12 Facts About Built-In Gas Grills That Every Homeowner Should Know

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A gas grill is a perfect option for any homeowner. They are easy to use and provide great results every time.  

If you are thinking of purchasing a gas grill, make sure you know the facts first. Here are 12 facts about built-in gas grills that will help you make the best decision for your home. 

What is a built-in gas grill? 

A built-in gas grill is an outdoor cooking appliance that has been pre-installed at the construction of a house. It can be made of stainless steel or porcelain steel, and often includes countertops for extra dining space during meal preparation. There are two main types of built-in grills: free-standing and grill islands. 

How do you use a built-in gas grill? 

If you’re not sure how to use a built-in gas grill, this article is for you. Below steps will outline what you need to do so that your grill will be ready for your next cookout. 

1) Preheat the grill. Check your owner’s manual for specific times and temperatures as well as variable heat settings on the grill. 

2) Clean the grates of the built-in gas grill. Depending on how often you’ve used your fixed grill, you may need to clean it more or less frequently.  Spiders and bugs are attracted to the warmth of a fixed grill, so cleaning them regularly can keep out bug invasions around barbecues. 

3) Check and refill your propane tank. Many grills will have a mechanism that lets you know when the propane is running low, but it’s important to keep an eye on this anyway.  If the grill runs out of fuel during use, there could be a risk that it will run into an empty line before the supply is cut off by the tank. 

4) Inspect for leaks after you’ve used your built-in gas grill. Since propane explosions are a real risk when fixing grills, it’s important that you do a check for any leaks or other problems after you have used the grill. Leaks can be easily fixed with high-temperature coats of gas-line antifreeze. 

5) Turn off the grill and let it cool down completely before storing. The internal tank should be emptied by now, but even if not, you will need to wait until your built-in gas grill is cooled off to a safe temperature.  Letting the grill sit around while it’s still warm is a fire hazard and can cause other problems. 

6) Clean your built-in gas grill. The last step to take once you’ve done everything else above is cleaning the grill itself.  You want to be sure that there are no bits or food left over from your grilling, otherwise you’ll end up with a nasty mess on your hands. 

12 Facts About Built-In Gas Grills That Every Homeowner Should Know 

Are you looking for a grill that will last? If so, then look no further than your local home improvement store.  

A built-in gas grill is the answer to your outdoor cooking needs. While it might take some homework to make sure you get the right one, once installed it will provide years of grilling pleasure while adding value and beauty to your backyard landscape.  

Here are 12 facts about built-in gas grills that every homeowner should know before making their final purchase. 

1) All Built-In Gas Grills Are Built To The Same Standard 

If you’re shopping at a big box retailer, you may be tempted by lower prices on brands other than Char-Broil or Weber. Those brands are available for less because they’re manufactured in China and imported for resale. And while it’s true that you get what you pay for, the basic parts of all built-in gas grills are generally interchangeable. Be sure to research safety standards on the labels before buying any grill which sometimes aren’t up to code overseas. 

2) A Built-In Gas Grill Will Cost More Than Other Grills 

It’s obvious that a built-in grill will cost more than a standard one because it already has an agreed upon location in your backyard where it can be placed.  

What is less obvious is that some manufacturers offer discounts when you purchase both the main unit and an outdoor kitchen at the same time.  

This option might be called “fully integrated” or something similar, but if you’ve already got an outdoor kitchen, consider this option before buying a separate grill. 

3) Grills With A Sealed Flame Are Safer 

The biggest safety feature of a built-in gas grill is the sealed flame tube. Open burners dump carbon monoxide into your home and can spark fires in your rafters or attic if not used properly or installed correctly.  

A sealed burner design mitigates both problems and keeps down cooking odors, which can permeate throughout your house in high summer months. 

4) Built-In Gas Grills Come In Two Styles: Traditional And Flush mount 

Traditional grills are distinguished by their distinctive framework which typically runs up the backside so that it is visible from the front. This design is timeless and can be custom fitted with a variety of woods, plastics or metals depending on your personal design taste and budget. Flush mount designs look like they have been built into the counter or deck. They make grilling easier because their backs are finished, but this type of grill must sit on top of the surface it is installed in and may not be as durable under windy conditions caused by open air underneath. 

5) Built-Ins Are Used Just Like Free Standing Grills 

Both types of built-in gas grills function just like their freestanding counterparts. If the grill is mounted below a countertop such as an outdoor kitchen island, you will have more tools available since some counters come equipped with drawers or other cabinets. If you are grilling in the open, be sure to choose a model that has wheels so that you can easily move it around when not in use. 

6) Outdoor Kitchens Are An Attractive Addition And A Smart Investment 

Most built-in grills come as part of outdoor kitchens which include a matching countertop and cabinet area for storage and preparation space.  

The coving countertop also provides an attractive transition between your kitchen and patio where food is prepared and served.  

It is an easy sell when showing off your new home to friends and relatives who will naturally want to stay out on the deck longer while sipping their cocktails.  

And if they, why not offer them some small bites? You can purchase or build your own outdoor kitchen island to match the rest of the decor in your home. 

7) Built-In Gas Grills Require Custom Installation 

Built-in gas grills are typically ordered at room size, rather than countertop height. For this reason, it’s important to hire a professional contractor who is experienced with building and installing built-in gas grills when making your purchase.  This person will also help you with any future maintenance concerns such as replacing burners and igniters. A professional serviceperson will also be able to offer warranty support for both parts and labor if needed in the future which is especially important since most manufacturers only honor their warranties if installed by a qualified professional. 

