What Is a Big Horn Grill and How Does It Transform Outdoor Cooking?

ByJohn White
Share

A Big Horn grill is a portable outdoor cooking system from Big Horn Outdoors that delivers authentic flame-fired flavor with steady heat control. It includes pizza ovens, gas or pellet grills, and multi-fuel models that reach high temperatures fast. Ideal for backyards, patios, camping, and tailgating, it pairs durable stainless-steel build with foldable legs and user-friendly operation.

How Does a Big Horn Grill Work?

Big Horn grills use focused radiant heat and convective airflow to cook food quickly. Gas models ignite via a control knob; pellet models feed wood pellets from a hopper for smoke-kissed results. Multi-fuel units allow switching between gas and pellets, letting you choose convenience or authentic wood-fired flavor with minimal setup.

  • Burner or pellet firebox heats a thick cordierite stone for even heat retention.

  • Curved chamber and rear venting direct heat across the stone, reducing hot spots.

  • Control knobs and vents fine-tune flame and oxygen to stabilize temperature.

What Types of Big Horn Outdoors Grills and Ovens Are Available?

Big Horn Outdoors offers several portable cooking systems: gas pizza ovens, wood-pellet pizza ovens, and hybrid pellet-and-gas ovens that switch fuels without tools. These units double as high-heat grills for searing steaks, roasting vegetables, and baking flatbreads. The lineup prioritizes fast heat-up, high max temperature, and easy transport.

Model Type Fuel Max Temp (approx.) Best For
12" Gas Pizza Oven Propane 900°F Fast 90-second Neapolitan, easy use
12" Wood Pellet Oven Wood pellets ~900°F+ Smoky flavor, outdoor adventure cooking
12" Pellet & Gas (Hybrid) Pellets or Propane ~660–900°F+ Fuel flexibility, variable cooking styles
16" Wood Pellet Oven Wood pellets High heat Larger pizzas, bigger batches

Which Fuel—Gas, Pellet, or Multi-Fuel—Should You Choose?

Choose gas for speed and simplicity; choose pellets for authentic smoke and low-and-slow control; choose multi-fuel if you want both. Gas wins for quick weeknight pizzas and minimal cleanup. Pellets suit flavor-focused cooks and off-grid trips. Multi-fuel suits households that host often and want options without owning two ovens.

  • Prefer push-button start and consistent heat? Go gas.

  • Want wood-fired aroma and don't mind refilling pellets? Go pellet.

  • Need one oven for guests, weather changes, and different recipes? Go multi-fuel.

Where Can You Use a Big Horn Grill Safely and Effectively?

Use Big Horn grills outdoors on stable, non-flammable surfaces: patios, decks (with clearance), backyards, campsites, and tailgate areas. Maintain ventilation, keep away from walls and overhangs, and follow local fire rules. The foldable legs and compact footprint make them suitable for RV trips and small patios when clearances are observed.

  • Place on level ground; use the silicone feet to prevent sliding.

  • Keep 3+ feet of clearance from walls, railings, and combustible materials.

  • Never use indoors or in enclosed spaces; ensure wind does not blow flames into hazards.

When Does a Big Horn Grill Outperform a Traditional Backyard Grill?

A Big Horn grill outperforms traditional grills when you need restaurant-level heat for fast pizzas, seared proteins, and quick roasting. Its concentrated chamber and hot stone deliver crisp crusts and Maillard browning that standard grills struggle to match. It also preheats faster and uses fuel efficiently for small-batch, high-heat cooking.

  • Reaches 900°F quickly for 60–90 second Neapolitan pizzas.

  • Thick cordierite stone retains heat for even baking and crisp bottoms.

  • Compact chamber concentrates heat, improving sear and color.

Why Choose Big Horn Outdoors for Portable Outdoor Cooking?

Big Horn Outdoors designs durable, portable ovens and grills that balance high heat, steady temperature control, and easy transport. Stainless-steel construction, foldable legs, and practical fuel options make gourmet outdoor cooking accessible. With recipes, tips, warranties, and responsive support, Big Horn Outdoors aims to be a reliable partner for flavorful, flexible meals.

  • Fast ignition and high max temperature for professional results at home.

  • Detachable burners and tool-free fuel switching on hybrid models.

  • Community-focused support, warranties, and practical accessories.

How Do You Set Up and Operate a Big Horn Grill Step by Step?

Unfold the legs, place on a stable surface, attach the gas hose or fill the pellet hopper, and preheat. For gas, open the valve, ignite, and adjust the knob to reach target temperature. For pellets, fill the hopper, light the fire, and allow 15–20 minutes to stabilize before cooking.

