Another Test

The Pros, the Cons, and the Facts About the 10 Best Built In Gas Grills For 2020.

This updated Top 10 Built In Gas Grills Ratings Guide for 2020 includes upgraded models and several new first time entries to this list that I am excited to share with you. 

Can any of these new entries replace last year’s choice for best built in gas grill for your outdoor kitchen?  You will have to read on to find out.

Building an outdoor kitchen is a matter of pride for every outdoor cooking enthusiast.

As well it should be.

There are few things better than having family and friends over for a cookout and being able to relax in your beautiful, custom-made outdoor living space.

But an outdoor kitchen is a serious backyard investment. The built-in gas grill you choose should be the crowning achievement to top it all off. Therefore, it better be one that is going to last for many years to come. It had better be able to perform as well.  Otherwise, all your hard work and planning might as well have been for nothing.

Don’t make the mistake of choosing the first shiny grill you see.  Read this top 10 built in gas grills list before you make your decision.

Built in gas grills differ from the more traditional standalone versions in that they are made to sit in your custom-made outdoor kitchen counter or island.  Their look and feel should be seamless and they should offer a top of the line indoor experience all while allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends.

I put together this top 10 Built In Gas Grill rating guide to help you choose the best built in gas grill head to fit your budget and needs.

Why This Guide Will Be Helpful For You

After reading this guide, you will be armed with all the information you’ll need to make an informed decision on your next purchase.  Consider this guide as a checklist for all the categories you should take into consideration before buying.

Choosing the perfect built in gas grill to use can be tough.  What should you look for in a good built in?  How much should you spend on the best products?  I’ll try to answer those questions, and several more, in the information below.

Because built in gas grills are becoming more common, it helps to pay attention to the details of each option and comparison shop before you make a final pick.

But with such a large number of products to choose from, it can still get confusing trying to decide which one best fits your needs, let alone your budget.  It all comes down to being informed on the different choices to help you decide which one is best for you.

That’s where I come in.

There is a broad range in prices depending on features and brands.  Using this guide, I am confident you will find exactly what you are looking for in a built-in gas grill for your outdoor living space.

This product overview acts as a buyer’s guide to ten of the best gas grill heads on the market today.

I’ll show you what features to look for, and give you several excellent options of built in gas grills with a wide range of prices along the way.  My choices are also backed by many strong experts and user reviews so you can count on them.

Why A Built In Gas Grill?

Built in gas grills save space and time for serious grillers who prefer their barbecue to their stove and these gas grills should be able to perform the same functions.

Stand-alone grills are great, don’t get me wrong, as it’s convenient to be able to move your grill from one spot to another—sometimes.

Having a designated area where everything is in its place has its own benefits, however.  It can be easier to fuel built in gas grills if they are connected to a dedicated gas line.  They also look good and more importantly, they’re built to last.

They’re basically permanent fixtures that enhance your outdoor living space, after all.

You have the option to give yourself all the space you need when designing your outdoor kitchen, not just for the grill itself, but for your prep station, side burners, sinks, fridges, utensil storage, herbs, spices, condiments—you name it.

The Rating Criteria – Best Built In Gas Grill Ratings

Certain traits set the best built in gas grills apart from grills that are merely adequate.

I’ve put together a rating criteria to help you know whether you’re buying something good or something above-and-beyond average.

The main things to keep in mind during your search are the build materials, cooking surface size, heat distribution, overall power output and wanted extras.

Your mileage may vary, however, so feel free to include any personal bells and whistles and deal-breakers, as well.

The main criteria I took into consideration when reviewing these built-ins are:

What They Are Made Of

The best built in’s will be made mostly of or entirely of 304-grade stainless steel inside and out.  This is your best bet for longevity and durability.  304-grade stainless steel will protect your grill from corrosions and dents the best.

Cast iron and porcelain materials will bring the overall costs down and will hold the heat a little bit better in some cases but these materials are a lot more susceptible to scratches, dents, and especially rust.

