Reviewing Small Infrared Grills


Our review process

Selecting a grill can be a long process. It can be overwhelming if you don't know exactly what you're looking for. Luckily for you, we've spent many hours gathering and analyzing information on more than 1,300 different grills and also looked at 89 data specifications for each one so that you won't have to look any further. Out of these grills, we then took another look at 56 small infrared grills using our progressive AI technology. The following article will show you all the advantages and disadvantages and show you some of the more relevant information our research focused on, such as body construction and fuel type.

Before deciding on your new small infrared grill, we think there are some things you'll want to know about. Infrared burners need less fuel than conventional grills, making them more energy efficient. With radiant heat technology, these burners will transmit sufficient heat to properly grill steak and other meat. They distribute heat evenly, reducing the unpredictable flare-ups often associated with non-infrared grills. These grills use high intensity heat, so you can sear meat, fish, and any other food of your choice. The burners heat up quickly, saving you time cooking. They are capable of typically achieving up to 1200-1400 degrees Fahrenheit to effortlessly grill our favorite dishes in no time without constant attention and concentration. These burners use uniform heating, making them excellent for equal heat distribution. However, infrared grills lack a low-temperature setting, making them less ideal for cooking vegetable and fish recipes. They are ideal for the whole family, giving you plenty of room to cook your meals with comfort and space. Small grills usually have two burners, ensuring that food can simultaneously sear at high temperatures and slow cook at low temperatures. They are no hassle to transport, which will allow you to place them anywhere in your patio.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandGrill TypeFuel TypeBody ConstructionCooking Area
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-LP-PED 27" Propane Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-LP-PED 27" Propane Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Solaire
covered grill
propane gas
stainless steel
473 sq. in.
Runner Up
2
An image of Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill
Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill
Char-Broil
kettle grill
gas
stainless steel
320 sq. in.
Best Affordable Option
3
An image of Solaire SOL-IR17B Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill
Solaire SOL-IR17B Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill
Solaire
covered grill
propane gas
stainless steel
155 sq. in.
Best Durable Option
4
An image of Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-NG 27" Natural Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-NG 27" Natural Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill
Solaire
covered grill
natural gas
stainless steel
473 sq. in.
Best Portable Grill
5
An image of Solaire SOL-IR17M Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill
Solaire SOL-IR17M Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill
Solaire
covered grill
propane gas
stainless steel
155 sq. in.
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Solaire
Grill Type
covered grill
Fuel Type
propane gas
Body Construction
stainless steel
Cooking Area
473 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Broil
Grill Type
kettle grill
Fuel Type
gas
Body Construction
stainless steel
Cooking Area
320 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Solaire
Grill Type
covered grill
Fuel Type
propane gas
Body Construction
stainless steel
Cooking Area
155 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Solaire
Grill Type
covered grill
Fuel Type
natural gas
Body Construction
stainless steel
Cooking Area
473 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Solaire
Grill Type
covered grill
Fuel Type
propane gas
Body Construction
stainless steel
Cooking Area
155 sq. in.
Best Overall Score
An image of Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-LP-PED 27" Propane Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill

Enjoy your time barbecuing by using the Solaire Propane Gas Covered Grill. This Solaire grill features folding side shelves, so you can enjoy extra work space. Designed to keep your barbecue tightly sealed, it is equipped with a stay-cool rotating handle with knurled grip, so you can avoid burning your hands when the grill is heating. It features two large stainless steel main burners, so it can utilize both direct and indirect heat simultaneously to create a two-zone cooking area. With a stainless steel warming rack, it is great for keeping cooked food from getting cold. Made with a high-end infrared burner, this grill can reach higher temperatures and cook food faster than conventional burners. It has a freestanding design, which saves space, providing you with greater flexibility and freedom in your outdoor kitchen.

This propane gas grill distributes consistent heat across the cooking area to minimize grill flare-ups. This weather-resistant propane grill is suitable for both patio barbecues and outdoor parties. This grill has a push-button ignition, so you can turn it on with ease and get cooking. It features black phenolic knobs, which give you full control over your grill's temperature. It is designed with a removable burner, helping to make cleanup a quick and hassle-free process.

