Infrared Grill Review 2023
- Small on size, mighty on features - perfect for a patio or balcony
Last updated on 2022-07-02 at 05:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Grilling is not just another cooking procedure, but in every aspect, it is an emotion felt amongst friends and family.
A grill and barbecue outing is something that we look forward to as an opportunity to get together with our loved ones.
But more than that, it’s a great way to enjoy delectable preparations outdoors with the flavors filling up our stomachs and senses alike.
And with newer advancements in kitchen-science, we now have infrared grilling units that make our job even easier by cooking up sumptuous grilled dishes within no time at all!
One of the most popular brands in infrared cooking devices has been Char-Broil with its unique Tru-Infrared range of awesome infrared grills.
But the question over here is, if you haven’t had any experience using such devices, how would you know which one to go for?
Today, in this Char-Broil infrared grill review, I’m gonna be telling you all about my experience with the top 4 infrared grills from Char-Broil.
So, sit back and enjoy knowing all about these absolute beauties that’ll give you the real “stripes” on your food just right!
Model | Number of burners | Cooking Area | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 320 square inches | $ | ||
2 | 325 square inches | $$ | ||
3 | 420 square inches | $$$ | ||
4 | 525 square inches | $$$ |
Table of Contents
Char-Broil Infrared Grill Reviews 2023
Tru-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill
The Tru-Infrared Patio Bistro Gas Grill is undoubtedly one of the finest grill cooking systems from Char-Broil. Along with a stunning compact design that makes it ideal for all kinds of backyard or balcony spaces in the apartment, the Tru-infrared ensures that you truly get one of the finest outdoor grilling experiences owing to its advanced and unique infrared grills!
What did I like about it?
Right off the bat, I’m gonna say that the one thing that made me get this unit in the first place was its awesome infrared grills and a singular porcelain-coated grate with a warming rack integrated into the lid.
This ensures perfect heat distribution, burning at 13,000 BTU. The grill is immensely durable owing to its powder-coated steel construction and provides a cooking space of approximately 240 square inch grilling area, which is simply a huge space for cooking many things at a time.
- Small on size, mighty on features - perfect for a patio or balcony
Last updated on 2022-07-02 at 05:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another thing that I really admire about this grill is its compact and space-efficient dimensions. For someone who doesn’t really have a substantial backyard space for that matter, this Char-Broil model is an absolute winner! You could also move it around easily thanks to the caster wheels and place it anywhere in the house.
However, the grill does have some flare up issues that should be dealt with carefully. Therefore, I’d personally advise you to maintain a moderate temperature.
Pros
Pros
- Immensely durable construction
- Space-efficient design
- User-friendly, easily-maneuverable grilling system
- Retains and regulates heat really well
Cons
Cons
- Has cold spots
- Does have flare up issues
Signature Tru-Infrared 325
The Signature Tru-Infrared 325 is actually the highest-selling grilling unit from the brand and for a very good reason. It brings forth a beautiful combination of conventional radiation cooking with a strategic cooking design that maximizes the benefits of a traditional grill system. With a large cooktop, this model is the perfect one if you’re looking to host a big barbecue party in your backyard!
What did I like about it?
The TRU technology of the signature 325 uses a special “multi-ridged radiant surface” positioned critically between the grates and the burner in the unit. What it does is that it traps the heat inside the grill moving the currents parallelly across the grates. This ensures that the vaporized flavors from the food drip right back into it, resulting in an incredibly juicy and delectably flavored dish. What more could you possibly look for in a grill system that packs all the delicious juices in every bite that you take without overcooking your food?
- 325 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated cast iron grates
Last updated on 2022-07-02 at 05:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This electromagnetic grill unit provides a temperature range between 250 and 700 degrees and generates 18,000 BTU. The grill comes with a 325 square inch cooking surface along with a 120 square inch warming area that gives you a substantial space for barbecuing a lot of items.
