The best infrared grills for small patios are the Schwank 1500°F Dual Burner for its steakhouse-quality searing, the Turbo E Sport Electric Grill for apartment-friendly convenience, and the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16-inch Grill for quick, powerful searing in a compact size.
These grills offer efficient, high-heat cooking ideal for limited spaces, allowing you to achieve perfectly cooked meats and vegetables without a large footprint. An infrared grill is an excellent choice for anyone seeking precision cooking and even heat distribution on a smaller outdoor area.
We’ve narrowed down the field to seven top picks after extensive hands-on comparison, evaluating each model for its performance, portability, and ease of use. This article will help you find the perfect infrared grill to maximize your small patio cooking experience, with a detailed comparison table following this introduction.
3 Standout Picks: Steakhouse Quality, Apartment Living, and Quick Searing
Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16-inch Grill
- 1500°F infrared heat
- Portable steak broiler
- Stainless steel build
7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs
The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.
Schwank 1500°F Dual Burner
- Exceptional steakhouse searing
- Durable Made in USA quality
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- Dual burners for control
- 1500°F infrared
- Dual propane burners
Turbo E Sport Electric Grill
- Electric, no propane needed
- Digital display with probe
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- Compact and apartment-friendly
- 1700W infrared
- Digital display
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16-inch Grill
- Achieves extreme searing temperatures
- Durable stainless steel construction
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- Compact and highly portable
- 1500°F infrared heat
- Portable steak broiler
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 9-inch Grill
- Exceptional searing performance
- Extremely compact footprint
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- Robust stainless steel build
- 1500°F infrared
- Compact steak broiler
Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Grill
- Includes warming rack
- Comes with carrying bag
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- Efficient infrared cooking
- Portable infrared
- Warming rack included
Solaire Everywhere Grill
- Highly portable and compact
- Efficient infrared cooking
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- Durable stainless steel build
- Portable infrared
- Propane gas powered
Solaire Anywhere Mini Grill
- Extremely compact and light
- Ideal for single servings
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- Quick and efficient heating
- Mini personal grill
- Infrared propane
7 Models Reviewed in Depth
#1. Schwank 1500°F Dual Burner

Maillard Searing
Propane Burners
USA Quality
The Schwank 1500°F Portable Infrared Grill brings steakhouse-quality searing right to your patio. With dual propane burners delivering intense 1500°F infrared heat, you can achieve a perfect Maillard crust and juicy interior on your steaks. Its Made in USA stainless steel construction speaks volumes about its robust build and long-lasting durability, making it a premium choice.
While it excels at high-heat searing, this grill is primarily a specialized tool for steaks and similar cuts, not a versatile all-purpose grill. If you’re a connoisseur of perfectly seared meats and have a small patio, this grill is an investment in culinary excellence. However, if you need to grill a wide variety of foods or prefer a larger cooking surface, you might consider other options.
Pros
- Exceptional steakhouse searing
- Durable Made in USA quality
- Dual burners for control
Cons
- Specialized for searing
- Higher investment cost
- Propane tank required
Specifications
#2. Turbo E Sport Electric Grill

No Propane
Friendly
Temp Control
The Turbo E Sport Compact Electric Grill is a game-changer for urban dwellers and those with strict grilling regulations. Its 1700W infrared heating delivers impressive grilling power without the need for propane, making it perfectly apartment friendly. The digital display with a probe adds precision to your cooking, ensuring perfectly done meals every time.
While it offers excellent electric grilling, you’ll need access to an outdoor power outlet, and it won’t provide the smoky flavor of charcoal or gas. This grill is ideal if you need a convenient, high-performance electric option for a small patio or balcony. However, if you prefer traditional fuel types or need a very large cooking area, this might not be your primary choice.
Pros
- Electric, no propane needed
- Digital display with probe
- Compact and apartment-friendly
Cons
- Requires outdoor power outlet
- No smoky flavor
- Smaller cooking surface
Specifications
#3. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16-inch Grill

Searing Power
Steel Build
Steak Broiler
If you’re serious about achieving a perfect crust on your steaks, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16-inch Infrared Grill is an excellent choice. It delivers an intense 1500°F infrared heat that sears meat quickly, locking in juices and flavor. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, making it a reliable option for outdoor cooking on your patio or during tailgates.
While it excels at high-heat searing, this grill is primarily a broiler, so don’t expect a full-size grilling experience. Its portable design makes it easy to set up and store, perfect for small patios where space is a premium. Skip this if you need a multi-functional grill for diverse cooking methods.
Pros
- Achieves extreme searing temperatures
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Compact and highly portable
Cons
- Limited to high-heat searing
- Smaller cooking surface
- Requires propane tank
Specifications
#4. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 9-inch Grill

Patio Size
Steak Searing
Gas Fuel
For the ultimate individual steak experience, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 9-inch Infrared Grill is hard to beat. It delivers an incredible 1500°F infrared heat, ensuring a perfect, restaurant-quality sear on your meat every time. Its ultra-compact design makes it ideal for the smallest patios or even a balcony, taking up minimal space while delivering maximum flavor.
While its searing capabilities are top-notch, this grill is specifically designed for single-serving steaks or small cuts, so it’s not meant for cooking large meals. If you’re a solo griller who prioritizes searing perfection and has limited space, this is an excellent choice. However, if you need to cook for multiple people, you’ll want a larger unit.
Pros
- Exceptional searing performance
- Extremely compact footprint
- Robust stainless steel build
Cons
- Very small cooking area
- Limited to searing function
- Propane fuel source
Specifications
#5. Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Grill

