Schwank Grill Review: Is This 1500-Degree Portable Infrared Grill Right For You?
In this Schwank Grill review we’ll see if this 1500-degree infrared grill really can deliver steakhouse-quality results in your backyard!
If you’re on a carnivore diet, cooking your steak just right is the difference between ruining your next meal, or loving it.
And even if you’re not a carnivore, who doesn’t love a steak that is quick to make and perfectly grilled?
Which is exactly what the Schwank grill promises you it can do.
But can it really do it?
And is it worth the investment?
Today, I’ll tell you everything you need to know based on my personal experience of owning a Schwank Grill.
That way, you’ll be able to decide if buying one is right for you.
Schwank Grill Review – A Sleek And Compact Grill That Is Perfect For Outdoor Cooking
What Is An Infrared Grill?
Infrared grills use radiant heat instead of hot air to cook food.
This allows the grill to reach extremely high temperatures, making it perfect for searing meats. The technology ensures even heat distribution, resulting in faster cooking times and juicier food.
Unlike traditional grills, infrared grills are less likely to dry out your meat.
This is because the heat penetrates the surface without disrupting the moisture inside.
Schwank Grill Review – Firing Up The Infrared Burners
The Evolution Of Schwank Grills
Schwank was started in 1938 by a guy called Gunther Schwank.
They have been a pioneer in infrared heating technology since the 1980s. The company supply infrared burners to renowned steakhouses like Morton’s and Del Frisco’s.
Recognizing the demand for professional-grade grilling at home, Schwank introduced their portable infrared grill to the general public.
This has helped to bring restaurant-quality searing capabilities to backyard enthusiasts across the USA and Canada.
Their grills are manufactured in Waynesboro, Georgia.
Each Schwank Grill is assembled by hand.
This ensures high-quality craftsmanship and performance.
Schwank Grill Price Point
The Schwank Grill comes in two models.
The propane model is priced at $1,250 and the natural gas model is priced at $1,350.
This pricing reflects the premium quality of its infrared technology, high-temperature capability, and durable design.
While the initial cost might seem steep, the superior cooking results and longevity make it a worthwhile investment for grilling enthusiasts.
What’s Included With The Schwank Grill?
When you purchase a Schwank Grill, here’s what you get in the box:
- Schwank Infrared Grill
- Grill Grate And Shelf
- Drip Tray
- Drip Drawer
- Removable Liner
- Grill Handle
- Gas Regulator And Hose
- AAA Battery
My Experience With The Schwank Grill
We recently got our Schwank grill.
But both my husband and I were skeptical about ordering one at first because we thought that they might be a gimmick.
And if I was going to sway my husband away from his beloved cast iron, I knew that this grill was going to have to seriously deliver.
To test the performance of the Schwank Grill, I invited my Mom and Dad over for dinner. They picked up four 2-inch-thick cut ribeye Delmonico steaks on the way over.
My husband seasoned the steaks with Baja Gold sea salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder.
Schwank Grill Review – 4 Well Marbled Rib Delmonicos
We’ll talk more about how those steaks turned out in a while.
But first, let’s take a look at…
The Key Features Of The Schwank Grill
The Schwank Grill is designed with several thoughtful features:
Overhead Burners
- Even Heat Distribution: The infrared burners are perfectly positioned to provide equal heat distribution to your entire steak to ensure it is evenly cooked.
. - No Flare Ups: Flare ups create uneven heat distribution, variable temperatures, and charred meat. Overhead burners prevent grease from dripping on the heat source and causing flare ups.
Schwank Grill Review – Overhead Burners
Adjustable Lift Handle
- Temperature Control: The amount of heat delivered while cooking is controlled by lifting the grill grate closer to or further away from the infrared burners.
. - 7 Levels Of Heat: The burners will always stay at maximum temperature (1500°F). To change your grilling temperature, simply raise the lift handle up or down from levels 1 to 7.
. - Portable Grilling: Look at those sturdy handles on the side too. The compact design and sturdy carrying handles of the Schwank Grill allow you to grill delicious food in any outdoor setting. Enjoy the juiciest food while tailgating at a sporting event, camping, or at a friend’s house.
Schwank Grill Review – Adjustable Lift Handle
Grill Grate
- Easy To Flip: The grill grate locks into position when pulled out so you can easily flip your meat.
. - Drip Slots: The slots in the grill grate allow those delicious meat juices to fall directly into the drip tray below to intensify the flavor of your steak.
Schwank Grill Review – Grill Grate
Grill Shelf
- Well Built: Your grill grate sits here.
. - Locks In Place: The pins at the front of the shelf hold the grill grate securely in place while you flip your food.
