The 8 Best Built-In Grills, According to Pitmasters

Factors to Consider

Kitchen Setup

If we can convince you of one thing in this piece, allow it to be this: Do not buy a built-in grill until you’ve solidified the layout and plans for your outdoor kitchen setup. The two decisions need to go hand-in-hand, ensuring your chosen grill setup works for your dream outdoor kitchen and vice-versa. “Your contractor will need the exact specs on your appliance selection before starting work,” explains Cookston. “All of this is a bit different than shopping for a standalone grill, where you will be looking for the features that you want. I have seen people put the cart before the horse, so to speak, by buying appliances without a real plan. This leads to changes in contractor plans, and sometimes replacing components.”

“Think about the energy of hosting people when designing your space,” adds chef, author, and Alchemy Grills founder Matt Basille. “Quite often, everything is directed to the rear end of an outdoor kitchen which means your back is turned to people. Find a way to balance accommodating the cooking part with the hosting part, and never underestimate the power and function of a great island countertop.”

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Material

Another differentiating factor you’ll run into when shopping for built-in grills is a variety of different body materials. As a general rule of thumb, most grills on the market are made from stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron, with a few also being comprised of enamel and brick. All of the models on our list are made of stainless steel, which tends to be the most affordable and durable option. However, if you prefer to cook on a different surface (say you’re a cast iron devotee), it’s important to shop with that consideration in mind.

Size

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Like standalone models, built-in grills come in a variety of different widths, with the majority ranging from 24 inches wide to 48 inches wide. You’ll need to consider what size grill balances your cooking needs with the available square footage in your outdoor kitchen. You want ample room for all the ribs and chicken wings your family desires while also ensuring you don’t choose a model too large that there’s no room leftover for prepping your buns or mixing up dinner cocktails. Generally, a grill that ranges from 30 to 36 inches wide works for most scenarios.

Basille adds that homeowners should be mindful of how their whole outdoor cook space flows together, much like you would in a traditional kitchen. “The counter space, cook space, storage, and refrigeration should all work together aesthetically and functionally,” he says.

Fuel Type

When choosing a cooktop for your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to filter your options to include just the type of fuel source you prefer and are comfortable using. Many of the models on our list can be used with both natural gas and propane, but some offer more niche cooking styles, such as charcoal and wood pellets. If versatility is important to you, make sure your chosen model can flex between one or two different fuel sources before purchasing.

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“There are many schools of thought when it comes to the best fuel for a grill,” says Basille. “Gas is easier to get going and easier to maintain, but my preference from a style and taste perspective will always be charcoal and live-fire wood cooking. The taste is unmatchable.”

Heating Power

The biggest determining factor for how quickly your grill will get to temperature and how effective it will be in cooking your food is its heating power. For gas or propane methods of fuel, this is referred to as BTUs, or British Thermal Unit, the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature by 1° F. This is a glimpse into the model’s efficiency, which can go a long way towards determining how powerful it will be to cook with. Another consideration in this category is how many burners a model has. The more burners, the more powerful a cook it can deliver.

Extra Features

While we’ve covered many of the basics above, there are some extra bells and whistles you may encounter while shopping for a built-in grill that, while not necessary, add up to a far better user experience. Look for smart add-ons like a warming grate, integrated storage, automatic LED lights in the hood, and thermometers on the exterior — these features will add value and altogether make your time spent with the grill more enjoyable.

Our Expertise

Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist living in New York with over a decade of experience in the food, home, and lifestyle categories. When she’s not diving into the latest trends and products, she’s restoring an 1820s farmhouse in the Hudson Valley alongside her husband and children.

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Categories: Outdoor