It pays to know your materials.

Multiple Burners

You need a minimum of at least two burners, which is a must for indirect, 2-zone cooking.  A technique every outdoor cook must master to be a good griller.

The number of burners you have will most likely be dictated by the amount of space that is available for you’re built in, but in my opinion, the more burners, the better.  The more cooking surface and heat production you have, the more options and flexibility come with it.

Cooking Surface

Always pay attention to information about the cooking surface on a particular grill.  This will also impact the size of the grill you choose.

The worst thing you can do is overcrowd the food you cook, especially meat.  As you calculate the square inches of a surface, don’t forget that you need at least half an inch between each item on the grill while cooking to allow even heat distribution.

Even Heat Distribution

Every griller has had to deal with the dreaded hot or cold spots on certain areas of their grill. This makes getting an even cook much more difficult.

When you have even heat distribution across the entire surface of your grill, it lets the food cook more evenly throughout and at the same rate.  Even heat also lets you use your grill just as you would an oven giving you the flexibility to bake and slow roast your food.

When doing your research, highlight grills that are double-walled or well insulated, especially the hood. This will keep the heat inside of your grill where it belongs and will help to circulate the hot air evenly around your food.

High-quality burners and heavy-duty cooking grates that absorb and transfer heat well will also help with heat distribution.

BTUs (Caution! Not All BTUs Are Created Equal)

BTUs stands for British Thermal Units and are what the majority of the grilling industry uses to measure the heat, or power of a grill.

But, the reality is, you could have the highest BTU output around, but if your grill does not hold and circulate said heat well, it is all for not.  So, a higher BTU rating is not always the best.

You could go for a lower BTU on a grill that holds the heat well and still be ok.  Overall, BTUs will usually tell you how powerful a grill can be if it is made well so by no means ignore it.

Temperature Range

In addition to thinking about the max temperature a grill is capable of, you also need to pay attention to where it gets hottest.

Typically, the upper grating reaches a maximum of 390°F and 400°F, while the lower grate can range between 450°F and 600°F plus.

This is also where knowing what methods you will be using to cook comes into play.  If you regularly cook meat that requires a hot and fast sear, you want a grill that will reach temperatures of 600 degrees or more for the best results.

It’s always better to have the capability to reach these higher temperatures even if you don’t regularly use it, than not have it when you need it.

Ignition System

Gas grills typically have one of three ignition systems.  These are:

1. Electronic Ignition Systems rely on batteries, which can get annoying, frustrating, and kind of expensive, at least if you grill often.
2. Piezo Electric Ignition Systems spark to life through friction. You usually press a starter button or turn a knob to ignite the flame.  You know it by its signature clicking.
3. Lastly, a grill with Hot Surface Ignition relies on an igniter rode that instantly heats up and lights the burners.  This last option can be found on high-end grills.

Extra Features And Add-Ons

Many times this comes down to what I call, “Must-Haves” or “Like to Haves” and is usually decided by your budget.

As a “Shiny Object” sufferer, this is one of my favorite categories.

One extra I highly recommend for all gas grills is a sear burner.  Most gas grills are unable to sear a burger or steak properly without one.  They just don’t reach the extreme heat required for a proper fast sear.

Other common extras include side burners, a rotisserie, built in thermostats, heat dividers and lights for nighttime cooking.

Warranty And Company Reputation

The best gas grills should always offer a limited lifetime guarantee, but generally speaking, the longer the warranty the better.

Pay attention to each brand’s warranty because most manufacturers offer different warranty lengths for separate grill parts.

Real User Feedback And Reviews

Finally but just as importantly, I took into account verified purchaser’s reviews and feedback.

I scoured every manufacturer site and Amazon seller pages for feedback and comments on 40 plus built in gas grills to narrow down this list of the best of the best.

