The Complete Built-In Grill Buying Guide

From layout to lifetime value—what to know before you cut the island

Designing an outdoor kitchen starts with one decision: your built-in grill. Get this right, and everything else, such as, cabinetry, storage, refrigeration, seating, etc. falls into place. Get it wrong, and you’re stuck with heat issues, poor performance, or costly rebuilds.

At ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living, we help homeowners, contractors, and designers choose built-in grills that look great, perform hard, and last for years in real world conditions, not just in photos.

This guide walks you through the key decisions:

1. How do you actually cook?

2. What fuel type makes sense?

3. What size grill do you really need?

4. Which materials & burners are worth paying for?

5. What about cutout dimensions, venting, and safety?

6. How do warranties and repairability factor in?

Let’s break it down.

1. Start With How You Grill

Before falling in love with a shiny stainless hood, ask:

• How often do you grill?

• Are you cooking for 2–4 people or 8–20?

• Do you mostly do burgers and chicken or steaks, seafood, rotisserie, and low-and-slow?

• Is this part of a full outdoor kitchen or a simple island?

If you grill casually: a well-built 30"–36" built-in with solid basics and good warranty is often perfect.
If you host big groups or love versatility: 36"–42"+ with multiple zones, sear options, and a rotisserie becomes worth every dollar.
If this is a forever home outdoor kitchen: prioritize durability, warranty, and serviceability over the cheapest option.

Your cooking style dictates features and size, not just the price tag.

2. Choose Your Fuel Type: Natural Gas vs Propane

Both work great in a built-in. The right choice depends on your setup.

Natural Gas (NG)

• Ideal for permanent outdoor kitchens.

• No tank swaps; consistent fuel supply.

• Requires a properly installed gas line by a licensed professional.

Liquid Propane (LP)

• Flexible when a gas line isn’t available.

• Must plan tank access in the island (dedicated door or drawer).

• Use only approved LP enclosures and required venting.

ANJ Tip: Decide fuel before you build the island. Changing after the fact can mean new lines, new regulators, or a new grill.

3. Get the Right Grill Size

Built-in grill sizes are typically measured by width:

• 28"–32" – Great for smaller patios, couples, or light use.

• 34"–36" – Most popular “do-it-all” size for families and entertaining.

• 38"–42"+ – For serious grillers, entertainers, and luxury outdoor kitchens.

Beyond overall width, look at:

• Usable primary cooking area (square inches).

• Number of burners and independent zones.

• Warming rack space if you host large groups.

ANJ Tip: Think about what else is going into the island, such as, storage, trash, side burner, fridge. The grill shouldn’t consume every inch.

4. Materials: Built to Live Outdoors

A built-in is exposed to sun, rain, heat, and humidity 24/7. Materials are not the place to cut corners.

Look for:

• 304 stainless steel for the grill body, hood, and key components especially in coastal or humid areas.

• Heavy gauge construction for rigidity and heat retention.

• Quality welds and hinges that feel solid, not flimsy.

• High-quality grates (stainless or cast stainless, sometimes porcelain over cast).

If you’re building in Florida, Gulf Coast, or near saltwater, quality stainless and proper care can be the difference between a 2-year grill and a 10+ year investment.

5. Burners & Features: Performance That Matches Your Budget

A built-in grill should do more than look good.

Key performance details:

• Burner quality: stainless or cast burners that resist corrosion.

• Even heat distribution: good burner layout + heat tents/flame tamers.

• Temperature range: strong high heat for searing + stable low settings.

• Ignition system: reliable, easy-to-service igniters.

• Optional upgrades:

  • Infrared sear burner

  • Rear rotisserie burner

  • Smoker box or dedicated smoking area

  • Interior lighting & LED knob lights

  • Drop-in griddle or cooking accessories

Choose features you’ll actually use, not just admire, premium doesn’t mean complicated; it means consistent and controllable.

6. Cutout Dimensions & Island Planning: Don’t Guess

Before you order masonry, you need exact specs.

For every built-in grill, confirm:

• Cutout width, depth, and height

• Clearance requirements to combustible and non-combustible materials

• Hood opening clearance (especially under overhangs)

• Access doors for shutoff valves and service

• LP tank or gas line routing

ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living provides dimensions, manuals, and planning support so your contractor builds it right the first time. Never let anyone “wing it” off overall width only.

7. Venting & Safety: Non-Negotiable

Built-in gas grills must be installed safely. That means:

• Proper vent panels in the island (especially with LP).

• Accessible gas shutoff.

• Correct insulating jackets if your island uses combustible framing.

• Adequate clearance from walls, railings, or overhangs.

These details aren’t “extras”, they protect you, your property and your investment.

If you’re not sure, ANJ can help review specs and guide you and your contractor to a compliant setup.

8. Warranties & Repairability: Think Long-Term

A built-in should be treated like a major appliance.

Look for:

• Strong warranties on burners, firebox, and housing.

• Parts availability and established customer support.

• Designs that allow easy access to valves, igniters, and components for service.

A cheap built-in with no parts support becomes an expensive block of stainless in your island when something fails. A well supported premium grill can be repaired, refreshed, and enjoyed for years.

9. Quick Checklist Before You Buy

Use this before you place your order:

• Chosen fuel type (NG or LP)

• Confirmed grill width and cutout dimensions

• Matched materials to your climate (prefer 304 stainless)

• Verified burner quality and heat distribution

• Selected must-have features (rotisserie, sear, lighting, etc.)

• Planned island layout (storage, fridge, trash, utilities)

• Included required venting, access doors, and safety clearances

• Reviewed warranty and parts support

• Coordinated with contractor/installer using manufacturer specs

How ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living Can Help

Whether you’re starting from a sketch, working with a contractor, or upgrading a tired old grill in an existing island, ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living can:

• Help you compare models by materials, performance, and warranty.

• Provide cutout specs and installation documents.

• Match grills with compatible doors, drawers, refrigeration, and accessories.

• Make sure what you buy today still makes sense 5–10 years from now.

Ready to design your built-in grill setup?
Reach out to ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living for personalized recommendations based on your space, climate, and cooking style. Let us help you build an outdoor kitchen that’s done right the first time.