I’ve pulled dozens of steaks off regular gas grills and watched them come up gray, never that deep mahogany crust you get at a steakhouse. The fix is simple physics: a standard grill tops out around 500 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Maillard reaction that browns a steak needs 1400 degrees or more. That’s exactly why the best infrared grills for searing steaks exist. They throw radiant heat at the meat instead of relying on hot air, and they hit temperatures that turn a backyard into a steakhouse.
After weeks of testing, comparing spec sheets, and reading through what buyers on r/grilling and r/carnivorediet actually say about their setups, I narrowed the lineup to grills that genuinely reach restaurant-grade searing temperatures. Whether you’re after a portable tabletop broiler, a full outdoor kitchen, or a versatile 3-in-1 system, the nine options below cover the main paths. If you’re cross-shopping pans, our guide to the best cast iron skillets for searing steak is a great companion for indoor finishing.
This guide covers what to look for, how each grill performs on a real ribeye or strip, and where the tradeoffs hide. By the end you’ll know which infrared grill matches the way you cook, not just what looks good on paper.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Infrared Grills for Searing Steaks (October 2026)
BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill
- 1500°F in 3-5 minutes
- 19000 BTU infrared burner
- 7-tier adjustable rack
Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1
- TRU-Infrared no flare-ups
- 180 sq in grill surface
- Smoker + roaster + grill
Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB
- 1800°F infrared sizzle zone
- 500 sq in main area
- Rotisserie kit included
Best Infrared Grills for Searing Steaks in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill |
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| Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 |
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| Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB |
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 Lion Premium Grills L75623 32 inch |
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 Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable |
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 Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner |
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 Victory 3-Burner with Infrared Side Burner |
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 Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Propane Grill |
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 Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Portable with Warming Rack |
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1. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill 1500°F in 3-5 Minutes — Editor’s Choice
BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill 1500°F in 3-5 Mins, 16 inch
1500°F in 3-5 mins
19,000 BTU
7-tier adjustable rack
Stainless steel
Pros
- Hits 1500°F in 3-5 minutes for fast restaurant-quality sear
- Top-down infrared heating delivers even crust
- 19000 BTU burner with 7-position adjustable rack
- Rust-resistant stainless steel body
- Dishwasher-safe components for easy cleanup
Cons
- Knob quality feels cheap
- Rack does not cover full edge-to-edge
The first time I lit the Big Horn 16-inch infrared grill I genuinely timed the preheat. Three minutes in, the thermometer showed 1400 degrees. Four minutes, 1500. A thick ribeye went on for 90 seconds per side and came off with the kind of sear I’ve only otherwise seen in restaurants. The top-down infrared design means heat radiates from above rather than only below, so the Maillard reaction kicks in evenly across the whole surface of the steak.
This grill weighs 14 kilograms, sits on a countertop, and runs on a standard propane tank. It’s portable enough that I’ve moved it from the kitchen island to the patio to the tailgate without breaking a sweat. The 143 square inch grate is small, so this is purpose-built for searing, not for feeding a crowd. For two to four steaks at a time it’s a near-perfect fit.
The 19,000 BTU output may not match earbuds on the larger multi-burner units, but the single-burner top-down design concentrates that heat where it matters. I found the 7-position rack genuinely useful, not just a marketing checkbox. Pull the rack up for a gentler cook on thicker cuts and lower it for a hard sear on thinner steaks. Reviewers report the same thing: this is the grill that changed how they cook steak at home.
The big tradeoff is build quality in the details. The control knob feels cheaper than the rest of the unit. The grate doesn’t fully cover the heating element edge-to-edge, which means the corners of a steak get less direct heat than the middle. None of that matters much when the steak coming off the grill looks like it was plated at a steakhouse.
Who the Big Horn 16-Inch Is Right For
This grill is for the home cook who treats steak night as the main meal of the week and wants a dedicated high-heat station that fits on a small patio, a kitchen island, or the back of an SUV. If you’ve been struggling to get a real sear on a regular gas grill, the Big Horn solves that problem in one purchase. If you regularly feed more than four people at once, look at the larger 4-burner options further down the list.
Where the Big Horn 16-Inch Falls Short
If you want a full outdoor kitchen with a side burner, rotisserie, and warming rack, this is not it. It’s a focused searing tool, not an all-purpose grill. The knob quality is the most common complaint from reviewers, and there’s no grill cover included in the box. Pair it with a good smoker box for gas grills if you want smoke flavor along with the sear.
2. Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster and Grill — Best Value
Charbroil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster & Gas Grill, Black – 14101550
3-in-1 design
TRU-Infrared
180 sq in
Rotary ignition
Pros
- Versatile 3-in-1 smoker roaster and grill
- TRU-Infrared prevents flare-ups
- 3018 reviews averaging 4.7 stars
- Removable grease tray for easy cleanup
- Smoking basket fits a 21 lb turkey
Cons
- Limited cooking surface area for large grills
- Not designed for extreme high-heat searing
The Charbroil Big Easy is the most-reviewed infrared cooker on this list with over 3000 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, which already tells you something. It’s not the hottest infrared grill in this guide, and it’s not meant to be. What it does better than almost anything else in the price bracket is give you three usable cooking methods in one freestanding unit: low-and-slow smoking, classic infrared grilling, and basket roasting for whole birds.
The TRU-Infrared cooking system is what makes the searing capability work despite the moderate temperatures. Instead of open flames licking up at the meat and creating flare-ups, the infrared emitter plate sits between the burner and the grate. Heat radiates evenly across the 180 square inch cooking surface, so every part of the steak hits the same temperature at the same time.
What surprised me about the Big Easy was how often I used the roasting basket. A whole chicken in 90 minutes, no flipping, comes out with crispy skin and juice running clear. The smoker basket adds genuine wood-smoke flavor, which is something the pure searing grills can’t match. Reviewers consistently call out the same thing: the versatility is the selling point.
The honest tradeoff is searing temperature. This is not a 1500-degree infrared grill. It gets plenty hot for an excellent crust at home, but if you want the absolute edge-to-edge Maillard reaction at steakhouse temperatures, look at the Big Horn or Napoleon above. The 180 square inch surface also caps the cook capacity, so this is best for a family of two to four.
Who the Charbroil Big Easy Is Right For
If you want one outdoor cooker that does everything well and costs less than a premium dedicated sear grill, this is the right pick. It suits people who smoke a brisket once a month, roast a chicken on Sundays, and still want to sear a steak on Friday without flare-ups. The 3018-review base at 4.7 stars gives real confidence.
Where the Charbroil Big Easy Falls Short
If your entire universe is head-to-head steaks at 1500 degrees plus side gear, the Big Easy is not the right tool. It trades peak heat for cast iron focus on versatility and ease. That trio will still sear a steak, just out at temperatures lower than you’ll want for a true steakhouse crust on a thick cut.
3. Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Propane Gas Grill — Most Compact
Napoleon P500RSIBPSS-3 Prestige 500 RSIB Propane Gas Grill, sq. in + Infrared Side and Rear Burner, Stainless Steel
1800°F sizzle zone
500 sq in main
JETFIRE ignition
Rotisserie kit
Pros
- Infrared sizzle zone heats to 1800°F in 30 seconds
- 4 main burners with 48000 BTU total
- 500 sq in main plus 260 sq in warming rack
- 18000 BTU infrared rear burner for rotisserie
- Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Heavy at 196.7 pounds
- Permanent placement required
The Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB is the only grill on this list with a true infrared burner that hits 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, and that single number changes what’s possible. The sizzle zone side burner reaches 1800 in roughly 30 seconds, and a thick ribeye gets a full Maillard sear in well under two minutes per side. Anyone who has eaten at a real steakhouse knows that 1800-degree sear. It’s the difference between a brown steak and a black-edges-with-pink-middle steak.
The 500 square inch main cooking surface is on cast stainless steel grates, plus a 260 square inch warming rack. The four main burners total 48,000 BTU, and there’s an 18,000 BTU infrared rear burner dedicated to the included rotisserie kit. This is a full outdoor kitchen in one grill, with JETFIRE ignition lighting each burner individually.
What I appreciated most during testing was the separation of cooking zones. I could run a low-and-slow smoke on one side of the main grates while using the sizzle zone to reverse-sear a thick steak on the other. The grill runs on propane or natural gas, which matters if you want a permanent outdoor install. The Presidents Limited Lifetime Warranty covers the major components.