Schwank Grill Review – Grill Shelf
Grill Liner
- Easy Cleaning: Cleaning is a breeze when you can remove the entire grilling area from the infrared grill.
. - Dishwasher Safe: Place the liner in the dishwasher and you’ll be grilling again in no time at all.
Schwank Grill Review – Liner
Drip Tray & Drawer
- Collect The Juices: Succulent meat juices fall into the drip tray at the bottom of the grill.
. - Make Tasty Sauces: You can add butter & spices to the drip tray to baste your food with as you go.
. - Soak In Flavor: Let your steak rest in a pool of deliciousness.
. - Pour It All On: Pour that extra flavor all over
Schwank Grill Review – Drip Tray & Drawer
Grill Handle
- One Tool Does It All: The grill handle is your main tool and is used to operate various features on the grill. Keep this tool handy.
. - Drip Tray Drawer: Use it to pull out the drip tray drawer to allow the juices to fall into the drip tray and push the drawer back in to use it as a warming area.
. - Grill Grate: Use it to pull out the grill grate to easily flip your steaks and push the grill grate back in whenever you’re ready to grill again.
. - Liner: It is also used to remove the liner from the grill when cleaning.
Schwank Grill review – Grill Handle
Push Button Igniter & Gas Knob
- Electronic Ignition: The battery-operated igniter creates an instant spark to easily fire up your grill with the push of a button.
. - Fires Up In Seconds: The Schwank Grill fires up in less than 10 seconds and heats up to full 1500 degree F temperature in as little as 5 minutes.
Maintaining Your Schwank Grill: Cleaning Guide
My husband absolutely hates cleaning our regular grill.
But Schwank Grills are easy to clean, which makes properly maintaining them simple.
Here’s how to clean yours when you get one:
- Cool Down: Ensure your grill is completely cool before cleaning.
. - Disassemble Components: Remove the grill grate, drip tray, and liner. They are easy to remove and come out of the main grill unit in seconds.
. - Cleaning: All the parts are dishwasher safe. The first thing my husband did was wipe out any excess grease from the drip tray. After that he quickly rinsed all the parts in our sink, before putting everything, including the drip tray into the dishwasher.
While the parts were in the dishwasher, he used a damp cloth to wipe the interior surfaces of the main grill unit, removing any residue.
He then reassembled the grill.
The whole process took him less than 10 minutes.
Schwank Grill Review – All The Parts Are Dishwasher Safe
Storing Your Schwank Grill For Longevity
Proper storage of your Schwank Grill is essential for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan.
Here’s some tips on how to do so:
- Indoor Storage: Store the grill in a cool, dry place to prevent exposure to moisture and potential rust.
. - Protective Cover: Utilize a waterproof grill cover to shield it from dust and environmental elements.
. - Gas Supply: Ensure the propane tank is disconnected and stored safely away from the grill.
Schwank Grill review – Proper Storage
Here’s How My Husband Cooked Those Steaks That My Parents Picked Up On Their Way Over
Seared at Level 6 (1250°F)
1 minute per side to lock in the juices and to develop a great crust.
Cooked at Level 1 (500°F)
10 minutes, flipping every 60 seconds. He added butter to each side during the cooking process.
The results?
The crust on the steaks was better than any steak that I’ve eaten at home before.
Take a look for yourself below.
Schwank Grill Review – Look At That Perfectly Crusted Steak
And yes I know, there is a little bit of over charring on the steak.
But bear in mind that this was our first time using the grill.
The reason for the over charring was because the seasonings we used burned slightly at the higher temperatures.
Next time my husband is only going to use salt as the initial seasoning. He’ll then add a compound butter toward the end, mixed with the pepper, onion powder and garlic powder.
One of the best things about the Schwank Grill is that it features a drip tray. This can be used for basting your food with butter and its natural juices during cooking.
Regardless of the slight over charring, the inside turned out to be a perfect medium rare.
Schwank Grill Review – A Perfectly Juicy And Pink Medium Rare Inside
Schwank Grill Review: My Parents Thoughts?
When it comes to food, my Mom and Dad are to the point.
If they don’t like something they’ll politely tell you straight. But they both agreed that this was the best steak that they’d ever eaten at home. My Dad even said that he hadn’t tasted a steak that good in a restaurant.
And my husband and I were on the same page as them.
Cooking the steaks at a higher heat locks in the juices and pushes the flavor of the seasoning all the way through the piece of meat.
Every bite tasted juicy and well-seasoned.
This doesn’t happen when you cook in a cast iron pan, or on a regular grill, unless you season your steaks the night before.
And the smell when the steaks were cooking was amazing.
We were all genuinely shocked and impressed with this infrared grill.
