Who doesn’t love an afternoon barbeque? But, what happens when that afternoon barbeque turns into night? Obviously, it’s going to get dark and that’s going to make it challenging to tell if your meat has been grilled to perfection.
You have two options:
- Learn to juggle a spatula and a flashlight. Totally doable, but a real pain.
OR
- Get a grill light. These outdoor kitchen add-ons attach right to your grill and cast a bright light directly onto your grill surface illuminating all your grilled goodies so you can see exactly when you need to flip and remove the food from the flame.
There’s a huge selection of different grill lights you can choose from. To help you sort through the available options, we’ve done tons of research on the best features and what to avoid in your grill light, so you know exactly what to look for to find the best one for you.
Before you buy, consider these best grilling lights on the market!
The Best Grill Lights
Key Features ANd Specifications
- 105 lumens output
- 10 LED lights
- SmartTouch technology
- Weight: 6 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.63 x 3.46 x 2.36 inches
One of the most annoying issues with grill lights is their lack of brightness. However, the moderately priced Sirius 1.0 grill light is one of the brightest options featured on our list. It includes 10 high-output LED lights that offer some of the best outdoor grill lighting on the market.
With a 105 lumens output, this light can illuminate the whole grilling surface regardless of how big your barbeque is.Plus, thanks to the smartTouch technology, turning the light on and off will be easy and quick even when you’re holding different items in your hands.
Moreover, the Sirius grill light includes 3 AAA batteries for up to 18 hours of power and has an auto shut-off feature that allows you to save the batteries in case you forget to turn it off. However, we need to mention that this light can still burn through batteries quite quickly.
On the other hang, due to Zeust’s unique MeltGuard technology which combines nylon with glass fiber, the grill light can withstand the extreme heat of the grill. This means it will not warp or melt and will outlast other similar lights on the market. This means that you will be able to use it on gas, charcoal or electric grills, no matter how hot they get, and still enjoy perfectly cooked burgers and steaks that never come off the grill under- or overcooked, even in the dark.
In terms of mounting, you can secure this light in place thanks to an adjustable zinc-alloy C-clamp (which is a new improvement!) for a tool-free, easy installation that can fit any type of barbeque handle. Furthermore, this bad boy can swivel 180 degrees and rotate a full 360 degrees both vertically and horizontally to offer complete light coverage. Though, some customers had trouble clamping it to flat top surfaces.
With each purchase of a Zeust Grill Light, not only do you get their special 2-year No-Melt, Fail-Proof Guarantee & a full 60-day no-risk, no-questions 100% Money Back Guarantee, but they’’ll include your very own copy of the book “101 Grilling Tips from the Pros” ($19 value). PLUS a fresh set of batteries and a special waterproof case.
That’s why the Zuest Sirius 1 Grill Light is our top pick and the #1 choice for Amazon buyers!
Pros
- SmartTOUCH technology for easy on/off
- Brighter than many options
- Can clamp to just about any handle
- Durable and won’t melt or warp
- Auto shut-off feature
Money - Back Guarantee
Cons
- This unit burns through batteries pretty fast
- Clamp design can be challenging to use on flat surfaces like tabletops
- LED light isn’t waterproof
Key Features ANd Specifications
- 360-degree rotation
- Adjustable neck
- Screw clamp
- Touch switch
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Dimensions: 3 x 2.5 x 3.5 inches
The RVZHI barbeque grill light is heat-resistant and has 10 super bright LED lights that guarantee a 100 lumens output. Plus, it can last up to 50,000 hours of use without fearing for the bulb’s service life.
The RVZHI electric grill light’s durability is increased thanks to the nylon glass fiber it’s made of, meaning that this item can withstand up to 356 F of heat without getting damaged. It can even withstand seasonal weather changes without warping or deforming.
The product supports a 360 degree rotation, while the adjustable neck makes sure you can easily illuminate any corner of your grilling surface. Moreover, no tools are required to install it since you can simply attach the light to the barbeque using the upgraded adjustable C-clamp. The upgraded clamp is more sturdy and not easy to break, and the cordless barbeque light can be easily installed on the round or rectangular barbeque handle of most grills. In fact, it’s suitable for many brands of large grills, small grills, gas, charcoal or electric grills.
