Table of Contents
If you love the smoky flavor of BBQ and want to up your grilling game, the smart money is on infrared grills. Now, these ain’t your run-of-the-mill grills, my friend. These are the Ferraris of the BBQ world, offering high-intensity heat and unbeatable flavor. But with numerous options available in the market, how does one choose the best-infrared grill?
This guide will delve into the world of infrared grilling, revealing the top picks for spectacular BBQs, so you can start hosting those spectacular BBQs ASAP. So, let’s delve into the world of infrared grilling and uncover some of the best-infrared grills available today.
The Stand-Out Infrared Grills in the Market Today
Alright folks, now let’s dive into some of the best infrared grills out there right now. We’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill grills, these are the real deal. They might be cast iron, they might be stainless steel, doesn’t matter. We’re focusing on performance, quality, and those neat extras. Once you get a sneak peek of these beauties, you’ll wish summer is all year round. So, tighten your apron, this is going to be a sizzling ride.
1. Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 Infrared Gas Grill
Look no further than the Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 Infrared Gas Grill when you’re ready to elevate your outdoor kitchen game. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, hamburger-flipping grill.
Key Features
If anyone’s hankering for a drop-dead fantastic and dandy outdoor kitchen, the Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 Infrared Gas Grill should be at the top of their list. The Napoleon Prestige 500 is the real deal, with its 500 square inches of cooking space, versatile abilities, and advanced features. It can grill, sear, bake, smoke, and roast, handling just about anything you throw its way. It even has a well-insulated lid which keeps the heat in when closed, enabling you to use this grill as a smoker. For grilling, that lid folds right out of the way, offering convenience and efficiency. This grill also features a powerful 18,000 BTU rear infrared burner and a 14,000 BTU infrared side burner, perfect for high-temperature searing. Plus, its sear plates can reach a staggering 1800°F, making it a perfect choice for those who love a good sear on their meat. However, note that not all burners on this grill are infrared.
- 500 square inches of cooking space
- Well-insulated lid
- Grill, sear, bake, smoke, and roast capabilities
- Includes rear infrared burner and rotisserie
- 14,000 BTU infrared side burner
- Sear plates can reach 1800°F
- Not the cheapest option on the block
- Not all burners are infrared
2. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 450 3-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
For those who frequently host large barbecues, the Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 450 3-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill is an ideal choice. It’s a grill that means business. With its spacious cooking space, solid construction, and guarantee of even grilling, this contraption will surely elevate your BBQ game.
Key Features
This Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 450 3-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill has some unique features that can knock your socks off. First, it’s based on TRU-Infrared technology. That’s fancy talk for saying it uses metallic searing plates right under the grilling grates. These plates do a great job of spreading heat all around your cooking surface. It’s also got a cooking area, around 500 square feet. That means you can cook food for a dozen people and still have room for more, enough to cook approximately 10 burgers at a time.
- Compact size for easy portability, perfect for camping trips or tailgating parties
- High-quality stainless steel construction for durability and longevity
- Exceptional heating capabilities
- Keeps food juicy and flavorful with less oil, replicating the charcoal-grilled taste
- The small cooking surface may not be ideal for larger gatherings
- Its portable size may limit the number of culinary creations
3. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill
Measuring a compact 20 x 8.2 x 13 inches, the Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill brings you the best of both worlds, combining exceptional performance and convenience. Its standout feature is its portability. It’s one of those portable infrared grills that’s perfect for camping trips or a lovely day at the beach. It ensures an even heat every time, so you won’t have to worry about burnt edges or raw middles.
Key Features
Boasting a portable design, this grill is made from high-quality, durable stainless steel. Despite its compact design, this grill has a 140-square-inch grilling area, enough to feed your hungry crew. When it comes to power, the Solaire packs 14,000 BTUs, ensuring power and even cooking. And to sweeten the deal, there’s an included carrying bag and a drip tray for easy clean-up after your barbecue party. Moreover, it is designed with a push-button rapid-spark ignition for easy start-up.
- Portable design perfect for on-the-go grilling
- Powerful 14,000 BTU output for efficient heating
- High-quality stainless steel construction for durability
- Includes a handy carrying bag and drip tray for convenience
- Cleaning can be a bit of a challenge
- More expensive
Features to Keep in Mind When Choosing the Best Infrared Grills
Finding the perfect infrared grill is a bit like hunting for the perfect pair of shoes. It’s got to fit, feel right, and most importantly, look good on your patio! But there’s a whole lot more to consider when it comes to selecting the best-infrared grills. You need to look at things like burner count, BTU level, and cooking surface area. And don’t forget about ease of maintenance and portability! Plus, always check if the grill has some extra features, like a side burner. Trust me, having the ability to cook at different temperatures at the same time can be a real game-changer for your BBQ sessions.
Burner Count and BTU Level
When choosing an infrared grill, one should pay attention to the burner count and BTU level. Burners are where the magic happens, they are the heart of the grill. As for BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit, it’s a measure of heat output. The greater the BTUs, the more heat a grill can produce. Though infrared grills don’t need as many BTUs as gas or charcoal grills, they should still pack a punch. A good grill should have at least 8,000 BTUs. With infrared cooking, however, just having high BTUs isn’t enough. It’s important that it provides even heat distribution across the grill grates. This is crucial for avoiding flare-ups and other cooking mishaps.
