Cooking meals outside is a fun and practical way to switch up the dinner routine during the warmer months. However, having the right appliance to sear delicious steaks, burgers, and hot dogs while you entertaining takes that experience to the next level. To get to the next level, outdoor built in grills are the right picks for the job.
That said, these grill setups aren’t the most affordable, so if you’re like many shoppers who hesitate to pick the right grill, we put together this grill buying guide. Use this checklist to help you choose the right outdoor kitchen built in grill as our experts explain the difference between a built in and freestanding grill and provide tips on how to choose one based on fuel type, size, and brand. Then, see which models we pick with built in grill reviews that bring the heat, performance, and most important of all, reliability.
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Shop Built-In GrillsBuilt-In vs. Freestanding Grills
All in all, built-in BBQ grills are the premium option, but that doesn’t mean freestanding grills don’t serve their purpose.
When weighing built in grill vs freestanding setups, the first difference is mobility For one, freestanding grills roll into place and connect quickly to propane, whereas built-in grills require professional installation and cannot be moved. On the other hand, built-ins connect to natural gas, add counter space, and anchor your cooking area like a professional station.
Serious entertainers often choose outdoor built in grills because they deliver higher BTU ratings, come with larger grilling surfaces, and work in tandem outdoor kitchen storage and refrigeration. When comparing a built in grill vs stand alone appliance, renters and occasional grillers are generally better with portable grills.
Learn More: How to Set Up the Perfect Outdoor Grill Station
Picking the Best Outdoor Built In Grill by Fuel Type
Fuel choice determines how your grill performs, how quickly it heats, and the flavor your food develops. Each option affects temperature control, cooking style, and installation requirements, which directly influence how comfortable and efficient your outdoor kitchen feels. Here’s how to choose a built in grill based on fuel differences (CLICK THE ➕TO LEARN MORE):
➕Charcoal Built In Grills
Bold smoke flavor and high heat what a built in charcoal grill does best, which makes it a favorite for traditional barbecue cooking. Lump charcoal produces strong searing temperatures and a rich aroma. Temperature control requires practice, and ash cleanup takes time. Fuel storage and airflow design also matter.
✅ Best for: Traditional barbecue patios where live-fire cooking is allowed. Ideal for homeowners who enjoy hands-on grilling and want bold smoke flavor in a dedicated outdoor kitchen.
➕Gas Built In Grills
Quick ignition and precise burner control make the built in gas grill one of the most practical choices for grillers both novice and experience. Natural gas (as well as propane) delivers consistent heat across large cooking areas, and installation requires just a gas line or tank access. Flavor-wise, bas grills provide a light, smokey flavor that’s a favorite among grillers who aren’t fans of the signature taste of charcoal grilling.
✅ Best for: Entertaining-focused outdoor kitchens where quick preheating, easy temperature control, and dependable performance support frequent grilling for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
➕Pellet Built In Grills
Wood pellets feed automatically in a built in pellet grill to give cooks steady heat and mild wood smoke. Digital controls simplify temperature management. Pellet grills require electricity and pellet storage, and searing temperatures can be lower than charcoal, while overall grilling time is much longer due to the low-and-slow method pellet grills use.
✅ Best for: Backyard kitchens designed for slow smoking, ribs, and brisket. Ideal for cooks who want wood flavor with digital temperature control.
➕Electric Built In Grills
For the simplest grilling operation, we recommend electric grilling. This method works by heating elements and surrounding them in gentler heater. Electric grills work well in smaller outdoor spaces with power access. Flavor is lighter than charcoal or wood cooking, and maximum heat output is lower.
Learn More: 6 Best Natural Gas Grills
Choosing the Best Outdoor Built In Grill by Size
Grill size affects cooking capacity, burner power, and how smoothly meals come together during gatherings. Here’s the thing: The more grill surface (in square inches), the higher the price. Often, grillers realize it’s not always necessary to have so much grilling real estate, so knowing that beforehand can potentially save you money.
Compare grills by width using this quick comparison guide below to decide which grill surface works for your cooking pace and demands.
30” Built In Grills
Known as the standard size, 30 inch built in grills typically include three burners and around 45,000 BTUs of total heat output. Cooking surfaces usually measure 500 to 550 square inches.
- ✅ Best for: Compact patios and smaller outdoor kitchens. These grills work best for households that grill the standard batch of hamburgers and hotdogs and don’t need a large multi-zone cooking surface.