Furthermore, the light includes a smart touch switch to turn the item on and off. However, this feature is very sensitive, so customer’s have managed to accidentally turn on the light right in their face. On a more positive note, the grill light even comes with a small screwdriver and batteries (3 AAA) to help you save time and money. It’s even an affordable price at under $20.
This grill light is suitable for family or outdoor use while camping, hiking, biking, reading and more. It can also be used as a work light for maintenance. This would make a great gift idea for Mother’s or Father’s Day.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Upgraded so it’s durable and sturdy
- Screwdriver and batteries included
- Easy to install
- Super bright
Cons
- Sensitive touch switch
- Only swivels left to right
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Screw clamp
- 360-degree rotation
- Two brightness levels
- Weight: 6 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.63 x 3.46 x 2.36 inches
The Sirius 2.0 grill light shares a lot of similar features and characteristics with the Sirius 1.0 model by Zeust we described earlier. However, it also sports some significant differences, as well. Like the other model, this grill light is ultra-strong, durable, has an easy on/off button and an unmatched guarantee. On the other hand, this model has been upgraded to a rating of IP55, which means that you can leave it outside, on the grill, when it rains or snows. No more taking it off and putting it on again, every time you need to barbecue.
This grill light includes 10 super bright LED lights. It’s enough to properly illuminate the whole grilling area, even if it’s got 5-burners. Plus, thanks to the 3 AA batteries it requires, the product can work for up to 50 hours straight before replacing them.
The item is made using the unique MeltGuard Technology which is weather-resistant and heat-resistant nylon glass fiber that successfully allows the light to withstand high temperatures without melting. Moreover, it’s also waterproof.
Other than being durable and long-lasting, the Sirius 2.0 grill light uses a zinc-alloy C-clamp for a tool-free, quick and easy installation. The clamp works onall kinds of grill handles, from oval to square to round ones.
One of the main differences with its previous model is that the 2.0 has a regular button to turn the light on and off instead of it being touch activated. Additionally, the item includes two brightness levels you can choose from.
The one downside is that this is usually the most expensive item on our list. Though, sometimes you can find it discounted to the same price as the original model.
Either way, Zeust always puts their customers first. They stand behind their product and proudly offer a 2-year Waterproof & No-Melt Guarantee, which means there is ZERO risk for you. Your purchase even comes with a full 60-day no-questions-asked, 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Pros
- Brighter than many options
- Can clamp to just about any handle
- Easy to mount
- Durable and won’t melt or warp
- 2 Brightness levels
- Money Back Guarantee
- Waterproof
Cons
- Typically more expensive than other options
- Some customers have described the screw as too long
Key Features ANd Specifications
- 180-degree rotation
- 200-lumen output
- Screw clamp
- Touch technology
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Dimensions: 7.36 x 3.54 x 2.56 inches
The Grillinator grill light features 10 bright LED lights that have a 100-lumen output. This means that the grilling surface and any control knobs will be fully illuminated every time you turn this item on.
Grillinator guarantees up to 20,000 hours of usage without the bulbs getting damaged. In addition, this model is weather-resistant and heat-resistant to improve its durability, so it can be left on the grill, which adds a whole lot of convenience.
In terms of set up, this product fits on most grill handles and only takes a few minutes to set up using the included micro screwdriver. However, once you install it on your barbeque, you’ll only be able to adjust the light up and down because it doesn’t swivel left and right.
Ultimately, the light can be easily turned on and off thanks to touch technology. Conversely, some customers have found it a little too sensitive and have accidentally blasted themselves in the eyes with the bright light, so be mindful.
Take the moderately priced Grilluminator with you on camping trips, cabin vacations or to your next tailgate party.
Pros
- Fits most grills
- Easy to use
- Good price
- Durable
- Weather and heat resistant
- Affordable
Cons
- Once attached, it doesn’t swivel left and right
- Sensitive touch turn on/off
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Screw clamp
- 360-degree rotation
- Touch technology
- 3 brightness levels
- Weight: 10 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.4 x 4.3 inches
This Kosin barbeque grill light is similar to others on the list in that it features 10 super bright LED lights to provide full illumination to the grilling area. Plus, it has more than a 100 lumen output. However, one benefit that this light brings to the table that the others don’t is that it’s the least expensive on the list.
