Schwank Grills Review: Premium 1500°F Infrared Grilling
If you're looking for a Schwank Grills review, this guide covers the brand's infrared technology, cooking performance, design, portability, pricing, accessories, and overall value.
What Is Schwank Grills?
Schwank Grills specializes in high-temperature infrared grills designed to bring steakhouse-style searing to home cooking.
Its flagship product, the Schwank 1500 Degree Portable Infrared Grill, uses overhead infrared burners rather than the traditional flame-under-the-food design. The grill is handcrafted in the USA and uses German-engineered ceramic infrared burner technology.
1500°F Infrared Heat
The biggest attraction is the grill's ability to reach temperatures of up to 1,500°F.
This extreme heat is designed to create a deep, crispy crust quickly while limiting the amount of time the center of a steak is exposed to high temperatures.
The grill can reach its maximum temperature in roughly five minutes, while steaks can be seared in around 60–90 seconds per side depending on thickness and desired doneness.
For steak enthusiasts, this is arguably the main reason to consider Schwank over a conventional gas grill.
Overhead Burner Design
Schwank uses an unusual top-down infrared burner system.
Instead of placing the heat source below the food, the burner sits above the cooking surface. Rendered fat and juices therefore fall into a drip tray rather than directly onto the burner.
This design helps minimize flare-ups while also allowing the collected juices to be used as a finishing sauce.
The cooking grate can be adjusted through seven different height levels, providing greater control over the intensity of the infrared heat.
More Than Steak
Although steak is clearly the star of the show, Schwank can also be used for:
The company also offers pizza accessories that turn the grill into a compact high-temperature pizza setup.
This gives the grill more versatility than a dedicated steak-only appliance.
Build Quality and Portability
The grill uses 304-grade stainless steel and is designed for outdoor use.
Integrated carrying handles make it easier to move between locations, making it suitable for patios, outdoor kitchens, camping areas, and tailgating.
The compact design is convenient, although the relatively small cooking area means it isn't intended to replace a large traditional grill when you're cooking for a big group.
Price
The Schwank 1500 Degree Portable Infrared Grill is currently priced around $1,390.
Complete bundles with tables, covers, and other accessories can cost well over $2,000, while premium packages can approach $3,000.
This clearly places Schwank in the premium outdoor cooking category.
The grill currently includes free shipping and a 14-day trial, while the standard product warranty is one year.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Extremely high 1,500°F heat
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Excellent steak-searing performance
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Overhead infrared burner
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Seven-position height adjustment
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Minimal flare-ups
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304 stainless steel construction
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Handcrafted in the USA
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Portable design
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Easy-to-clean removable components
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Pizza accessories available
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Suitable for multiple types of food
Cons
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Expensive compared with conventional grills
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Relatively small cooking area
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Additional accessories can be costly
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Very high heat requires careful cooking
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May be unnecessary for casual grillers
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Better suited to searing than large-volume grilling
Who Is Schwank Grills For?
Schwank is particularly appealing to:
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Steak enthusiasts
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Serious home cooks
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Outdoor cooking enthusiasts
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Tailgaters
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Premium grill buyers
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Home chefs interested in infrared cooking
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People who want restaurant-style steak searing
If your priority is cooking large quantities of burgers, vegetables, or other food simultaneously, a conventional full-size grill may be more practical.
Final Verdict
This Schwank Grills review shows that Schwank takes a specialized approach to outdoor cooking. Its combination of 1,500°F infrared heat, overhead burners, adjustable cooking height, and drip-tray design makes it particularly impressive for steak.
The biggest drawback is the price. At around $1,390 for the basic grill, Schwank is a significant investment compared with conventional outdoor grills.
However, for serious steak lovers, the ability to produce an intense steakhouse-style crust quickly, while reducing flare-ups and preserving cooking juices, can make the premium worthwhile.
Overall, Schwank Grills is a strong choice for anyone seeking premium infrared searing performance, durable construction, portability, and a distinctive steakhouse-style cooking experience at home. |
