Infrared grills offer a compromise for backyard cooks who want the precision temperature control of gas along with the high searing temperatures of charcoal. It does come at a price, however: Infrared grills are typically a lot more expensive than grills without this premium technology. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some decent models under $400. Although some are portable (and therefore smaller), a few are full-fledged grills that perform well and reach high searing temperatures. This roundup includes a top pick from Cheapism.com and even a charcoal grill with infrared technology — a rare find.
CHAR-BROIL KETTLEMAN TRU-INFRARED 22.5″ CHARCOAL GRILL
*Cheapism Top Pick* Infrared Grill Under $100 Price: $96 | Buy it on Amazon Features: 360 sq. in. cooking surface
This grill slightly lags the big-name competition on performance but compensates by using less charcoal, owing to its infrared technology.
CHAR-BROIL TRU-INFRARED GRILL2GO X200
Portable Infrared Grill Under $200 Price: $102 | Buy it on Amazon Features: 200 sq. in. cooking surface | 1 burner | 9,500 BTUs
Easy to carry around and made of heavy cast aluminum, which helps retain heat and prevent rusting, this infrared gas grill is just right for dedicated tailgaters.
CHAR-BROIL TRU-INFRARED PATIO BISTRO ELECTRIC GRILL 17602047
*Cheapism Reviewed* Electric Grill Under $200 Price: $200 | Buy it at Charbroil.com Features: 320 sq. in. cooking surface | 1,750 watts
With infrared technology, two side tables, and 320 square inches of cooking surface, this electric grill is a bit larger than most.
CHAR-BROIL PERFORMANCE TRU-INFRARED 3-BURNER GAS GRILL 463371116
Infrared Grill Under $200 Price: $162 | Buy it at Walmart Features: 600 sq. in. cooking surface | 3 burners + side burner | 24,000 BTUs main | 10,000 BTUs side
Infrared technology on a gas grill at this price is a rarity, but this slightly older model is a competent grill with a generous cooking area. Porcelain-coated grates make for easier cleanup, and the side burner is a plus.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS 5-BURNER GAS GRILL BH12-101-001-02
Infrared Grill Under $400 Price: $367 | Buy it at Walmart Features: 712 sq. in. cooking surface | 3 main burners, infrared sear burner, back burner, side burner | 32,000 BTUs main | 12,000 BTUs each additional burner
For infrared grilling performance to rival that of more expensive grills, this reasonably priced gas model features one infrared searing burner and five regular burners, as well as a rotisserie kit. Heat consistency is especially strong.
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SOLAIRE ANYWHERE SOL-IR17B
Portable Infrared Grill Under $400 Price: $389 | Buy it at Bbqguys.com Features: 155 sq. in. cooking surface | 1 burner | 14,000 BTUs
Outdoor types who don’t want to bother with charcoal can set up this infrared grill almost anywhere. At just 20 pounds, it’s easily portable, and the commercial-grade stainless steel construction will withstand the elements. It’s on the pricey side, but the quality is said to be excellent and all Solaire products are made in the United States.
MAGMA NEWPORT II INFRARED GOURMET SERIES GAS GRILL A10-918-2GS
Portable Infrared Grill for Boating Price: $400 | Buy it on Amazon Features: 162 sq. in. cooking surface | 1 burner | 11,200 BTUs
Heads up, boaters: This portable gas grill with infrared technology is made from marine-grade stainless steel and can link to on-board fuel systems.
CHAR-BROIL COMMERCIAL 4-BURNER GAS GRILL 463242716
Infrared Grill Under $500 Price: $499 | Buy it at Lowe’s Features: 725 sq. in. cooking surface | 4 burners + side burner | 32,000 BTUs main | 13,000 BTUs side
A four-burner infrared model from Char-Broil’s stepped-up Commercial line, this stainless-steel gas grill offers a large cooking area, closed cabinet, and fuel tank gauge.
