Best Portable Infrared Grills


Our review process

Selecting a grill is no easy task. It can quickly escalate into an overwhelming choice. Luckily for you, we've already put together and analyzed information on over 1,300 different grills and also looked at 89 data parameters for each one so that you won't have to look any further. Out of these grills, we then took another look at five portable infrared grills using our leading artificial intelligence algorithm. The following article will break down the advantages and disadvantages of the five grills mentioned above and show you some of the more relevant information our research focused on, such as dimensions and body construction.

Looking for something portable? Choose a portable infrared grill. Portable grills are compact, so you can make more space of your backyard or porch area during the off-season. They have internal storage units, making them great for keeping all barbecuing utensils in one handy area. However, they have a lower burner power, so it takes more time to prepare food with them. Also, they often don't feature safety mechanisms, so if you decide to get one, it's a good idea to read up on proper use.

Infrared burners require less fuel than traditional grills, reducing traditional preheating time. These burners distribute heat evenly, which lowers the unpredictable flare-ups often associated with non-infrared grills. They produce radiant heat to transfer intense heat for searing your meat. With a speedy warming time, they will save time when you're grilling. These grills use high intensity heat, which will preserve juice and flavor of your seared food. The burners are able to typically achieving up to 1200-1400 degrees Fahrenheit to produce delicious aromas and flavors perfect for meat. They have standardized heating, making them excellent for balanced heat distribution. However, infrared grills lack a low-temperature setting, so if you're planning to mainly use your grill for vegetables and fish, they aren't the best choice.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandGrill TypeFuel TypeBurner MaterialCooking Area
Best Overall Score
1
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
ceramic
155 sq. in.
Runner Up
2
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
ceramic
155 sq. in.
Best Durable Option
3
An image of Profire Grills Professional 27" Liquid Propane Stainless Steel Portable Rotisserie Grill
Profire Grills Professional 27" Liquid Propane Stainless Steel Portable Rotisserie Grill
Profire Grills
rotisserie grill
liquid propane
stainless steel
525 sq. in.
4
An image of TEC CHFRLP Cherokee Liquid Propane Portable Covered Grill
TEC CHFRLP Cherokee Liquid Propane Portable Covered Grill
TEC
covered grill
liquid propane
stainless steel
201 sq. in.
5
An image of Char-Broil 463371116P1 Performance Propane Gas Portable Covered Grill
Char-Broil 463371116P1 Performance Propane Gas Portable Covered Grill
Char-Broil
covered grill
propane gas
450 sq. in.
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Solaire
Grill Type
covered grill
Fuel Type
propane gas
Burner Material
ceramic
Cooking Area
155 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Solaire
Grill Type
covered grill
Fuel Type
propane gas
Burner Material
ceramic
Cooking Area
155 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Profire Grills
Grill Type
rotisserie grill
Fuel Type
liquid propane
Burner Material
stainless steel
Cooking Area
525 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
TEC
Grill Type
covered grill
Fuel Type
liquid propane
Burner Material
stainless steel
Cooking Area
201 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Broil
Grill Type
covered grill
Fuel Type
propane gas
Burner Material
Cooking Area
450 sq. in.
Best Overall Score
An image of Solaire SOL-IR17B Propane Gas Stainless Steel Portable Covered Grill

Transform your barbecuing experience by using the Solaire Propane Gas Covered Grill. This grill features a push-button rapid-spark electronic ignition, so you can turn it on with ease and get cooking. With infrared burners, it gives you access to high-intensity heat while you cook your food. It uses propane gas, which utilizes a strong heat-source, so you can be sure the meat will be cooked to perfection every time. This grill features a portable design, which makes it excellent for camping or hosting parties.