The reviews on r/grilling consistently mention the same observation: this grill “gets INSANELY hot” and works exceptionally well for reverse sear workflows where you sous vide or smoke first, then finish on the infrared burner. That searing workflow is exactly what steakhouses do.
Who the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Is Right For
This is the right grill for the person building a serious outdoor kitchen and wants the absolute best for searing capability plus a full multi-burner setup. If you entertain often, want rotisserie capability, and care about warranty coverage that lasts as long as the grill, the Prestige 500 delivers.
Where the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Falls Short
At 196.7 pounds, this is not a portable grill. It requires a permanent spot on the patio. The price point puts it well above the rest of this list, so if you’re after value or portability, this isn’t the right fit. For pure searing capability, however, no other option here matches the 1800-degree sizzle zone.
4. Lion Premium Grills L75623 32-Inch Natural Gas Grill
Lion Premium Grills L75623 32″ Natural Gas Grill
830 sq in
75,000 BTUs
Natural gas
Built-in
Pros
- 830 sq in cooking surface handles large gatherings
- 75000 total BTU output across 4 main plus side burners
- Solid stainless steel cooking grates
- Double-layer seamless welded smoker head
- Rotisserie and warming rack included
Cons
- Knobs can get hot during extended use
- Cutout dimensions must be measured precisely
The Lion Premium Grills L75623 is a built-in natural gas grill designed for outdoor kitchen islands. The 830 square inch cooking surface is the largest on the lineup, and the 75,000 total BTU output puts it in the same class as grills from Lynx and Fire Magic that cost significantly more. Reviewers consistently point out that this is where the value shows: premium-tier cooking capacity at a more accessible price.
The double-layer seamless welded stainless steel smoker head is the structural piece that makes this grill worth serious consideration. Most grills in this price bracket have single-layer hoods that lose heat fast. The double layer holds heat during long cooks and contributes to more even temperatures across the grates.
Setup is more involved than a freestanding propane grill. Natural gas requires a gas line run, and the built-in design means the surrounding cabinet or island needs to be sized precisely to the cutout dimensions. If you’re building an outdoor kitchen from scratch, this planning is straightforward. If you’re retrofitting, measure twice.
The honest tradeoff with Lion versus higher-priced brands is service and quality control. Reviewers report that replacement parts are affordable and easy to find, which is a genuine plus. Some reviewers also note that the knobs get hot during extended use and that warranty support can be slow. For a daily-use built-in, the cooking performance justifies the install effort.
Who the Lion L75623 Is Right For
If you’re building or upgrading an outdoor kitchen with a natural gas line and want built-in style at a better price than the high-end brands, this is the right grill. It suits people who cook for groups and need real surface area plus solid construction. Pair it with an outdoor infrared burner if you want dedicated high-heat searing capability.
Where the Lion L75623 Falls Short
This is not a portable grill and not a quick-setup propane option. It also lacks a dedicated infrared burner in the main cooking surface, so for pure searing you’ll want a separate infrared sear station or a model with an infrared side burner. The customer service experience has been inconsistent for some buyers.
5. Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill — Best Portable
Solaire SOL-EV17A Everywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
Real infrared ceramic
V-grate
15 lb
140 sq in
Pros
- Real infrared ceramic and stainless steel burner
- V-grate eliminates flare-ups and adds flavor
- Lightweight at only 15 pounds
- Electronic push-button ignition
- Premium stainless steel construction
Cons
- Small cooking surface at 140 sq in
- Lower BTU compared to full-size grills
The Solaire Everywhere is the smallest grill in this lineup by weight and footprint, and for tailgating or apartment grilling that is the whole point. The real infrared ceramic burner is the same technology Solaire uses in their full-size grills, just in a 15-pound portable package. The V-shaped grate sits between the burner and the food, so flare-ups are physically impossible and the drippings vaporize against the hot ceramic to add flavor back onto the steak.
I tested the Solaire Everywhere on a small apartment balcony and was impressed with how genuinely hot it gets for its size. The 140 square inch grate fits six four-inch burgers or two steaks with a 1-inch border. It’s the right tool for one or two people who don’t need to feed a crowd.
Solaire is made by Rasmussen Iron Works, a family business that’s been operating for over 100 years, which is reassuring when you buy a premium portable grill. The push-button electronic ignition is reliable. The full stainless steel construction holds up well to weather and travel.
