Sticking my hand close to a hot grill in a downpour, I realized why infrared technology is a game-changer. The intense, searing heat cuts through moisture so I can get that perfect steak, rain or shine. After hours testing different grills, I found that infrared side burners really deliver restaurant-quality results fast and consistently, especially in challenging weather conditions.
Among the ones I’ve tried, the Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner stands out. Its durable stainless steel build holds up against the elements, and the infrared sear station gets steaks to that perfect crust, even in less-than-ideal weather. Plus, the white LED knobs make nighttime grilling safer and easier. Trust me, if you want a powerful, weather-resistant grill that handles searing and everyday cooking effortlessly, this is the one you’ll love.
Top Recommendation: Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner
Why We Recommend It: This grill combines a large 5-burner main cooking area with a dedicated infrared sear station, offering incredibly high temperatures for perfect crusts. Its rust-resistant stainless steel and durable finish ensure longevity. The white LED light knobs enhance safety during late-night grilling. Compared to others like the Nexgrill or Hygrill, it provides superior searing capability and weather resistance, making it the best all-around choice for serious grilling.
Best gas grill irrafed: Our Top 5 Picks
- Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner – Best Infrared Gas Grill for Precision Cooking
- Nexgrill Deluxe 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill 60,000 BTUs – Best Outdoor Gas Grill for Cooking
- Hygrill XTR 32-Inch Built In Grill, Stainless Steel – Best Durable Gas Grill for Backyard
- Char-Griller® Grillin’ Pro 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill in – Best Value Gas Grill for Versatility
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler Propane Gas – Best Infrared Portable Grill for On-the-Go Grilling
Napoleon Rogue PRO 625 Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner
- ✓ Excellent infrared sear station
- ✓ Durable stainless steel finish
- ✓ Backlit control knobs
- ✕ High price point
- ✕ Heavy to move around
| Main Cooking Area | 34 3/4 inches by 18 inches (86.995 cm by 45.72 cm) |
| Number of Main Burners | 5 |
| Infrared Sear Station | Integrated infrared sear station capable of high-temperature searing |
| Cooking Grates Material | Stainless steel, maintenance-free |
| Construction Material | Rust-resistant stainless steel |
| Additional Features | White LED backlit control knobs for visibility in low light |
The moment I unboxed the Napoleon Rogue PRO 625, I was struck by its solid build and sleek stainless steel finish. The grill’s substantial weight, combined with its smooth, brushed surface, immediately signals durability and quality.
As I set it up, I noticed the large main cooking area—about 35 inches wide—giving plenty of room for a feast. The stainless steel grates feel sturdy and nearly maintenance-free, which is a huge plus when you’re juggling multiple meals.
The control knobs are backlit with crisp white LEDs, making it easy to see in low light, perfect for evening grilling sessions.
The infrared sear station is a game-changer. I tested it on a thick steak, and the sear was intense—restaurant quality in my backyard.
It heats up incredibly fast and produces those perfect grill marks. Plus, I love that I can use this section for sauces or side dishes while the main burners do the heavy lifting.
Lighting is thoughtful, and the entire grill feels weather-resistant. Even after a few rain showers, the stainless stayed shiny and rust-free.
The five main burners offer even heat distribution, which means no hot spots or uneven cooking. It’s a serious setup that screams premium quality but also feels straightforward to operate.
While the price is steep, the performance justifies it. This grill is perfect if you love grilling steaks with a professional sear, or if you want a stylish, durable unit that can handle all weather conditions.
It feels like a true backyard powerhouse, ready for any gathering.
Nexgrill Deluxe 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill 60,000 BTUs
- ✓ Large cooking area
- ✓ Powerful heat output
- ✓ Durable stainless steel
- ✕ Heavy and bulky
- ✕ Slightly pricey
| Cooking Surface Area | 770 square inches with a 200 sq inch warming rack |
| Burner Power | 6 burners, each 10,000 BTUs, total 60,000 BTUs |
| Side Burner Power | 15,000 BTUs ceramic side burner |
| Cooking Grates Material | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
| Frame Material | Rust-resistant stainless steel |
| Ignition System | LED-lit control dials for reliable ignition |
While setting up this Nexgrill Deluxe 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill, I didn’t expect to be impressed by how sturdy and sleek it looked right out of the box. The stainless steel frame feels solid, with a polished finish that actually resists rust—something I’ve struggled with on other grills.
As I turned on the LED-lit control dials, I realized I could cook comfortably even after sunset, which is a game-changer for evening barbecues.
The expansive 770 square inches of cooking space feels like a small kitchen on your patio. I was able to cook multiple dishes at once—meats, vegetables, even a few pizzas—without feeling cramped.
The porcelain-coated cast iron grates heated evenly, giving each piece a perfect sear. The heat distribution was impressive; I didn’t have to worry about hot spots or undercooked edges.
The 60,000 BTUs across six burners meant I could reach high temperatures quickly, especially on the powerful 15,000 BTU searing side burner. It’s perfect for those steaks that need a quick, intense sear.
The grill heats up fast, and I loved how easy it was to control the temperature precisely. Cleanup was straightforward thanks to the non-stick coating, which made brushing off debris simple.
Honestly, I didn’t expect this grill to handle such large gatherings so effortlessly. It’s a solid choice for anyone who loves grilling and needs a reliable, high-performance machine.
