Built-In Grills
What is a Drop-In Grill?
These grills are designed to be installed directly into a counter or cabinet, making them perfect for a more subtle and clutter-free look. These grills are also incredibly easy to use, requiring minimal setup and cleaning. They offer fast cooking times and even heat distribution, making them an ideal choice for entertaining large groups.
Built-in grills are typically installed in outdoor kitchens, decks, patios, and other outdoor areas. They can be constructed from stainless steel, brick, concrete, or other metals. They are also often called outdoor drop-in grills or outdoor grill inserts.
Types of Outdoor BBQ Built-in Grills
- Gas Grills: Built-in gas grill inserts provide the ultimate convenience directly connected to a propane tank or natural gas line. This means that you’ll never have to worry about running out of propane or refilling tanks, making them perfect for those who entertain frequently. A drop-in gas grill will offer superior performance and even heat distribution, allowing you to cook your favorite dishes perfectly every time.
- Charcoal Grills: Drop-in charcoal grill inserts are designed to be installed into a counter or cabinet and are incredibly easy to use, as they require minimal setup. The drawback is that charcoal may require more cleanup after the grilling is done. Drop-in charcoal grills provide the ultimate convenience, allowing you to cook with traditional charcoal, giving your food a uniquely delicious flavor and taste.
- Pellet Grills: Pellet BBQ inserts are a great option for those who want the convenience of gas without the smoke. Pellet grills use wood pellets to generate heat, allowing you to cook food with rich smoky flavor without the hassle of charcoal.
- Smoker Grills: Built-in smoker BBQs are the perfect choice for those who want to add a unique flavor and taste to their food. These grills use wood chips, pellets, or chunks of wood to generate smoke, allowing you to impart a delicious smoky flavor while you cook. Smoking meats and vegetables on these grills is an art form that takes time and patience, but the results are worth it.
- Infrared Grills: Infrared insert grills are a great option for cooking quickly and evenly. These grills use intense heat to cook food rapidly, allowing you to enjoy perfectly cooked dishes in less time. Infrared bbq grills also generate less smoke than other grills, making them perfect for those sensitive to smoke or have neighbors nearby.
- Electric Grills: Built-in electric grills are a great option for those who want to enjoy the convenience of grilling without the smoke and a quick start. These grills use electricity to heat elements quickly, allowing you to cook your food in a fraction of the time it takes with other types of grills. Electric grill inserts also generate less smoke, making them perfect for those who have neighbors nearby or are sensitive to smoke.
- Flat Top Gas Griddle: A gas griddle insert is an ideal choice for those who want to prepare a variety of dishes quickly and easily. These griddles use flat heating elements to cook food quickly, allowing you to enjoy perfectly cooked dishes in very little time. Gas griddles are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook anything from pancakes and eggs to burgers and steaks.
No matter your grilling needs, the perfect built-in grill is out there waiting for you. Whether you’re looking for convenience and speed with a gas grill, that traditional smoky flavor of a charcoal grill, or the modern convenience of a pellet grill, there’s an option to suit any cooking style. With their quality construction and ability to add value to your home, built-in barbecues will surely provide years of enjoyment. They make entertaining much easier, allowing you to spend more time with friends and family.
What should you consider for a Built-In Outdoor Grill?
Burners/Heat Distribution
The number of burners is crucial when looking for a new grill insert for building your outdoor kitchen. The more burners, the more you can cook at the same time. So, if you regularly entertain large groups of people, look at grill inserts with more burners, like five or six. This way, everyone's food is cooked simultaneously, and you do not have to cycle your cooking to get everyone a meal.
How Big Is Your Space?
Outdoor built-in grill inserts get mounted and installed into your new outdoor kitchen counter. These grills will be permanently fixed into the counter, and as a result, they require space. Free-standing and portable bbq grills are often on wheels, so they can be moved and placed in different positions based on how much space you need for your afternoon outdoor bbq.
Assembly and Setup
Insert grills will require a professional to handle the setup and insert. These grills must be securely mounted and connected to your new outdoor kitchen. Gas connections must also be securely handled to avoid future safety concerns. You must ensure you have the appropriate skills to handle this because the process is not as simple as the setup for a freestanding grill.
Edited by Bruce Tucker.