The grill easily converts from liquid propane (lp) to natural gas (ng) with a natural gas conversion kit.
Pros
Pros
- Highly-functional, unique design prevents overcooking of food, packing in all the flavors
- Could be efficiently used in colder temperatures owing to the infrared feature
- Comes with a 10-year limited warranty on the burners and a 1-year limited warranty on the grill
- Emitter plate prevents food from falling into the grill and causing a flare-up
Cons
Cons
- Could be a bit difficult to clean up
- Takes a substantial amount of space
Signature Tru-Infrared 420
Speaking of only the best from the house of Char-Broil, it’s only fair that I gave the Tru-Infrared 420 a special place on this list. This is simply a beautiful grilling unit from the Char-Broil Signature range that offers you a huge 420 square inch cooking surface along with a 155-inch porcelain-coated warming rack!
What did I like about it?
The Tru-Infrared 420 gives you the benefit of three individual entirely adjustable burners, which provides you with greater control and the scope to barbecue many kinds of food items simultaneously.
I personally like the small side burner that is concealed underneath the cover of one of the side shelves. It generates 13,000 BTU and is just perfect for preparing sauces and barbecue reductions.
- 420 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated cast iron grates
Last updated on 2022-07-02 at 05:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The grill unit runs on a standard, full-size propane tank and can be converted to natural gas. It features cast iron grates that not only makes the unit incredibly durable and formidable in construction, but it also ensures an even heat distribution and retainment of heat for superior grilling.
The patented Surefire Electronic ignition system from the brand offers a dependable and unwavering spark for each of the three burners in the system.
However, the unit itself is quite heavy, weighing around 130 pounds and could require a substantial effort to move around even on its lockable casters.
Pros
Pros
- Significantly large cooktop with warming rack
- Convertible propane unit
- Integrated side burner makes it fun and easy to prep up sauces
- Cast iron wheels ensure durability and consistent heat distribution
Cons
Cons
- Pretty heavy and cumbersome to move around
Signature Tru-Infrared 525
So, I had started off this list with the most compact grill design from Char-Broil, and now it’s time for me to review the largest model from the Signature Tru-Infrared: the Tru-Infrared 525. As you might have already guessed by now, this provides you with a 525 square inch cooktop surface and it even has a 200 square inch porcelain-coated warming rack. With such specifications, it won’t be unfair to call this one a mega-grilling unit!
What did I like about it?
This huge grilling unit features four adjustable burners that produce 8,000 BTU along with a 13,000 BTU side burner. The heat from the burner is focused squarely on the emitter plate. The perforated 443R stainless steel sheet converts the convection current from the burners to infrared waves. The porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates ensure consistent and even heat distribution for efficient cooking.
- 525 square inches of primary cooking over porcelain-coated cast iron grates
Last updated on 2022-07-02 at 05:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This grilling unit also features a spacious cabinet that can hold a substantial amount of barbecue gear and necessities such as spices, condiments, extra utensils, and tools or even wood chips.
The unit can easily convert liquid propane to natural gas with the natural gas conversion kit. Also, the temperature gauge on the lid helps to maintain temperature control. The stainless, rust-proof body of the grilling unit sits on four lockable caster wheels that make it easy for you to move it around. However, it is quite heavy and takes up a lot of space.
Pros
Pros
- Considerable cooking space along with a spacious warming rack
- The firebox and steel lid both have porcelain coatings for additional durability
- Integrated cooking cabinet capacitates a lot of items
- Highly durable overall construction
Cons
Cons
- Assembling this unit could take up a lot of time
- Not a very space-efficient option
Guide to Buying the Best Infrared Grill on the Market
Buying a grill is a huge effort in itself that involves extensive know-how about the technicalities of the device. And if you’re looking to upgrade your traditional one with an infrared grill, then you must know all about the specs and essential elements that go into making a functional infrared grilling unit.
And that is why I’ve included a brief guide for you so that you could identify the critical factors while purchasing your infrared grill. Check it out!
