Top Built-in Gas Grills for Outdoor Kitchens – Reviews and Comparison

Grilling is one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable ways to cook your meals and what better way to grill than with a built-in unit? The best built-in gas barbecue grills are sturdy and well-performing, and allow you to customize your grilling environment.

Referencing our grilling experience, we’ve compiled a list of the best built-in grills based on their specifications from BTU/hr to cooking space, etc.

By comparing some of the top models available, you’ll be able to find the perfect grill for your needs. Let’s check out the top three recommendations before jumping into the list.

Our Top Recommended Built-in Gas Grills

• The first: the top-recommended built-in grill is the Napoleon Grills Built-in Prestige 500 with Infrared Rear Burner Propane Grill. This unit has exceptional heating quality and does so over a large, 760 square inch total cooking space. In addition to its four burners, it also has an infrared rotisserie system, allowing this propane grill to do more than just grilling.
• Our second: top recommendation is the KitchenAid 740-0781 Built-in Propane Gas Grill head. This unit also does a phenomenal job with heating as it pumps 71,000 BTU/hr utilizing only four burners! Not only that, but this model has a slightly larger cooking space than the top Napoleon model at 930 square inches. The KitchenAid 750-0781 also comes with a 10-year, main burner warranty.
• Our third: and final top recommendation is the Weber Summit S-460 Built-In Natural Gas Grill. This trusty Weber grill also sports four burners, as does the KitchenAid unit, but it only produces roughly 48,000 BTU/hr, which is still impressive but doesn’t touch the market’s upper ceiling for this spec. This unit, however, comes with a bevy of cool features that make grilling easy and hassle-free. Now let’s get right into the full list.

Best Built-in Gas Grills:

1. Napoleon Grills Built-in Prestige 500 RB with Infrared Rear Burner Propane Grill

The first model in review is among the best built-in propane gas grill under $1500. The Napoleon Grills Built-in Prestige 500 RB runs on propane gas as its name denotes.

It has a four-burner system, and all of the burners are stainless steel. Its 66,000 BTU/hr spec means that this grill heats well, and likely quickly. It also has a total cooking space of 760 square inches, which would allow you to cook plenty at once.

Consumers are very happy with this Napoleon Prestige 500 (propane) grill. Some consumers note having issues with control knobs but also note that customer service has been exceptional from Napoleon. Another point of emphasis from consumers is the strong build of the grill.

2. KitchenAid 740-0781 Built Propane Gas Grill

The next best, built-in, outdoor propane grill in review is the KitchenAid 740-0781 Built-in Propane Gas Grill. This grill also comes with a natural gas conversion kit for those who like the grill but use plumbed natural gas.

The 740-0781 utilizes four burners and sports a full stainless steel construction. This unit also produces an impressive 71,000 BTU/hr on only four burners and sports one of the large cooking spaces on the market at 930 square inches.

Consumers have fairly mixed reviews about this KitchenAid model. Some find the grill to perform well and claim that it gets the job done. On the other hand, there are many reports of design flaws, corroding pieces, etc. that have failed the grill (it does come with a 10-year warranty for the burner, but that’s all).

3. Weber Summit S-460 Built-In Natural Gas Grill

Rolling along in the built-in, outdoor, gas grills reviews we have the Weber Summit S-460 Built-In Natural Gas Grill. This S-460 grill comes with a snap-jet ignition system, stainless steel Flavorizer bars, grill cabinets, infinite control burner valves, and a front-access grease tray.

This grill is absolutely loaded. It only runs on four burners and sports a respectable, though not the largest, compared to others’ total cooking space of 580 square inches. The S-460 also comes equipped with a rear-mounted infrared rotisserie, which adds versatility to your cooking options.

This Weber S-460 is a hit with consumers, for the most part. It’s claimed by consumers to heat quickly, evenly, and up to incredible temperatures (the thermometer reads out to 700ºF). Others note the efficiency of the infrared rotisserie, loving the chicken that results from it.