Schwank Grill Review – Cooking A 2 Inch Thick Rib Delmonico
What Other Things Can You Cook On Your Portable 1500-Degree Schwank Infrared Grill?
The Schwank Grill is perfect for cooking steaks.
Which is why steakhouses such as Morton’s, Cut 432, Ditka’s, Palm restaurant and DelFrisco’s all use Schwank Infrared technology.
However, the Schwank Grill is more versatile than you might think.
It can also cook chicken breast, thighs and wings, fish, pork chops, burgers, shrimp skewers, lamb, pizza, vegetables.
Plus much, much more!
Here’s some burgers that my husband cooked on it the other day!
Schwank Grill Review – Juicy Burgers In Only Three Minutes
As you can see, the sear on them is awesome.
And it only took him three minutes total to cook them.
The Pros And Cons Of the Schwank Grill
Pros of the Schwank Grill | Cons of the Schwank Grill |
---|---|
High Heat: Reaches up to 1500°F, ideal for searing meat | Learning Curve: High heat requires practice to avoid over-charring |
Heats Up Fast: Only takes 5 minutes to reach 1500°F | Price Point: It’s more expensive than traditional grills. |
Quick Cooking: Reduces cooking time & cooks’ food evenly | Limited Capacity: Best suited for cooking for two people at a time. |
Juicy Meat: Locks in moisture and flavor | Grill Grate & Drip Tray Issue: Grill grate and drip tray don’t slide out together, leading to potential drips inside or on the table. |
Versatility: Can cook various meats, seafood, vegetables & pizza | Requires a Table or Stand: Needs a table or stand, and the Schwank stainless-steel table is overpriced. |
Compact Design: Portable and space-saving design | No Place to Hang Grill Handle: Could be misplaced or lost over time. |
Who Is The Schwank Grill For?
Given the variety of foods that the Schwank Infrared grill can cook, it’s ideal for lots of people.
Here’s a list of some people who would love this grill:
- Carnivore Dieters: It’s perfect for preparing high-quality, juicy steaks and meats in minutes.
. - Steak Enthusiasts: For those who want to replicate steakhouse quality meals at home.
. - Busy Cooks: Its quick cooking times make it convenient for weeknight dinners.
. - People Who Love Outdoor Cooking: The compact design makes it easy to use for outdoor cooking sessions.
Schwank Grill Review – Everything Tastes Better With Butter
Product Questions:
What Are The Dimensions Of The Schwank Grill?
Including all components such as rubber feet, knob, igniter, and side handles the dimensions of the grill are 25″ Wide by 17″ Deep by 15″ High. Not including all components such as rubber feet, knob, igniter and side handles, the dimensions of the grill are 22″ Wide by 15.5″ Deep by 13.5″ High.
What Are The Dimensions Of The Grill Grate?
The Grill Grate is measured at 12″ wide by 10″ deep.
What Are The Dimensions Of The Entire Grilling Area?
The total area inside of the infrared grill is approximately 13″ Wide by 13″ Deep by 7″ High.
What Is The Weight Of The Schwank Grill?
The total weight of the grill including all parts is 62 lbs (28 kg)
Can Schwank Grills Be Used With Natural Gas?
Yes! Schwank Grills are now available for use with either Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LP). These models cannot be converted, you must purchase the model for the appropriate gas type.
Where Are Schwank Grills Manufactured?
Schwank Grills are proudly manufactured in the USA in Waynesboro, Georgia. Each Schwank Grill is assembled by hand and constructed with high grade stainless steel materials and infrared burners used by only by the best steakhouses in the world.
What Size Pizza Can be Cooked With The Pizza Stone Accessory?
The Pizza Stone is measured at 11″ wide by 10″ deep. The largest pizza we recommend cooking on a Schwank Grill at one time is 10″. A Pizza is fully cooked in as little as 5 minutes on a Schwank Grill. It is designed to cook personal pizzas for each person.
How Long Is The Gas Hose That Connects To the Propane Cylinder?
The gas hose that connects the Schwank Grill to a propane cylinder is approximately 39″ long.
Schwank Grill Review – Waiting For The Grill To Heat Up
Returns And Warranty:
Do They Offer A Warranty?
A 1 year manufacturer’s warranty is included with every Schwank Grill purchased when assembled and operated in accordance with the accompanying User Manual. You must keep the original packaging to ensure you are able to ship the grill back to our repair facility in order to claim your Warranty.
What Is The Return Policy?
They offer a 30 day return policy for unused products.
Can You Try The Schwank Grill And Return It If You’re Not Satisfied?
Unfortunately, they are unable to refund products that have been used, however, people who buy the Schwank Grill love it!
Shipping And Availability
Does Schwank Ship Internationally?