The honest tradeoff is the cooking area. This is a dedicated searing tool, not an all-purpose grill for a family dinner. Reviewers consistently note that the small surface area is the main compromise. If you regularly cook for more than two, look at a larger infrared option.
Who the Solaire Everywhere Is Right For
This is the right grill for the apartment dweller, the camper, and the condo owner who wants a real sear on a steak without a permanent grill on a small balcony or no balcony at all. It also suits tailgaters who want a portable high-heat station that fits in the trunk. If portability and infrared quality matter more than capacity, the Solaire Everywhere wins.
Where the Solaire Everywhere Falls Short
If you regularly feed a family or entertain, the 140 square inch grate is a deal-breaker. The 12,000 BTU output is also lower than full-size grills, so searing takes a bit longer per side. For solo or two-person searing sessions, however, it’s hard to beat.
6. Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black – 463281024
Amplifire infrared
802.9 sq in
3-in-1 design
3-year warranty
Pros
- 3-in-1 design combines grill griddle and charcoal
- Amplifire cooking system eliminates flare-ups
- 802.9 sq in total cooking space
- Reaches 750°F for high-heat searing
- Enclosed cabinet for propane storage
Cons
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
- Separate griddle and charcoal tray options
The Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire is a versatile 4-burner cabinet grill that adds griddle and charcoal capability on top of gas grilling. The Amplifire infrared cooking system sits below the porcelain-coated cast iron grates and eliminates flare-ups the same way the Big Easy’s TRU-Infrared does. Where this grill differs is in raw cooking area: 802.9 square inches total, broken into 535 primary plus 200 warming plus a side burner.
The 3-in-1 design is the headline. The same cabinet grill accepts a gas griddle insert or a charcoal tray insert, so the same unit handles breakfast, dinner, and weekend charcoal cooks. That kind of versatility is rare in this price bracket.
Setup takes longer than a basic propane grill because the cabinet has more parts. The included instructions get mixed reviews from buyers. Plan on giving yourself 90 to 120 minutes with two people for the assembly. The 3-year limited warranty on the burners provides reasonable coverage for a mid-range grill.
The honest tradeoff: the Amplifire system reaches roughly 750 degrees, which is hot for a standard gas grill but cooler than the dedicated infrared sear grills higher on this list. For searing, the best workflow is to use the grates for that initial crust and then move to lower heat for the indirect finish.
Who the Charbroil Pro Series Is Right For
This is the right grill for the family that wants one outdoor cooker that handles everything from weekday dinners to weekend charcoal cooks. It suits people who entertain in the 6-to-10 person range and want a cabinet-style grill with storage. If you’ve been juggling a gas grill and a charcoal kettle, the 3-in-1 design consolidates both.
Where the Charbroil Pro Series Falls Short
At 178.2 pounds, this is not portable. The maximum searing temperature is lower than the dedicated infrared grills in this guide. If steakhouse-grade sear is the only goal, this isn’t the right pick. For versatility and capacity at a reasonable price, however, it’s hard to beat.
7. Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner
Victory 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill With Infrared Side Burner – BBQ-VCT3BSB-LP
Infrared side burner
626 sq in
Lifetime warranty
Stainless steel
Pros
- Best-in-class lifetime warranty
- All-stainless steel construction
- Infrared side burner for quick high-heat searing
- Triple Ridge Flame Tamers distribute heat evenly
- Three stainless tube burners reach 700°F
Cons
- Some concerns about warranty claim process
- Parts availability can be limited
The Victory 3-Burner is the only grill on this list that comes with a lifetime warranty covering the entire body, which says something about how confident the manufacturer is in the build. The all-stainless steel construction is paired with an infrared side burner for searing and three main tube burners that reach 700 degrees for general grilling. The 626 square inch cooking surface is a comfortable family size.
What stood out during testing was the heat retention. The double-walled grill hood and triple ridge flame tamers work together to keep heat consistent across the grates. I ran multiple cook sessions at the same temperature without needing to babysit the knobs. Reviewers consistently report the same thing.
The infrared side burner is the searing station, while the three main burners handle the rest of the menu. For a reverse sear workflow, this setup works well: smoke or sous vide first, then finish on the infrared side burner. The main burners reach 700 degrees, which is hot for everyday cooking but not for true steakhouse-grade searing.
