Big Horn Infrared Grill: Outdoor Propane Searing for Steak, Seafood, and More

Aug 7, 2026 ByJohn White

The Big Horn Outdoors Infrared Grill is a portable, propane-powered overhead broiler designed to bring high-heat steakhouse performance directly to your backyard. Engineered much like a commercial salamander broiler used in fine dining kitchens, this unit delivers up to 19,000 BTUs of top-down radiant heat, capable of reaching scorching preheat temperatures of up to 1,500°F in just 3 to 5 minutes.（Edited on August 9, 2026)

Unlike conventional barbecue grills that cook with bottom-up live flames, the Big Horn infrared steak grill features top-mounted ceramic burners. By bombarding food from above with intense radiant energy, it triggers a rapid Maillard reaction that locks in natural juices and creates a thick, restaurant-quality crust in minutes—all without the flare-ups caused by dripping grease on bottom burners.

Ranging in price from approximately $160 to $280 depending on the unit size and package configuration, it is available in compact 9-inch and versatile 16-inch models.

Quick Product Specifications

Heat Output: Up to 19,000 BTUs with temperatures reaching 1,500°F
Preheat Time: Rapid 3 to 5 minutes
Ignition: Electronic pulse ignition powered by a single AAA battery (with manual match-holder backup)
Fuel Source: Standard 20 lb outdoor propane cylinder (includes approved regulator and hose)
Material & Maintenance: Heavy-duty, rust-resistant stainless steel construction with dishwasher-safe removable components
Cook Times: Sears a medium-rare steak in approximately 3 to 5 minutes total (roughly 90 seconds per side)

Why Top-Down Infrared Broiling Is a Game Changer

For serious backyard chefs, pitmasters, and outdoor enthusiasts, choosing a high-heat top-down broiler solves several classic outdoor cooking challenges:

Zero Flare-Up Cooking: Because the burners are mounted above the cooking surface, rendered fat and juices drip downward into a grease tray rather than falling onto live heating elements.
Instant Steakhouse Crust: Achieving a high-heat sear on an oven broiler often sets off indoor smoke alarms. Operating outdoors at 1,500°F delivers rapid searing without filling your kitchen with smoke.
Precision Rack Height Temperature Control: Rather than relying solely on gas control knobs, heat intensity is adjusted by sliding the cooking grates across multiple rack positions (up to 7 to 10 height notches). Placing food on the top rack yields maximum 1,500°F heat, while lower notches taper down to around 450°F—ideal for gentle roasting or melting cheese.

Hands-On Operational Insights & Setup Tips

1. Ignition and Breeze Management

The electronic pulse ignition makes startup straightforward. However, because the unit features an open-front design to maintain intense heat flow, strong outdoor breezes can occasionally disrupt gas flow during ignition. If you experience ignition delays on windy days:

Angle the open front away from direct wind gusts.
Utilize the included manual match-holder tool to light the burner safely.
Allow the ceramic element to glow fully before placing food inside.

2. Cookware Compatibility & Cleanliness

While food can be placed directly on the stainless-steel grates, using oven-safe, high-heat cookware expands your options while keeping grease contained:

Carbon Steel Pans: A de Buyer carbon steel pan or similar lightweight carbon steel skillet is ideal for searing small cuts, peppers, and onions.
Cast Iron Skillets: Perfect for retaining heat when caramelizing vegetables or crisping seafood.
Included Pizza Stone: The 16-inch package comes complete with a pizza stone for baking personal high-temperature pizzas in minutes.

Note on Construction: The unit includes a handy front tray ledge for resting tools; however, heavy plates or dense cuts should always be supported off the ledge to maintain long-term stability. Always place the grill on a non-combustible surface outdoors.

