By Miles SinclairUpdated November 2026
A gas grill with infrared burners is built for people who want very high surface heat, fast searing and steakhouse-style crust without dragging out a charcoal chimney. Infrared burners heat a ceramic or metal plate that radiates heat downward onto the food, which tends to produce hotter grates and less flare-up than standard tube burners. The picks below were chosen by research: manufacturer specifications, brand reputation for infrared cooking, and recurring owner feedback about ignition, heat consistency and build quality. None of these are presented as results from our own testing. Selection criteria were: genuine infrared cooking zones, grate material and size, number of burners and total output, portability versus countertop or cart-style use, and how well each model suits a particular cooking style.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallCharbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill CabinetView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for searing steaksCook Restaurant-Quality Steak, Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station,View on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickVeralune 4 Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side BurnerView on Amazon - 4
Best for small patiosBIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas Grill, 21.2 inchView on Amazon - 5
Best for large cookoutsNapoleon Rogue PRO-S 425 3-Burner Propane Grill, Rear and Side Infrared BurnersView on Amazon - 6
Best for serious hostsNapoleon Rogue PRO 625 5-Burner Natural Gas Grill with Infrared Side BurnerView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Cabinet Grill | Everyday family cooking with infrared searing | Amplifire infrared technology and side burner |
| Cook Restaurant-Quality Steak Sear Station | Dedicated steak searing | Very high infrared heat for fast crust |
| Veralune 4 Burner Gas Grill | Budget-conscious buyers wanting infrared | Infrared side burner and built-in thermometer |
| BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Grill | Small patios and balconies | Compact 21.2-inch footprint |
| Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 425 | Mid-size backyard cooking | Three burners with rear and side infrared burners |
| Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 | Large gatherings and frequent entertaining | Five burners, cast iron grates and infrared side burner |
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black – 463281024
Best for: Everyday family cooking with infrared searing
This is a cabinet-style grill suited to households that want one main grill for weeknight burgers, chicken and weekend steaks. The Amplifire infrared system gives a hotter, more even sear zone than standard tube burners, while the other burners handle lower-heat cooking.
Key specs:
- Four-burner propane configuration
- Amplifire infrared cooking technology
- Side burner included
- Cabinet base for storage
Pros:
- Infrared zone sears quickly without a separate searing appliance
- Cabinet design keeps tanks and tools out of sight
- Side burner adds room for sauces and sides
Cons:
- Cabinet frame takes up significant floor space
- Assembly is more involved than a freestanding cart grill
Bottom line: A strong pick for households that want a complete, everyday gas grill with a real infrared searing zone built in.
Cook Restaurant-Quality Steak Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station, BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill 1500°F, 16 inch
Cook Restaurant-Quality Steak, Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station, Outdoor Salamander BBQ, Stainless Steel BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill 1500°F in 3-5 Mins, 16 inch
Best for: Dedicated steak searing
This is a compact salamander-style broiler aimed at people who mainly want a steakhouse crust on steaks, chops or seafood. It works best as a specialty tool next to a main grill rather than as a full cookout station.
Key specs:
- Infrared propane heating, rated by the manufacturer up to 1500°F
- 16-inch cooking width
- Stainless steel construction
- Portable format
Pros:
- Very fast surface heat for a dark sear
- Small footprint fits on a side table or tailgate
- Good for thick cuts that need a finishing sear
Cons:
- Limited cooking area for crowds
- Not suited to low-and-slow or indirect cooking
Bottom line: Ideal for steak lovers who want a dedicated high-heat broiler to pair with an existing grill.
Veralune 4 Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner
Outdoor Cooking Grill, BBQ Propane Grill, Built-in Thermometer, 55,000 BTU, Enameled Cast-iron Grates, Cheer for World Cup Veralune 4 Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner, Side Shelves, Wheels
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting infrared
This four-burner grill targets buyers who want infrared searing and a larger cooking area without paying for premium brand finishes. The cast iron grates and built-in thermometer add practical value for the price class.
