Built-In Gas Grills

Built-In Gas Grills | What to Look For

Though built-in gas grills go by many names — gas grill inserts, gas grill heads, and drop-in gas grills, to name a few — they all represent the same thing: a grill that’s permanently installed into an outdoor kitchen island. They’re at once a durable workhorse and a dazzling centerpiece, capable of churning out delicious grilled food while attracting the awe of guests. In fact, those twin qualities often go hand-in-hand; the best built-in gas grills are made using commercial-grade stainless steel that possesses top-tier corrosion resistance and a sleek aesthetic before craftsmanship even steps into the frame. Adding matching lines of outdoor kitchen components (doors, drawers, refrigeration, trash bins, and more) not only creates a cohesive style, but also results in a fully functional cooking space right in your backyard. You can spend the afternoon running to and from your freestanding grill for drinks and tools... or you can make your outdoor kitchen bbq a centralized hub with everything you need just a reach away. We know what we’d do if given the choice.

The choice is ultimately yours, though, so we’d understand if you’d like to learn more about drop-in gas grills. (If you’ve made it this far, we’ll just assume that’s the case.) While the majority of people connect their gas grill heads to natural gas — let’s be honest, you won’t be wheeling your entire outdoor kitchen island around the backyard — many brands are compatible with propane if that’s the more convenient fuel type for you. Some can even be converted between both gases should you change your mind after purchase!

Gas Grill Inserts Need Ventilation

Regardless of your fuel preference, an outdoor kitchen grill comes with a few safety considerations you must take seriously before installation. Ventilation is a huge concern, both within the BBQ island and above the gas grill insert itself. Proper grill island ventilation planning, for instance, is key to avoid dangerous gas build-ups, lingering smoke in your outdoor kitchen, and discoloration from grease and fumes. And while you’re planning your outdoor kitchen layout, give plenty of thought to the building materials. Outdoor kitchen drop-in gas grills placed in combustible materials must be installed with an insulated grill jacket to prevent the island from catching fire. For this reason, we recommend avoiding combustibles like wood altogether. But if you’re set on building with a combustible material, consult our guide to insulated grill jackets to keep your family and home protected.

Our Top Outdoor Kitchen Grill Brands

Whew, that’s a ton of info! We commend you for taking the time to read all that, and we think you’ll appreciate how prepared you feel once you start seriously planning for your outdoor kitchen gas grill head. What’s that? You’re ready to go and need some gas grill insert recommendations? Well, that’s what we’re here for! We’ll always take the chance to sing the praises of Blaze built-in grills, which combine elegance, purpose, and strength to give you premium grilling without the premium price. Our customers are also partial to DCS drop-in gas grills and Alfresco built-in gas grills. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the topic, our gas grill buying guide is an indispensable resource that walks you through the decision-making process in 5 easy steps. Soon enough, the only name you’ll need for your built-in outdoor kitchen grill is “mine.”