    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
Runner Up
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 has a push-button ignition, helping you easily start up 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
Best Durable Option
An image of Profire Grills Professional 27" Liquid Propane Stainless Steel Portable Rotisserie Grill

Make the tastiest home-grilled meals with the Profire Grills Professional Liquid Propane Rotisserie Grill. This liquid propane grill distributes heat across the cooking area and allows for easy temperature control. This grill has a portable design, which makes it great for weekend trips. It has a spark igniter, letting you easily light your grill. Featuring a smoker add-on, this propane grill allows you to slow-cook your favorite foods, providing a distinct smoky flavor. This stainless steel grill offers superior industrial strength and durability. It has a rotisserie burner, so you can grill a full roast with ease. With a rear infrared burner, it can generate high temperatures for searing steaks, burgers, and vegetables. This portable grill has a dual purpose thermometer to maintain the ideal temperature for all of your cooking needs.

    Pros
    • Features an efficient infrared burner, letting you grill or sear meat at high temperature levels
    • Spark igniter ignites the grill quickly
    • Equipped with a smoker add-on for incredibly juicy results with a deep, slow-cooked taste
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners are not ideal if you are attempting to cook something "low and slow"
    • Stainless steel construction tends to lose its color with extended use
    • Features a stainless steel grill grate, getting messy easily and requires intense cleaning
Additional Picks
An image of TEC CHFRLP Cherokee Liquid Propane Portable Covered Grill

Are you a fan of hosting great barbecues? Think about the TEC Cherokee Liquid Propane Covered Grill for an authentic barbecuing experience. This liquid propane grill can reach its maximum temperature in less than 15 minutes, so you can get started right away. This grill features a portable design, which makes it ideal for weekend trips. It has a push button battery ignition, so you can turn it on with ease and get cooking. It features infrared burners, which can reach higher temperatures and cook food quickly. This grill has self-cleaning technology, which cleans the grill by elevating its internal temperature.

    Pros
    • Push button battery ignition makes lighting your grill quick and easy
    • Utilizes an efficient infrared burner, offering access to higher levels of heat while grilling and searing
    • Liquid propane heats food quickly and is easy to use for your convenience
    Cons
    • Features an infrared burner, working best on steaks and are not as good for vegetables or chicken
    • Push button battery ignition loses its functionality quickly if it gets too dirty
    • Liquid propane is not great for slow cooking or for smoking BBQ
An image of Char-Broil 463371116P1 Performance Propane Gas Portable Covered Grill

Enjoy every barbecuing experience with the Char-Broil Performance Propane Gas Covered Grill. With two large wheels, this portable grill is excellent for hosting, camping, or picnics. It is made with a portable design, so you can easily bring it for tailgating parties. This portable grill is built with an infrared burner and features a side burner, so you can cook side dishes while you grill meat. Equipped with a porcelain-coated warming rack, it is perfect for preventing prepared food from getting cold until you are ready to eat. It has three burners, so it can utilize both direct and indirect heat simultaneously to create a two-zone cooking area. This portable grill features a Surefire electronic ignition, so you can quickly start up your barbecue. This propane gas grill distributes consistent heat across the cooking area to reduce grill flare-ups. It has a mounted temperature gauge, so you can always be aware of the temperature of the grill in order to achieve perfect results each and every time.

    Pros
    • Uses an efficient infrared burner, letting you grill or sear meat at high temperature levels
    • Surefire electronic ignition provides you with a quick and easy way to light your barbecue
    • Features a porcelain-coated warming rack designed to keep food hot
    Cons
    • Utilizes a high-end infrared burner, working best on steaks and are not as good for vegetables or chicken
    • Features a Surefire electronic ignition, losing its functionality quickly if it gets too dirty
    • Uses propane gas, costing more than a grill that utilizes charcoal
Everything You Should Know Prior to Purchasing a Portable Infrared Grill:
How Should Your Portable Infrared Grill Be Fueled?
Propane Gas Grills

