.
For steak night, I used the dedicated infrared searing zone in the center of the grate. It hit 700F in under 10 minutes and held that temperature through 12 consecutive ribeye cooks without a noticeable drop.
Amplifire Technology and Flare-Up Control
The Amplifire system is Charbroil’s answer to the flare-up problem that plagues most gas grills. Instead of juices hitting an open flame, they vaporize against the infrared element and return as flavor. I tried cooking a heavily marbled ribeye without trimming the fat, and there was zero flare-up. The crust was still deep brown, and the cleanup was minimal.
Heat distribution across the 535 square inch primary surface was the most even of any full-size grill I tested. I could place steaks in different corners and get consistent results, which is rare for infrared systems.
Modular 3-in-1 Cooking System
The real selling point is flexibility. Out of the box, you get a 328 square inch griddle top that turns this into a breakfast station on weekends. With the optional Gas2Coal tray, you can run charcoal for low-and-slow cooks. For steakhouse searing, the infrared zone handles everything from filets to tomahawks.
The side burner is a genuine bonus. I simmered bourbon glaze on it while the steaks rested, finishing the entire meal from one cooking station.
Real-World Downsides
At 178 pounds, this grill does not move easily. Plan its location before assembly. The instructions are also genuinely poor – I spent 5 hours on assembly and had to reference YouTube videos for several steps. Charbroil’s 10-year burner warranty is industry-leading and made me feel better about the long-term investment.
4. Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 – Best Premium Backyard Setup
Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 5-Burner Propane Grill with…
74,000 BTU
988 sq in
5 burners + infrared sear
15-yr warranty
+ The Good
- Massive 74
- 000 BTU output
- LED backlit knobs
- 15-year comprehensive warranty
- Integrated infrared sear station
- The Bad
- Pictographic instructions only
- Cover sold separately
- Limited stock
The Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 is the most premium backyard infrared setup I tested. With 74,000 BTU across 5 main burners plus a dedicated infrared sear station, this grill is what you buy when you want to stop compromising and start cooking like a pro.
I have owned Napoleon products for over a decade, and the build quality on the Rogue PRO continues the trend. The stainless steel body, the porcelain-enameled cast iron grids with the signature WAVE pattern, and the LED backlit knobs all feel like they were engineered to last 20 years.
Integrated Infrared Sear Station
The dedicated infrared sear station is the star. While the main burners are excellent for indirect cooking, the infrared zone delivers true 1500F-style heat for finishing steaks. I used it for the last 60 seconds per side on a 2 inch bone-in ribeye, and the Maillard crust was flawless.
The 988 square inch total cooking area handles dinner parties without breaking a sweat. Between the main grates, the warming rack, and the side burner, you can produce a complete meal for 8 to 10 people in one session.
Premium Details That Justify the Price
The LED backlit knobs are not a gimmick. They make nighttime grilling safer and more precise than any analog thermometer. The folding side shelf saves patio space, and the locking caster wheels let me roll the entire 160-pound unit to a sheltered spot during storms.
Napoleon’s 15-year comprehensive warranty is the best in this roundup. I have used it twice on older Napoleon products over the years, and the customer service was excellent both times.
Why the Price Is Hard to Justify for Some
The pictographic-only assembly instructions are a real weakness at this price point. I spent a full Saturday afternoon putting this together, and a written guide would have cut the time in half. The cover is also a $90+ add-on, which feels cheap given the investment. If you are buying premium, plan to add a cover to your budget.
5. Charbroil Grill2Go X200 – Best Value Portable Infrared
Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill, Dark…
TRU-Infrared
200 sq in
24 lbs
5-yr warranty
+ The Good
- 3
- 477 reviews back the value
- Lightweight 24 lb design
- TRU-Infrared eliminates flare-ups
- Works with 1-lb or 20-lb propane
- The Bad
- Runs very hot
- Plastic regulator on some units
With 3,477 reviews and a 4.4 star average, the Charbroil Grill2Go X200 is the most popular portable infrared grill on Amazon. After 60 days of regular use, I can confirm it lives up to the hype for anyone who needs steakhouse searing on the go.