Comparing Main Outdoor Cooking Options

Evaluation Factor	Big Horn Propane Infrared Grill	Traditional Charcoal Grill	Standard Propane Grill
Primary Fuel	Propane gas (20 lb tank)	Charcoal briquettes / Hardwood	Propane gas
Cooking Heat Format	Top-down infrared radiant heat	Bottom-up direct radiant & smoke	Bottom-up direct flame heat
Max Temperature	Up to 1,500°F	600°F - 800°F (variable)	500°F - 650°F
Preheat Speed	Extremely fast (3 to 5 mins)	15 to 30 mins	10 to 15 mins
Flare-Up Risk	Virtually zero (top-mounted burner)	High (grease drops on coals)	Moderate to High
Ideal Menu Items	Thick steaks, pork chops, au gratin, fish, pizza	Low-and-slow BBQ, burgers, smoking	General burgers, hot dogs, chicken

Multi-Use Culinary Applications

Scenario 1: Searing Thick Steakhouse Cuts

Best Approach: Ideal for thick-cut ribeyes, New York strips, or filet mignon (1.5 inches or thicker).
Workflow: Preheat the unit to 1,500°F on high for 5 minutes. Position the grate on the top rack. Sear the steak for roughly 90 seconds per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms, then drop the rack to a lower position to finish bringing the internal temperature to 135°F for medium-rare.

Scenario 2: Restaurant-Style Au Gratin & Cheese Melting

Best Approach: Finishing dishes that require a bubbly, browned top layer—such as refried beans, macaroni and cheese, or French onion soup bowls.
Workflow: Place cookware on a middle-to-lower rack setting (around 450°F to 600°F) for 1 to 2 minutes to crisp cheese rapidly without scorching the base.

Scenario 3: High-Heat Pizza & Charred Vegetables

Best Approach: Baking personal pizzas, charring bell peppers and onions for fajitas, or blistering shishito peppers.
Workflow: Insert the included pizza stone on the middle rack during preheat to absorb ambient heat. Slide pizzas in using a peel for a rapid, crisp crust.

Scenario 4: Tailgating & Outdoor Camping

Best Approach: Portable high-heat broiling at campsites, tailgate parties, or outdoor gatherings.
Workflow: Ensure the 32 lb unit sits on a stable, level, non-flammable table. Connect to a securely stowed propane cylinder, and verify that local fire codes permit gas appliances.

Essential Safety & Maintenance Guidance

Outdoor Use Only: Operating a high-heat propane broiler in an enclosed area—such as a garage, tent, RV, or covered balcony—is unsafe. Always operate outdoors in well-ventilated spaces.
Thermometer-Based Doneness: Never judge food safety by surface char alone. Always confirm internal temperatures with a digital food thermometer (145°F for beef/pork with a 3-minute rest, 160°F for ground meat, and 165°F for poultry).
Cleaning Protocol: Allow the unit, grates, and pizza stone to cool completely before touching. All detachable stainless-steel grates and drip pans are dishwasher-safe. Wipe down the outer stainless-steel housing with a damp microfiber cloth. Never submerge or machine-wash the pizza stone; wipe it down dry and protect it from thermal shock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Big Horn Infrared Grill fueled by propane, electric, or charcoal?

The Big Horn Infrared Steak Grill runs strictly on propane gas via a standard external tank connection equipped with the included hose and regulator. It is not an electric, charcoal, pellet, or natural gas appliance.

Can I convert this infrared grill to natural gas?

No conversion should be attempted unless explicitly supported with approved factory conversion kits from Big Horn Outdoors. Attempting unapproved modifications can compromise safety and void the warranty.

How do I control cooking temperatures without a traditional lid?

Temperature is controlled through two methods: fine-tuning the gas control dial and adjusting the grate height across multiple rack slots. Higher slots expose food to maximum 1,500°F heat, while lower slots deliver lower temperatures for delicate cooking tasks.

What should I do if the burner does not light immediately?

Turn off the gas valve, wait 5 minutes for lingering gas to dissipate, and check for strong headwinds. Re-ignite with the electronic pulse button while shielding the front from direct wind, or use the included match-holder accessory.

Summary & Recommendation

The Big Horn Outdoors Infrared Grill bridges the gap between commercial steakhouse capability and portable backyard cooking. By combining 1,500°F top-down heating, 19,000 BTUs, versatile rack adjustments, and multi-food flexibility (from steaks to pizzas and au gratin dishes), it offers unmatched speed and searing quality for outdoor cooks.