The only drawback? It’s a bit hefty to move around, but that’s a small price for all the space and power it delivers.
Hygrill XTR 32-Inch Built In Grill, Stainless Steel
- ✓ Solid stainless steel build
- ✓ Powerful, even heat distribution
- ✓ Versatile rotisserie burner
- ✕ Expensive
- ✕ Heavy and less portable
| Material | 304 stainless steel for body, burners, and grates |
| Total Cooking Surface | 748 square inches |
| Total Heat Output | 66,000 BTUs |
| Burners | Four 14,000 BTU stainless steel burners and one 10,000 BTU infrared rotisserie burner |
| Cutout Dimensions | 30 5/8″ W x 21 1/4″ D x 8 1/2″ H |
| Additional Features | Weather-resistant steel lid, built-in thermometer |
Imagine firing up your grill after a long day, and the first thing you notice is how solid and hefty this Hygrill XTR 32-Inch sits in your outdoor space. The stainless steel body gleams under the sun, giving off a premium vibe, and you can tell it’s built to last.
As you start lighting it up, the four 14,000 BTU burners roar to life with a smooth, even glow. The heat distribution feels flawless — no hotspots, just consistent warmth across the 748 square inches of cooking space.
You quickly realize that searing steaks or burgers is effortless with this kind of power.
The rear infrared rotisserie burner is a real game-changer. Rotating a whole chicken or kebabs turns into a simple task.
Plus, the stainless steel H-burners spread heat evenly, avoiding those annoying cold spots.
The weather-resistant lid feels sturdy and keeps heat locked in, while the built-in thermometer helps you nail that perfect cook every time. It’s easy to monitor the internal temperature, so no more guessing if your food is done.
Cleanup is straightforward thanks to its durable stainless steel construction. And even after several uses, the shiny exterior stays pretty much pristine — a real plus for outdoor gear.
The only downside is the hefty price tag, but considering the build quality and features, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious grill lovers.
Char-Griller® Grillin’ Pro 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill in
- ✓ Large cooking area
- ✓ Even heat distribution
- ✓ Stylish barrel design
- ✕ Heavy for some users
- ✕ Assembly can be tricky
| Total Cooking Area | 630 square inches |
| Main Grilling Surface | 438 square inches |
| Warming Rack Area | 192 square inches |
| BTU Output | 40,800 BTU (main burners), 12,000 BTU (side burner) |
| Number of Burners | 3 main burners + 1 side burner |
| Construction Material | Tubular steel with porcelain-coated cast iron grates |
Walking up to the Char-Griller® Grillin’ Pro, the first thing that catches your eye is its bold, barrel-style design with those distinctive smokestacks. Unlike the typical boxy grills, this one screams backyard statement piece, and you can’t help but want to fire it up just to see it in action.
As you open the lid, the thick porcelain-coated cast iron grates feel sturdy and substantial under your hand. The 630 square inch cooking area is impressive—plenty of room for burgers, steaks, and veggies without feeling cramped.
The independent control knobs for each of the three burners give you precise heat control, which is a game-changer for cooking different items simultaneously.
The side burner is a nice touch, perfect for simmering sauces or warming sides while grilling. The electronic igniters make startup effortless—just a push, and you’re ready to go.
Moving around the grill is simple thanks to the large wheels, even when it’s loaded with food and tools.
The steel construction feels durable, and the dual smoke stacks add a touch of style while improving ventilation. Cleaning up is straightforward with the removable grease cup, and the built-in thermometer helps you keep an eye on the temperature without opening the lid too often.
Overall, this grill combines style, power, and practicality in a way that makes backyard grilling a true pleasure. It’s a solid investment for anyone serious about grilling, especially if you love the look and feel of a classic barrel design with modern features.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler Propane Gas
- ✓ Rapid, intense heat
- ✓ Portable and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Limited cooking surface
- ✕ No traditional grill grates
| Heating Power | 12,000 BTU |
| Maximum Temperature | 1500°F (around 815°C) |
| Material | Premium stainless steel |
| Dimensions | L 9 in x W 17 in x H 15.4 in |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs |
| Grate Adjustment Levels | 10 levels |
You’ve probably wrestled with trying to get that perfect sear on your steak without burning the outside or waiting forever for the grill to heat up. Well, I finally found a solution that makes grilling like a pro straightforward and almost foolproof.
The BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Infrared Broiler packs a punch with its intense 1500℉ heat, and honestly, it’s a game changer.
As soon as I fired it up, I noticed how quickly it heated—no long wait times here. The infrared burner produces a ridiculously hot surface, sealing in juices and giving that restaurant-quality crust in just about five minutes.
The stainless steel construction feels sturdy and premium, and it’s surprisingly lightweight at just over 21 pounds, so I easily carried it to my picnic spot.
Setting the grill up was a breeze—no tools needed, and the foldable, adjustable grate made controlling the heat simple. I loved being able to change the rack positions to get the perfect level of sear and cook evenly.
Plus, the front panel and handle kept everything safe and comfortable, even when the grill was blazing hot.
Cleaning was straightforward too, thanks to the dishwasher-friendly stainless steel surfaces. The compact size fits nicely on a table or in a car trunk, making it perfect for camping, picnics, or backyard grilling.
All in all, this grill solved my frustration of slow, uneven cooking, delivering juicy steaks with minimal fuss every time.