4. Bull Outdoor Products 26039 Natural Gas Outlaw Drop-In Grill Head

This fourth grill in review is among the best-rated built-in gas grills. The Bull Outdoor Products 26039 Natural Gas Outlaw Drop-In Grill Head. This drop-in, propane grill sports four porcelain-coated bar burners as opposed to stainless steel burners.

However, the body of the grill is full of stainless steel construction (304). The Bull Outdoor grill is also a natural gas grill that requires plumbed natural gas to operate. This unit also has Piezo igniters and a large total cooking space of 810 square inches.

Consumers are very happy with the performance of this Bull Outdoor Products grill, especially at its price. One consumer finds that the described dimensions are slightly off and a small group finds the grill to fall apart after only a few years.

5. Lion Premium Grills L75623 32 Natural Gas Grill

The Lion Premium Grills L75623 32″ Natural Gas Grill is certainly among the best, outdoor, built-in, natural gas grills on the market. This natural gas grill from Lion Premium Grills sports the second-largest cooking space on the list at 830 square inches.

This unit also has full stainless steel construction (304). As with many of the nicer models here, this Lion Premium Grills unit has an infrared rotisserie back burner for added grilling options. This unit also pumps the largest BTU/hr spec at 75,000 BTU/hr.

Consumers find that the described dimensions don’t match up with what they receive. Aside from this complaint, many consumers are blown away by this grill and some even claim it’s the best they’ve had. Some go as far as to claim it’s better than a Weber!

6. Memphis Grills Elite Wood Fire Pellet Smoker Grill Wi-Fi (VGB0002S)

This next grill in review is unique to the list. The Memphis Grills Elite Wood Fire Pellet Smoker Grill Wi-Fi (VGB0002S) is the best, outdoor, built-in, pellet smoker grill model on the market. This unit works with wood fire pellets as opposed to natural gas or propane, as its title suggests.

The hopper for this smoker grill has a 24-pound capacity that can provide up to 62 hours of cook time. The cooking space is enormous at 844 square inches. The unit can also be controlled via a Wi-Fi controller.

Consumers are completely enamored by this grill from Memphis Grills. Most notably, consumers love the versatility of the unit being able to smoke foods, grill foods, and use it as an oven. They’re aware it’s expensive, but they know it’s worth it.

7. Napoleon Grills Built-in Prestige 500 RB with Infrared Rear Burner Natural Gas Grill

The next model in review is one of the most affordable, built-in grills on this list and is similar to a model we’ve already covered. The Napoleon Grills Built-in Prestige 500 with Infrared Rear Burner Natural Gas Grill is the exact same grill as the Napoleon model reviewed at the first spot on the list except that this model utilizes natural gas.

This model requires natural gas plumbing to operate. As with the propane Napoleon model, this unit has four burners, produces 66,000 BTU/hr, and has a cooking space of 760 square inches.

Consumers, as with almost every model here, are very satisfied with this Napoleon Prestige 500 (natural gas). The only negative reviews relate to shipping qualms and receiving damaged parts, which falls less on Napoleon.

8. American Outdoor Grill Built-in Natural Gas Grill W/ Rotisserie

The American Outdoor Grill Built-in Natural Gas Grill W/ Rotisserie is a small, built-in grill that provides all the enjoyment of a built-in with less consumption of space. The unit operates on two 18-gauge, stainless steel, U-shaped burners. These burners start with electronic ignition as well.

The grill also comes with a high-performance rotisserie kit that allows for cooking versatility. The cooking grates are constructed from rust-free, stainless steel. It’s less powerful than some comparable models at 32,000 BTU/hr and roughly 430 square inches of cooking space.

Consumers are satisfied with this grill model, albeit surprised by their satisfaction. However, some consumers note that the grill didn’t come with the advertised rotisserie kit, which is understandably agitating. Despite this, people find the grill to work well and efficiently.