Want to learn more about propane gas portable infrared grills? Continue reading the following paragraph to learn more about them. If you think that a propane gas portable infrared grill is what you want, then check out this grill. Propane grills allow you to control a consistent temperature, preventing under or over-cooked food. They can reach temperatures of 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that all your favorite meat is consistently cooked at the correct heat level. They have temperature control knobs, which make sure that your food is grilled to the perfect texture and consistency. These propane gas grills have a low maintenance design, ensuring that they remain in perfect condition with little upkeep required. They come with igniters, which allow you to easily start the grill without the use of a lighter or match. One downside is that they can run out of propane while you're cooking, so you'll need to have backup propane stored in order to finish cooking your food. Also, they have wide venting, so if you like the smoky flavor, these grills aren't the right choice for you.

Liquid Propane Grills

Want to learn more about liquid propane portable infrared grills? Continue reading the following paragraph to learn more about them. If you think that a liquid propane portable infrared grill is what you want, then check out this grill. Liquid propane grills warm up in seconds so that you can cook with little set up. They can reach temperatures ranging between 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that your favorite meat is gradually cooked at the correct temperature level. They feature temperature control dials, which allow you to easily control your flame while sizzling dishes. They maintain a steady temperature, maintaining a stable temperature throughout the grilling process for the best cooking results. Liquid propane grills are low maintenance, ensuring that they remain in great condition with little upkeep required. They are sold with igniters, designed for better monitoring of the flame. Something to consider is that they have wide venting, so if you like the smoky flavor, these grills aren't the right choice for you. On the other hand, liquid propane is more expensive than natural gas, making them a luxury, only to be considered if you're looking to make a permanent investment by adding an outdoor kitchen to your home.

Here's What's Important About Grill Type for Portable Infrared Grills
Rotisserie Grills

Think that rotisserie grills are right for you? Then check out this portable infrared grill after you finish reading about them. These rotisserie grills generally include a spike and motor, rotating and perfectly roasting your meat. They are generally wider than other grills, so you can entertain multiple guests and cook more meals at the same time. They preserve flavor and moisture due to the frequent rotation of the grill's interior, achieving only the best results. One downside is that they require a drip pan, so it's important to add some moisture to the pan since there is always the risk of the grease causing a flare-up.

Covered Grills

The following guide will help you narrow down what to focus on when considering covered grills. You can check out this portable infrared grill if these types of grills are what you're looking for. Covered grills have ventilated heat regulation to ensure that combustion remains at a safe level. They disperse heat at a consistent rate, so meat can be grilled to the ideal temperature while the lid is closed. With a larger flame and surface for grilling several food items simultaneously, they are perfect for making an entire meal for a large, hungry crowd.

Let's Talk About Cooking Space for Portable Infrared Grills
Under 500 Sq. Inch Grills

Want to learn more about less than 500 sq. in. grills? Well, keep reading the following section to learn more about portable infrared grills. Small grills provide enough space to cook for the whole family, offering you ample space to grill ideal portions. Ideal for simultaneously searing at high temperatures and slow cooking at low temperatures, they are usually designed with two burners, so you can simultaneously sear at high temperatures and slow cook at low temperatures. They are not difficult to move, enabling you to place them anywhere you want in your patio or yard. Interested in a less than 500 sq. in. grill? You might want to consider this one.

500-700 Sq. Inch Grills

Want to learn more about 500-700 sq. in. grills? Well, keep reading the following section to learn more about portable infrared grills. Medium-sized grills provide enough space to grill for the whole family so that you can prepare tasty food that will satisfy everyone. With these types of grills, you can cook up to 12 pieces of chicken, 15 sausages, 6 steaks, and 12 burgers at the same time. They typically have eight burners, so you'll have enough space to prepare different kinds of food simultaneously. They are built to operate at varying temperatures all at once, allowing you to simultaneously grill items at high temperatures while slow cooking others at lower heats. Now that you have this information about 500-700 sq. in. grills, check out this portable infrared grill if you think it could be what you need.