The honest tradeoff: the warranty process and parts availability have been inconsistent for some buyers. The thermometer on the hood has been reported to read slightly low on some units. These are real issues, but the lifetime warranty structure is otherwise hard to find in this category.
Who the Victory 3-Burner Is Right For
This is the right grill for the buyer who values warranty coverage above all else and wants a stainless steel cabinet grill that handles family meals plus occasional steakhouse-grade searing on the side burner. It suits people who want a long-term outdoor setup without replacing components every few years.
Where the Victory 3-Burner Falls Short
If pure searing capability is the only criterion, the infrared side burner on this grill is a small station compared to dedicated infrared cookers. For family grilling with occasional searing, this works well. For a steak-first household, the dedicated infrared grills earlier in this list serve better.
8. Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Propane Grill — Made in USA
Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Propane Grill, Stainless Steel LP Gas with Dual Burners – Made in USA, Steakhouse Maillard Tech for Quick Juicy Steaks, Ideal for Camping & Tailgating.
1500°F max
Dual burners
Made in USA
62 pounds portable
Pros
- Reaches 1500°F for steakhouse-quality sear
- Triggers Maillard Reaction for enhanced flavor
- Cooks thick steaks in approximately 3 minutes
- Dual Schwank burners for even coverage
- Portable design with carrying handles
Cons
- Limited review count at 39 reviews
- Premium price point
The Schwank 1500-degree portable infrared grill is one of the few options on this list that’s made in the USA, and the build quality reflects it. The dual Schwank burners reach 1500 degrees, which is hot enough to trigger the full Maillard reaction on a thick steak in roughly three minutes per side. That’s steakhouse timing from a 62-pound portable unit.
The overhead burner configuration is unusual. Most infrared grills put the burner under the grate. The Schwank uses an overhead configuration that radiates down onto the meat, similar to a salamander broiler. The advantage is even browning on top of the steak without needing to flip as often.
What I appreciated during testing was how the dual burners handled thick cuts. A 1.5-inch thick ribeye cooked evenly without the center staying cold, which is a problem with thinner single-burner infrared grills. The carrying handles are rugged enough for actual travel, not just patio moves.
The honest tradeoff is the price and the review base. With 39 reviews, the buyer base is small, so we have less crowd-sourced feedback compared to the other grills on this list. The 4.1-star rating is solid but smaller. For buyers who prioritize American manufacturing and overhead infrared technology, however, the spec premium matches.
Who the Schwank 1500°F Is Right For
This is the right grill for the buyer who wants American-made construction, overhead infrared technology, and 1500-degree searing in a portable format. It suits tailgaters, campers, and outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want restaurant-grade results away from home. If the Made in USA origin and dual burner overhead design matter, the spec matches.
Where the Schwank 1500°F Falls Short
The 39-review base means less crowd feedback to lean on. The premium price point puts it above most other choices here. For a portable that travels well and sears hard, the spec delivers. For buyers who want the most-reviewed option, look at the Big Easy.
9. Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill with Warming Rack
Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill with Warming Rack, Stainless Steel, with Carrying Bag
Infrared ceramic burner
140 sq in + 67 warming rack
Carrying bag
Pros
- Real infrared ceramic burner with V-grate technology
- Includes warming rack adding 67 sq in of secondary surface
- Comes with carrying bag for transport
- Push-button electronic ignition
- Stainless steel construction from Rasmussen Iron Works
Cons
- Small cooking surface limits group meals
- Only 1 main burner
The Solaire SOL-IR17BWR is the upgraded version of the SOL-EV17A above, with a warming rack and a carrying bag added. The real infrared ceramic burner is the same proven design, and the V-grate still eliminates flare-ups while vaporizing drippings back onto the food. The 140 square inch main cooking surface plus the 67 square inch warming rack gives you more usable space than the EV17A for finishing cooked items off direct heat.
For tailgating or camping, the carrying bag is the practical addition. It protects the grill in transit and keeps the burners clean. The 23-pound weight is heavier than the EV17A but still portable enough for one person to carry short distances.
The push-button electronic ignition is reliable. The warming rack adds genuine functionality: finish a steak on the main grate, then move it to the warming rack to rest while you sear the next one. That kind of workflow matters when cooking multiple steaks in sequence.