I don’t believe any review is complete without taking into serious consideration actual long-term users and their experiences with using a product.

The Top 10 Best Built In Gas Grills

Using the criteria above, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best built in gas grills to act as a guide.

The list includes a variety of grills, prices, sizes, and features. You should always do your own due diligence, however.  Don’t be swayed by salespeople and never buy a grill on-sight.

On to my picks for 2020!

Lynx Professional 42-Inch Built-In Gas Grill – L42TR-NG

HOT FEATURES:

304-grade stainless steel construction throughout

Multiple configurations of the most innovative burners on the market

23,000 BTU infrared Trident burner for infinite temperature control

Two 25,000 BTU rust-resistant ceramic burners

Lift assist for easy maneuvering of the hood

Innovative three-speed rotisserie with an infrared burner

Stylish LED control knob lighting

Large smoker box

Wind-deflecting design

First-class warranty

The Lynx Pro 42-Inch is an incredibly well built-in gas grill that only adds to the aesthetics and value of your outdoor cooking space.

Lynx is known for producing the cream of the crop, top of the line in luxury in the grill world. The brand manufacturers mean machines made for expert grillers. Better still, their grills are so good that they can turn you into an expert after a few cookouts

The exterior of the grill is composed of flawlessly welded stainless steel—and not just any kind of stainless steel, but a high-grade 304 quality.

That holds true for the new iteration, as well. It’s full of impressive features, but the most impressive is easily the Trident burner. Powered by 23,000 BTUs, the infrared burner is fully adjustable and offers infinite temperature control. It gives you the ability to sear your filet at a high temperature or turn it down to treat your fish or vegetables with a delicate touch.

The power doesn’t stop there. The other two burners put out 25,000 BTUs apiece. Not only that, but the cast ceramic burners are resistant to both corrosion and rust.

Still, want to experiment? Try your hand at spit-roasting with the one-of-a-kind rotisserie.

It has an infrared burner of its own that stretches wider across the grilling surface than other grills on the market. This creates the perfect level of heat for slow-roasting large cuts of meat and whole chickens or turkeys. Choose your speed, too—it has three for impressive versatility.

The exterior design is foolproof, plus it lends itself well to evening and nighttime grilling.  The controls are illuminated by blue LED lights, and the surface of the unit boasts bright dual halogen grill surface lights.

You’ll find an accurate temperature gauge on the outside, along with a fluid-rotating handle and spring-assisted hood.  The grill has a hot surface-style ignition system, as well for fast and easy lighting.

Although the price of the Lynx Pro is pretty hefty, you can consider it an investment. You won’t find anything better for your backyard space.

The cost might put off some buyers, but the Lynx provides excellent value for the money.

I give this grill my highest marks and it comes with some of the best in class warranties.  You will love this grill as being the top of the line in luxury with its gorgeous good looks and outstanding performance.

Also, Lynx offers a ton of Outdoor Kitchen Equipment that match the grill’s quality and good looks.

It does everything you could ask of a built-in gas grill and so much more and includes a few worthwhile extras, particularly the rotisserie and the smoker box.

DCS Series 9 36-Inch Built-In Gas Grill – BE1-36RC-N

Heavy gauge, 304 stainless steel build

Hood lift-assist

4 304-grade stainless steel U-shaped burners

75,000 BTUs of cooking power on surface

630 square inch main cooking surface

Ceramic radiant technology

DCS-patented grease funneling system

Double-sided stainless steel cooking grates

14,000 BTU infrared rear burner

Heavy-duty rotisserie

Spacious charcoal tray smoker box

Push and turn hot surface ignition

12V stadium-style interior grill lights

LED knob lights

Finally, a grill that lets you cook like a professional chef in the comfort of your own backyard.  You will get that and more with the DCS Series 9 Evolution and that’s a fact.