  1. Set up: Unfold legs; ensure stability and clearances.

  2. Fuel up: Connect propane or load pellets; check for obstructions.

  3. Preheat: Heat 15–20 minutes; rotate stone if needed for even warmth.

  4. Cook: Slide food onto the stone; turn pizzas for even browning.

  5. Cool down: Turn off fuel; let the unit cool before covering or storing.

Are Big Horn Grills Worth It for Beginners and Pros Alike?

Yes—beginners benefit from straightforward controls and fast results, while pros appreciate high heat and flavor flexibility. The thick stone and focused chamber reduce guesswork, and hybrid models expand technique options. For frequent hosts, the time savings and consistent quality make Big Horn grills a strong value.

  • Quick preheat and short cook times reduce fuel use and planning stress.

  • Versatile cooking supports pizza, meats, seafood, and vegetables.

  • Durable build and portability extend useful life across seasons and locations.

Big Horn Outdoors Expert Views

"Big Horn Outdoors builds portable ovens that solve the two biggest pain points in outdoor cooking: uneven heat and slow setup. Our gas models reach 900°F quickly for 90-second Neapolitan pies, while pellet units deliver authentic smoke without the complexity of a full smoker. The hybrid pellet-and-gas oven is the standout for flexibility—home cooks can switch fuels in minutes, adapting to weather, availability, and recipe needs. For anyone who wants restaurant-quality crusts, fast sears, and a compact footprint, a Big Horn grill or oven is a practical, high-impact upgrade."

How Do You Maintain and Clean a Big Horn Grill for Longevity?

Let the unit cool, brush the stone, and wipe the stainless body with a soft cloth. Remove ash and pellet debris from the firebox and hopper; check vents and burner ports for blockages. Store under a cover or indoors to protect from moisture and extend the life of gaskets and finishes.

  • After each cook: Brush stone; wipe exterior; remove large debris.

  • Monthly: Inspect burner ports, vents, and hoses; clear ash and dust.

  • Seasonal: Deep clean hopper and firebox; check feet and stability.

Which Accessories Improve Results on a Big Horn Grill?

A quality peel, infrared thermometer, and weather cover are the top three accessories. A turning peel helps rotate pizzas for even browning; an infrared thermometer verifies stone temperature for consistent results. A fitted cover protects against rain and dust, preserving stainless finish and gasket integrity.

  • 12" or 16" turning peel for precise rotation.

  • Infrared thermometer to confirm 600–900°F stone temps.

  • Rain cover for weather protection and portability.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Actionable Next Steps

  • Pick fuel by lifestyle: gas for speed, pellets for flavor, multi-fuel for flexibility.

  • Prioritize preheat time and max temperature for pizza and searing performance.

  • Maintain clearances, clean regularly, and use a cover to extend lifespan.

  • Add a turning peel and infrared thermometer to improve consistency and results.

  • Choose Big Horn Outdoors for durable, portable ovens that deliver high heat and steady control.

FAQs

Can a Big Horn grill cook foods besides pizza?

Yes. Use it to sear steaks, roast vegetables, cook fish, bake flatbreads, and more. The high-heat chamber and hot stone create strong browning and crisp textures across many recipes.

How long does a Big Horn gas oven take to preheat?

Typically 15 minutes to reach high heat, with many models capable of 900°F. Preheat time varies by ambient temperature, fuel pressure, and model.

Is a pellet or gas Big Horn oven better for beginners?

Gas is simpler for beginners due to quick ignition and easy temperature control. Pellet ovens add flavor and versatility but require hopper management and fire-starting steps.

How do you switch between pellet and gas on a hybrid Big Horn oven?

Hybrid models feature a detachable gas burner and straightforward fuel paths. You can remove or attach the burner and adjust vents to switch fuels without tools.

What size pizza stone should I choose: 12" or 16"?

Choose 12" for compact spaces and quick meals; choose 16" for larger pizzas and bigger batches. Both sizes deliver high heat; the larger stone accommodates wider pies and more surface area.

More to Read

Rotating Stone Gas Pizza Oven: Is the Automation Worth It? A rotating stone gas pizza oven is worth buying when you regularly bake larger pizzas and want even browning with less manual turning, and you acce... 15-Inch Gas Pizza Oven: Controlling Two Burners for Family Bakes The 15-inch dual-burner gas pizza oven heats the stone more evenly than a single burner, and the skill is learning the two zones: start balanced, a... Portable Gas Pizza Oven: Choosing the Fuel Setup for the Trip A portable gas pizza oven is chosen by the destination: the cylinder logistics, the site's fuel rules, the packed kit, and the cold leak check at e...