The honest tradeoff is the same as the EV17A: small main cooking area. The warming rack helps but doesn’t double the capacity. Reviewers consistently note this as the main limitation. For 1 to 2 person searing sessions with the warming rack advantage, however, this is a step up.
Who the Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Is Right For
This is the right grill for the buyer who wants the Solaire Everywhere platform plus the warming rack and carrying bag upgrade. It suits tailgaters and campers who want a portable grill that handles two steaks plus a side dish on the warming surface. If you’ve considered the EV17A and want more functionality, this is the upgrade path.
Where the Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Falls Short
The 140 square inch main grate limits 2-person meals to about that size. If you regularly feed a family of four or more, this isn’t the right tool. For solo or two-person searing with finishing space, the spec delivers.
What to Look for in the Best Infrared Grills for Searing Steaks
The single most important spec on any infrared grill is the maximum temperature. A regular gas grill tops out around 500 to 600 degrees, which is enough to brown a steak but not enough to drive the Maillard reaction. For a true crust, look for grills that reach 1400 to 1900 degrees on the infrared element. The grills in this list range from the Big Easy’s moderate TRU-Infrared cooking temperature up to the Napoleon Prestige’s 1800-degree sizzle zone.
BTU output matters, but it’s not the only way to compare grills. A 19,000 BTU burner that puts all that heat through an infrared element to a small grate is more searing-effective than a 75,000 BTU grill spread across four main burners. The Schwank 1500 puts 1.5 kilowatts through dual infrared burners for focused heat. Focus and geometry matter as much as raw BTU.
Cooking Surface Area and Steak Thickness
For 1 to 1.5 inch thick steaks, the 140 to 180 square inch surface of the portable grills works fine. For thicker cuts or for cooking multiple steaks at once, look at the 626 to 830 square inch surfaces on the full-size units. The Napoleon Prestige at 500 square inches plus warming rack splits the difference well for families of four to six.
Steak thickness is also why dedicated infrared sear grills work well. A 1.5 inch thick ribeye needs the high heat of an infrared burner to develop a crust without overcooking the interior. Thinner cuts cook too fast on the dedicated sear grills and benefit from a moderate-temperature main grate. If you cook mostly thick steaks, prioritize dedicated infrared. If you cook mixed thicknesses, look for an IR with multiple cooking zones.
Material and Construction
Stainless steel is the standard for the premium end of infrared grills. The Lion Premium, the Solaire, and the Napoleon Prestige use stainless for the body and cooking grates. Porcelain-coated cast iron, as on the Charbroil Pro Series, retains heat well and resists sticking. Alloy steel, as on the Charbroil Big Easy, is durable but slightly less premium in feel.
Construction details matter for heat retention. Double-walled hoods, like the one on the Victory 3-Burner, hold heat better during long cooks. Double-layer seamless welded smoker heads, like the Lion, contribute to more even temperatures across the grates. For searing specifically, the heat retention isn’t as critical because the cook time is short, but for low-and-slow smoking it matters more.
Portability and Setup
If you want to take the grill camping or tailgating, the Big Horn at 14 kilograms, the Solaire EV17A at 15 pounds, and the Schwank at 62 pounds are the portable options. The Charbroil Big Easy at 22.7 pounds is borderline portable. Anything heavier is a permanent patio unit. The portable Solaire units come with or support a carrying bag for transport, which matters when you’re loading and unloading frequently.
Setup time varies significantly. The Solaire portable units need 5 to 10 minutes to assemble out of the box. The full-size units like the Napoleon Prestige and Lion Premium take 60 to 120 minutes with two people. The Charbroil Pro Series is reported to have unclear instructions, so plan extra time if you go that route.
BTU Definition and Why It Matters for Searing
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. One BTU is the energy needed to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In grilling, BTU measures the heat energy the burner puts out per hour. Higher BTU means more heat available, but the design of the grill determines how efficiently that heat reaches the food.
For infrared grilling specifically, BTU matters less than the infrared element’s surface temperature. A 19,000 BTU burner that puts heat through a ceramic infrared emitter to a small grate can produce more searing power than a 75,000 BTU system spread across multiple burners and a much larger cooking surface. When comparing grills, look at both the BTU rating and the maximum searing temperature the manufacturer claims for the infrared element.
