News

Built-In vs. Freestanding Grills: Which Is Right for Your Backyard?

Dreaming of an outdoor kitchen—or just want great grilling without the build? We break down built-in vs. freestanding grills by cost, installation, lifestyle, and resale value so you can choose with confidence. From natural-gas islands to roll-anywhere carts, discover what truly fits your backyard and how to avoid common mistakes.

Grill Hood, Side Burner, or Power Burner? What You Actually Need

Not every outdoor kitchen needs every burner. Your main grill handles everyday cooking and cast iron; a side burner is ideal for sauces and smaller pots; a power burner is built for woks, stock pots, seafood boils, and serious high-heat work. At ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living, we help you choose the right setup so you’re not paying for features you’ll never use.

Understanding BTUs, Cooking Zones, and Heat Distribution

BTUs, cooking zones, and heat distribution only matter when you read them together. Instead of chasing the biggest BTU number, look for balanced output, multiple independently controlled burners, and a design that spreads heat evenly across the grates. At ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living, we help you decode specs so you get a grill that cooks consistently and not just loudly.

Pellet vs Gas vs Charcoal: Which Grill Fuel Fits Your Cooking Style?

Not sure which grill fuel fits you? Use our simple flow-style guide to compare pellet, gas, and charcoal based on flavor, effort, and how you really cook. At ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living, we break down the choices so you end up with the fuel and grill that fits your lifestyle, not someone else’s.

Building an Outdoor Kitchen - Checklist

A smart outdoor kitchen starts with a plan, not just a grill. Use this checklist to confirm your layout, fuel type, ventilation, storage, refrigeration, utilities, and materials before you build. At ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living, we help you choose outdoor-rated equipment and proper specs so your space is safe, functional, and built to last.

The Complete Built-In Grill Buying Guide

Choosing a built-in grill is more than picking a size and a shiny lid. It’s about the right fuel type, durable materials, safe installation, and a model that can be serviced and supported for years. At ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living, we help you match the right built-in grill to your space, climate, and cooking style so your outdoor kitchen is done right the first time.



Why Premium Grills Cost More

A premium grill doesn’t just cost more, it’s built to last longer, cook better, and protect your investment. Higher grade stainless steel, heavier construction, superior burners, stronger warranties, and real parts support separate longterm appliances from throwaway models. At ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living, we help you decide when upgrading to premium is truly worth it for your home, your climate, and your cooking style.

Turn Your Grill Into a Pizzeria: The Case for Grill-Top Pizza Ovens

Bring the pizzeria home. Today’s grills, with the right attachment, hit true wood-fired temps for blistered crust, smoky flavor, and pies ready in 2–4 minutes. The GMG Pizza Oven Attachment funnels firebox heat into a steel chamber and stone, reaching ~800°F (bread 400–600°F; steak searing up to ~900°F) and fits GMG Peak & Ledge (DB/JB) models.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Back (Rear) Infrared Burner on a Grill

A rear (infrared) back burner is a high-heat, specialty feature that shines for rotisserie, roasting, and finishing because it delivers fast, even, radiant heat with fewer flare-ups and juicier results. The trade-offs are a higher initial cost and a small learning curve, since the heat is more intense and easier to overdo on delicate foods. For shoppers building a premium outdoor kitchen with ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living, it’s a smart upgrade if they actually plan to use rotisserie and high-heat finishing.

The Benefits of Using a Sauna: How Heat Therapy Transforms Health and Wellness

Discover the science-backed benefits of sauna therapy, from stress relief and heart health to detoxification and pain reduction. Learn how modern infrared saunas enhance circulation, recovery, and total wellness.

The Ever-Expanding World of Outdoor Cooking and Backyard Entertainment

Backyard living has evolved far beyond a simple propane grill. Discover today’s outdoor cooking and entertainment options, from pellet grills and griddles to pizza ovens, refrigeration, and full outdoor entertainment centers.

Hardwood Pellet Grilling vs. Charcoal: Which Delivers the Better BBQ Experience?

Discover the difference between hardwood pellet grilling and charcoal. Learn why Green Mountain Grills hardwood pellets deliver richer flavor, cleaner burns, and more consistent results for your next BBQ.

Luxury Griddle Cooking Made Easy with the Blackstone Select Griddle
The Blackstone Select 28” Griddle with Cabinet is more than just a griddle – it’s a premium outdoor cooking station designed for versatility, style, and performance. Featuring Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology, this powerhouse delivers faster preheating, even heat distribution, and improved...
Bring the Bar to Your Backyard with this Dual Tap Kegerator by True Flame
Transform your outdoor entertaining space with the TrueFlame 24" Deluxe Outdoor-Rated Dual Tap Kegerator. Built from premium #304 stainless steel and backed by the TrueFlame Gold Standard Lifetime Warranty, this kegerator is engineered for style, durability, and peak performance. Whether it’s...
Cal Flame Pacifica BBQ Island – Heavy-Duty Luxury for Outdoor Living
When it comes to upgrading your backyard into a full outdoor kitchen, the Cal Flame Pacifica BBQ Island (Model BBK-701) is a powerhouse built for both serious grilling and stylish entertaining. Designed with professional-grade durability and thoughtful details, this island is...
Gas vs. Charcoal Grilling: Which is Right for You?

Gas or charcoal? We compare ease of cooking, flavor, and cost so you can choose the grill that fits your lifestyle — from weeknight dinners to weekend BBQs.

Reclaimed Wood 77″ Island Bundle – Rustic Style Meets Premium Durability
Bring rustic charm and high-end durability to your backyard cooking space with the Reclaimed Wood 77″ Island Bundle. Crafted from Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) and finished in a reclaimed wood texture, this outdoor kitchen island delivers the warmth of...
American Spas 6-Person Lounger – Luxury Hydrotherapy for Full-Body Rejuvenation
Step into unmatched comfort with the American Spas 6-Person Lounger, a premium hot tub designed to deliver full-body hydrotherapy through 100 precision-placed Halo™ stainless steel jets. Whether you’re seeking deep muscle relief after a long day or simply want to enjoy...
Fire Magic Echelon E1060s Freestanding Gas Grill – Ultimate Performance Meets Elegant Design
The Fire Magic Echelon E1060s is the pinnacle of outdoor grilling excellence, combining elite performance, innovative engineering, and luxury design. Proudly made in the USA, this freestanding gas grill is built for serious outdoor chefs who expect nothing less than...
Maestro 108I – A Masterpiece in Outdoor Culinary Design
The Maestro 108I isn’t just an outdoor kitchen—it’s a statement of style, sophistication, and functionality. Designed for those who demand both flawless performance and impeccable aesthetics, this BBQ island turns every backyard gathering into a memorable culinary experience. From its spacious...
Napoleon Prestige® PRO 665 RSIB – Professional-Grade Grilling in Your Backyard
When it comes to outdoor cooking, the Napoleon Prestige® PRO 665 RSIB is in a league of its own. Designed for serious grill enthusiasts, this luxury propane gas grill blends power, precision, and premium craftsmanship to deliver an unmatched grilling experience....