Portable infrared grills are a game-changer for outdoor cooking. They’re available in all sorts of sizes and styles, and the portable ones are perfect for grilling on the go.
What makes them different from gas or charcoal grills is that they use alloy, glass, or ceramic plates to radiate heat, so your food cooks faster and more evenly. But let’s be real, not all portable infrared grills are worth it—some are unreliable, and others cost a fortune without delivering. The best ones are super easy to use and save you time so you can focus on the fun part: making amazing food. These reviews will help you find one that’s actually worth it.
Top 3 Best Portable Infrared Grills
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Grill
- Magma Newport II Infrared Gas Grill
- Turbo E Outdoor Electric Grill
1. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Grill
- ✿ENJOY THE STEAK IN 5 MINUTES - Infrared burner of the steak grill...
- ✿HOME STEAK - Juicy steak make at home! The propane gas grill constructed...
- ✿PORTABLE DESIGN - You can take your steak grill to picnic or a camping...
If you’re looking to take your grilling game up a notch, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Grill is a great pick.
This grill has completely changed the way we cook outside. The infrared burner cranks up the heat so fast that steaks come out perfectly seared on the outside and juicy inside—and it only takes a few minutes. It’s lightweight and super easy to bring along for camping trips or picnics, which we love. Setup is simple, and cleanup is even easier since you can just toss the parts in the dishwasher. It’s made experimenting with meats and veggies so much more fun.
That intense heat can be a bit of a learning curve, though. Timing was tricky at first, but once we figured out how to adjust the grate height, everything started coming out just right. Even burgers turn out beautifully charred without the hassle of flare-ups. This grill has become a go-to for all our outdoor adventures.
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2. Magma Newport II Infrared Gas Grill
- DURABLE AND LONG LASTING: This Magma boat grill is constructed of 100% 304...
- FEATURE RICH: 9”x18” (162 sq.in.) grilling surface, balanced lockable...
- EFFICIENT AND EASY TO LIGHT: Powered by 11,200 BTUs and includes anti-flare...
If you want to step up your outdoor cooking, especially while out on the water, this grill is a solid choice.
We took the Magma Newport II Infrared Grill on a boat day, and it really impressed us. It was super easy to set up, and the polished stainless steel finish not only looked great but held up well in the marine environment. The infrared technology made grilling a breeze—our burgers and steaks came out perfectly cooked with no flare-ups, just even heat all around.
That said, it’s not without a couple of flaws. The grease tray didn’t sit quite right, and the temperature gauge could be better—it’s hard to track without numbers. But honestly, those little issues didn’t ruin the experience. We’ve definitely found a new favorite grill for our outdoor adventures.
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3. Turbo E Outdoor Electric Grill
- THE ULTIMATE GRILLING MACHINE: Embrace the future with Turbo’s next level...
- NEXT LEVEL FEATURES: Digital temperature control, one-touch preheat, a...
- FULL-SIZE OUTDOOR GRILL: The perfect patio grill for a backyard barbecue...
We’ve been using the Turbo E Outdoor Electric Grill, and it’s been a game-changer for our outdoor cooking. The 1700W infrared grill heats up super fast, which means no more waiting around to get started. We love how evenly it cooks, giving steaks and veggies that perfect sear every time. The 24-inch size is just right for small get-togethers, and the smart features, like the digital display and cooking probe, make it easy to nail the right temperature without any guesswork. It’s compact enough to fit on our patio but still powerful enough to feel like a pro setup.
Of course, there are a couple of trade-offs. The price is a bit on the higher side, so it’s an investment. Plus, since it’s electric, you’ll need to make sure there’s an outlet nearby when grilling outdoors. But honestly, the convenience and performance make it worth it for us. It’s like having a high-tech kitchen grill right outside!
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4. Camplux Infrared Steak Grill
- Extreme 1600℉ Flash Heating - This innovative 10,000 BTU propane gas...
- Light, Portable,Compact Design - The stainless steak grill weights 26.5...
- Patented Adjustable Grill & Easy to Clean - The outdoor gas grill comes...
If you're after quick, flavorful steaks and a handy outdoor cooking option, this portable gas grill is a great choice.
