How infrared burners work
Most infrared burners on residential grills are ceramic tiles with thousands of tiny ports, set in a stainless frame over a gas chamber. Gas and air mix in the chamber, burn right at the surface of the tile, and the tile glows orange-red and throws heat straight up at the food. Some designs use a stainless mesh screen or a perforated metal plate instead of ceramic. You'll find them as dedicated sear burners, as rear rotisserie burners, and on some grills as full main burners.
Because the ports are so small, it doesn't take much to clog them, and once the ceramic cracks, the burner doesn't heat evenly anymore. Our infrared vs. conventional guide covers the trade-offs if you're deciding whether to keep one.
Common infrared problems
In rough order of how often we see them.
Patchy or dark spots
Grease, food debris or spider webs have clogged part of the tile. The dark areas don't glow, and the burner heats unevenly.
Cracked ceramic
Water hitting a hot tile, a dropped grate, or a wire brush can crack ceramic. Flame can come through the crack and the burner may roar or flash.
Won't light or lights with a pop
A blocked inlet, a weak spark or a gap problem at the igniter. A loud pop on lighting means gas is collecting before it catches.
Learn moreLights then goes out
On burners with a safety valve, a thermocouple that isn't sensing heat shuts off the gas.
Learn moreYellow flames above the tile
Usually a blocked air inlet or a cracked tile letting flame through. Not normal for infrared.
Corroded frame
The stainless frame that holds the tile rusts or warps, especially near the coast, letting gas leak around the edges.
What you can safely do
- Run the infrared burner on high for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking with the hood open. That burns off most drips before they bake into the tile.
- Keep water off it. Never spray or splash a hot infrared burner, and don't hose it when cleaning.
- Don't scrub the tile with a wire brush. If you need to clean it, use a soft brush or compressed air on a cold burner.
- Look at the tile with the grill off and cool. Note any cracks, dark patches or a broken frame.
- Light it with the hood open and stand back a little. If it pops loudly or doesn't catch within a few seconds, turn it off and wait before trying again.
How we repair infrared burners
- 1
Inspect lit and cold
We light it and watch the glow pattern, then let it cool and inspect the tile, frame, inlet and igniter.
- 2
Clear the inlet and orifice
Spiders and debris in the venturi are common. We clear them and check the orifice and air shutter.
- 3
Clean the tile, gently
A clogged but intact tile can often be cleared with low-pressure air from the back side. We don't scrub ceramic.
- 4
Replace what's damaged
Cracked tiles usually mean a new burner assembly. Igniters and thermocouples are replaced separately when needed.
- 5
Test the glow
We light it, let it come up to full heat, and look for an even glow across the whole face.
Brand notes
Infrared burners vary a lot by brand. Lynx Trident burners, Solaire all-infrared grills, Twin Eagles, Fire Magic and Alfresco sear zones each have their own design, and the parts don't cross over. Some can be repaired by replacing tiles; most are replaced as a full burner assembly. We'll tell you which applies to your grill. For dedicated sear stations, see sear burner repair.
Infrared burner questions
Can a cracked ceramic tile be repaired?
Not reliably. Some designs allow a tile to be replaced on its own; most require a new burner assembly. Patching ceramic doesn't hold up to the heat.
Why does my infrared burner have black spots?
Those are clogged areas where gas isn't burning at the surface. Running the burner on high for a few minutes after each cook helps prevent it.
Is it normal for infrared to make noise?
A soft hiss is normal. A loud roar, whistle or popping isn't, and the burner should be checked before using it again.
How long do infrared burners last?
With care, many years. Water, grease buildup and rough cleaning shorten that a lot.
How much does infrared burner repair cost?
It depends on the brand and whether the burner can be serviced or needs replacing. Send photos of the burner face and the model tag and we'll quote it.
Related guides
BBQ Grill Repair
On-site repair for gas grills: ignition, burners, valves, regulators, gas leaks and the hardware that wears out, with common parts carried on the truck.
Buying adviceInfrared vs. Conventional Burners
How infrared and conventional gas burners work, what each does best, and how to care for an infrared burner so it lasts.
TroubleshootingSpiders in Burner Tubes
Spider webs in burner venturi tubes are a common cause of weak flames and flashback fires. Here's how to spot it, clean it and prevent it.
Buying advicePremium Grill Brands Compared
A fair, service-side look at the premium built-in grill brands common in Los Angeles backyards, and what to weigh when choosing between them.
Infrared burner not glowing right?
Call or text us, or send a photo of the burner face, lit if you can. We'll tell you whether it can be cleaned or needs replacing.