8) Built-In Gas Grills Are Out Of Your Price Range 

A built-in gas grill with installation will typically run you anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. Obviously, this is more than most people spend on a typical free-standing unit which comes in closer to $300 depending on the size and quality of the grill.  

However, if you are looking for high end features such as stainless-steel burners or ceramic glass cooktops along with all the safety features mentioned above, an indoor built-in gas grill is impossible to beat. And think of what you will save on your electric bill each summer! 

9) No Need To Keep A Separate Grill Outside 

Forget about lugging around a heavy grill every time you want to provide a little home cooked meal for friends. Depending on the design, a built-in requires less than an inch of clearance from the wall which means it can be stored away in winter and wheeled out at a moment’s notice. If you have room outside, another option is to mount a simple free standing gas grill next to your deck stairs or patio so that you do not have to go far when grilling up dinner. Just remember that if you leave it outside all year round, one day someone will steal it! 

10) Built-In Gas Grills Can Add Value To Your Home 

Just like hardwood flooring or kitchen renovations add value to your home, outdoor gas appliances such as built-ins can also be a big plus that you list with any real estate agent. 

The look of high-end outdoor appliances is extremely attractive, which means even if you are not an “outdoorsy” person, the investment might just pay off when it is time to sell your home down the road. 

11) Built-In Gas Grills Come In Many Sizes And Configurations 

When choosing a built-in gas grill, you will notice that they are available in everything from 30-inch (76 cm) countertop models to free standing units up to 60 inches (152 cm). 

Most come complete with stainless steel doors and handles along with smooth surfaces such as ceramic or glass cooktops. Ceramic cooktops are coated with stoneware that is non-porous and prevents food from sticking.  

Most brands also offer a touch panel control which allows you to turn the grill on and off with just a touch of your finger. 

12) Built In Gas Grills Are Great For Parties 

When it is time to entertain, planning a small barbecue or brunch for friends is easy when you have access to gas right outside your door. Just use your outdoor kitchen island as an outdoor cooking center complete with griddles, ovens, woks, and built-in grills!  

Since most built ins are equipped with both front and rear standing burners (and sometimes even infrared heat), you can cook up big batches of pancakes, bacon, or eggs without worrying about crowding the kitchen stove. 

FAQs about built-in gas grill

The best gas grill depends on what you are looking for. There are many brands available, each with multiple models. 

There are often significant price differences between brands and models of built-in grills. Some high-end gas grills can cost thousands of dollars, but there are also many less expensive grills available for a few hundred dollars. 

Now that your grill is preheated, let’s talk about how to cook it. 

You can cook a wide variety of foods on a gas grill.  Anything from steaks, to hamburgers, to vegetables.  However, you’re going to want to adjust your cooking times and temperatures for each item that you cook.

If this is your first time using your built-in gas grill, follow these quick and easy steps: 

  • Make sure your propane tank is full, before you start. 
  • We recommend that your grill should resemble a crossed fork with four tines.  You’ll need to set the side burners on high for 15 minutes, while the front burner is off. This will allow your grill to heat up. 
  •  After this initial heating period, adjust the front and rear burners to medium/medium-low so that you can maintain a temperature around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

This is where our built-in gas grills really shine, because it’s easy to adjust the temperature.  On most models, you can simply turn an existing knob to either raise or lower the heat.   

Keep in mind that the more food that you put on your grill at once, the harder it is for you to maintain a consistent temperature, so you might need to play around a bit to figure out how much food is too much. 

We hope these quick tips help you get the most out of your built-in gas grill.  If you have any additional questions about these grills, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll answer them as quickly as possible. 

The quality, size, and number of burners on the gas grill are typically what most affects how well it cooks. Other factors which can affect cooking ability include:  

  1. BTU rating (the higher the better)
  2. Presence of a warming rack (some have them, some don’t) 
  3. The presence of a rotisserie 
  4. How easy it is to adjust the burner controls. 
  5. Whether there is a grill light. 

Built-in gas grills typically have enclosed hoods which protect burners from collecting grease and other debris, so they are typically very easy to clean. However, built-in grills with open drawers or shelves below the grill surface may have more difficulty staying clean unless careful measures are taken to adjust their position when not in use. 

There are several different types of burners available, including:  

1) HGP (high heat/ high-performance) gas grill burners. 

2) Electronic ignition gas grill burners. 

3) Remote thermometer burners.  

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but for the most part HGP burners are typically used on most grills while electronic ignition and remote thermometer burners are typically only found on mid-to-high end gas grills. 

Built-in grills come in a variety of sizes which can be anywhere from 30 inches wide to 60 inches wide or wider. Smaller sized gas grills are typically about 30 inches wide, while larger grills are up to 60 inches wide. There are also built-in grills that are much larger than this, but they must be custom ordered and cannot be purchased in a store or online. 

The larger the grill, the more heat it can generate and therefore the better it is for cooking large amounts of food. 

Some do, but not all. If they do not have wheels, it is typically much easier to move them around when necessary. However, there are many models with wheels which make them very easy to roll around on most surfaces. 

Conclusion

With so many gas grills and models to choose from, it can be hard to know which is best for your needs.  

To help you narrow down the choices we’ve listed 12 things that every homeowner should know about their built-in grill before making a purchase decision.  

If you still find yourself unsure as to what model would work best in your home, please reach out to us! We offer free consultations on all our products and will happily answer any questions or concerns you may have about the type of grill that suits your lifestyle. 

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