To reach the pinnacle of BBQ greatness, every grill master needs a good grill. Some prefer a charcoal grill, others go for gas grills, while some are happy to make any BBQ grill work for them. For those who appreciate fast cooking, energy efficiency and tender, juicy results, an infrared grill is the way to go.
Videos by Wide Open Country
What is an Infrared Grill?
Infrared grilling is the latest trend in outdoor cooking, providing a quicker alternative to traditional grills. Infrared grills are gas grills that use infrared technology as the heat source rather than the flame. They work by using gas to heat the infrared element, which then heats the food. This radiant heat cooking system allows food to retain more moisture than the convection cooking system typically found on gas grills.
This is because infrared grills heat the meat directly, rather than the air around it. Gas grills, on the other hand, generate hot air that penetrates the moisture boundary around the food, causing the food to lose some of its natural juiciness.
Advantages of Infrared Grills
Along with producing meat that's more tender and juicy, infrared grills can preheat to high in as little as 3 to 5 minutes. They also have faster cook time throughout the cooking process, allowing you to BBQ without spending an entire afternoon at the grill. Along with this, they can reach very high searing temperatures, resulting in perfectly seared, tender meat that rivals that of a steakhouse.
Another perk of this type of grill is the even heat distribution it provides across the grilling surface. This, combined with the reduced flare-ups, helps even a beginning grill master to grill delicious, evenly cooked meat.
Plus, these grills are energy efficient, since they burn less gas to reach high temperatures than other grills require. After cooking, you can simply set the grill to high heat, and any leftover food particles will turn into ash for the easiest clean-up.
If these advantages of infrared grills pique your interest, here are 3 of the best infrared grills to buy to transform your BBQ experience.
1. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Gas Grill
This $376.09 stainless steel infrared gas grill is designed with TRU-infrared cooking technology to prevent flare-ups and cook juicier meat. The 450 square inches of cooking space provide the perfect amount for a cookout, and the porcelain-coated grates are made for durability and easy clean-up.
This grill has electronic ignition and a warming rack for convenience, and it features 24,000 BTU's across three stainless steel burgers. To add to the cooking area, there's a 10,000 BTU side burner to use for side dishes.
2. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared 2-Burner Cabinet Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Another excellent Char-Broil option is the $333.84 2-burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill. This grill also features TRU-Infrared cooking technology, along with electronic ignition and evenly-burning stainless steel burners. This grill has 310 square inches of cooking space, along with a 95 square inch warming rack to use for buns and sides.
The side shelves add to the work area and allow for an organized space, but they also fold down when not in use. This Char-Broil grill features a cabinet design for storage of the propane tank, grilling tools and accessories. The temperature gauge on the lid allows you to check the inside temperature of your grill for extra convenience.
3. Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Grill, Stainless Steel
Although this $1,250 grill is on the pricier side, it makes up for it with it with its versatility and infrared heat technology. This portable grill is perfect for BBQs, cookouts and tailgating, allowing you to enjoy perfectly seared, juicy meat no matter the occasion.
This grill heats temperatures to 1,500 degrees F, and uses the same heating technology used by top steakhouses like Morton's and Del Frisco's. The Schwank Infrared Grill can also be used as a pizza oven with the pizza stone accessory, making it even more versatile.
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Eats are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