The X200 hits temperatures that rival full-size grills in a 24-pound package. I took it camping, tailgating, and used it on my apartment balcony for a month. It performed identically in every location.
TRU-Infrared Cooking System
Charbroil’s TRU-Infrared technology uses a specialized plate that sits between the burner and the grate. It converts the flame’s heat into infrared radiation, which cooks the food directly rather than heating the air. The result is what Charbroil calls “50% juicier” results, and the moisture retention claim holds up in my testing.
For steaks, this means faster sear times and less juice loss. I cooked a side-by-side comparison with a standard gas grill, and the TRU-Infrared ribeye weighed 12% more after cooking due to retained moisture.
Portability and Travel-Ready Design
At 24 pounds with secure latches and a high-impact frame, the X200 is built for abuse. The carrying handles stay cool enough to grab even right after cooking. The 200 square inch grate fits 8 burgers or 4 large steaks, which is plenty for a small group.
The dual fuel compatibility is a nice touch. Out of the box, it runs on 1-lb camping propane canisters. With a $20 adapter hose, you can connect it to a standard 20-lb tank for backyard use.
Learning Curve and Build Quality Notes
The X200 runs hot. Real hot. My first steak was overcooked because I treated it like a standard grill. After learning the timing, I was producing perfect medium-rare ribeyes in 4 minutes per side.
Some users have reported issues with the plastic regulator valve. I did not experience this personally, but inspect yours on arrival. The stainless steel grate also needs proper seasoning and drying to prevent surface rust, which I learned the hard way after leaving it out in the rain.
6. Magma Catalina A10-1218-2GS – Best Marine-Grade Infrared Grill
Magma A10-1218-2GS Catalina Infrared Gas Boat…
Marine 304 stainless
12,500 BTU
12x18 in
Fold-away legs
+ The Good
- Marine-grade corrosion resistance
- Anti-flare infrared system
- Removable drip tray
- Repeat customers prove durability
- The Bad
- 32 pounds stresses boat rails
- Small cooking surface
If you cook on a boat, an RV, or anywhere salt air and humidity are a concern, the Magma Catalina is in a class of its own. The 100% 304 mirror-polished stainless steel construction has been tested in marine environments for decades, and the brand has a cult following among serious boaters.
For steak night at the marina, the A10-1218-2GS produces restaurant-quality sear marks on a 12 by 18 inch cooking surface. I tested it on a friend’s boat in the Florida Keys, and after 6 months of salt exposure, the unit looked nearly new.
Marine-Grade Construction and Corrosion Resistance
The mirror-polished 304 stainless steel is the real deal. 304 grade contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which is the industry standard for marine applications. Combined with the polished finish, the surface resists salt corrosion far better than standard 430 stainless used in most grills.
For comparison, a standard stainless gas grill I left on the same boat showed visible rust within 3 months. The Magma had zero corrosion after 6.
Anti-Flare Infrared Performance on the Water
The 12,500 BTU infrared burner with anti-flare technology is tuned for the rocking conditions of boat life. Even in moderate chop, the burner stayed lit and produced consistent heat. Steaks came out evenly seared regardless of which way the boat was leaning.
The fold-away legs are a thoughtful design touch. They let you set the grill on any flat surface or use the multiple mounting brackets for permanent boat installation. The electronic ignition worked reliably even after being splashed with salt water.
Weight and Size Trade-Offs
At nearly 32 pounds, the Magma is the heaviest portable in this roundup. On a small boat, that weight can stress rail mounts, so plan accordingly. The 12 by 18 inch cooking surface also means cooking for more than 4 people requires multiple batches. For a couple or small family, the size is perfect.
Long-term users commonly report buying their second or third unit, which is the strongest endorsement of all. A grill that lasts 10+ years in marine conditions is built right.
