Are Infrared Burners Really Better Than Traditional Burners for Grilling?

If you love grilling, you know that heat makes all the difference. Not all heat works the same way, though. Infrared searing burners are designed to give your meat a perfect crust, lock in juices, and cook faster than traditional burners.

But what makes them different, and when should you use each type? 

In this post, we will explain how infrared burners work, compare them with traditional burners, share their best uses, and introduce the Monument grills that feature infrared technology.

How Infrared Burners Work: Fast, Juicy, and Wind-Resistant

Infrared burners cook food in a different way than traditional burners. Here’s how they work:

• Fully premixed combustion. Gas and air mix thoroughly before reaching the ceramic emitter. This creates a glowing surface without visible flames.
• High-temperature ceramic surface. The burner reaches temperatures of 800–1000°C, producing intense heat directly on the food.
• Infrared radiation (2–4 μm). This wavelength is absorbed efficiently by water molecules and most organic materials, heating food inside and out.
• Fast preheat and wind resistance. Because heat is radiated directly, outdoor wind or air temperature does not slow down cooking.

In practice, this means:

• You can cook juicy steaks in minutes.
• Food gets a perfectly caramelized crust.
• Preheating takes less time.
• Cooking is energy-efficient.

Infrared vs. Traditional Burners: What’s the Difference?

Traditional burners mainly cook through convection, which heats the air around the food. This approach works, but it has some limits.

• Heat transfer is slower because the air needs to warm up first.
• Preheating the grill takes more time.
• Wind and hot spots can affect results.

Infrared burners use direct radiation, which gives several advantages:

• Faster, more intense searing.
• Even browning without constantly flipping.
• Precise temperature control.
• Better energy efficiency since heat is not wasted on the air.

Quick side-by-side comparison:

When to Use Each Burner

Choosing the right burner makes a big difference.

Infrared Burner

• Works best for high-heat searing and caramelizing.
• Ideal for thick steaks, chops, or seafood.
• Safe to use with pots and pans for fast sautéing or sauces.
• Perfect for creating restaurant-style crusts at home.

Traditional Burner

• Best for slow and even cooking.
• Keeps vegetables, poultry, and fish moist.
• Great for simmering sauces or cooking side dishes in a pan.
• Suitable for everyday cooking and low-and-slow recipes.

Example scenarios:

• Searing a 2-inch ribeye? Use infrared to get a juicy interior with a charred exterior.
• Roasting vegetables or cooking chicken slowly? Use traditional burners for gentle, even heat.

Combining Burners for Maximum Versatility

Many Monument grills have both types of burners. You can:

• Sear first on the infrared burner, then finish on the traditional burner for perfect doneness.
• Cook multiple dishes in one grill, including burgers, vegetables, sauces, and even pizza.
• Control flavor and texture by using each burner for its strengths.

Monument Grills with Infrared Technology

Monument grills bring professional-level performance to your backyard. Here are the main models with infrared burners:

• Eminence 605. Six infrared blade burners and a rear infrared ceramic burner, delivering 89,000 BTUs. Includes a side sear station and a rotisserie kit.
• Eminence 405. Four infrared blade burners and an infrared side sear station, delivering 60,000 BTUs. Features an LED control panel and dual meat probes for precise cooking.
• Denali 605Pro. Infrared blade burners plus a searing station, perfect for steak lovers and everyday grilling.
• Mesa 415BZ. An infrared bladeburner for high-heat searing, traditional burners for versatile cooking.

For a closer look at all these models and a detailed product comparison, we break down the features and best use cases for each grill for your reference here.

Quick Tips for Infrared Cooking

• Use infrared burners for steaks, burgers, chops, or quick stir-fry in a pan.
• Use traditional burners for vegetables, fish, poultry, and slow-roasted dishes.
• Combine both burners for more complex meals: sear first, slow-cook next.
• Preheat only a few minutes since infrared burners reach full heat quickly.

Infrared burners are not just a fancy feature. They give backyard chefs a real advantage for fast, juicy cooking with excellent control. With Monument grills, you get both speed and versatility in one high-quality package.

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