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 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 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.
Best Built-in Gas Grills
1. Napoleon Grills Built-in Prestige 500 RB
The first model in review is among the built-in propane gas grills 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.
Features
- Outdoor, built-in, propane gas grill
- 4 x Stainless steel burners
- Total cooking space: 760 square inches
- Stainless steel wave cooking grids
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Infrared Rear Rotisserie Burner
- 66,000 BTU/hr
- Dimensions: 21″ x 31″ x 24″
- Weight: 108lbs
Pros
- The grill pushes a strong 66,000 BTU/hr, which is immensely powerful for a five-burner grill
- Contains an infrared rotisserie system for added versatility to the grill’s repertoire
Cons
- Some consumers note poor customer service from Napoleon
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 largest 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).
Features
- Cooking Area: 930 sq. in
- Total Burner BTU: 71000
- A battery-operated electronic continuous ignition system offers a quick and easy start-up
- Full Stainless Steel Construction Natural Gas Conversion Kit Included
- Assembly Required
Pros
- The grill pumps an impressive 71,000 BTU/hr, which is a phenomenal mark for a four-burner grill
- The grill heats very quickly thanks to the aforementioned BTU/hr specs
Cons
- Some consumer’s grills came with broken cooking grates (more of an Amazon shipping issue than KitchenAid)
3. Weber Summit S-460 Built-In Natural Gas Grill
Rolling along in the built-in, outdoor, gas grill 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 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.
Features
- Outdoor, built-in, natural gas grill (requires natural gas plumbing)
- 4 x Stainless steel burners
- Snap-Jet individual burner ignition system, stainless steel Flavorizer bars, grill cabinet, infinite control burner valves, front access grease tray with catch pan
- Total cooking space: 580 square inches
- 9mm diameter stainless steel cooking grates
- Rear-mounted infrared rotisserie burner
- Built-in lid thermometer
- 48,000 BTU/hr
- Dimensions: 31″ x 50.5″ x 34″
- Weight: 233lbs
Pros
- Comes with a grilling system similar to the Weber GS4 system which includes snap-jet burners, Flavorizer bars, and infinite control burner valves
- The grill comes equipped with a rear-mounted infrared rotisserie burner for added versatility to your grilling
Cons
- One consumer notes paint peeling from plastic parts on the grill
4. Bull Outdoor Products 26039 Natural Gas Outlaw Drop-In Grill Head
This fourth grill in review is among the top-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.
Features
- Outdoor, built-in, natural gas grill
- 4 x Porcelain-coated bar burners
- Full, 304 stainless steel construction
- Total cooking space: 810 square inches
- Stainless steel cooking grids
- Piezo igniters on every valve
- Built-in lid thermometer
- 60,000 BTU/hr
- Dimensions: 22″ x 38″ x 21″
- Weight: 125lbs
- 2 Year burners warranty, 5 Year grates, and firebox warranty
Pros
- This unit sports a humongous cooking space of 810 square inches with just four burners
- The grill comes with two warranties: one for the burners that are valid for two years, and the second covers the grates and the firebox and is valid for five years
Cons
- A notable group of consumers claims the grill falls 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!
Features
- Outdoor, built-in, natural gas grill
- 4 x Stainless steel burners
- Infrared rotisserie back burner
- Total cooking space: 830 square inches
- Full, 304 stainless steel construction
- Premium solid stainless steel cooking grates
- 2 x Interior lights
- Built-in lid thermometer
- 75,000 BTU/hr
- Dimensions: 24.2″ x 32″ x 21.5″
- Weight: 170lbs
Pros
- This unit pumps one of the most impressive BTU/hr specs on the market at 75,000 BTU/hr from only four burners
- The grill comes equipped with an infrared rotisserie back burner for added versatility to your grilling
Cons
- A group of consumers notes the grill is damaged or broken
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 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 cooking 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.