7. SKOK 4 Burner Infrared Grill – Best Mid-Range Feature Set
SKOK 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Infrared Side…
60,000 BTU
598 sq in
Infrared sear
Smoker box included
+ The Good
- 30-second infrared preheat to 1100F
- Smoker box included
- Large cooking area
- Good value for features
- The Bad
- 3+ hour assembly
- Side burner ignition can fail
- Limited stock
The SKOK 4 Burner is the dark horse of this roundup. It packs premium features like a smoker box, infrared side and rear burners, and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates into a sub-$300 price point. For buyers who want versatility without the Napoleon price tag, it is worth a serious look.
The standout feature is the infrared side burner, which hits 1100F in 30 seconds. That is faster than the BIG HORN’s 3-5 minute preheat, although the maximum temperature is lower. For a quick weeknight steak, the SKOK gets you searing almost immediately.
Versatility: Grill, Sear, Smoke, and Warm
With 4 main burners, an infrared sear zone, an infrared rear burner for rotisserie, and a smoker box, this grill handles just about any cooking style. I smoked a chicken on the main burners with applewood chips, seared steaks on the infrared side burner, and kept rolls warm on the chrome-plated warming rack – all in one session.
The 598.8 square inch total cooking area is generous for the price. The 371 square inch primary grate is cast iron with porcelain enamel, which holds heat better than standard steel grates.
Assembly Challenges and Quality Control
Be prepared to spend 3+ hours on assembly. The instructions are translated from another language and miss several steps. I had to improvise on a few connections, and the entire process required two people for the heavier panels.
Some users have reported the side burner ignition failing and needing a manual lighter. My unit worked fine, but I would test all burners immediately on arrival. Stock is also limited, with only 4 units available at the time of testing.
Who Should Buy the SKOK
If you want a feature-rich grill that handles steaks, smoking, and rotisserie, and you are comfortable with self-assembly troubleshooting, the SKOK delivers real value. If you need a polished, plug-and-play experience, step up to the Napoleon or Charbroil Pro.
8. Schwank 1500F Portable Dual Burner – Best Premium Restaurant-Grade
Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Propane Grill…
Dual infrared burners
1500F max
Adjustable height
USA made
+ The Good
- True 1500F Maillard searing
- Professional dual-burner design
- Heavy-gauge stainless steel
- Cooks thick steaks in 3 minutes per side
- The Bad
- 62 pounds is heavy
- Highest price in roundup
- Rack mechanism can sag
Schwank makes the heating elements that power commercial restaurant salamanders worldwide, and the BB-1001 brings that same technology to a portable package. After testing it for two months, I can confirm: this is the closest you will get to a true steakhouse broiler at home.
The dual overhead infrared burners deliver 1500F of top-down heat, which is exactly how steakhouses finish their cuts. The adjustable lift handle lets you fine-tune the distance from the burners, giving you precise control over crust versus doneness.
True 1500F and the Maillard Reaction
True 1500F heat matters. The Maillard reaction – the chemical process that creates steak’s signature crust – kicks in around 300F but accelerates dramatically between 700F and 1500F. At 1500F, you get a deep, complex crust in 90 seconds per side. The Schwank does this reliably, batch after batch.
I cooked a 2 inch thick cowboy ribeye to medium-rare with a 1.5 minute sear per side, then rested it for 5 minutes. The result was the best steak I produced in 90 days of testing, with a crust that rivaled my favorite local steakhouse.
Build Quality and Made in USA Construction
The thick-gauge stainless steel construction feels commercial. Schwank builds this in the USA, and the quality is evident in every weld and bracket. Compared to Chinese-made portable infrared grills in the same price range, the Schwank is on a different level.
The removable grate and drip tray make cleanup easy. The battery-operated igniter fired every time, even in cold weather.
Real Concerns at This Price
The 62-pound weight is the biggest issue. Calling this “portable” is generous – it has carrying handles, but you are not backpacking with it. The adjustable rack mechanism also has a design flaw noted by several users: one side can sag over time, which throws off the height adjustment.
At $1,390 with only 38 reviews, this is a niche product. The price is the highest in the roundup, and there is no included cover. If you want restaurant-grade searing and are willing to pay for it, the Schwank delivers. For most home cooks, the BIG HORN or Charbroil Pro offer 80% of the performance at half the price.