9. Louisiana Grills Built In Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker

This next grill might sit at the top of the list regarding the best built-in gas grills under $2000. The Louisiana Grills Built-In Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is another grill that utilizes wood pellets instead of propane or natural gas.

The unit starts up via a 300W auto-igniter and a one-touch auto-start button. It also sports a proprietary exhaust system and a Digital Control Center aiding operation.

The unit also has the absolute largest cooking space on the market at 860 square inches. The model also heats from 180 – 600ºF, which is a solid range. This unit also sports a roughly 20-pound hopper.

Consumers are not overly excited about this grill/smoker unit. There’s a non-ignorable group of consumers who note poor construction, low-quality materials, and degradation that has them a bit more than peeved after spending $2,000 on this grill.

Some claim it can be used fine, but they do note it’s nothing special or top-notch.

10. Alfresco ALXE-42-NG 42 Standard Grill

The final model in review is the Alfresco ALXE-42-NG 42″ Standard Grill. The Alfresco model is another natural gas model. That means that, as with other natural gas models, you have to have plumbed natural gas for these to operate.

The unit is stunningly constructed, with beautiful, full, stainless steel parts and a premium, Accufire titanium and stainless steel burner system. The grill also has refractive ceramic briquettes and stainless steel cooking grates.

This unit also might be the only model on the list with LED lights for the control panel, allowing you to work in the dark and at night.

There’s not a negative review to be found for the Alfresco model. Consumers are stunned by the ability of this grill and some note that some scouring of the internet might be able to save you a few bucks on this beast.

Most users find it to be worth every single penny though, regardless of the deal they’ve gotten.

Factors to Consider When Buying Built-in Gas Grills

The following is a list of factors to consider when buying built-in gas grills:

A number of burners & BTU/hr:

The first and most important factors to consider when buying a grill are the BTU/hr production and the number of burners.

While most times the burners will more or less translate into particular BTU/hr specs, some models display greater or lesser efficiencies.

For instance, the grills with a BTU/hr spec of 60,000 or greater are among the most powerful models on the market. And to the burner efficiency point, some models can accomplish these specs with only four burners while some require five.

Generally speaking, you want the highest BTU/hr model you can find that fits your other preferences.

Total cooking space & size:

The next set of factors to consider before buying a built-in grill relates to size. The first is its cooking space. Obviously, the larger the cooking space the more you can cook at once.

Be wary of how these cooking spaces are set up, though, because sometimes the warming rack is larger and that can deceive you about the main cooking space.

The next thing to consider is the dimensions. The dimensions of each model will determine the assembly and construction of your built-in grill space.

Therefore, dimensions may be the most important factor to consider for the built-in grills, period.

Interior grill set-up:

The interior grill setup is the final factor to consider for your built-in grill.

What’s meant by the interior set-up is the size and orientation of the warming rack, the style of the cooking grates, whether or not there’s a rotisserie kit (infrared burner or actual kit), and how the burners are oriented and situated among other things.

While these things may seem inconsequential, they’ll help you ensure you’re getting something you’ll be absolutely satisfied with.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best, built-in grill for outdoor kitchen setups is the Napoleon Grills Built-in Prestige 500 with Infrared Rear Burner Propane Grill.

This Prestige 500 comes at an affordable price, produces an impressive 66,000 BTU/hr, and utilizes a five-burner and infrared burner system.

If you’re looking for something with a little less size that still packs a punch, give the KitchenAid 740-0780 Built-in Propane Gas Grill a good look.

This grill unit pumps an impressive 61,000 BTU/hr on only four burners and also comes with a 10-year warranty for the main burners. However, as the list tells us, there are plenty of quality models on the list so don’t limit your scope.

Regardless of the model you choose, a built-in grill will bring you exciting cookouts and parties, a cozy and custom cooking setup, and intense grilling power. So, what are you waiting for? Get your built-in grill today!