There was a time when achieving that perfect steakhouse-quality sear at home felt like an impossible dream. I remember struggling with traditional grills, getting flare-ups that charred the outside before the inside was cooked, or waiting forever for high heat that never quite reached searing temperatures consistently. It was frustrating, and it meant missing out on genuinely restaurant-quality meals right in my own backyard. Solving this problem was crucial because bland, unevenly cooked meat just wasn’t cutting it, and letting it continue would mean settling for mediocre results every time I fired up the grill. Finding a tool specifically designed for intense searing was essential for elevating my outdoor cooking game.
Before you dive into purchasing a specialized grilling unit like an infrared steak broiler, it’s wise to pause and think about what you truly need and expect. These types of grills excel at one thing: delivering extremely high, focused heat for rapid searing and broiling. They are designed to create that coveted crust on steaks, lock in juices, and handle other quick-cooking items like seafood or thin-crust pizzas with incredible speed. People seek out this category of product precisely because they want results that are difficult to achieve on a standard grill – think professional-grade searing without the smoke or wait.
The ideal customer for a unit like this is someone who prioritizes perfect searing above all else, perhaps a steak aficionado or someone who enjoys quick, high-temperature cooking. It’s also great for those with limited outdoor space, like apartment dwellers with balconies, or anyone who wants a portable option for tailgating, camping, or picnics. If you primarily cook low-and-slow BBQ like brisket or ribs, or if you need to grill large quantities of burgers and chicken simultaneously for a big family gathering, this type of focused broiler might not be your main grilling appliance. For those needs, a larger conventional gas or charcoal grill would be more appropriate.
When considering a purchase, factors to think about include the maximum temperature the unit can reach and how quickly it gets there, the type of heating (infrared is key for searing), the size of the cooking surface and how many items you can cook at once, portability and overall dimensions, the fuel type (propane in this case), the material it’s made from (stainless steel is common for durability), and importantly, how easy it is to clean. Also, consider any included accessories like a pizza stone or cover, and think about where you’ll use and store it.
- Fast & Efficient Heating – 1500℉ in 3-5 Mins: This small propane grill features a powerful 19,000 BTU infrared burner that heats up to 1500℉ (800°C) in just 5 minutes. From backyard cookouts to...
- Professional Top-Down Infrared Heating: Modeled after restaurant-style salamander broilers, this small propane gas grill applies intense top-down infrared heat to create a perfect sear. It locks in...
- Easy One-Touch Pulse Ignition: No more fumbling with matches or lighters. The windproof pulse ignition offers quick, safe startup at the push of a button. Reliable in any outdoor setting, this small...
Introducing the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill
Allow me to introduce the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill. This isn’t your average backyard grill; it’s a dedicated searing machine designed to bring restaurant-level results to your outdoor cooking. The promise it makes is simple yet powerful: incredibly fast, intense heat reaching up to 1500°F to deliver a perfect sear on your food, particularly steaks. When you purchase it, you get the unit itself, an adapter hose for connecting to a propane tank, and a pizza stone, adding a nice touch of versatility.
Compared to market leaders in this specific high-heat infrared broiler category (like some higher-priced German brands), the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill positions itself as a more accessible, budget-friendly option without sacrificing the core capability of intense searing. It’s designed for the home cook who wants professional results without the professional price tag. This specific small propane grill is ideal for steak enthusiasts, couples or small families, apartment or condo dwellers with limited outdoor space, campers, and tailgaters. It’s probably not the best fit if you need to cook for a large crowd regularly or if you only do low-temperature smoking or indirect grilling.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I’ve experienced:
Pros:
* Reaches extremely high temperatures (1500°F) very quickly (within 5 minutes).
* Creates an incredible, restaurant-quality sear and crust.
* Top-down infrared heating minimizes smoke and flare-ups.
* Portable and compact design makes it versatile for various locations.
* Easy one-touch ignition for hassle-free startup.
* Includes a pizza stone, adding extra functionality.
* Stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean (mostly).
Cons:
* Cooking surface is small, typically fits only 1-2 steaks at a time.
* Adjustable rack can sometimes be stiff or rough to slide.