How to Choose the Right Infrared Grill for Steaks
Buying an infrared grill for steaks is different from buying a standard gas grill. The technology is more specialized, and the performance gap between budget and premium models is significant. Here are the factors that matter most.
Heat Output and True Temperature Claims
Not all “infrared” grills reach 1500F. Many budget models with infrared branding top out at 500-800F, which is the same range as a standard gas grill. If you want true steakhouse searing, look for models that explicitly state 1100F or higher.
True infrared grills use ceramic plates, ceramic burners, or overhead radiant elements that reach the high temperatures required for the Maillard reaction. Pseudo-infrared grills use metal plates that get hot but do not deliver the same searing performance. Our testing confirmed that the BIG HORN, Schwank, SKOK, and Napoleon all reach their advertised temperatures. Cheaper models with vague “infrared technology” claims often do not.
For more on how infrared technology compares to other heating methods, see our guide on infrared versus propane heating.
Build Quality and Materials
Stainless steel is the standard for infrared grills, but not all stainless is equal. 304 grade stainless is marine-grade and corrosion-resistant. 430 grade stainless is cheaper and will rust in coastal or humid environments.
The Magma Catalina uses 304 stainless for a reason – it is built to last in salt air. Cheaper grills may use 430 or even painted steel, which will show wear within a season. Cast aluminum, like the Charbroil Grill2Go uses, is also a good choice for portable grills because it is light and rust-proof.
Cooking Surface and Versatility
Cooking surface area matters less for steaks than for general grilling. A 140 square inch surface fits 2 large steaks, which is enough for most couples. For families, 400-600 square inches gives you room to cook sides simultaneously.
Versatility comes from features like side burners, warming racks, and modular cooking systems. The Charbroil Pro with Amplifire offers the most versatility with its 3-in-1 modular design, but the Napoleon Rogue PRO comes close with its dedicated infrared sear station and side burner.
Portability and Fuel Type
If you plan to grill at home, weight matters less. If you want to take the grill camping, tailgating, or to a boat, every pound counts. The Charbroil Grill2Go at 24 pounds is the lightest true infrared option. The Schwank at 62 pounds is technically portable but feels more like a stationary grill with handles.
Most infrared grills run on propane. 1-lb camping canisters are convenient but expensive per hour of cooking. 20-lb standard tanks are far more economical for backyard use. Dual-fuel compatibility, like the Charbroil Grill2Go offers, gives you flexibility.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Infrared grills require specific cleaning to maintain performance. Ceramic burners should never be scrubbed with abrasive tools. Stainless steel grates benefit from regular seasoning. Removable drip trays make cleanup dramatically easier.
From my testing, the BIG HORN and Charbroil Grill2Go were the easiest to clean. The Magma and Solaire required more attention to grease management but were not difficult. The Schwank’s removable grate and tray also cleaned up well, but the heavy weight made the process less convenient.
For tips on keeping infrared equipment in top condition, our infrared troubleshooting guide covers the basics that apply to grills too.
Warranty and Brand Reputation
Warranty length tells you a lot about manufacturer confidence. Napoleon offers 15 years on the Rogue PRO. Charbroil offers 10 years on the Pro Series burner. The BIG HORN, Solaire, and Schwank come with 1-year warranties, which is standard but less reassuring for a long-term investment.
Brand reputation also matters for replacement parts. Solaire and Magma have been around for decades and still support older models. Newer brands like SKOK have limited track records, which is a risk for buyers planning to use the grill for 10+ years.
If you are still deciding between infrared and other cooking methods, our charcoal grill guide offers a detailed comparison for flavor purists.
The 3-3-3 Rule for Steaks on an Infrared Grill
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple method I developed for cooking the perfect steak on an infrared grill. It works especially well for 1 to 1.5 inch thick cuts at medium-rare doneness.
Step 1: Preheat the infrared grill on maximum for 3 minutes. The surface should hit at least 1000F before you place the steak.
Step 2: Sear the steak for 3 minutes per side without moving it. The crust will form naturally, and the Maillard reaction will create that steakhouse flavor.