Fuel source
Most infrared grills would be compatible with both natural gas and propane source. The fuel source for these infrared grills could be switched and converted easily, just like what you get in the Char-Broil Tru-Infrared series. Compact grills work best with propane sources. However, the fuel conversion kit that’s required for the conversion is usually sold separately.
BTU and Heat Flux
Both BTU (British thermal unit) and heat flux levels are indicators of heat output. The higher the BTU, the hotter the grill could get, and the higher the amount of heat it could retain. The BTU is also a measure of how much gas the grill would generally use for cooking your food. However, this standard measure could be a bit difficult to determine when it comes to infrared grills.
Capacity
Grills come in different sizes, whether it’s traditional or infrared. The capacity of these cooking systems is determined by the surface area it provides. The kind of grilling surface you need will depend on the amount of cooking you’re gonna be doing on it. If you’re cooking for a large number of people, then go for larger sizes. However, if you have limited space, then it would be wise to opt for more compact designs and lightweight units.
Ignition System
Most high-quality infrared grilling units allow electronic ignition that dismisses the need for lighting it up manually. A quick-to-light ignition system is always the ideal thing to go for, no matter what kind of grilling system you choose.
Grill Hood
Check out for quality grill hood for your grilling unit. It might not be required for grilling burgers or regular steak, but you will need it if you have to cook larger meat cuts or a tall bird like a turkey. A good grill hood will give you all the space you need along with the required heated environment to cook your food well. Do make sure that it has handles though!
Burners and grate construction
Infrared burners usually come with more than one burner that provides you with ample surface area for cooking many items simultaneously. Some other units will come with a rotisserie or are equipped with it to give you an all-round grilling experience.
Also, go for removable warming racks that come with an anti-rust coating such as porcelain. This allows you to grill or warm smaller dishes on them while the main burner is occupied.
Do check out for narrower grate constructions. If you have wider grates on the system, it may increase the chances of flare-ups if food drops through it. Narrower grills will greatly solve the problems of flare-ups or accidental burns resulting from it.
Accessible gas tanks
Premium infrared grill units will give you the benefit of an accessible gas tank to power the system up easily. This generally doesn’t compromise the mobility of the device.
Space-efficiency and portability
If you do have ample space in your home to move your grilling unit around, then you could go for more elaborate designs. However, for those who have limited spaces, a compact design could be just the thing. These could be easily stored anywhere since they don’t require much space.
Most grilling units will come with caster wheels for portability which make it easier for you to move the unit around.
Build quality and durability
Never go for inferior, flimsy materials for your infrared grilling units. This could be rather dangerous, especially when you have to crank the temperatures high up.
It’s always wise to go for high-grade, superior-quality units that give you all the comfort and safety while cooking, even if you have to pay a few extra bucks for it.
A formidable construction will ensure product longevity and keep it running for a substantial span of time.
Storage space
Some larger infrared models come equipped with cabinet spaces and/or extra spaces that can capacitate a large number of items such as extra utensils, kitchen tools, spices or condiments, and wood chips. These make for a hassle-free, convenient cooking experience.
Price and Warranty
Even if you’re on a budget, you’d be able to get a wide range of infrared grills to choose from. However, as mentioned above, it would only be wise to go for quality materials and avoid cheap and poorly-made variants even if you have to shell out a tad bit more than what you expect.
Always opt for warranted products from the manufacturers. Anything up to 3 years in warranty is ideal, but never buy grills that don’t come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Model | Number of burners | Cooking Area | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 320 square inches | $ | ||
2 | 325 square inches | $$ | ||
3 | 420 square inches | $$$ | ||
4 | 525 square inches | $$$ |
Conclusion
So this was my review trying my hand at some of the best infrared grills from Char-Broil! I hope I was able to give you an insight into the mechanisms of these products and the essential specs that you should look out for while buying an infrared grill yourself.
You should also check out our reviews of various models: