The Best Infrared Grill Under $500. Also, we included a detailed buying guide to ensure you make an informed decision.
Best Infrared Grill Under $500
1. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This is our top choice for the best infrared grill. This Grill2Go is a propane gas grill using the advanced TRU-Infrared technology, which makes the whole encounter much safer for anyone.
On top of that, this technology helps avoid any flare-ups and ensures that your dishes’ natural flavours and juices are captured without drying it up.
What we love about this unit is its lightweight construction weighing less than 20 pounds. This means you can easily take this equipment anywhere – fishing, tailgating, camping, and so on.
For easy movement, this unit comes with a high-impact frame with carrying handles and legs. Despite being light, it offers a 200 sq inches of stainless-steel grilling grate allowing users to cook enough delicious meal for a bunch of people. Also, it designed to last for a longer time, thanks to its die-cast aluminium lid and firebox.
Even better, its temperature gauge on the lid and dual stainless steel latches provide more freedom to use. Above all, it comes in a black porcelain finish which will allure your friends and still offers incredible durability.
Pros
- Cast aluminium firebox
- Dual stainless steel latches
- Portable and affordable
Cons
- Poor temperature regulator
2. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill
If you are on a hunt for an infrared grill to allow you cook on your patio, then the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill is the way to go. This compact grill leaves a minute footprint and provides enough space to opt for your preferred decoration.
Like other grilling products from Char-Broil, this Patio Bistro features the TRU-Infrared technology. With this technology, your dish juicy and flavour remains intact since this cooking system is excellent at holding moist. In addition, it offers even cooking, which eliminates any worries about any cold or hot spots.
Further, it comes with Easy Light for fast ignition and a gas control knob to achieve a wide range of temperatures. Also, it offers a total of 320 sq in cooking surface area. On top of that, its modern and sleek design featuring a classic shade of black provides impressive aesthetic values.
Even better, its design includes wheels for easy transportation and the handy towel bar to hold all necessary accessories. The only downside to this unit is you have to put the parts together before using it, and the paint peels off.
Pros
- TRU-Infrared gas cooking
- Integrated ignition system
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Paint peels off
3. Char-Broil 17602047 Infrared Electric Patio Bistro
The Char-Broil 17602047 Infrared Electric Patio Bistro is a unique-looking grill featuring a retro clam-shell design. This appliance eliminates fussing with propane or charcoal; all you have to do is connect it to the mains. Also, controlling the temperature can not be any simpler than turning a simple knob.
This unit offers 240 sq inches of cooking space, which should be enough to handle burgers and hot dogs for a bunch of friends and your whole family. Above the primary grates is a warming rack that comes in handy while you are cooking on the main burner.
In addition, Char-Broil 17602047 Infrared Electric Patio Bistro features folding shelve at the side, which a great for not prepping your food items but also storing your necessary cooking items.
Also, its porcelain-enamelled cooking grate makes cleaning a breeze and also durable. The only catch here is the appliance cord, which means it has to be close to the power outlet except you buy an extension cord.
Pros
- Durable and hassle-free cleaning
- Warming rack included
- Compact size
Cons
- Short cord
4. Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 420 3-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Similar to the previous models from Char-Broil reviewed in this post, the Char-Broil infrared grill comes with TRU-Infrared technology. This appliance runs on liquid propane and can be converted using its gas conversion kit to run on natural gas.
With that being said, this grill allows you to easily monitor the changes in the temperature with the temperature gauge mounted on the lid. Both the firebox stand and steel lid are plated with porcelain to ensure this unit remain durable throughout all weather conditions.
On top of that, its 420 sq inches cooking space is made of porcelain-coated cast-iron grates to help prepare juicy dishes. You can also take advantage of the warming rack offering a 155 sq inch of warming surface area. Above all, this appliance should be able to cook meals for a mid-sized crowd.
Pros
- TRU-Infrared technology
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Large cooking surface area
Cons
- On the pricey side
5. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill
Solaire Gas Grill is a dedicated company for producing high-quality grill, which has earned them a large number of loyal followers. One of their incredible line of products is the infrared grill running on propane gas. This unit is crafted with 20-gauge 304 stainless steel for durability.
