Outdoor Built In Barbecue Grills Reviews

Outdoor Built-In Barbecue Grills: A Comprehensive Review

Outdoor built-in barbecue grills represent a significant investment in enhancing outdoor living spaces. Unlike portable grills, built-in models offer a permanent cooking station, often integrated into outdoor kitchens or entertainment areas. Selecting the right built-in grill necessitates careful consideration of factors such as materials, size, features, and burner types, as well as overall value for money. This article provides a detailed review of several popular outdoor built-in barbecue grills, focusing on their key attributes and performance characteristics.

The market for built-in barbecue grills is diverse, catering to a range of budgets and grilling preferences. High-end models often boast premium stainless steel construction, infrared burners, and a suite of advanced features, while more affordable options prioritize functionality and basic grilling performance. Understanding the nuances of each model is crucial for making an informed purchasing decision.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Built-In Grill

Before delving into specific grill reviews, it's essential to outline the key factors that influence the overall performance and suitability of a built-in barbecue grill. These considerations encompass material quality, grilling area, burner functionality, and additional features that contribute to the grilling experience.

Material and Construction: The longevity and durability of a built-in grill are heavily dependent on the materials used in its construction. Stainless steel is the most common choice for grill bodies and burners, with higher grades of stainless steel (such as 304 or 316) offering superior resistance to rust and corrosion. Thicker gauge stainless steel is generally preferable, as it provides better heat retention and greater structural integrity. Other materials, such as cast aluminum or porcelain-coated steel, may be used for certain components, but their lifespan is typically shorter than that of stainless steel.

Grilling Area: The size of the grilling surface is a critical factor, as it determines the amount of food that can be cooked simultaneously. Larger grilling areas are ideal for entertaining larger groups, while smaller grilling areas may suffice for smaller families or individuals. Grilling area is typically measured in square inches. Consider the typical number of people you'll be cooking for when selecting a grill with an appropriate grilling area.

Burner System: The burner system is the heart of any barbecue grill, and its design significantly impacts heat distribution and cooking performance. Common burner types include stainless steel tube burners, cast iron burners, and infrared burners. Stainless steel tube burners are the most prevalent, offering a balance of affordability and durability. Cast iron burners provide excellent heat retention but are more susceptible to rust. Infrared burners generate intense, focused heat, making them well-suited for searing and high-temperature cooking. The number of burners and their BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating also influence the grill's heating capacity.

Additional Features: Many built-in grills come equipped with additional features that enhance the grilling experience. These may include rotisserie kits, side burners for cooking sauces or side dishes, smoker boxes for adding smoky flavor, and integrated thermometers for monitoring internal temperatures. While these features are not essential, they can add versatility and convenience to the grilling process.

Review of Selected Built-In Barbecue Grills

The following provides a review of specific built-in barbecue grills, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses based on the aforementioned criteria.

Weber Summit S-660 Built-In Grill: The Weber Summit S-660 is a premium built-in grill known for its high-quality construction and comprehensive feature set. It features six stainless steel burners, a stainless steel smoker box, and a sear station burner for high-heat searing. The grill also includes a built-in thermometer, a rotisserie kit, and LED tank scale lighting. The primary grilling area is approximately 624 square inches. The stainless steel construction is robust and durable, ensuring long-term performance. However, the price point is significantly higher than many other built-in grills.

Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 Built-In Grill: The Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 is another high-end option that offers a combination of performance and features. It boasts four stainless steel burners, an infrared rear burner for rotisserie cooking, and a side burner for preparing sauces or side dishes. The primary grilling area is around 500 square inches. The grill is constructed from high-grade stainless steel, and it features Napoleon's signature WAVE cooking grids, which are designed to create even heat distribution and prevent food from falling through. The Prestige Pro 500 also includes interior halogen lights and an integrated smoker box.

Broil King Regal S490 Pro Built-In Grill: Broil King's Regal S490 Pro offers a more affordable alternative to the Weber and Napoleon models, while still providing a solid grilling experience. It features four stainless steel Dual-Tube burners, a stainless steel Flav-R-Wave cooking system for even heat distribution, and a side burner. The primary grilling area is about 400 square inches. The Regal S490 Pro is constructed from durable stainless steel, and it includes a built-in thermometer and a rotisserie kit. While it lacks some of the advanced features of the higher-end models, it represents a good value for the price.

Lion Premium Grills L75000 Built-In Grill: The Lion Premium Grills L75000 is a popular choice known for its robust construction and powerful burners. It features four cast stainless steel burners, a rotisserie infrared back burner and a smoker box. The primary grilling area is approximately 830 square inches. The grill is constructed from 304 stainless steel, which provides excellent resistance to corrosion. The L75000 provides a large grilling area, making it suitable for large gatherings. This is a solid, competitively priced option, but buyers should note that some users have reported issues with the consistency of heat distribution compared to some higher-end options.

Heat Distribution and Performance Analysis

Heat distribution is paramount to grilling evenly and achieving desired results. Uneven heat can lead to some areas of the food being overcooked while others are undercooked. Factors influencing heat distribution include the burner design, cooking grid material, and the presence of heat diffusers or flavorizer bars.

Grills with stainless steel burners generally offer adequate heat distribution, though variations in burner design can impact performance. Infrared burners provide intense, focused heat, which is ideal for searing but may not be as suitable for slower cooking applications. The Flav-R-Wave system found on Broil King grills is designed to vaporize drippings, creating flavorful smoke and distributing heat more evenly. Some higher-end grills feature ceramic briquettes or heat diffusers that further enhance heat distribution.

Testing heat distribution involves using bread slices placed across the entire grilling surface and observing the browning patterns. Grills with even browning across all bread slices indicate excellent heat distribution. Temperature mapping with an infrared thermometer can also be used to assess temperature consistency across the grilling surface.

Beyond heat distribution, consider how quickly the grill heats up and its ability to maintain consistent temperatures. Preheating time is an important factor for convenience, while consistent temperature control allows for precise cooking and prevents unwanted flare-ups.

The efficiency of the grill's design also plays a role in fuel consumption. Grills with well-insulated fireboxes and efficient burner systems tend to use less fuel, which can translate to cost savings over time.

While the grill models detailed previously offer different approaches to heat distribution, it is important to read user reviews and ideally, where possible, see the grill in action to fully understand the nuances of each product's heat performance.

The durability and longevity of built-in barbecue grills are significantly influenced by the materials used in their construction and the quality of their components. Stainless steel is the primary material used for grill bodies, burners, and cooking grids due to its resistance to rust and corrosion. However, not all stainless steel is created equal. Higher grades of stainless steel, such as 304 and 316, offer superior resistance to corrosion, particularly in coastal environments where exposure to salt air is prevalent.

The thickness of the stainless steel also plays a crucial role in durability. Thicker gauge stainless steel provides greater structural integrity and better heat retention, which can translate to more consistent grilling performance. Look for grills with a gauge of 16 or lower for optimal durability. Components such as burners, cooking grids, and heat diffusers should also be made from high-quality materials to ensure long-term performance. Cast stainless steel or heavy-duty cast iron cooking grids are preferable to thinner, stamped stainless steel grids, as they offer better heat retention and are less prone to warping over time.

Regular maintenance is essential for prolonging the lifespan of a built-in barbecue grill. This includes cleaning the grill after each use to remove food debris and grease, as well as periodically inspecting and cleaning the burners, cooking grids, and other components. Covering the grill when it is not in use can also help protect it from the elements and prevent rust and corrosion. Replacing worn or damaged parts promptly is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and preventing further damage to the grill.