    Pros
    • Features an infrared burner, offering access to higher levels of heat while you cook
    • Push-button ignition allows you to start your propane gas grill effortlessly
    • Stainless steel warming rack helps keep food from getting cold without it overcooking
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners become harder to move once you have set it up
    • Stainless steel construction doesn't retain heat as well as cast iron
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
Runner Up
An image of Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill

Improve your grilling experience with the help of the Char-Broil Gas Kettle Grill. This gas grill comes with a warming rack, which allows you to keep your prepared food at the ideal temperature while you continue barbecuing. It features infrared burners, which reach higher temperatures while you grill your food. Equipped with a freestanding design, it provides greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor dining area. This stainless steel grill is highly resilient and durable in harsh elements. This kettle grill features an electronic ignition to make lighting your gas grill as easy as possible with a simple push of a button. It requires gas, heating food quickly.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel design is incredibly resistant to corrosion and rust
    • Electronic ignition allows you to start your gas grill effortlessly
    • Features a warming rack to keep your food at the perfect temperature
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners are not ideal if you are attempting to cook something "low and slow"
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Features a stainless steel grill grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
Best Affordable Option
An image of Solaire SOL-IR17B Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill

If you enjoy the feeling of controlling a professional barbecue, consider investing in the Solaire Propane Gas Covered Grill. This grill features efficient infrared burners, which reach higher temperatures while cooking food. Fueled by propane gas, it distributes consistent heat across the cooking area to reduce grill flare-ups. It features a push-button rapid-spark electronic ignition, letting you easily start up your grill. This grill has a portable design, which makes it great for weekend trips.

    Pros
    • Uses an efficient infrared burner, offering access to high-intensity heat when grilling and searing
    • Features a push-button rapid-spark electronic ignition, helping you easily light your grill
    • Stainless steel construction is incredibly resistant to corrosion and rust
    Cons
    • Infrared burners become difficult to move once you have set it up
    • Stainless steel design tends to fade with extended use
    • Features a stainless steel cooking grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
Best Durable Option
An image of Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-NG 27" Natural Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill

Host outstanding dinner parties with the help of the Solaire Natural Gas Covered Grill. This grill has a push-button ignition, so you can turn it on with ease and get cooking. It features efficient infrared burners, which will give you access to higher levels of heat while grilling your food. Equipped with a stainless steel warming rack, it is perfect for preventing cooked food from getting cold until you are ready to eat. This Solaire grill features a stay-cool rotating handle with knurled grip to keep your barbecue tightly sealed. It uses black phenolic knobs, so you can set your grill to the desired temperature to ensure that each piece of meat is perfectly cooked. Using natural gas, it is great for providing a greener alternative for all your barbecuing needs. It is designed with two burners, so it can utilize both direct and indirect heat to create a two-zone cooking area. This Solaire grill has a built-in design, making it the ideal addition to any permanent outdoor kitchen space.

    Pros
    • Infrared burner can reach higher temperatures and cook food quickly
    • Push-button ignition makes lighting your grill quick and simple
    • Stainless steel warming rack helps keep food hot
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners are not ideal if you are trying to cook something "low and slow"
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
Best Portable Grill
An image of Solaire SOL-IR17M Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill

For the perfect combination of functionality and practicality, consider the Solaire Propane Gas Covered Grill. This grill has a portable design, which makes it excellent for weekend trips. With an efficient infrared burner, it gives you access to higher levels of heat when you cook your food. It features a push-button ignition, letting you quickly light your grill. Fueled by propane gas, it distributes heat evenly across the grill for consistent results every time.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel design is highly resistant to corrosion and rust
    • Push-button ignition provides you with an easy way to light your barbecue
    • Infrared burner can reach high temperatures and cook food quickly
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners become difficult to move once you have set it up
    • Stainless steel construction doesn't retain heat as well as cast iron
    • Includes a stainless steel grill grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
Additional Picks
An image of Nexgrill Propane Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Infrared Covered Grill

Cook delicious meals for the entire family with the Nexgrill Propane Gas Covered Grill. This grill has an upper-level warming rack to keep food hot. It has two large stainless steel main burners, so you can enjoy greater flexibility while cooking. Built with an infrared burner, it gives you access to high-intensity heat when you grill your food. With a freestanding design, it offers greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor dining space. This grill features folding side shelves, which add convenience to the grilling process. It is fueled by propane gas, distributing heat evenly across the cooking surface.