33” Built In Grills
A 33-inch built in grill usually includes three to four burners with a heat output of around 50,000 BTUs, and cooking surfaces totally about 600 square inches. This size option provides more heat distribution and slightly more elbow room while still fitting most standard outdoor kitchen cutouts.
- ✅ Best for: Medium patios where families grill regularly. At an average of 50 square inches of extra cooking space, 33-inch BBQ grills keep up with weeknight meals and small gatherings without requiring a large outdoor kitchen footprint.
36” Built In Grills
Upgrading to outdoor built in grills in this size category comes with its perks. For one, 36 inch built in grills often come with add-ons, like rotisserie burners, warming racks, and stronger heat control for cooking several dishes at once. Additionally, these setups pack a punch with around 60,000 BTUs of power with cooking areas of around 650 to 750 square inches.
- ✅ Best for: Outdoor kitchens built for entertaining. Built-in grills measuring 36” wide can easily handle multiple steaks, vegetables, and seafood simultaneously while maintaining strong heat zones for searing and indirect cooking.
42” Built In Grills
Larger surfaces support multi-zone cooking for grilling, warming, and slow roasting at the same time during busy gatherings. A 42-inch built in grill usually comes with four or five burners, generating about 75,000 BTUs of firepower. You also get more cooking space, with models often exceeding 800 square inches of surface area.
- ✅ Best for: Bigger outdoor kitchens where frequent entertaining happens. Ideal for cooking several proteins and side dishes simultaneously during family cookouts and neighborhood gatherings.
48” Built In Grills
With up to six burners and heat output approaching 90,000 BTUs, 48 inch built in grills are luxury cooking tools made to impress. Cooking surfaces commonly exceed 1,000 square inches, while large grates allow serious batch cooking, while multiple burners support precise temperature zones across the entire cooking surface.
- ✅ Best for: Expansive outdoor kitchens are designed for hosting large parties. Perfect for grilling many steaks, burgers, and vegetables at once while maintaining separate temperature zones across the grill.
Explore the Best Outdoor Built In Grill by Brand
Interested in discovering what are the best built in grills? Our experts researched materials, burners, and warranties to help you judge long-term durability before investing in outdoor built in grills. Here’s how today’s best built-in grills compare.
Wolf Built In Grills
Wolf built in grills are exclusive gas and come in 30, 36, 42, and 54 inch configurations designed for every type of pitmaster. Signature features include dual-stacked burners for precise heat control, an infrared rotisserie burner, and heavy-gauge stainless construction. If you’re researching which grill to buy and want a luxury experience, we recommend Wolf’s powerful searing performance and restaurant-level build quality.
Wolf® 6-Burner Stainless Steel Built In Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Anyone asking which grill should I buy will appreciate Wolf’s serious heat output, professional styling, and engineering built to perform for decades. Six burners deliver strong, controlled heat, including a 25,000 BTU infrared sear zone that locks juices into steaks and chops. Ceramic briquettes distribute radiant heat evenly, allowing precise temperature control for searing, roasting, and gentle warming at the same time. Heavy double-wall stainless steel construction and heli-arc welding create impressive durability backed by a strong warranty.
Coyote Built In Grills
Stainless construction and wide accessory options from Coyote give outdoor cooks flexibility when designing practical grilling stations today. Distinct features include ceramic briquette heat control grids, interior halogen lighting, and spring-assisted hoods that feel balanced during frequent grilling. Coyote built in grills accommodate outdoor grill cutouts in 30, 34, 36, and 42 inch widths.
Coyote® CL-Series 5 Burner 42" Built-In Liquid Propane Stainless Steel Grill
Coyote’s combination of smart features, Wi-Fi capability, and durable stainless construction makes outdoor cooking both versatile and reliable. The secret to this model is a precision-engineered 5-burner designed for even heat across a 42-inch cooking surface. The Infinity burners paired with heat dividers allow simultaneous searing, roasting, and gentle warming. A spring-assisted hood and integrated windguard maintain consistent temperatures while protecting food from outdoor conditions.
Napoleon Built In Grills
Key innovations on Napoleon built in grills include wave-shaped stainless cooking grids, jetfire ignition burners, and infrared rear rotisserie heat for consistent searing. Napoleon grills master heat distribution across wide cooking areas for dependable multi-zone grilling. Explore all the Napoleon outdoor built in grills in 32, 38, and 44 inch sizes, available in propane or natural gas fuel options.
