Big Horn 1500°F Infrared Steak Grill Review – Serious Sear Power in a Compact Package
The Big Horn 1500°F Portable Infrared Steak Grill promises steakhouse-level results at home with a blazing 1,500-degree infrared burner and a compact stainless steel design that fits on any patio or outdoor table. With a pizza stone attachment and a reputation for turning out crusty, caramelized steaks in minutes, this unit has caught the attention of serious home cooks looking for high heat without spending commercial-level money.
Build & Design – Stainless Steel and Built for Heat
Right out of the box, the Big Horn feels solid, heavy enough to inspire confidence, but still portable enough to move around when needed. The stainless steel body holds up well against heat and grease, and the unit is designed like a miniature salamander broiler—open front, burner on top, and adjustable rack levels to control distance from the heat source.
The sliding drip tray is a smart inclusion and makes cleanup easier compared to open infrared burners. Many users highlight that the grill’s enclosed top-broiler design holds heat well and resists wind, something cheaper knockoff units struggle with.
Heating Performance – 1,500°F in Minutes
All reviewers agree on one thing: this thing gets screaming hot, fast.
- Heat-up time: 3–5 minutes to full sear-ready temperature.
- Flame pattern: Concentrated top-down heat like a professional steakhouse broiler.
- Propane use: Strong flame means propane consumption is higher than a standard grill, but expected given the temperature.
This type of heat is not about slow cooking—it’s about instant crust formation, locking in juices before the interior overcooks. For many users, it transformed the way they finish steaks.
Steak & Meat Results – True Steakhouse Crust
Real-world demos show thick-cut ribeyes, tomahawks, and even 3-inch filets coming out with that dark mahogany crust you normally only get from commercial overhead broilers like the Beefer or Otto Wilde units—which cost up to 4x more.
Users report best results using:
- Sous vide or reverse-sear first to bring the interior to rare/medium-rare
- Then 90 seconds per side inside the Big Horn to finish with a deep, caramelized crust
Even without sous vide, thin and medium cuts cook beautifully with impressive fat rendering and surface browning.
Pizza Stone – Bonus or Gimmick?
The included pizza stone heats quickly and can absolutely be used for single-person naan pizzas, flatbreads, or quick char-style crusts. However, due to the top-down heat design, this is still primarily a steak-first machine. The pizza feature is fun, but not a wood-fired replacement—more of a bonus capability.
Maintenance & Cleanup
The interior racks and drip tray slide out easily, and the stainless steel surfaces wipe clean once cooled. Grease does drip freely during searing, so it’s best used outdoors on a surface you don’t mind seeing a few splatters on.
💬 One common tip from users:
“Line the drip tray with foil to make cleanup even faster.”
User Complaints & Trade-Offs
Here are the consistent cons across reviewers:
| Issue | Summary |
|---|---|
| Propane usage | Runs hot = burns fuel fast — 1 lb bottles drain quickly |
| Internal cook heat is limited | Best used as a finishing sear, not full cook unless using thinner cuts |
| Grease splash | Some drippings bypass the tray — stone/concrete surface recommended |
| Requires attention | This is not a “set it and leave it” cooker — food will burn fast if unattended |
Verdict – A Budget Beast for Serious Meat Lovers
| Category | Score | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | ★★★★☆ | Solid stainless steel, compact and sturdy |
| Heat Performance | ★★★★★ | Authentic 1,500°F steakhouse sear |
| Steak Results | ★★★★★ | Restaurant-quality crust with proper prep |
| Ease of Use | ★★★★☆ | Fast learning curve, but demands attention |
| Cleanup | ★★★★☆ | Easy tray system, some grease splash |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ | Competes with $700+ broilers at a fraction of price |
Final Take:
If you’re chasing real steakhouse sear at home, the Big Horn 1500°F Infrared Grill delivers in a way that standard grills and cast iron simply cannot match. It’s not a slow cooker or a casual backyard grill—it’s a precision searing weapon designed for serious carnivores who love that crackling crust. At this price point, it’s one of the best-value infrared steak broilers on the market.