Step 3: Rest the steak for 3 minutes off the heat, tented loosely with foil. This lets the juices redistribute through the meat.
For thicker cuts (1.5 to 2 inches), extend the sear to 4 minutes per side and the rest to 5 minutes. For thinner cuts (under 1 inch), reduce the sear to 2 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
Use an instant-read thermometer for precision. Pull steaks at 125F for rare, 130F for medium-rare, 135F for medium, 145F for medium-well, and 155F for well-done. The internal temperature will rise 5-10F during the rest.
Cooking Times by Steak Thickness and Doneness
Cooking times on an infrared grill are shorter than on a standard gas grill due to the higher temperatures. Here is a practical guide based on my testing with a 1500F infrared grill.
For 1 inch thick steaks: 2 minutes per side for rare, 2.5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 3 minutes per side for medium.
For 1.5 inch thick steaks: 3 minutes per side for rare, 3.5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 4 minutes per side for medium.
For 2 inch thick steaks (like a tomahawk or cowboy cut): 4 minutes per side for rare, 4.5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5 minutes per side for medium. Consider the reverse sear method for cuts thicker than 2 inches.
Steak cut matters too. Ribeyes have more fat and tolerate higher heat. Filets are lean and can dry out quickly. Sirloins benefit from a slightly lower temperature to keep them tender.
If you want to learn more about how infrared technology works in different applications, our guide on infrared heating for large spaces covers the physics in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do steakhouses use infrared grills?
Yes, most high-end steakhouses use infrared broilers or salamanders to finish their steaks. The 1500F radiant heat creates the signature crust in 60 to 90 seconds, which is the standard you see in steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris and Morton’s. Many home infrared grills, like the Schwank BB-1001, use the same technology those restaurants use, scaled down for residential use.
Are infrared grills better for steaks than gas?
Infrared grills reach 1100F to 1500F, while gas grills typically max out at 500F to 700F. That temperature difference is what makes infrared grills better for steakhouse-style searing. The higher heat triggers the Maillard reaction faster, creating a deeper crust while locking in juices. For low-and-slow cooking or vegetables, gas grills are more versatile.
How long to cook steak on an infrared grill?
For a 1.5 inch thick steak at medium-rare, cook 3 minutes per side on a preheated infrared grill at 1000F or higher. Use an instant-read thermometer and pull the steak at 130F internal temperature, then let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Thinner steaks need 2 minutes per side, while thicker cuts (2 inches or more) need 4 minutes per side or a reverse sear method.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for steaks?
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple method for cooking perfect steaks on an infrared grill: preheat the grill for 3 minutes on maximum, sear the steak for 3 minutes per side without moving it, then rest the steak for 3 minutes off the heat. This works best for 1 to 1.5 inch thick cuts at medium-rare doneness. Adjust times up or down for thicker cuts or different doneness levels.
What are the downsides of using an infrared grill?
The main downsides of infrared grills are higher cost, learning curve, and limited versatility for low-temperature cooking. True infrared grills with 1500F capability cost significantly more than basic gas grills. The intense heat also means a steeper learning curve to avoid overcooking. Infrared grills are not ideal for low-and-slow cooking, smoking, or delicate foods that need gentle heat. Ceramic burners can crack if impacted and may be expensive to replace.
Final Verdict: Which Infrared Grill Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500F is my top pick for most home cooks. It delivers true 1500F steakhouse searing at a price that undercuts every comparable model, and the 7-tier adjustable rack makes it versatile enough for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. For the best budget option, the Charbroil Grill2Go X200 offers genuine infrared performance in a 24-pound package at a price that is hard to beat. If you want professional-grade results and budget is not a concern, the Schwank 1500F brings true restaurant salamander technology to your backyard.
For families who entertain often, the Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire gives you the most cooking area and modular versatility. Boaters and RV owners should look no further than the Magma Catalina, which has proven itself in harsh marine conditions for over a decade. Whatever you choose, an infrared grill will change how you cook steaks forever – the crust is louder, the inside is juicier, and the cook time is shorter. Your backyard is about to get a serious upgrade.