Features
- An outdoor, built-in, wood pellet smoker grill
- 24lb. capacity hopper offers up to 62 hours of cooking time
- Temperature range between 180 – 700ºF
- Total cooking space: 844 square inches
- Full, 304 stainless steel construction
- Can be controlled via a Wi-Fi controller
- Dimensions: 28″ x 46″ x 32″
- Weight: 235lbs
Pros
- This wood pellet smoker grill can be controlled via a Wi-Fi controller so you can check on your food and monitor it without having to hover over the unit
- The grill has an incredible heating range that can heat from 180 – 700ºF
Cons
- N/A
7. 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.
Features
- Outdoor, built-in, natural gas grill
- 2 x Advanced 18-gauge, stainless steel, U-shaped burners with electronic ignition
- High-performance rotisserie kit and heavy-duty warming rack
- Total cooking space: 432 square inches
- Full, 304 stainless steel construction
- Rust-free, stainless steel rod cooking grates
- Built-in lid thermometer
- 32,000 BTU/hr
- Dimensions: 24″ x 28″ x 19.5″
- Weight: 107lbs
Pros
- This unit is on the more compact side and is perfect for small or more contained spaces
- The grill comes equipped with a rotisserie kit for added versatility to your grilling
Cons
- Some consumers received their grill without the rotisserie kit (Amazon shipping issue)
8. Louisiana Grills Built In Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
This next grill might sit at the top of the list regarding the 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.
Features
- An outdoor, built-in, wood pellet smoker grill
- 300-watt auto igniter, one-touch auto start button, proprietary exhaust system, and Digital Control Center oven board
- 20lb. capacity hopper
- Temperature range between 180 – 600ºF
- Total cooking space: 860 square inches
- 20,700 BTU/hr
- Full, 304 stainless steel construction
- Cast-iron cooking surface
- Full-function, programmable meat probe included
Pros
- A convenient, programmable meat probe allows you to measure your foods’ internal temperatures while cooking
- The grill has an incredible heating range that can heat from 180 – 600ºF
Cons
- Many consumers note the grill breaks down easily and sometimes malfunctions
9. 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.
Features
- Outdoor, built-in, natural gas grill
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- Premium Accufire titanium and stainless steel burner system
- Refractive ceramic briquettes and stainless steel cooking grates
- Integrated, heavy-duty rotisserie system with chain-driven, whisper-quiet operation
- LED-lit control panel
- Dimensions: 26″ x 42″ x 27.25″
- Weight: 262lbs
Pros
- Comes with a heavy-duty rotisserie system that’s chain-driven, adding another option to your grilling
- The control panel is LED-lit and allows you to work on the grill comfortably at night or when it’s dark
Cons
- N/A
Factors to Consider
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.
FAQs
What are infrared rotisserie burners/how do they work?Infrared rotisserie burners are burners that produce infrared heat rather than using the main burners for rotisserie cooking. The infrared burner still operates on propane or natural gas, but it converts it into radiant, infrared heat instead of flames, which is more efficient and allows you to cook juicy, delicious rotisserie. The reason for the infrared burner is its ability to heat the entire area under the hood as opposed to the main burners that produce the most heat on the grate's surface.
Why do natural gas grills require plumbing?Natural gas is a form of fuel that's considered to be the cleanest fossil fuel. Natural gas grills don't run on tanks because they're only built for natural gas, which is plumbed and not purchased in tanks. That's why if you're in search of a tank utilizing grills, you should avoid any grill denoted as a "natural gas" grill. All of these natural gas models provide hoses and attachments for lining into your plumbed natural gas line.
What is a wood pellet grill?Pellet grills are a sort of combination of cooking methods in one unit. There's the ability to smoke foods, grill foods, and even use the units as ovens. These grills operate on natural, wood pellet fuel that is either directly or indirectly applied as heat to the grill/smoker depending on what you're cooking and how. The pellet fuel is held in what's called the hopper. The larger the hopper, the larger the fuel capacity and thus, lengthier cooking times. Pellet grills are fantastic for those who wish to grill/smoke without coal or gas fuel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 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 smaller 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!