    Pros
    • Uses an infrared burner, letting you grill or sear meat at high temperature levels
    • Features an upper-level warming rack to keep food hot
    • Stainless steel construction is incredibly resistant to corrosion and rust
    Cons
    • Infrared burners become difficult to move once you have set it up
    • Stainless steel construction doesn't retain heat as well as cast iron
    • Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate won't let you sear any food items
An image of TEC GSRLPFR+GSPED G-Sport Propane Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill

Enjoy your favorite barbecue recipes with the TEC G-Sport Propane Gas Covered Grill. This TEC grill has a freestanding design, allowing you to move it out of the way to save space when it's not in use. Featuring an infrared burner, it gives you access to high-intensity heat when you grill your food. Using propane gas, it distributes consistent heat across the cooking area to reduce grill flare-ups.

    Pros
    • Uses an infrared burner, giving you access to higher levels of heat while grilling and searing
    • Stainless steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion and dust
    • Propane gas locks in juices to ensure tender and flavor-packed results
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners are not ideal if you are trying to cook something on a low temperature
    • Stainless steel design limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Uses propane gas, costing more than a grill that needs charcoal
An image of Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-LP-IGP 27" Propane Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill

Enjoy a perfect barbecuing experience with the help of the Solaire Propane Gas Covered Grill. This grill uses black phenolic knobs, so you can easily control the temperature. Featuring a stainless steel warming rack, it is ideal for keeping food from getting cold. It is equipped with a push-button ignition, so you can simply and easily light it. This grill has infrared burners, which reach higher temperatures while cooking your food. It is designed with a stay-cool rotating handle with knurled grip to keep your grill securely closed.

This grill has a removable burner, helping to make cleanup a hassle-free process. It features two stainless steel burners, allowing you to combine the power of both direct and indirect heating to create a two-zone cooking area. Designed to provide extra working area, it is fitted with folding side shelves, so you can prepare your meal next to the grill. Fueled by propane gas, it distributes consistent heat across the cooking surface to minimize grill flare-ups. It has a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to push it out of the way while you are using your deck. This weather-resistant freestanding grill is suitable for both backyard cookouts and winter parties.

    Pros
    • Utilizes an efficient infrared burner, offering access to high-intensity heat while you cook
    • Push-button ignition allows you to ignite your propane gas grill effortlessly
    • Features a stainless steel warming rack designed to keep your food hot
    Cons
    • Infrared burners are not ideal if you are attempting to cook something slowly
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat movement, affecting your food
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting messy easily and requires intense cleaning
An image of Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-NG-BDP 27" Natural Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill

Rely on the Solaire Natural Gas Covered Grill for a delicious barbecue experience you can share with your family and friends. This grill is built with an infrared burner, offering access to high-intensity heat while cooking. It features a push-button ignition, helping you easily start up your grill. Featuring a stainless steel warming rack, it is great for keeping cooked food from getting cold. It uses black phenolic knobs, helping you set your grill to the ideal temperature every time you cook. This stainless steel grill has a stay-cool rotating handle with knurled grip to keep your barbecue tightly sealed.

This natural gas grill ensures that heat is consistently distributed over the grill for a more accurate cooking temperature. Equipped with a freestanding design, this grill offers greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor cooking area. This weather-resistant Solaire grill is perfect for both backyard cookouts and winter parties. It has a removable burner, making cleanup hassle-free. Produce the indirect and direct heat needed to create a two-zone cooking area with this Solaire grill's two large stainless steel main burners. It is designed with folding side shelves to offer an expanded work space.

    Pros
    • Features an infrared burner, offering access to high-intensity heat when grilling and searing
    • Push-button ignition makes lighting your natural gas grill quick and simple
    • Equipped with a stainless steel warming rack to keep food at the perfect temperature
    Cons
    • Utilizes an infrared burner, working best on steaks and are not as good for vegetables or chicken
    • Stainless steel design tends to lose its color over time
    • Includes a stainless steel grill grate, getting messy easily and requires intense cleaning
An image of Solaire SOL-AGBQ-27GIR-NG-PED 27" Natural Gas Stainless Steel Covered Grill

Host excellent summer parties by using the Solaire Natural Gas Covered Grill. Equipped with a stainless steel warming rack, this Solaire grill is great for keeping prepared food from getting cold. It features a stay-cool rotating handle with knurled grip to keep your grill securely closed. This freestanding grill has a push-button ignition, enabling you to easily start up your barbecue. Featuring an infrared burner, it gives you access to higher levels of heat while you cook your food.