Learn More: Mastering the Flame: A Guide to Napoleon Grills and Outdoor Cooking
Napoleon 700 Series 8-Burner Stainless Steel Built In Natural Gas Grill
Grilling becomes a high-performance experience for anyone with this grill featuring an 8-burner design with 108,000 BTUs on a spacious 44-inch cooking surface. Thick 9-mm stainless steel grids provide even heat, easy maintenance, and distinctive sear marks on meats and vegetables. Dual infrared rear rotisserie burners and angular grease management make roasting and cleanup effortless while reducing fire risk. Backlit control knobs and integrated halogen lights enhance safety and allow grilling late into the evening.
⭐Featured Napoleon 700 Series Review:
"The Napoleon Built-In 700 Series 44\" is a backyard game-changer. With tons of cooking space, powerful burners, and a built-in rotisserie, it makes hosting a breeze. It looks amazing, lights up beautifully at night, and is built to last with stainless steel everything. If you love grilling for a crowd and want something reliable and stylish, this one’s a winner!"
DCS Built In Grills
DCS built in grills are heavy-duty gas options available in 30, 36, and 48 inch models. Signature features include ceramic radiant trays for even heat, double-sided cast stainless grates, and a dedicated infrared rotisserie burner. Thick stainless steel construction maintains stable temperatures during long grilling sessions.
DCS Series 7 3-Burner Stainless Steel Built In Natural Gas Grill
Precision grilling reaches a new level with DCS’s 3-burner design because it gives you up to 92,500 BTUs for total control from low-and-slow to high-heat searing. Double-sided cast stainless steel grates provide a gentle radius for vegetables and a W-shape for perfect sear marks. A dedicated smoker tray and infrared rotisserie burner expand cooking options beyond grilling, while the Grease Management System™ minimizes flare-ups. Smart Beam™ halogen lighting ensures night grilling is precise and safe, and ceramic radiant rods distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface.
XO Built In Grills
XO manufactures gas built-in grills in 32 and 40 inch configurations designed for propane or natural gas installation. Balanced heat output and sturdy stainless construction support reliable grilling across medium sized outdoor kitchens today. These grills come with handy features such as ceramic flame tamers, high-output stainless burners, and interior LED lighting that improves nighttime visibility
XO Performance XLT 4-Burner Stainless Steel Built In Natural Gas Grill
Durable welded stainless steel construction and optional rotisserie features make this XO grill a reliable, high-performance centerpiece for serious outdoor kitchens. It has a 4-burner design, with 17,000 BTUs per burner to give you even heat across a 39.5-inch cooking surface. Full-coverage stainless steel flame tamers enhance flavor while protecting burners and speeding preheat times. Heavy-duty grates create defined sear marks, and the spring-assisted hood lifts smoothly for easy access.
The good news is whether you’re faithful to gas grilling or want to join the next wave of BBQing with wood pellets, the market for built-in graves provides an option for every griller. If you’re ready to compare built in grills for sale or have more questions what is the best outdoor built in grill, ask the experts at Don’s Appliances! Visit one of our Pittsburgh appliance stores near you for more details!
Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Built-In Grills
A freestanding grill should not be installed permanently inside a built-in island because its design relies on open airflow around the cart and body. Outdoor built in grills include insulated fireboxes, proper ventilation clearances, and mounting systems that safely handle heat inside cabinetry. Installing a freestanding grill in a built-in space can trap heat, damage surrounding materials, and create a serious fire risk.
Built-in grills cost more because they are engineered for permanent installation and heavy outdoor use. They can have thicker stainless steel, commercial-grade burners, and reinforced fireboxes. Many outdoor built in grills also include advanced features like infrared rotisserie burners, multi-zone heat control, and large cooking surfaces designed for entertaining.
Most manufacturers and fire safety guidelines recommend placing a built-in grill at least 10 feet away from the house or any combustible wall. Adequate clearance prevents heat buildup, grease flare-ups, and smoke from damaging siding, roofing overhangs, or nearby structures. Installing the grill with proper ventilation and non-combustible materials around the island also helps protect your home while you cook outdoors.
No, not every grill can be safely installed into a built-in island. Built-in models are engineered with insulated fireboxes, front ventilation, and mounting flanges that allow heat to escape without damaging surrounding cabinetry. Freestanding grills lack these protections, so enclosing them can trap heat and create a fire hazard.
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop a Refrigerator with Screen at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop refrigerators online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you learn all the ways to use a refrigerator with screen — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
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