Choosing a Built-In Grill

Before you compare brands, answer the questions that limit your options.

New island or existing cutout?

If you're building a new island, you can pick the grill first and size the cutout to match. If you're replacing a grill in an existing island, the opening decides which grills will fit without masonry work. Read how to measure a grill cutout and replacing a built-in in the same cutout before you shop.

Natural gas or propane?

Built-in grills are sold as natural gas or propane models, and many can be converted with a manufacturer kit. If you have a gas line at the island, natural gas is usually the simpler long-term choice. Our guide to propane vs. natural gas covers the tradeoffs.

Is there power at the island?

Electronic ignition, interior lights, control-panel lighting and rotisserie motors often need a 120V outlet or batteries. Know what you have.

Combustible or non-combustible island?

Most built-in grills are designed for non-combustible islands (masonry, block, steel studs with cement board). Islands with wood framing usually need an insulating jacket made for that grill. The manufacturer's installation manual is the authority here.

Material and build

Look for a firebox, hood and burners in 304 stainless steel, and a substantial weight to the hood. Lower grades and thin sheet metal stain, pit and warp sooner, especially near the coast. Ask what the burners are made of: stainless tube, cast stainless and cast brass are all durable choices.

Heat distribution

How evenly a grill cooks depends on burner design, burner spacing and what sits above the burners (ceramic briquettes, stainless flame tamers, radiant plates). Grills that hold even heat across the whole grate make cooking for a crowd easier. Reviews and a look at the grill in person tell you more than BTU numbers.

BTUs, in context

Higher BTU ratings don't automatically mean a hotter or better grill. What matters is heat per square inch of cooking area and how well the hood and firebox hold heat. A well-designed grill with moderate BTUs can outperform one with a big number on the spec sheet.

Parts support

This is the one buyers forget. Burners, igniters and heat plates are wear parts, and you'll replace them over the grill's life. Brands that keep parts available for older models make a grill worth repairing in year fifteen. See premium grill brands compared.

Surefire is a grill dealer as well as a service company. We can supply a new built-in grill matched to your island and gas setup, install it, and service it for years after. If your current built-in is just tired, we're equally happy to restore it instead. Our grill sales and replacement page has the details.