Rack Included
Bag Convenience
Propane Grill
The Solaire SOL-IR17BWR offers a fantastic portable grilling experience with thoughtful additions. Its infrared technology provides consistent and powerful heat, perfect for searing and cooking a variety of foods. The inclusion of a warming rack and a carrying bag significantly enhances its convenience, making it ideal for small patios, picnics, or tailgating.
While the added features are great, remember this is still a compact grill, so manage your expectations regarding cooking capacity. It’s an excellent choice if you value portability and the ability to keep food warm while grilling. However, if you need a large primary grill for family meals, you might find its size limiting.
Pros
- Includes warming rack
- Comes with carrying bag
- Efficient infrared cooking
Cons
- Small cooking surface
- Propane fuel required
- Limited to portable use
Specifications
#6. Solaire Everywhere Grill

Anywhere Grilling
Even Heat
Steel Durability
The Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared Grill is designed for those who need a reliable grilling solution that can go anywhere. Its infrared technology ensures even heat distribution and efficient cooking, perfect for quick meals on your small patio or during a camping trip. The durable stainless steel construction means it’s built to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor use.
While highly portable and capable, you’ll find its cooking surface is compact, best suited for grilling for one or two people. It’s an excellent choice if portability and quick setup are your top priorities, but it might not be the best fit if you frequently entertain larger groups. Expect solid performance for its size.
Pros
- Highly portable and compact
- Efficient infrared cooking
- Durable stainless steel build
Cons
- Smaller cooking area
- Propane tank required
- Lacks advanced features
Specifications
#7. Solaire Anywhere Mini Grill

Personal Size
Propane Heat
Portable
The Solaire Anywhere Mini Personal Infrared Grill is designed for ultimate portability and individual use. Its compact size makes it incredibly easy to transport and store, perfect for a single person living in a small apartment or for quick solo trips. The infrared propane heating ensures efficient cooking, getting your meal ready without much fuss.
While it’s highly convenient for personal use, its cooking surface is very small, limiting it to one or two items at a time. It’s a great option if you need a bare-bones, highly portable grill for occasional personal use on a tiny patio. However, if you plan on cooking for more than yourself, you’ll quickly find its capacity insufficient.
Pros
- Extremely compact and light
- Ideal for single servings
- Quick and efficient heating
Cons
- Very limited cooking area
- Basic feature set
- Propane tank required
Specifications

Unleashing Flavor on Your Tiny Terrace: Finding the Perfect Infrared Grill
Even with limited outdoor space, you don’t have to sacrifice the searing power and even cooking that an infrared grill offers. Choosing the right one for a small patio involves a careful balance of performance, footprint, and features. Making an informed decision now means countless delicious meals later, without the frustration of a cramped or underperforming appliance. For those considering alternatives, our guide to the best gas grill for small patios offers additional options.
The Essential Ingredients for a Small-Space Infrared Grill
When every inch counts, and every meal matters, here’s what to keep in mind.
Compact Footprint Look for models specifically designed for smaller areas. Consider both the cooking surface dimensions and the overall width and depth of the unit when assembled.
Heat Output and Control Infrared grills are known for intense heat. Ensure the model you choose offers precise temperature control, allowing you to sear a steak or gently cook more delicate items.
Fuel Type Decide between electric, natural gas, or propane. Each has its own benefits regarding portability, setup, and consistent fuel supply for your specific patio arrangement. If propane is your preferred fuel, our guide to the best propane grill can help you explore more options.
Construction Quality A durable build means your grill will withstand the elements and frequent use. Look for materials that resist rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity.
Ease of Cleaning Infrared grates can sometimes be more challenging to clean due to their design. Prioritize models with removable components or non-stick surfaces to simplify maintenance.
Dodging the Small-Patio Grilling Blunders
Don’t let these common missteps diminish your infrared grilling experience.
- Underestimating clearance needs: Even a compact grill needs adequate space around it for safe operation and ventilation, especially near walls or combustible materials.
- Ignoring portability: If you plan to store your grill away or move it frequently, a model with wheels or a lighter build will save you a lot of hassle.
- Forgetting about storage: Consider where the grill will live when not in use. Some compact models offer folding shelves or a smaller overall profile for easier storage.
Your Perfect Patio Powerhouse Awaits!
For the ultimate searing power in a compact package, the Schwank is your go-to for steakhouse-quality results, while the Turbo E Sport is ideal for apartment dwellers seeking electric convenience. If you need portable propane muscle, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS models deliver, with the 16-inch version offering more space than its 9-inch sibling. And for robust, reliable portability, the Solaire grills, from the Everywhere to the Anywhere Mini, are built for adventure.
No matter your small patio grilling dreams, there’s an infrared champion here ready to make them a reality. Don’t wait – hit those buttons above to snag your sizzling new grill today!
Final 3 Picks: Steakhouse Quality, Apartment Living, and Quick Searing
Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16-inch Grill
- 1500°F infrared heat
- Portable steak broiler
- Stainless steel build