This appliance waste no time in heating up fast; thanks to its infrared burner made of stainless steel and ceramic. Within a few minutes, this unit generates a high amount of heat, which is ideal for preparing meals without mouthwatering flavours.
With excellent heat distribution capability, users don’t have to worry about cold or hot spots. Besides, this outdoor cooking equipment helps lock in the juice in your meal with its one-push fast ignition system.
Coming with a cooking area of 140 sq inches, Solaire SOL-EV17A is designed to improve the flavour. In summary, it’s a lightweight and compact grill that would not hassle to take to boating, camping, picnic or keep in the backyard.
Pros
- Electronic push-button ignition
- 140 sq inches grilling area
- Battery included
Cons
- On the pricey side
How to Choose the Best Infrared Grill on the Market
For those with an infrared grill, you can easily expand your outdoor cooking menu. However, before you heading to the market to purchase any model that comes your way, there are some key factors you should keep in mind.
From price to performance, several factors will affect your decision when choosing an infrared grill if you must make a wise investment.
Fuel Source: Natural Gas or Propane
Infrared grills are designed to work with both natural gas and propane. However, the accessories allowing users to switch between these two gas have to bought separately. Generally, propane most used with compact grills.
Heat Flux / BTU Level
Heat flux and BTU are heat output indicators. The BTU (British Thermal Units) is a standard for measuring the heat output in the USA.
Generally speaking, how hot a grill gets depends on the value of the BTU. Higher BTU means more heat is generated. However, the BTU is not a measure of the actual heat generated is merely a measure of the amount of gas the equipment uses. Besides, it’s only total reliable when it comes to other types of grills except for infrared grills.
With that in mind, when trying to choose between two infrared grills, the unit with higher BTU value will probably be the hottest.
Capacity
These units are available in many different sizes, which depends entirely on the surface area of the product. This is a significant factor and should be based on how large you often need to cook either for a few friends and family or a much larger group.
Therefore, it’s important that you consider the number of people you have to cook before purchasing a unit. You don’t want to end up with a cooking surface that doesn’t cater to your needs.
Ignition System
One of the must-have features is a quick-to-light ignition system. Many high-end infrared grills have this handy feature, which eliminates the need or troubles associated with lightning a grill with matches or other manual lighting items.
Configuration & Number of Burners
Most top-notch units come with at least two burners, which ensures users can cook a large meal at once. Plus, some units are rotisserie-ready or has a rotisserie to cater for your grilling needs. Another thing to look out for is a warming rack. This helps you keep the cooked food warm while using the main burner.
Grate Materials
Porcelain-coated grill or stainless steel materials are known to last for long. Consider purchasing a product made with one of these materials, if durability and producing tasty meals is one the top of your list.
Storage Space and Shelving
Some brands offer vast storage space and shelves, which are handy for stashing your wood ships, cooking tools, and other things you make use in the grilling session. Grills coming with cupboards and shelves will make not only your BBQ experience hassle-free but your life easier.
Build Quality
Needless to say, all infrared grills are crafted differently; some are very durable, while others may not be. To ensure you are getting maximum return on your money, you should opt for a high-quality model that would serve you for years to come. Purchasing cheap outdoor cooking equipment is often not designed to endure the harsh weather.
Warranty
It’s important that you purchase a unit that the manufacturer stands by. Products coming with a decent warranty period shows the manufacturer’s level of confidence. Besides, if anything goes wrong, you should seek help the product becomes faulty.
Most grills come with a year limited warranty, while others offer as high as three years. In my opinion, purchasing outdoor cooking equipment is not a smart buy.
Conclusion
We’ve done the hard part by providing with top 5 Best Infrared Grill Under $500. Now, it’s your turn to decide which unit will cater to your needs keeping in mind the deciding factors discussed in our buying guide section.
Whichever choice you make, we’re sure you will make an informed decision.