This grill light has over a 50,000 hour lifespan. Moreover, it’s design to be durable and heat resistant. Plus, it’s even weather resistant, meaning you can leave it on the grill between uses.
The Kosin grill light is cordless and runs on 3 AA batteries. It fits easily on most grill handles with the adjustable clamp, no tools required. An included small screwdriver helps conveniently detach or install the battery cover. The barbeque light offers 360 degree rotation for a full illumination of the cooking surface.
You can turn the light on and off through a touch button. Additionally, this product also allows you to adjust the brightness to 30%, 50% and 100% based on your needs. However, as is often the case with these types of lights, the touch technology can be sensitive to even the slightest touch, meaning you might turn the light on and off unintentionally.
Due to the small size and portable design, this product can be used in many ways. When not using it at the barbeque, you can use it to light other things. It can be used for biking, camping, reading and any other activity you’d like to partake in at night. It could be especially beneficial to mechanics and craftsmen. Furthermore, it would make an excellent holiday grilling gift.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Fits most grill handles
- Adjustable brightness
- Most affordable
- Durable
Cons
- The touch system can be too sensitive
- Though, it’s described as heat resistant, some customers have had issues with it melting
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A GRILL LIGHT
There are literally hundreds of grill lights on the market. Choosing the best grill light for you can be challenging since many grill lights tend to look similar and can range in price anywhere from $10 to $50, maybe even more.
Fret not though, there are factors you can consider before purchasing that will help you hone in on the right product for you and your grill. Here’s a list of the most important features to consider and why.
Attachment Methods:
There are usually two ways that a grill light can be attached to your grill. Those two ways are magnets and clamps. The grill lights in this review are all attached by clamps because they tend to be a bit more universal. The issue with barbeque lights that use a magnetized base as a method of attachment is that they don’t work with a variety of grills. For example, if your grill is aluminum or any other nonferrous metal, a magnetic light is useless. They also don’t work with some stainless-steel grills, as well. Plus, you’re boned if you don’t have a flat surface to attach too.
However, regardless of the method of attachment, you should know that some grill lights only work with a specific grill model. For example, there are some lights that are specifically marketed for use with the Big Green Egg. Also, the style of grill light referred to as “gooseneck mounted” only attaches to a shelf. However, not all grills have shelfs, which is why only handle-mounted lights are included on this list. Handle-mounted lights work with the vast majority of grills, no matter the shape, size or material your grill is made with. Handle mounted lights typically use a screw to tighten a clamp around the handle.
Brightness:
Obviously, the whole point of having a grill light is to light your grill, so brightness is a very necessary factor to consider. Most grill lights are bright enough to provide enough illumination to the whole cooking surface. However, there’s much that needs to be discussed when it comes to brightness.
For one, if you have a really large grill, you might consider purchasing two grill lights to be used together to illuminate the entire cooking surface. Though, for a small to average sized grill, one is really all you need.
Another thing to consider is the fact that some grill lights come with two to three brightness options. This can be useful in helping avoid consuming batteries faster than necessary.
Now let’s talk about what to look for in your bulbs. The lights should have LED bulbs (every grill light on this list uses LED bulbs). The reason LED bulbs are the best is because they are energy efficient, bright and cast a bluish white colored light. This creates the best lighting environment to be able to see your grill surface. You’ll want to avoid grill lights with fluorescent bulbs because they cast a yellower light that can cause eye strain and blurred vision.
Next, you’ll want to look for a grill light that puts out at least 100 lumens. Lumen’s are how a light bulb’s brightness is measured. Put simply, the more lumens the brighter the light. Most grill lights put off between 50 and 120 lumens. Though, we should say that the closer you creep toward the 120 lumen mark the unnecessarily bright your light will be, not to mention unnecessarily expensive. Around the 100 lumen mark is really the sweet spot.
Lastly, the number of bulbs and the beam they create is quite important, as well. For example, it’s best for the light to emit a wide beam that can clearly illuminate the whole grill. If your grill light emits a narrower beam, that’ll call for you to have to repeatedly adjust it throughout the cooking process, which is hugely inconvenient. If your grill isn’t huge, one light that emits a wide beam should be more than sufficient. If it’s not, you should consider replacing your light or at the very least, acquiring a second one.
