Sizzle Showdown: Infrared BBQ vs Gas BBQ - Which is Right for you?
As the outdoor cooking season officially gets underway, BBQ enthusiasts face a sizzling debate: infrared BBQ or gas BBQ?
With #BBQlife receiving over 521 million views on TikTok and "best BBQ" peaking every summer, choosing the right grill is on everyone's mind. Most of the time, when people think about buying an outdoor BBQ, the big dilemma is whether to go with charcoal or gas. But we're here to tell you that there's another option in the mix. Join us as we dive into the fiery contest between infrared BBQs vs gas BBQs. Whether you're a seasoned griller or a weekend warrior, understanding the differences can elevate your al fresco culinary game. We explore each grill's unique features, pros and cons, performance across various cooking styles and more to help you make the best choice for your grilling needs.
Get ready to fire up your BBQ knowledge and discover which grill will reign supreme in your back garden.
Infrared BBQ vs gas BBQ definitions
What is an infrared BBQ?
Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £2,415
Infrared BBQs use infrared technology to cook food, providing a unique grilling experience compared to their more well-known counterparts. Instead of heating the air around the food, an infrared BBQ uses infrared technology to directly transfer heat to the food, creating a high-temperature cooking environment. It uses glass plates to divert airflow away from the food, resulting in more tender meat. Infrared BBQs heat up and cook quickly, with pre-heating taking only 2-5 minutes*. This results in even cooking and perfectly seared meat, locking in juices for delicious meals.
Because they can quickly reach extremely high temperatures, infrared BBQs are excellent for grilling steaks and other meats that benefit from a quick sear. However, they might not be the best choice for foods and recipes that require slow cooking and lower temperatures.
What is a gas BBQ?
Napoleon Rogue SE 425 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £1,425.00
A gas BBQ uses propane or natural gas to heat the air inside the grill and cook food. Gas BBQs are popular for their convenience and control. They offer adjustable heat levels that let you cook using various methods, from slow-roasting to high-heat searing. With the simple turn of a knob, you can ignite the grill and start cooking, making it a user-friendly option for both beginners and seasoned grillers who value delicious, quick meals.
These BBQs are versatile, suitable for grilling a wide range of foods and favoured for their reliability and ease of use.
Infrared BBQ vs gas BBQ features, pros and cons
|
Features |
Infrared BBQ |
Gas BBQ |
|
Heat-up time |
3-5 minutes |
10-15 minutes |
|
Temperature range |
Up to 800 Celsius |
Up to 200-250 Celsius |
|
Cooking speed |
Fast and quick heat-up period |
Depends on temperature and setting |
|
Heat distribution |
Even |
Less even, more erratic |
|
Fuel type |
Propane, natural gas or by electricity |
Propane or natural gas |
|
Impact on flavour |
Searing locks in juices |
Traditional BBQ flavour |
|
Cleaning |
Easy to clean. |
Easy to clean. Trays need frequent cleaning. |
|
Cost |
Higher initial cost, from £300 to £6,000. |
Lower initial cost from £200-£1,500. |
based on an analysis of online product listings
Performance and cooking styles
Napoleon 700 Series 32" Built-in Gas Grill - £2,339.00
Infrared BBQs are designed for high performance and excel in cooking scenarios requiring intense heat. They are great for searing meats, in particular, producing a perfect crust while keeping the inside juicy and full of flavour. Infrared grills cook food quickly, making them ideal for quick meals. However, they may be less versatile for low-and-slow cooking methods like smoking.
In comparison, gas BBQs offer a wider range of cooking temperatures, making them the more versatile option if you like to use various cooking styles. They are excellent for grilling and, depending on the model, are adaptable to get that delicious, smoky BBQ flavour everyone loves by adding wood chips. Even though gas BBQs may not sear as intensely as infrared grills, they provide consistent and reliable heat, suitable for high-heat grilling and lower-temperature roasting and cooking.
BBQ maintenance
Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas Barbecue - £495.00
Infrared BBQs are generally easy to clean and maintain. That's because infrared grills have a self-cleaning ability thanks to their high-temperature capabilities, vaporising food residues and drippings. The extremely high temperatures make it nearly impossible to leave any residue, eliminating traditional grill flare-ups and preventing overcooking.
While they may require slightly more effort compared to the self-cleaning nature of infrared BBQs, gas models are also generally straightforward to maintain. Most models feature removable parts that are cleaned individually, like burners, grates and drip trays, ensuring your BBQ's longevity, performance and safety.
Cost
Napoleon Rogue SE 625 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £1,919.00
Infrared BBQs are usually more expensive than gas grills due to their advanced technology and materials. Fuel costs are comparable to gas BBQs if your model uses propane, although some infrared models are also compatible with natural gas or can be powered by electricity. Gas BBQs come in a wide range of prices, from more budget-friendly models to high-end options. Operating costs vary depending on the type of gas used, with natural gas generally being more economical in the long run.