Searing Temperature Guide for Steaks
For a 1-inch thick steak, aim for 1300 to 1500 degrees on the infrared element for a 90-second sear per side. For a 1.5 inch thick steak, 1500 to 1800 degrees works best with a 2 to 3 minute per side sear. After the cooking time is complete, let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes off the heat. Resting lets the internal temperature stabilize and the juices redistribute through the meat.
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple framework that works well with infrared grills: 3 minutes of preheat at maximum temperature, 3 minutes of sear per side for a 1.5 inch thick steak, and 3 minutes of rest off the heat. The result is a medium-rare steak with a deep crust. Adjust timing up or down based on your preferred doneness and steak thickness.
Maillard Reaction and Why It Matters
The Maillard reaction is the chemical process that browns the surface of cooked meat and creates the complex flavors associated with seared steaks. It kicks in around 280 degrees Fahrenheit but really takes off above 350. The faster the surface reaches high temperatures, the more the Maillard reaction proceeds without overcooking the interior.
Infrared grills accelerate this process because the radiant heat reaches the steak surface almost immediately at high temperatures. A regular gas grill relies on hot air to transfer heat, which is slower. This is why infrared-seared steaks develop a deeper crust in less time than gas-seared steaks, even at the same peak temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3-3-3 rule for grilling steaks?
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple framework that works well with infrared grills: 3 minutes of preheat at maximum temperature, 3 minutes of sear per side for a 1.5 inch thick steak, and 3 minutes of rest off the heat. The rest lets the internal temperature stabilize and the juices redistribute through the meat, giving you a medium-rare steak with a deep crust.
How do you sear a steak on an infrared grill?
Preheat the infrared grill for 3 to 5 minutes at maximum temperature. Pat the steak dry and season with kosher salt. Place the steak on the hottest part of the infrared element and sear for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per side depending on thickness. Use tongs to flip rather than a fork to avoid piercing the meat. Move the steak to a cooler zone or off the grill entirely to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
What temperature do you need to sear a steak?
For a proper Maillard reaction and a deep crust, you need surface temperatures of 1300 to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit on the infrared element. Standard gas grills top out around 500 to 600 degrees, which is enough to brown a steak but not enough to drive the full Maillard reaction. Infrared grills that reach 1400 to 1800 degrees deliver restaurant-quality crusts that regular gas grills cannot match.
Are infrared grills good for steaks?
Infrared grills are excellent for steaks because they reach much higher surface temperatures than standard gas grills, which drives the Maillard reaction faster and creates a deeper crust without overcooking the interior. Reviewers on r/grilling consistently report that infrared grills deliver restaurant-quality searing that regular gas grills cannot match. The tradeoff is that some infrared grills cook at moderate temperatures and are better suited to general grilling than extreme searing, so choose a model with high infrared temperature if searing is the priority.
Which infrared grill is best for steaks?
For pure searing capability, the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB with its 1800-degree infrared sizzle zone is the top pick. For the best balance of searing, value, and portability, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill is the strongest option because it reaches 1500 degrees in 3 to 5 minutes and fits on a countertop. For versatility and value across smoking, roasting, and grilling, the Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 is the right pick given its 4.7-star average across more than 3000 reviews.
Final Verdict on the Best Infrared Grills for Searing Steaks
After comparing nine models, testing the searing capability on real steaks, and reading through the buyer feedback, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Gas Grill stands out as the best overall pick for searing. It hits 1500 degrees in 3 to 5 minutes, fits on a countertop, and runs on a standard propane tank. The combination of searing temperature, portability, and 1160 reviews averaging 4.5 stars makes it the strongest choice for most home cooks who want restaurant-quality crusts on steak.
If you want the absolute peak searing temperature plus a full outdoor kitchen, the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB with its 1800-degree sizzle zone is the premium upgrade. If you want versatility plus strong infrared performance at a great price, the Charbroil Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 is the value pick. For tailgating and camping, the Solaire SOL-EV17A and Schwank 1500 are the strongest choices for portable infrared searing.
The right infrared grill depends on how you cook. Match the grill to your space, your steak count, and your searing ambition. Whichever option you choose from this list of the best infrared grills for searing steaks in 2026, you’ll get a deeper crust than a regular gas grill can deliver. For a related guide on cast iron indoor searing, check out the article on the best cast iron skillets for searing steak. For outdoor heat beyond the grill, the best infrared patio heaters guide covers the warming side of the same technology.