To be sure your light will create a wide bright beam of light, you’ll want to purchase one that has an adequate number of light bulbs. Most grill lights typically have three to seven bulbs per fixture. The grill lights on this list are sporting 10 LED light bulbs. More than enough to get the job done.
Adjustability:
Being able to adjust the light according to your needs is a crucial factor when choosing a grill light. For this reason, products that offer a 360-degree rotation might be more suitable options than those that only offer limited adjustability. Having a light with a 360-degree rotation will allow you to direct the light precisely where you need. In addition to a 360-degree rotation, some lights can be adjusted vertically up and down to center the beam.
Durability:
A grill light will spend a significant amount of time outside and near a powerful heat source. This means the durability is non-negotiable. Your grill light needs to be made of high-quality materials that can withstand high temperatures and varying weather conditions.
Believe it or not, not all grill lights are heat proof. Who would have thunk it? This is extremely problematic because the grill lights on this list clamp to the handle, which put them directly over the heat source during cooking. If your grill light isn’t heat proof, it’ll melt under these conditions.
The next thing to look for is a light that is weatherproof. This is not entirely necessary, but it gives you the option to leave the light attached to the grill at all times. To decide whether you need this, consider if you’re the kind of person that’ll actually remember to remove your grill light after you’re done using it.
Furthermore, you should look for a light that is waterproof. You never know if you’ll end up cooking in the rain. Plus, once again, this means you’ll be able to leave it on the grill instead of removing it after each use. Of course, just because it’s waterproof, doesn’t mean you have to leave it in the rain intentionally. However, a light that’s heatproof, weatherproof and waterproof is going to be stronger and more durable than a light that’s just heatproof.
Power Supply:
The grill lights on this list use either AA or AAA batteries. Though, there are other forms of power supply for other grill lights. However, we would argue that battery powered is the way to go for a few reasons.
One, a battery operated light means that it’s likely portable. Plus, many of them can use rechargeable batteries, which can save money. In general, a battery-powered light doesn’t need to be connected to a power source and will prevent hefty electric bills, while adding convenience.
So, when looking at battery-powered there are some features to consider to get more bang for your buck. For instance, some battery-powered lights come with an auto shut off feature that’ll help you save money by preventing you from wasting the battery life by accidently leaving it turned on after use.
For two, some light models offer brightness levels so you can conserve energy when needed. In general though, the best thing you can do is to manually turn off the light when not in use. This will allow you to get your money’s worth out of the battery life.
Final Thoughts
When grilling at night, you are at risk for overcooking or undercooking your food and potentially even burning yourself because you can’t see the meat or grill properly. Having a light in your yard is usually not enough, so a grill light becomes necessary and isn’t just an “added convenience”.
Since this item is a necessity, you shouldn’t compromise on quality. This is why to get the best product, you should have an understanding of the different features they offer. There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a grill light.
For the most part, we’ve narrowed down the best types for most people. Battery operated lights that attach to grill handles and use LED bulbs are your best bet. Other factors to consider are the brightness, the adjustability of the light beam and if it’s weatherproof, heat proof or waterproof.
If you’re looking to improve your outdoor grilling experience, this guide will help you make the best purchase decision. With your new grill light, you’ll be able to host barbeques and cook expertly grilled food at night any time of year.
Why Trust Grill Cook Bake?
Grill Cook Bake was created by amateur chefs and food lovers to help people cook better. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, having the right tools, equipment, and gear can be the difference between a good meal or a bad meal.
Our goal at Grill Cook Bake is to provide you with comprehensive and unbiased reviews and information so that you can make informed buying decisions. Our team has decades of combined experience in the cooking field. This knowledge includes a deep understanding of both brands and individual products.
This article was updated by Jacki Chaplain, a freelance writer and product reviewer for Grill Cook Bake. Jacki Chaplain is a seasoned food writer and blogger. She received masterful culinary training under an esteemed Johnson and Wales graduate. Today, she’s combined her divine love of all things food and artful way with words into a full-time career as a freelance writer for various foodie websites.
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