Featuring an impressive four 25,000 BTU U-shaped stainless steel burners, this grill can really kick out the heat!  A heat shield covering each burner does an outstanding job of directing the heat upwards for maximum cooking efficiency.

In between the burners and cooking grates, DCS offers Ceramic Radiant Technology, which is a fancy term for a layer of ceramic rods.  The purpose of these rods is to create intense heat consistently and evenly across the cooking surface.

Speaking of the grates, DCS brings its innovative double-sided cast stainless steel cooking grids to the Series 9 Evolution.  Cook and sear steaks and other meats on the top side, or flip it over where the slightly curved side is perfect for cooking vegetables and fish to perfection.

The Hood of the Series 9 Evolution is not only heavy-duty it was also made with larger meats in mind.  DCS designed it with extra headspace to easily accommodate whole turkeys and the like.

It also includes a 14,000 BTU infrared rear burner and rotisserie kit, a large charcoal smoker tray that comes with its own cooking grate, Stadium-style interior grill lights, and LED lighted knobs that change color when a burner is in use.

Lastly, there are 2 warming racks for a two-tiered warming area and a broiling pan for an additional 534 square inches of cooking space.

The Series 9 is the only choice for grill masters who put prime performance at the top of their list of must-have features. It’s also ideal for backyard chefs who love innovation.

It’s a premium grill that offers professional quality performance and is loaded with great features.

For a top of the line luxury grill, the price is pretty amazing.  It is covered by one of the best warranties in the business, offering a lifetime warranty and 2-year on-site labor coverage.

If you can fit this in your budget, you won’t find much better.

Blaze Professional 34-Inch Built-In Gas Grill – BLZ-3PRO-NG

HOT FEATURES:

Heat zone separators

Extra thick hexagon-shaped stainless steel cooking grates

Professional-quality, cast stainless steel H-burners

Heavy-duty 12 gauge flame stabilizing grids

3 x 18,000 BTU burners

10,000 BTU infrared rear burner

Flame-thrower ignition

Included rotisserie kit

Contrary to the name, you don’t have to be a pro to use the Blaze Professional grill, but you’ll certainly feel like a grill master the first time you cook with it.

One of the reasons that it aims itself toward serious chefs and BBQ gurus is that it has heat zone separators, allowing you to grill vegetables and proteins all at once, even if everything requires a different temperature.  That keeps you from having to hover over the grill as you cook steaks, corn on the cob, and baked potatoes at the same time.

The 12mm thick cooking rods are composed of 304 stainless steel and feature a thick, hexagonal shape that makes for a phenomenal sear.

The three H-burners are cast stainless steel, which provides an intense, powerful cook and powers out 54,00 total BTUs.  The Blaze Professional’s design includes heavy-duty 12 gauge thick flame tamers that sit directly over the burners to stabilize the flames and keep flare-ups at bay.

It comes with 816” of total cooking space, external and internal grill lights, and a flame thrower ignition that Blaze guarantees will provide a flawless start every time.

I can’t neglect to mention the rear burner, which uses infrared technology and the included Rotisserie Kit with a completely sealed and waterproof rotisserie motor.

Lastly, the Blaze pro comes with a slide-out drip tray that can be opened and closed on smooth rollers for easy access.

Another nice perk about this grill is that it also comes with a warming rack that you can remove when you need the extra room.

The Blaze Pro is in the middle of the pack in terms of price.  In terms of function, the Blaze Pro does what it’s supposed to do and then some, plus it’s actually more affordable than some of its competitors.

I give it high marks but be warned, this is such a powerful grill that can produce intense heat.  You will love it for searing meats and hot and fast cooking, but it may take some practice to get used to the phenomenal cooking power.

Blaze LTE 40-Inch Built-In Gas Grill – BLZ-5LTE2-NG

HOT FEATURES:

304-grade stainless steel construction

double-lined, 304 stainless steel grill hood

Full-width flame stabilizing grids

5 cast stainless steel burners

Integrated heat zone separators