Infrared Sear Burners: Built for High-Heat Results

Searing a steak should be fast and simple. You want bold grill marks and a flavorful crust. But even when you follow every step—perfect seasoning, well-timed flips, rested meat—the final result can still fall flat. That's frustrating, especially when you're aiming for steakhouse-quality results right in your backyard.

Many gas grills just don't reach the high temperatures required for that deep sear. Without intense, focused heat, juices escape before they lock in. You're left with food that's technically cooked but missing the char, the flavor, and the wow factor. And it's not your fault—it's the heat source holding you back.

This is where you take control. You're the one putting in the time and care. You deserve a grill setup that keeps up. At American Made Grills, we build for grillers who expect more from their gear. Our infrared sear burners are designed to give you the high-heat performance needed to finally bring those flavors home. Whether you're after the perfect crust on a ribeye or crisp edges on grilled vegetables, we've got the tools to make it happen.

Why Standard Burners Miss the Mark

Most gas burners top out around 600°F. That's hot enough to cook your food but not enough to sear it properly. To get the crust that locks in flavor and juices, you need consistent surface heat around 1,000°F or higher.

Here's where standard burners fall short:

• Hot air warms the grill chamber, not the food directly
• It takes longer to reach high temperatures at the grate
• Juices escape before searing begins
• The result? Meat that's dry in the center and lacking that crisp, caramelized edge

That said, not all gas burners are built the same. American Made Grills uses high-BTU, commercial-quality burners designed to deliver intense, even heat across the cooking surface. These burners outperform typical residential setups and provide the foundation for serious grilling. For those looking to push even further—especially for steakhouse-level searing—infrared burners take the heat to the next level by applying direct radiant energy. Think of it as adding a precision tool to an already powerful setup.

What Makes Infrared Different

Infrared burners use a ceramic or stainless steel emitter that glows red-hot over a gas flame. Instead of heating the air, the emitter radiates energy directly to the surface of your food. That energy creates an instant sear and keeps moisture where it belongs—inside.

Some key features of infrared heat:

• Rapid preheat times, often under 5 minutes
• Intense heat that can exceed 1,600°F
• Focused energy that sears without overcooking

According to USDA food safety research, high-heat searing helps kill bacteria quickly and improves flavor and texture.

Real Gains from High Heat

Upgrading to infrared sear burners gives you more than flashy grill marks. You get control, speed, and better results across a range of foods.

Key benefits:

• Sear thick steaks fast without drying them out
• Brown burgers and keep them juicy
• Grill vegetables with a crisp edge, not mushy
• Burn off leftover grease and food debris more easily

You also reduce flare-ups since drippings vaporize on contact rather than hitting open flames.

Add-On or Built-In: Choose What Fits

If you already own a gas grill, you may not need a full replacement. Many models allow you to swap a standard burner for an infrared version.

American Made Grills offers a Drop-In Sear Burner for each model, including the Atlas, Estate, Muscle, and Encore Series. This drop-in burner is easy to install and gives you instant access to intense searing power on your existing setup.

For rotisserie lovers, both the Estate Series and Alturi Series include infrared back burners, perfect for evenly cooking roasts and whole chickens while keeping the outside crispy.

What to Know Before Buying

Not all burners work the same. Before making the switch, consider the following:

• Grill Compatibility – Check if the burner fits your specific model
• Heat Output – Look for 14,000–20,000 BTU ratings
• Construction – Ceramic burners heat faster and retain heat well
• Installation – Drop-in burners are typically user-friendly
• Warranty – Choose a brand that stands behind its hardware

The right burner adds serious value to your grill, especially when it's built to last.

Is It Time to Upgrade?

If your steaks aren't searing and your burgers look more steamed than grilled, it's time to rethink your heat source. Infrared sear burners fix the gap that standard burners can't cover.

American Made Grills makes it simple to get better results with premium add-ons and integrated infrared features across our grill lines. Whether adding a Drop-In Sear Burner or taking full advantage of an infrared back burner, your grill is ready for more.

Take your cooking up a notch with heat that delivers. Visit our Grilling Tips Blog for more techniques and equipment insights. For new recipes to try, check out our recipe blog for delicious ideas perfect for your American Made Grill.