Infrared vs Standard Gas Grills: What You Need to Know

Infrared vs. Standard Gas Grills: Quick Comparison

How Each Type Actually Works

Infrared Grill Cooking Method

Infrared grills use a burner that heats a solid emitter surface, which then radiates intense heat directly onto the food. That direct radiant transfer hits high temperatures fast and cooks food evenly.

Standard Gas Grill Cooking Method

Standard gas grills burn propane or natural gas to create an open flame. Heat spreads through the air inside the hood, cooking food with a mix of direct and indirect heat rather than one focused radiant source.

Heat Performance

• Infrared grills reach very high temperatures fast, making them ideal for searing steaks
• Standard gas grills get hot too, but usually don't match infrared's searing intensity
• Infrared grills heat up in minutes; standard gas grills take a bit longer to fully preheat
• Infrared grills are designed for even heat, while lower-end standard gas grills can develop hot spots

Cooking Results

Steak and High-Heat Cooking

Infrared grills shine on steak because the radiant heat locks in juices while creating a crisp outer crust. Expect roughly 2 to 4 minutes per side depending on thickness, always cooking to a safe internal temperature of 145°F. Preheat on high, place the steak directly over the heat, and flip once for a strong sear.

Chicken, Fish, and Vegetables

Standard gas grills handle foods that need lower or steadier heat better, giving you more room to cook a wider variety of meals without worrying about burning delicate items.

Some steakhouses use infrared broilers specifically to reach the extreme temperatures that create that signature crust and juicy interior, which is part of why infrared has such a strong reputation for steak.

Shop Infrared Grills

Both of these Fire Magic models use infrared as part of the primary cooking surface, not just for the rotisserie.

Fire Magic Aurora A790i

$7,550.00

One main infrared burner paired with two cast stainless E burners for 90,000 BTUs across 792 square inches of cooking surface.

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Fire Magic Echelon Diamond E790i

$10,145.00

Configurable with a full infrared main burner, plus a Quantum infrared backburner for fast, efficient rotisserie cooking.

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Browse the rest of the lineup in the Fire Magic collection if you want to compare BTU output and finish across every series.

Ease of Use

• Standard gas grills are easier to learn since you can control the flame more gradually
• Infrared grills demand more attention because of how quickly they reach high heat
• Gas grills let you cook at multiple temperatures across the surface at once
• Infrared grills are more focused on high-heat cooking than temperature flexibility

Safety and Flare-Up Control

• Infrared grills reduce flare-ups since grease doesn't drip onto an open flame
• Standard gas grills can flare up when fat drips directly onto the burners
• Regular cleaning reduces fire risk on either type

Efficiency and Fuel Use

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Infrared grills need careful cleaning of the emitter surface specifically
• Standard gas grills just need regular grate and burner cleaning
• Standard gas grills are usually simpler to maintain for a first-time owner

Pros and Cons

Infrared Grill Pros and Cons

• Pros: fast heating, powerful searing, fewer flare-ups, even heat
• Cons: higher cost, less low-heat flexibility, easy to overcook food if you're not watching closely

Standard Gas Grill Pros and Cons

• Pros: versatile, easier to learn, more affordable, handles varied meals well
• Cons: less even heat, more flare-ups, slower searing

Shop Standard Gas Grills

Both of these use traditional open-flame tube burners as the primary cooking surface, the more forgiving option for everyday grilling.

Mont Alpi 805 Built-In Grill

$1,501.80

Six 304 stainless tube burners for even, everyday heat across a wide cooking surface, at a fraction of an infrared model's price.

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Summerset TRL 32" Grill

$3,352.00

Commercial-grade stainless U-tube burners for consistent standard heat, with a rear infrared burner reserved just for rotisserie.

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Health and Cooking Quality

Infrared grills reduce flare-ups, though smoke still occurs from cooking juices hitting the emitter surface. Standard gas grills can create more smoke from flare-ups specifically. The healthiest approach with either type is reducing flare-ups and avoiding heavy charring.

Cost Comparison

If you're planning the rest of the patio around whichever grill you choose, an outdoor living package bundles seating and layout into the same order.

Which One Fits Your Cooking Style?

Best for High Heat and Steak Lovers

Infrared is the stronger choice if you want restaurant-style searing and fast cooking sessions.

Best for Versatility and Everyday Use

Standard gas grills work better if you cook a wide range of foods and want flexibility across temperatures.

Best for Beginners and Budget Buyers

Standard gas grills are easier to learn and typically more affordable, making them a practical starting point.

FAQs About Infrared vs. Standard Gas Grills

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