Infrared technology has become a bit of a buzzword in outdoor cooking. The reason for this is that in 2000, the patent for the infrared burner expired, meaning the tech was available to any company who wanted to build it into a gas grill.
The way it works is that the infrared element can be used as a heat source or as an optional burner. In a normal gas grill, the flame directly heats the grill whereas in an infrared grill, there is an infrared element between the grates and the flame, meaning the temperature should rise faster and heat distribution should be more even as a result.
Here are the best cheap infrared grills
However, there are a variety of makes and models of infrared grills on the market, so knowing which one’s best for you and your needs can be confusing. In order to take some of the guesswork out of your purchase, here’s a roundup of three of the best cheap infrared grills currently available.
Best IR Propane Grill under $300
Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared Gas Grill Review
The size of the Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared Gas Grill is ideal for those of you who want a medium sized grill. A push-start surefire electric ignition button syncs every burner – meaning it’s always reliable to fire up, so you can get cooking.
The Char-Broil infrared technology means that your grill will heat up faster, become hotter and spread the heat more evenly for perfect cooking conditions. Added to this, you’ll get side-folding covers on this model that doubles as work space, meaning you can prep your food in-suit when the side burner isn’t in use.
Alongside a 500 square inch cooking surface, you’ll get a 180 square inch warming rack that will keep your cooked food hot until you need it. Because the cooking racks are porcelain coated, they’re easy to clean, meaning you’ll not spend hours scrubbing them down after every use – something that often takes the pleasure out of barbecuing. Added to this, you’ve got a handy, two-door storage unit underneath, which means you can keep any cooking utensils close by and your gas tank out of sight.
Coolest-Looking IR Grill to Buy
Char Broil TRU InfraRed Patio Bistro 240 Review
This model – the Char Broil TRU InfraRed Patio Bistro 240 – is perfect for those of you who want an outdoor cooking experience without the mess of charcoal or the fuss of gas. It’s ideal for use on balconies, patios and condos.
It’s also dead simple to use – just plug it in to any standard 120-volt outlet and get cooking. The infrared technology means that your food will cook more quickly and evenly, while remaining moist and juicy and you don’t get those awkward flare-up that are associated with more traditional grills.
It has a 240 square inch primary cooking surface and porcelain coated cooking grates that makes cleaning up hassle free, as well as an 80 square inch warming rack for food that’s cooked but not yet ready to serve.
You can cook anything on it and it’s controlled with an oven-style knob. You’ll find it has plenty of space on either side to prep food or store stuff and folds down easily to save room when you’re not grilling. It’s mobile and easy to assemble too.
Best Rated IR Gas Grill
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill Review
Don’t be deceived by this little dude. The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill may be small on size but has some pretty awesome features. And because it’s compact it will fit perfectly onto your patio or balcony.
The infrared technology means food is cooked fast and at high temperatures, evenly – meaning it’s deliciously juicy and doesn’t become tough and dry. Because of the even heat distribution, you will find far fewer hot or cold spots and you’ll miss out on those annoying flare-ups common with more traditional outdoor cooking options.
Many people suggest adding some real wood chips directly onto the grilling grate for extra flavor. Its sleek, modern design means it will add a touch of class to your outdoor space and because it’s on wheels, it’s easily moveable and the handy towel bar means you can adorn it with your tools and cooking utensils.
It has a primary cooking area of 240 square inches and an 80-inch secondary cooking grate. You can cook for a bunch of friends easily because this little devil can barbeque between 8-12 patties at a time.