Additionally, long-term maintenance costs can be lower for gas BBQs, especially if parts can be easily replaced and the grill is regularly cleaned and maintained. If you're looking for a cost-effective option, consider the frequency and style of your grilling. Infrared BBQs are an investment in performance and speed, making them ideal for seasoned grillers who prioritise steak-house-quality meat.
Gas BBQs offer more flexibility and can be more economical in the long term, especially if you're someone who likes to grill often and prioritise versatility in the garden kitchen.
Infrared BBQs vs gas BBQs: decision-making tips
Napoleon Prestige Pro 825 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £6,319.00
Choosing between an infrared and a gas BBQ can be daunting, but focusing on a few key factors can help simplify your decision. Use our helpful tips to guide you in selecting the perfect BBQ for your needs:
Cooking needs
Are you someone who jumps at the chance to get the BBQ out as soon as the sun appears? Maybe you don't even need the sun and love getting the grill out to cook delicious burgers for the family on weeknights, regardless. If you're a frequent griller and value quick meals, an infrared BBQ's rapid heating and cooking speed can save you time.
If you're more of an occasional griller who prefers leisurely cooking sessions in the sun (which, let's be honest, we don't get much of in the UK), a gas BBQ provides greater flexibility with a range of temperatures.
Cooking styles
Infrared BBQs are ideal for high-heat searing and grilling—perfect for juicy steaks and burgers.
Gas BBQs are more versatile, giving you the option to cook using various cooking styles, including grilling, smoking and roasting. This makes them more suitable for a larger choice of recipes and those who like to experiment in the kitchen.
Convenience
Infrared BBQs are known for their quick start-up and high heat capabilities, making them incredibly convenient for fast, efficient grilling.
Gas BBQs are user-friendly, with straightforward ignition and temperature control. They offer a more straightforward grilling experience that's ideal for grilling novices.
Flavour
You’ll find infrared BBQs in many steakhouse restaurants—and for good reason. They excel at creating a delicious sear, locking in juices and flavours. However, they can lack the smoky taste some BBQ enthusiasts crave.
Gas BBQs also lack that traditional, smoky BBQ flavour but with one crucial difference. They can be enhanced with the simple addition of some wood chips or smoker boxes, appealing to those who love traditional BBQ tastes.
Space and portability
Think about how much outdoor space you have. Free-standing infrared BBQs are relatively compact and suitable for smaller patios, gardens or balconies.
Gas BBQs come in various sizes, from portable models for smaller gardens and camping to larger variants to accommodate big gardens with outdoor dining sets and kitchen gardens.
Maintenance
Infrared BBQs are generally easier to clean thanks to their high temperatures, which burn off grease and residue.
Gas BBQs need regular maintenance, and burners and grates require frequent cleaning, which can be slightly more time-consuming.
Environmental impact
Both infrared and gas BBQs have similar environmental impacts as they tend to use propane gas. The main difference is that some gas BBQs can connect to gas lines, making them the more cost-effective fuel option.
More tips for making your choice
-
Consider your grilling habits: Consider how often and what types of food you enjoy grilling. Frequent sear-and-serve cooks might prefer an infrared option, while sporadic BBQ-ers might prefer a gas BBQ.
- Think about your budget: Determine your budget for both the initial purchase and long-term fuel costs that can add up over time. Infrared options might have a higher upfront cost but could save time and effort when it comes to maintenance. Gas BBQs come in various prices and might be more budget-friendly.
- Read reviews and get recommendations: Researching online reviews is a great way to get valuable insights into the performance and reliability of different models.
Is an infrared BBQ better than gas?
So, infrared BBQ vs gas BBQ: what’s the better option? We say that it all depends. Are you a steak fanatic looking for high temperatures and succulent, juicy meat every time you grill? Do you want to avoid the flare-ups, extra cleaning and dry food associated with more traditional gas grills? Then, an infrared BBQ could be worth considering. Just bear in mind that you’ll be looking at a higher initial cost.
For those who prefer a bit more versatility in their cooking and enjoy a broader selection of chicken, vegetables and fish that require cooking at lower temperatures, a gas grill is likely the better option. When choosing between an infrared BBQ vs a gas BBQ, consider your cooking habits, available garden space and budget. Both options have unique strengths, so pick the one that best suits your grilling style and lifestyle needs.
Ready to find the perfect BBQ for your outdoor cooking? Explore Harbour Lifestyle’s range of high-quality infrared and gas BBQ options and accessories. Our models combine advanced technology with exceptional design, ensuring you enjoy every grilling session for years to come. Visit our BBQ product range to learn more or check out our BBQ areas guide to create a stylish area for your next BBQ once you’ve made your choice.
Sources:
*Based on an analysis of online product listings