This covered grill has a freestanding design, which saves space, providing you with greater flexibility in your outdoor kitchen. Fueled by natural gas, it is excellent for reducing unnecessary waste and exposure to harmful emissions, such as carbon dioxide. By utilizing two burners, this freestanding grill allows you to use the indirect and direct heat needed to create a two-zone cooking area. It is equipped with folding side shelves to provide extra surface space.

    Pros
    • Utilizes an efficient infrared burner, offering access to higher levels of heat when you cook
    • Push-button ignition ignites the grill quickly
    • Stainless steel warming rack helps keep food hot without it overcooking
    Cons
    • Infrared burners work best on steaks and are not as good for vegetables or chicken
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Features a stainless steel grill grate, getting messy easily and requires intense cleaning
If You Still Need Help Making Your Choice, Here's Some Additional Information About the Small Infrared Grills Available:
Choosing the Right Kind of Small Infrared Grill
Stainless Steel Grills

There is one small infrared grill with a stainless steel design. With excellent corrosion resistant, stainless steel grills will stay in great condition for long-term use. Built with weather-resistant materials, they will stand up to rough conditions. They are bacteria-resistant, ensuring that your food will not be contaminated while you're cooking. Stainless steel grills are easy to clean, saving you time dealing with messy spills and leftover residue. However, they aren't great at retaining heat, so they are harder to keep hot as opposed to cast iron grills, which can reach and maintain incredibly high temperatures. Check out this small infrared grill that we picked.

Cast Aluminum Grills

If you want an idea of a great small infrared grill with a cast aluminum design, you can get started here. Cast aluminum grills feature rust-proof materials to endure long-term use. They can withstand severe weather conditions, so they can endure long-term use without deteriorating. Featuring excellent heat retention, they stay at a proper cooking temperature for extended periods of time.

Find Out What Kind of Cooking Grates You Need for Your Small Infrared Grill
Grills with Stainless Steel Grates

With four small infrared grills with a stainless steel grate design, there's lots to know about what makes them unique. Manufactured with anti-corrosion materials, stainless steel grates provide long-term durability even after repeated use. The grates are built with heat retentive materials, reducing the fuel required while cooking. They are simple to clean, so most standard grill brushes should be able to do the job. With a non-stick coating, they will prevent meat from sticking to the grate after cooking. They feature a low maintenance build, so it won't be a hassle to make sure that they stay in great condition over time. Now that you're feeling more confident about stainless steel grates, check out this highly-rated small infrared grill.

Grills with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates

If you want a small infrared grill with a porcelain-enameled cast iron grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates have heat retention technology, delivering a perfectly cooked meal in no time. These grates have a high-quality design, delivering superior grilling, and easier maintenance. They have a non-stick finish, so you can easily remove grease and residue after you are done grilling. Something to keep in mind is that they require a good amount of maintenance since they can rust and corrode easily if they're not oiled before use and need to be cleaned immediately after.

Differentiating Between Grill Types for Small Infrared Grills
Covered Grills

The following will help you narrow down what to focus on when considering covered grills. You can check out this small infrared grill if these kinds of grills are what you need. Covered grills have even temperature circulation, so they will maintain the proper texture and consistency of your food while the lid is closed. They have ventilated heat regulation, enabling you to grill meat or seafood at a precise temperature without it overcooking or burning. With a larger surface and flame for grilling multiple food items simultaneously, they are perfect for making a whole meal for a large, hungry crowd.

Kettle Grills

The following guide will help you narrow down what to keep in mind when considering kettle grills. You can check out this small infrared grill if these kinds of grills are what you think you need. Kettle grills feature ventilated heat regulation to ensure that combustion stays at a consistent level. They have even temperature distribution, so that you can achieve the perfect consistency of your meat, vegetables, or seafood dishes. They have a round or oval shape, channeling heat inwards to grill food at a faster rate.