Using the Camplux Infrared Steak Grill has definitely changed the way we cook outside. It heats up fast and cooks steaks and seafood in no time, leaving them juicy and delicious. We love how it goes from zero to sizzling heat in just minutes—perfect for those spontaneous cookouts. Plus, it’s super compact, weighing just under 27 pounds, so it fits easily in the car for picnics, tailgates, or camping trips. Setting it up is a breeze, and the adjustable grill height is perfect for everything from delicate fish to thick steaks.
There are a couple of downsides, though. The grill space is a bit tight, so if we’re cooking for a crowd, we’re limited to one steak at a time. Also, we had to remember to bring a battery for the ignition system, which can be a bit of a hassle if we're not prepared.
Overall, the Camplux Infrared Steak Grill is a great pick for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor cooking with a portable and efficient gas grill.
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5. GASPRO Infrared Steak Grill
- Restaurant-Quality Steak in Minutes: With 2 ceramic heating elements on the...
- Two Connection Options: Can be connected to a 16.4 oz camping propane tank...
- Flexible Height Adjustment: Six rails on each side of the grill allow for...
This portable grill is definitely a winner, especially for anyone who loves steak and wants to cook it right at home.
We recently gave the GASPRO Infrared Steak Grill a go, and we were seriously impressed by how quickly it heats up. The ceramic heating elements get up to 1500°F, so you can have a perfectly seared steak in just minutes. We’ve also had fun trying out different meats and veggies, and the adjustable height feature makes it super easy to cook everything just the way we want.
Setting it up was a total breeze, and the stainless steel build makes cleanup a snap. Plus, it comes with cool extras like gloves and a grease tray, which makes grilling even easier. The only hiccup we ran into was when a small part broke, and finding a replacement wasn’t as simple as we hoped.
But overall, this grill offers great convenience and quality. It’s compact enough for camping trips but powerful enough to use at home. If you’re looking to up your grilling game, the GASPRO Infrared Steak Grill is definitely worth checking out!
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Buying Guide for the Best Portable Infrared Grill
If you’re into grilling and want a faster, more efficient way to cook, a portable infrared grill is definitely worth considering. These grills use infrared plates that cook your food evenly without direct flames. This means your meals cook up quicker and with less hassle, making it a great choice for outdoor cooking.
Choosing the right one can be a little tricky with so many options out there, but once you know what to look for, it’s a lot easier. Here are the main things to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for the best portable infrared grill:
Size
The size of the grill is one of the first things to think about. Whether you’re grilling on your balcony or taking it on the road, you’ll need a grill that fits your space and your cooking needs. If you’re cooking for just a couple of people, a smaller grill will do. But if you’re hosting a larger crowd, make sure to go for something with a bigger cooking surface.
Source of Energy
Infrared grills can run on electricity, gas, or charcoal. Electric grills are super clean, but they’re not the best for camping or road trips since you’ll need an outlet. Gas and charcoal are perfect for outdoor adventures but can add some smoky flavor to your food. Consider where and how you’ll be using the grill before choosing your fuel source.
Primary Cooking Surface
Think about how much space you need to cook your food. If you’re grilling for a small family, a grill with 200-300 square inches of cooking space should be enough. But if you’ve got a big group or want to cook a lot at once, look for a grill with a larger cooking surface to make sure you’ve got enough room to work with.
BTU Ratings
The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating tells you how fast a grill heats up. Higher BTU ratings usually mean quicker heat-up times, but infrared grills cook food faster and more evenly, so you don’t need a super high BTU. Around 8,000 BTUs is usually perfect for most grilling needs.
Number of Burners
Burners are what create the heat for cooking, so the more burners, the better the heat distribution. While single-burner grills work fine, models with two or three burners are ideal for even cooking and quicker results. More burners = better heat, which equals better grilling.
Cost
Price is always something to consider. You don’t want to overspend, but cheap grills can sometimes be a letdown when it comes to quality and performance. Try to balance cost and quality — you don’t always have to buy the most expensive option to get great results. That said, if you’re willing to spend a little more, a high-end grill might give you better durability and performance.
Conclusion
Portable infrared grills are a great choice for anyone who loves grilling outdoors. They cook food faster, use less fuel, and keep everything juicy and flavorful. Plus, they cook food evenly, so you don’t have to worry about hot spots. If you want a grill that gets the job done right, a portable infrared grill is definitely worth checking out!