Key specs:
- Four main burners plus infrared side burner
- Enameled cast iron grates
- Built-in thermometer
- Side shelves and wheels
Pros:
- Good feature set for the money spent
- Cast iron grates hold heat well
- Side shelves give prep space
Cons:
- Owners often report that long-term build quality varies, so check hardware and warranty terms
- Brand support and parts availability are less established than major names
Bottom line: A sensible budget pick for buyers who want infrared and a roomy grill, as long as they check warranty coverage first.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas Grill, 21.2 inch
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas Grill – Portable Steak Broiler & Sear Station, Outdoor Salamander BBQ, Stainless Steel, 21.2 inch
Best for: Small patios and balconies
A compact infrared unit that fits where a full grill will not. It suits apartment dwellers and anyone with limited outdoor space who still wants restaurant-level searing.
Key specs:
- Infrared propane heating, rated by the manufacturer up to 1500°F
- 21.2-inch overall size
- Stainless steel body
Pros:
- Takes up very little space
- Fast preheat compared with full-size grills
- Strong sear on steaks and seafood
Cons:
- Small cooking surface limits batch size
- No lid, so it is less versatile for slow cooking
Bottom line: Best for compact outdoor spaces where searing matters more than capacity.
Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 425 3-Burner Propane Grill, Rear and Side Infrared Burners
Stainless Steel, 70,500 BTUs, 716in² Area, SafetyGlow Knobs, Folding Shelf, Stainless Steel Grates, Infrared Burners Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 425 3-Burner Propane Grill – Rear & Side Burner
Best for: Mid-size backyard cooking
A mid-range three-burner grill from a well-known brand, offering infrared burners alongside a rear burner for indirect cooking. It fits households that cook for four to six people regularly.
Key specs:
- Three main burners with infrared capability
- Rear and side infrared burners
- Stainless steel grates
- Folding shelf
Pros:
- Rear infrared burner enables both searing and indirect cooking
- Stainless grates are easy to scrape clean
- Established brand with broad parts support
Cons:
- Stainless grates retain less heat than cast iron
- Footprint is larger than a two-burner model
Bottom line: A solid all-round choice for mid-size backyards that want infrared and dependable brand support.
Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 5-Burner Natural Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner
Black, 74,000 BTUs, 988in² Area, Backlit Knobs, Folding Shelf, Cast Iron Grates, Locking Caster Wheels Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 5-Burner Natural Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner
Best for: Large gatherings and frequent entertaining
This five-burner unit targets hosts who cook for crowds and want wide zones for direct searing, indirect roasting and side-dish cooking at once.
Key specs:
- Five burners
- Infrared side burner
- Cast iron grates
- Locking caster wheels
- Backlit knobs and folding shelf
Pros:
- Large cooking area handles big batches
- Cast iron grates hold heat and sear well
- Locking casters make repositioning safer
Cons:
- Heavy and expensive to move once assembled
- Needs more patio or deck space than smaller models
Bottom line: The right pick for large families and frequent hosts who want maximum capacity and infrared searing in one unit.
Buying Guide
Burner Type and Infrared Coverage
Check whether the infrared feature is a dedicated sear zone, a side burner, or a rear burner. A true infrared zone reaches much higher surface temperatures than standard tube burners, which is what you want for steak crusts. Ask whether the infrared burner can be used with the lid closed and whether it heats evenly across the grate.
Good picks for this: Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology; Napoleon Rogue PRO 625
Total Heat Output and BTU Ratings
Manufacturers list total BTU output for the whole grill, but that number alone does not show how hot the infrared zone gets. Use BTU as a rough guide to overall power, then rely on stated surface temperatures for the sear zone. Compare BTU figures only between grills of similar size.
Good picks for this: Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 425; Napoleon Rogue PRO 625
Grate Material
Cast iron grates hold heat and build good sear marks but need seasoning and care. Stainless steel grates are easier to clean and resist rust, though they retain less heat. Enameled cast iron offers a middle ground. Choose based on how often you plan to clean and how much you value heat retention.
Good picks for this: Veralune 4 Burner Gas Grill; Napoleon Rogue PRO 625
Size, Cooking Area and Footprint
Measure your patio or deck before buying. A 21-inch grill fits a balcony, while a five-burner unit needs room for the lid to open and for prep space on each side. Count how many people you usually cook for and plan roughly 60 to 70 square inches of primary grate per four people as a practical rule of thumb.
Good picks for this: BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas Grill; Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Cabinet
Portability Versus Permanent Setup
Portable infrared units suit tailgates and small balconies but offer limited cooking surface. Cart and cabinet grills stay put and offer more storage and stability. Consider how often you will move the grill and whether you have a stable surface for a heavy unit.
Good picks for this: Cook Restaurant-Quality Steak Sear Station; BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas Grill
Build Quality and Warranty
Look at firebox thickness, burner material, ignition reliability and the length and scope of the warranty. Owners frequently report that lid hinges, igniters and burner tubes are the parts that wear first, so check whether replacement parts are easy to source. Brand reputation and parts availability matter more over the long term than headline features.
Good picks for this: Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 425; Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology
Care and Maintenance
Infrared burners and their radiant plates need periodic cleaning to avoid grease buildup, which affects heat distribution. Empty the grease tray after each cook, brush the grates while warm, and check the burner ports for blockages at least once a season. Store the grill covered when not in use.
Good picks for this: Napoleon Rogue PRO 625; Veralune 4 Burner Gas Grill
FAQ
What is a gas grill with infrared burners?
It is a gas grill with one or more burners that heat a radiant plate or ceramic surface, which then emits infrared heat onto the food. This produces very high surface temperatures and is commonly used for searing steaks and chops.
Is infrared better than a standard gas burner?
For searing, infrared usually reaches higher surface temperatures and browns food faster. For slow cooking or indirect roasting, standard burners and a lid are often more practical. Many buyers choose a grill with both.
Do infrared gas grills cause more flare-ups?
Infrared zones tend to produce fewer flare-ups because the radiant surface is less exposed to dripping fat than open flames. Grease still needs to be managed, so keep the drip tray clean.
Are infrared burners harder to clean?
Radiant plates and burner ports can collect grease and debris. Clean them after cooking when the grill has cooled, and check the ports periodically. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for your specific model.
Can I use an infrared gas grill for slow cooking?
Dedicated infrared sear stations are not designed for low-and-slow work. Full grills with an infrared zone and standard burners can handle indirect cooking, but check that the lid seals well and that temperature control is accurate for longer cooks.
What size gas grill with infrared should I buy?
Match the size to how many people you cook for and how much space you have. Small compact units suit balconies and couples, while three to five burner models suit families and hosts.
Is a separate infrared steak broiler worth it?
If you mostly want steakhouse crusts and already own a main grill, a dedicated sear station can be a useful add-on. If you need one grill for everything, a full model with an infrared zone is usually more practical.
Conclusion
For a complete everyday grill with a real infrared zone, the Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology is a well-rounded starting point. Buyers focused on steak searing can consider the Cook Restaurant-Quality Steak Sear Station alongside a main grill. Those on a budget may look at the Veralune 4 Burner Gas Grill, provided they check warranty terms. For small patios, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Infrared Propane Gas Grill offers searing in a compact footprint. For mid-size backyards that want an established brand, the Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 425 fits well. Large families and frequent hosts will find the Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 most useful for capacity and cooking versatility.
For more on choosing between fuel types and grill formats, see Types of BBQ Grills: Charcoal, Gas, Pellet and Electric Explained and Gas Grill Buying Guide: Features, Fuel, and Performance. If you are weighing gas against charcoal for flavor and convenience, Charcoal vs Gas Grills: Flavor, Convenience, Cost and Safety covers those trade-offs. Owners of an existing model who need replacement components can find help in Parts for Char-Broil Gas Grill: 5 Best Replacement Picks (2026).
Sources
- Guidance on safe gas appliance use and combustion considerations for outdoor cooking equipment (energy.gov)
- Consumer safety recalls, product safety standards and tips for using gas grills safely (cpsc.gov)
About Miles Sinclair
Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our BBQ & grilling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
