Built-In Charcoal Grills: Information Guide & Great Grill Options

Many of us prefer the taste of a perfectly cooked char-broiled burger or steak. The smokey flavor coming from your favorite lump charcoal; searing in the flavors and getting those perfect char lines, there is nothing like it!

Quick Links:

• Factors to consider when purchasing a built-in charcoal grill
• View 32″ Blaze Charcoal Grill
• View 30″ Fire Magic Charcoal Grill
• View 36″ Coyote Charcoal Grill
• View Bison Premium Charcoal Grill
• View Kamado Joe
• View Big Green Egg

Factors to consider when purchasing a built-in charcoal grill

Purchasing a built-in charcoal grill is a significant decision, and there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right grill for your needs and preferences. Here’s a list of important considerations:

Size and Cooking Area:

• • Determine the size of the grill you need based on your cooking habits and the number of people you typically cook for.
    • For example, a 32″ grill is about 550 square inches of cooking space. We recommend selecting grill sizes with 500 to 650 sq. in. of cooking space for an average of six attendees. This creates more than enough space to accommodate 15 to 20 burgers or more at a time and creates ample space for long cuts of meat.
    • If you are grilling for eight or more people, you will want about 650 to 800 square inches of space and cook 20+ burgers at a time!
      
  • Measure the available space in your outdoor kitchen or grilling area to ensure the grill fits safely within your outdoor space.

Material and Build Quality:

• • • Look for grills made from high-quality materials, such as 304 stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to rust. Other materials like powder coated steel, 430 stainless steel and aluminum come at a lower cost but will rust as early as your first year.
    • Pay attention to the overall construction and build quality to ensure the grill can withstand outdoor elements and last many years.

Cooking Grates:

• • Choose grates made from stainless steel, cast iron, or other durable materials. Cast iron grates, for example, provide excellent heat retention and searing capabilities.
  • Consider the grate’s size and configuration for your cooking needs.

Ventilation and Temperature Control:

• • Good ventilation is crucial for charcoal grills. Look for grills with adjustable dampers or vents to control airflow and temperature.
  • Some models may have built-in thermometers or temperature control systems for precise cooking.

Ash Management:

• • Check if the grill has an efficient ash collection system to make cleanup easier.

Accessories and Features:

• • Consider what additional features you want, such as warming racks, or rotisserie attachments.
  • Some grills come with built-in lighting for nighttime grilling.

Price and Budget:

• • Set a budget that aligns with your needs and expectations. High-end built-in charcoal grills can be quite expensive, so be sure to balance your requirements with your budget.

Brand Reputation and Reviews:

• • Research reputable grill brands known for quality and customer support.
  • Read reviews from other customers to gauge real-world performance and durability.

Installation and Compatibility:

• • Ensure the grill is compatible with your outdoor kitchen setup and any necessary installation requirements.
  • Consider the installation process, whether it requires professional assistance or can be done as a DIY project.

Warranty and Support:

• • Check the warranty provided by the manufacturer to protect your investment.
  • Look into the manufacturer’s customer support and warranty service reputation.

Safety:

• • Ensure that the grill has safety features such as a lid or cover to prevent flare-ups and protect against wind and rain.
  • Follow proper safety guidelines when using a charcoal grill, including keeping it away from flammable materials.

Cooking Style:

• • Think about your preferred cooking style. If you enjoy smoking or slow cooking, consider a grill with features suitable for these methods.

Local Regulations:

• • Be aware of any local regulations or restrictions related to outdoor grilling, such as fire safety codes or homeowners’ association rules.

Fuel Source:

• • Choose charcoal as your fuel source if you prefer the flavor it imparts to grilled food. Be sure you have a convenient source of charcoal for cooking. We have a great list here to review options:

Personal Preferences:

• • Ultimately, consider your personal preferences in terms of aesthetics, brand loyalty, and the specific features that matter most to you.

Before making a final decision, it’s a good idea to visit local appliance stores, grill showrooms, or outdoor living centers to see the grills in person and ask questions. This can help you make a more informed choice based on your specific needs and preferences.

Below are a few Built-in Charcoal grills to review:

Blaze 32-Inch Built-In Stainless Steel Charcoal Grill

WHY WE LIKE IT:  

The Blaze 32″ Built in grill is known for its robust 304 stainless steel construction, large cooking area of 550 square inches, and useful features to keep the fire just the way you like it.  The matte-finish stainless steel grill grates offer a naturally non-stick cooking surface.

Here are some key aspects of the Timberline Series:

Fire Magic Legacy 30-Inch Built-In Smoker Charcoal Grill

WHY WE LIKE IT:

The Fire Magic 30-inch Charcoal Grill features a 540 square inch cooking surface, all stainless steel construction, and a heavy-duty stainless smoker hood, including an analog thermometer. The adjustable cooking surface and easy-access charcoal drawer make adding charcoal and smoker chips a breeze.

Coyote Stainless Steel 36″ Built-In Charcoal Grill

WHY WE LIKE IT:

Coyote is known for producing high-quality outdoor grills, and this Coyote 36″ Built-In Charcoal Grill is no exception. With a large 36″ grill and 875 sq.in. cooking area. This also includes a fuel area pull-out drawer for easy reload of charcoal or smoking wood.

Bull Bison Premium Built-in Charcoal Grill

WHY WE LIKE IT: 

 The Bull Bison Premium Built-In Charcoal Grill is known for its quality construction and features that enhance the grilling experience. This grill has undergone significant enhancements to elevate its performance. With the introduction of a new vent system and gasket features, you now have enhanced control over temperature, enabling precise regulation of oxygen flow into the firebox. Whether you prefer to configure the Bull Bison for slow and low BBQ sessions or to unleash high heat for achieving that coveted steakhouse-quality sear on your steaks and chops, you now have the versatility to do so.

Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill

WHY WE LIKE IT: 

The Kamado Joe II is considered a great grill for several reasons, primarily due to its design, versatility, and performance.

Large Green Egg Charcoal Grill

WHY WE LIKE IT: 

The Big Green Egg is considered a great grill primarily due to its unique design, versatility, and ability to deliver exceptional cooking results.

Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg. Which is better?

Which Kamado Grill is better?