* Grease splatters can be difficult to clean from the front panel if baked on.
* Some users report minor temperature inconsistency across the cooking surface.
* Sharp edges reported on some lower components require careful handling.
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of...
- 【Powerful & Even Heat Distribution】This propane gas grill features 3 stainless steel burners plus 1 side burner, delivering a total of 21,200 BTU—perfect for fast, even heat during your backyard...
- POWERFUL BURNERS: Four 11,000 BTU burners deliver a total of 44,000 BTUs of heat for precise, even cooking.
Exploring the Capabilities and Advantages
Having used the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill for a good while now, I can confidently speak to its performance and the benefits it brings to outdoor cooking. The core principle behind its effectiveness lies in its design features, each contributing to the overall goal of delivering perfectly seared food.
Rapid, Intense Heating: 1500°F in Just 5 Minutes
This is arguably the headline feature and the primary reason most people consider this portable steak broiler. The claim of reaching 1500°F (800°C) in just 5 minutes sounds impressive on paper, and in my experience, it lives up to the hype. Powered by a robust 19,000 BTU infrared burner, this grill heats up incredibly fast. You literally turn it on, walk away for a few minutes, and it’s screaming hot and ready to go.
Why is this level of intense heat important? For searing, it’s everything. High heat rapidly caramelizes the exterior of your meat through the Maillard reaction, creating a flavorful, crispy crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender. A standard grill often takes much longer to reach adequate searing temperatures, and even then, the heat can be less consistent. The speed at which the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Infrared Propane Grill heats up means less waiting around and more efficient use of propane. It’s fantastic for weeknight dinners when you want a great meal fast. It also means you spend less time standing over a hot grill.
Professional Top-Down Infrared Heating
The heating method itself is another standout feature. Unlike traditional grills that heat from below, this unit utilizes top-down infrared heat, much like a salamander broiler found in professional kitchens. This is crucial for a couple of reasons. First, it minimizes flare-ups. Since drippings fall away from the heat source, you don’t get those sudden bursts of flame that can char your food and produce excessive smoke. This makes cooking much cleaner and gives you more control.
Second, top-down infrared heat is incredibly efficient at transferring energy directly to the food’s surface. This intense, radiant heat is what creates that deep, even sear. It cooks the exterior rapidly, forming a crust that acts as a barrier, locking in the natural juices and flavors. For cuts like steak, this results in an interior that remains moist and perfectly cooked to your desired doneness, contrasting beautifully with the rich, flavorful exterior. The reduced smoke also means you’re less likely to bother neighbors, which is a plus for apartment balconies or crowded campsites. This feature is a key differentiator and truly delivers on the promise of a restaurant-style sear.
Hassle-Free One-Touch Pulse Ignition
Simple things can make a big difference in convenience, and the easy one-touch pulse ignition is one of them. No more fumbling with matches or separate lighters, especially in windy conditions. A simple push of a button ignites the burner reliably. This windproof ignition system ensures that you can get started quickly and safely, whether you’re in your backyard or out on an adventure. It’s a small detail, but one that makes the user experience smoother and more enjoyable. It means less time wasted on startup and more time focusing on cooking.
Versatile 10-Tier Adjustable Rack System
While the primary use is high-heat searing, the 10-tier adjustable rack adds a surprising amount of versatility. The 13-inch wide cooking chamber allows you to position the rack at various heights relative to the infrared element. This is essential because the temperature varies significantly depending on how close the food is to the burner.
For intense searing, you’ll want the rack close to the top. For finishing thicker cuts, cooking items that require a little less direct heat, or using the included pizza stone, you can lower the rack. This flexibility allows you to cook more than just steaks. You can crisp up bacon-wrapped items, broil fish or shrimp, or even bake a small pizza using the stone. Learning the different rack levels and how they affect cooking time and results takes a little practice, but it significantly expands the types of food you can prepare. The rack guide is also designed to remove easily, which simplifies the cleaning process after you’re done cooking. Although, as noted by some, including myself occasionally, the rack can sometimes feel a bit stiff or rough when sliding it in or out, requiring a firm hand. Using a shallow pan on the rack can mitigate this issue and make checking food temperature or progress easier.