Cooking Surface Area
The size of the cooking surface is another important feature when selecting an infrared grill. It’s a straightforward relation, the bigger the surface, the larger the grill. This should be decided based on how many folks you usually cook for. If you’re one to frequently host large gatherings, a grill with a bigger surface area would be the best fit. But don’t make the mistake of assuming that just because a grill has a large cooking surface, means it can’t be portable. Some grills offer a sizeable cooking surface and are still easy to lug around.
Temperature Capabilities
Temperature control in grilling is similar to pacing in boxing, it decides the match. Infrared grills reach knockout-high temperatures rather quickly. This makes them a great fit for searing steaks and other meats to perfection. But a versatile grill should also have a low and slow cooking mode, necessary for a particular variety of foods.
Body Material
The grill’s body material plays a key role in the grill’s durability and performance. In the grilling world, stainless steel construction is the heavyweight champion. It withstands the high temperatures produced by infrared grills and doesn’t flinch. Ever. It’s robust, like an undefeated boxer, and stainless steel sear plates and grill grates ensure excellent heat distribution, giving that perfect sear mark on your food.
Ease of Maintenance
The easier the grill is to maintain, the longer it’ll serve you. Stainless steel and porcelain-coated grills can take the heat and are also easy to clean. They won’t rust, promising you a long-lasting companion for your BBQ parties. With such grills, you won’t have to spend hours in maintenance.
Portability and Additional Features
When it comes to grilling, let’s not forget about the other extras. Some grills, for instance, come packed with a rotisserie kit. This gadget expands your grilling options beyond just burgers and hotdogs. Fancy a perfectly roasted, juicy chicken for your Sunday barbeque? The rotisserie kit has got you covered. And what about a warming rack? This feature is really something to consider; it can keep your food warm while you’re grilling the rest. No one wants a cold burger. Some models even include an infrared side burner, perfect for sautéing veggies or simmering sauces. Just be sure to check if a protective cover is included for your grill. It keeps your grill safe from rain, and snow, you name it when you’re not using it. The more features a grill has, the more it lets you experiment with your cooking.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Infrared Grill Experience
To get the most out of your infrared grill, there are several practical tips you can follow. One of the prime features of infrared grills is their ability to reach high temperatures swiftly. Due to the intense heat, food on an infrared grill cooks faster than on traditional grills. So, stay vigilant! No one wants their food overcooked. Also, when grilling delicate items like fish and vegetables, consider using a grill basket to protect them from the intense heat.
Lastly, upkeep is important. Ensure you’re cleaning your grill regularly for the best results. Room to cook is one thing, but a clean cooking surface can make all the difference between a good BBQ and a great BBQ. After each use, let the grill cool down, then clean the grates and burner with a grill brush. Periodically, deep clean your grill by removing the grates and burner and cleaning them thoroughly.
Addressing Common Queries About Infrared Grills
1. Is an infrared grill worth the investment?
Well, it depends on what you’re after. If you’re someone who loves to grill up a storm, there’s a good chance you’ll find an infrared grill to be a worthy investment. With the ability to heat up in a flash and provide evenly distributed heat, these grills are a game-changer. The best-infrared grills on the market today give you more control over your cooking, leading to tastier and juicier food. So, if that’s what’s on your menu, it might just be worth the coin.
2. Who are infrared grills best suited for?
Infrared grills are the right choice for anyone who loves a good BBQ. But they’re especially suited for grilling enthusiasts who are always on the lookout for high-heat cooking. If you’re one of those folks who just love searing your steaks and burgers to perfection, infrared grills are your best bet. They’re also a perfect fit for those who value efficiency in their grilling, as these grills heat up and cook food faster than traditional ones.
3. Any notable disadvantages of infrared grills?
The power and efficiency of these grills can be a double-edged sword. Their ability to reach high temperatures quickly is a boon for searing meats, but it also makes them less suitable for low-temperature cooking, such as slow-roasting or smoking. Furthermore, an infrared grill’s fuel efficiency can lead to less flavor infusion from the fuel source, which some barbecue enthusiasts might miss.
4. Are infrared grills safe to use?
One thing’s for sure, these grills are designed with safety in mind. They’re equipped with safety features that prevent the big bad wolf, also known as “uncontrolled flames,” from causing havoc. But, just because it’s safe, doesn’t mean you leave common sense at the back door. Like any grill or heat-producing appliance, always exercise caution. Don’t let the kiddos run around it, don’t try to move the grill when it’s hot, and certainly don’t try to fix a burnt sausage with a fire extinguisher. Just remember: a dose of caution can prevent a heap of trouble.
Rounding Up: Your Doorway to Elevated BBQ Experiences
Getting your hands on an infrared grill is like unlocking a whole new level in the game of BBQ. The journey to finding the perfect infrared grill for your BBQ needs can be a thrilling one. Armed with the right knowledge, you can now select a grill that elevates your culinary adventures, whether it’s a gas grill with a side burner or one with infrared grates. The secret to a memorable BBQ lies not just in the ingredients and recipes, but also in the tools you use to bring those flavors to life. Now that’s what we’re talking about when we say elevated BBQ experiences, folks!
Greetings! We’re an impassioned mother and son duo dedicated to sharing our love for American football. Our journey led us to craft FootballFanFavorites.com, where we unite fellow fans in celebration of the NFL and college football. Game day get-togethers, touchdown moments, and the thrill of being a fan – that’s what drives us. Join us on this exhilarating adventure, and let’s transform your football experiences into enduring memories.