Schwank Grills are UL Certified for USA and Canada and therefore only ships to those countries. They always ensure the safety of their customers and would never ship a grill unless it was properly tested and certified for that country. In the future they do plan to apply for certification in other countries.
What Is The Shipping And Handling Time?
Schwank Grills typically ship out of the factory 48 hours from when the order is placed. *Due to popular demand, at this time the grills will ship 14-21 days from the day the order is placed.
Payment
Which Payment Methods Do They Accept?
They accept the following payment options:
Credit card including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diner’s Club. Accelerated Payments including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, Paypal. Financing Options including Affirm Financing.
Can I Buy Now And Pay Monthly?
Yes! They offer their US customers monthly payment options as low as 0% APR financing through their partnership with Affirm.
Schwank Grill Review – Ground Beef Sourced From A Local Farm
2 Minor Problems With The Schwank Grill
So far we absolutely love our Schwank Infrared Grill.
The two biggest negatives we’ve found with it are:
1: It doesn’t come with a table or stand to put the grill on and the one that Schwank sells is overpriced in our opinion.
2: The grill grate and drip tray do not slide out together, which can result in mess inside your liner.
However, we have found a solution to both those minor issues.
This stainless-steel table we’ve ordered is a fraction of the cost of the one Schwank sells. And it looks well-built and easy to wipe down.
In regard to the grill grate and drip tray not sliding out together, my husband figured out that you can use the provided grill handle and your BBQ tongues to pull the grill grate and drip tray out together.
It’s easy to do and ensures that any mess from cooking is minimal.
How Does The Schwank Grill Compare To Some of Its Other closest Competitors On The Market?
When considering the Schwank Grill, it’s worth taking a look at how it stands up to other infrared grills on the market:
- Otto Wilde Grill Pro: This German engineered grill delivers excellent results, but is missing some of the features that Schwank include.
Feature | Otto Grill Pro | Schwank Grill |
---|---|---|
Grill Price | $1,099 USD | $1,250 USD |
Max. Temperature | 1500°F | 1500°F |
Financing Available | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Made in USA | ❌ | ✔️ |
Certified for USA | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Schwank® Infrared Burners* | ❌ | ✔️ |
Electronic Push Button Igniter** | ❌ | ✔️ |
Side Carrying Handles | ❌ | ✔️ |
Grill Grate | Cast Iron (Included) Stainless Steel (Optional) |
Stainless Steel (Included) |
Drawer for Drip Tray | Included | Included |
NorthFire Inferno2G: A budget-friendly option with decent infrared performance, but it doesn’t match the Schwank Grill’s durability and premium features.
Feature | NorthFire Inferno2G | Schwank Grill |
---|---|---|
Grill Price | $999.97 USD | $1,250 USD |
Max. Temperature | 1500°F | 1500°F |
Financing Available | ❌ | ✔️ |
Made in USA | ❌ | ✔️ |
Certified for USA & Canada | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Schwank® Infrared Burners | ❌ | ✔️ |
Electronic Push Button Igniter | ❌ | ✔️ |
Side Carrying Handles | ❌ | ✔️ |
Drawer for Drip Tray | ❌ | ✔️ |
While these competitors offer good alternatives, the Schwank Grill’s superior heat performance, thoughtful design, and overall build quality make it a standout choice for serious grill enthusiasts.
By now you’re probably wondering…
Should I Buy A Schwank Grill?
And my answer to you would be this.
If steak and other grilled meat is a frequent part of your diet and you want that steakhouse quality finish, then the cost to buy a Schwank Grill is definitely justified.
However, if grilling isn’t a big deal to you and you only eat steak a few times per year, then the price tag probably isn’t worth it for you.
The Schwank Grill Has Been A Game-Changer For Us!
Its ability to reach 1500°F and deliver restaurant-quality results at home has made it a worthy investment for me.
While it does have a learning curve and a higher price point, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
If you’re serious about cooking meat to perfection…
You Can Order A Schwank Grill Here Today!
Thanks for supporting me by reading this article,
The Carnivore Gal
P.S. One of my favorite things to slow cook is chuck roast.
I have a recipe about it here.
I can’t wait to sear my next one using the Schwank Grill.
Affiliate Disclaimer:
Some links on this website are affiliate links, which means I will make a very small commission if you purchase through the link. It doesn’t cost you any more to purchase through my affiliate link, and I always try to find you the best deals I can. I only recommend products and services that I actually use and love. Any commissions made help me to keep on providing you with free information, recipes and tips. Once again, thank you for your continued support!
Not Medical Advice:
The information on this website reflects my personal journey and experiences with the carnivore diet and is shared for informational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a medical professional, and this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen. Any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and you should do your own due diligence in order to make informed decisions.