Built Tough with Stainless Steel & Easy Cleaning
Durability and ease of cleaning are important factors for any outdoor appliance. The BIG HORN OUTDOORS Portable Propane Grill is constructed from rust-resistant stainless steel, which gives it a solid feel and promises longevity, especially when used outdoors. It’s designed to withstand the elements and the high temperatures it generates.
One of the most appealing aspects is how easy it is to clean. The internal components, including the rack guide and rack, are easily detachable. This allows you to remove them completely for scrubbing. Many parts are even dishwasher-safe, which is a huge time saver. After cooking at such high temperatures, there will inevitably be grease and drippings. While the top-down heat helps reduce overall mess compared to bottom-heated grills, grease splatters on the front panel can get baked on by the intense heat. While most of the unit cleans up beautifully, these specific baked-on grease marks can be stubborn and require some effort to remove, sometimes leaving minor stains if not wiped quickly after cooling slightly. However, the overall design promotes straightforward cleaning of the critical cooking surfaces. The included pizza stone also adds another dimension to its use, fitting neatly within the cooking chamber when the rack is adjusted appropriately.
Portable, Tabletop & Ready for Any Occasion
Its designation as a Portable Steak Broiler is well-deserved. The compact, tabletop design makes it incredibly versatile. It’s light enough to move easily and doesn’t take up much space, making it perfect for small patios, balconies, or taking on the go. Whether you’re heading to a campsite, tailgating party, picnic in the park, or hitting the road in your RV, this grill is designed to come along.
Its portability doesn’t mean sacrificing performance; it delivers the same intense heat wherever you can connect it to a propane tank (a standard 20lb tank or smaller camping cylinders with an adapter). This makes it an excellent secondary grill for specialized tasks or your primary grill if space is limited. It truly is party-ready, allowing you to whip up perfectly seared steaks or quick appetizers like crispy jalapeno poppers (which I’ve found cook in minutes!) with minimal setup.
Overall, the features of this Outdoor Salamander BBQ work together effectively. The speed and intensity of the infrared heat, combined with the top-down design and adjustable rack, provide a level of control and performance that is difficult to match with conventional grills for searing tasks. While it has its minor quirks like the rack sliding or potential front panel stains, the core function of delivering a perfect sear quickly and efficiently is something it excels at.
What Users Are Saying
I’ve scoured the internet to see what others are saying about this grill, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, echoing many of my own experiences. Many users rave about how quickly it cooks and the incredible crust it puts on steaks, often describing the results as “restaurant quality” or “the best steak they’ve ever made at home.” The convenience of the fast heat-up time is a frequently mentioned benefit, making it a go-to for quick dinners.
People also appreciate its solid stainless steel build quality, especially considering the price point, noting that it feels sturdy and is easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. The versatility added by the adjustable rack and the included pizza stone is a pleasant surprise for many, allowing them to cook more than just steak.
However, some common points align with my own observations. A few users mention the rack mechanism can be stiff or rough to slide, suggesting that using a pan can improve the experience. There are also comments about grease splatter being difficult to clean from the front. A couple of reviews noted a minor temperature variation between the left and right sides of the heating element, suggesting that knowing the “hot spot” helps achieve consistent results, but overall, these seem to be minor annoyances rather than major flaws for most users.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been struggling to get that perfect, professional-looking sear on your steaks at home, ending up with dry or unevenly cooked meat, then addressing this issue is key to truly enjoying your grilled meals. The complications of not having enough heat or control mean you’ll continue to get suboptimal results, missing out on the juicy, flavorful outcome you desire.
The BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill is a fantastic solution for this specific problem. Its ability to reach 1500°F in minutes means you get an almost instant, intense searing surface that locks in moisture and flavor like nothing else. The top-down infrared method significantly reduces flare-ups and smoke, making for a cleaner cooking experience. Plus, its portable size means you can achieve these results just about anywhere.
For anyone serious about mastering the perfect sear, or simply looking for a fast, efficient way to cook steaks and other items, this grill is a great fit. Don’t settle for less than steakhouse quality at home – click here to check out the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 1500°F Small Infrared Propane Gas Grill .
Last update on 2025-08-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API