Planning an outdoor kitchen? The grill you choose will be the heart of your setup. Whether you're a weekend griller or a serious BBQ enthusiast, picking the right grill can elevate your entire outdoor cooking experience. From fuel types to sizes and must-have features, this guide will help you find the best grill for your outdoor kitchen—suited to your space, cooking style, and lifestyle.
What Are Outdoor Kitchen Grills?
Outdoor kitchen grills—also known as built-in grills, grill inserts, or drop-in grills—are specialized cooking appliances made to be seamlessly integrated into an outdoor kitchen setup. Rather than sitting on a standalone cart, these grills are installed directly into a grill island or countertop, creating a sleek, custom look.
Functionally, outdoor kitchen grills are the heart of your outdoor cooking space. They're built for performance and durability, designed to handle frequent use and exposure to the elements. Most commonly fueled by natural gas or propane, these grills can also run on charcoal or wood pellets, depending on your cooking preferences.
You can find them as part of a fully pre-made outdoor kitchen kit, or choose one to install in a custom-built outdoor kitchen island. Either way, these grills are designed to work in harmony with other outdoor features like side burners, mini fridges, sinks, and storage cabinets—making your outdoor kitchen not only stylish, but highly functional.
Built-in vs Freestanding Grills: Which One Is Better？
When designing your dream outdoor kitchen, choosing between a built-in grill and a freestanding one is a key decision. Each style has its own unique benefits, but there are also some trade-offs, depending on your space, cooking style, and budget.
Built-in grills are designed to be permanently installed into an outdoor kitchen setup, typically set into a countertop or island. They’re ideal for homeowners who want a custom, seamless outdoor kitchen experience. Built-in grills are usually gas-powered (natural gas or propane), but there are also charcoal and hybrid options. They're known for their durability, sleek look, and ability to add value to your home. However, the installation can be costly and requires upfront planning and commitment to layout and location.
Freestanding grills, on the other hand, are mounted on carts with wheels and often include side shelves or storage. They come in a wide variety of styles—charcoal, pellet, gas, kamado—and fit nearly every budget. These grills are perfect for people who want flexibility and mobility or who aren’t ready to commit to a full outdoor kitchen. While convenient, they may not offer the same level of aesthetic appeal or space efficiency as built-ins.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Built-in Grill | Freestanding Grill |
| Installation | Requires permanent installation | Ready to use out of the box |
| Mobility | Fixed in place | Portable with caster wheels |
| Fuel Types | Mostly gas, some charcoal/electric options | Wide variety: gas, charcoal, pellet, etc. |
| Aesthetics | Sleek, integrated with outdoor kitchen | Less cohesive appearance |
| Durability | Typically high-end, built to last | Varies widely by price and brand |
| Price Range | Higher upfront cost | Options for all budgets |
| Property Value | Can increase home value | No long-term impact |
In general, if you want a sophisticated, fixed cooking station, a built-in may be your best choice. But if you value versatility or want to start with a small home, a freestanding may be the best choice.
Types of Outdoor Kitchen Grills
Now that we've looked at the differences between built-in and freestanding grills, it's time to look at another key factor: fuel type. The type of fuel your grill uses has a big impact on taste, cooking style, and convenience. From gas to charcoal, wood pellets, and even a mix of fuels, let's take a look at the differences.
1. Gas Grills (Propane or Natural Gas)
Gas grills are the most common choice for outdoor kitchens, prized for their convenience and fast heat-up time. Whether powered by natural gas or propane, they allow for precise temperature control and are perfect for both quick weeknight meals and entertaining larger groups. Most gas grills come with multiple burners, high BTU output, and optional add-ons like rotisserie kits, side burners, and searing stations. While they don’t offer the smoky flavor of charcoal or wood, their reliability and ease of use make them a top choice for many outdoor cooks.
2. Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are the go-to for purists who love deep, smoky flavor and the hands-on process of cooking over coals. They take longer to heat and require more attention during cooking, but the reward is rich flavor and that classic char. Airflow is manually controlled with vents, allowing you to manage cooking temperatures for both searing and low-and-slow grilling. Charcoal grills are ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with different techniques and savor the traditional BBQ experience.
3. Pellet Grills
Pellet grills strike a balance between flavor and convenience. These grills use wood pellets as fuel and operate with digital temperature controls, making them as easy to use as an oven. Simply load the hopper, set your desired temperature, and let the grill do the work. Pellet grills are perfect for smoking meats, roasting, or even baking. While they may not sear as well as gas or charcoal grills, some newer models have addressed this with higher temperature capabilities. Keep in mind: pellet grills need a power source and regular pellet refills.
4. Hybrid or Multi-fuel Grills
Hybrid grills combine two or more fuel options—usually gas and charcoal—into one unit. This offers the ultimate in flexibility: use gas for quick weeknight meals, then switch to charcoal when you want that authentic grilled flavor. Some high-end hybrid models also incorporate wood or pellet options. These grills are ideal for serious grillers who want a full range of cooking options in one appliance.
| Grill Type | Fuel Source | Flavor Profile | Best For | Setup Needs |
| Gas (Propane/Natural) | Propane/Natural Gas | Mild | Quick meals, precise control | Gas line or tank |
| Charcoal | Lump charcoal/briquettes | Smoky, bold | Traditional BBQ, searing | Manual lighting |
| Pellet | Wood pellets + power | Wood-fired, rich | Smoking, low-and-slow cooking | Electrical outlet |
| Hybrid/Multi-fuel | Gas + Charcoal (or more) | Flexible | Versatility, mix of speed & flavor | Varies by model |
What is the Best Size Grill for Outdoor Kitchen?
When it comes to selecting the best grill size for your outdoor kitchen, there’s no single answer—it really depends on how you plan to use the space. Whether you’re an occasional griller or the go-to host for backyard BBQs, finding the right size grill is all about balancing functionality, space, and your entertaining needs.
Key Factors to Consider
1. How Often You Entertain
Think about how many people you typically cook for. If it's just you and a few family members most of the time, a smaller grill might do the job. But if you regularly entertain a crowd, you’ll need a larger cooking surface to keep up.
2. Available Space
The grill should complement your outdoor kitchen layout—not overwhelm it. Keep in mind that a bigger grill not only takes up more counter space but also needs clearance for safe and comfortable movement around it.
3. Cooking Style
Do you like to cook multiple items at once, use indirect heat, or keep things warm while finishing other dishes? These habits might warrant a grill with a larger surface or additional features like warming racks and side burners.
Outdoor Kitchen Grill Size
1. Small (24–30 inches)
- Ideal for 2–4 people
- This size offers a compact footprint while still providing enough space for weeknight meals or small gatherings. It’s great for tight layouts or when grilling is a more casual part of your outdoor routine.
2. Medium (30–36 inches)
- Ideal for 5–8 people
- A sweet spot for many homeowners, this size balances performance with space efficiency. It allows multitasking—grilling burgers, veggies, and sides all at once—without being too bulky.
3. Large (42 inches and up)
- Ideal for 9+ people
- If you love hosting or enjoy experimenting with different cooking zones, a large grill is a smart choice. These grills offer ample room for indirect cooking, searing, and even smoking—all at the same time.
Best Grill for Outdoor Kitchen: How to Choose?
Selecting the right grill for your outdoor kitchen is a big decision—it’s the centerpiece of your cooking space and the key to creating memorable outdoor meals. To help you make the best choice, here are the most important areas to consider:
Key Features to Consider
- Burner Power & Temperature Control: Look for high BTU output and adjustable burners for better heat control. Multiple burners allow for cooking different foods at varying temperatures.
- Cooking Surface Area: Think about how many people you usually cook for. A larger cooking surface gives you flexibility and room for multitasking.
- Multi-Zone Cooking: Grills with multiple heat zones make it easier to sear meats on one side while cooking vegetables or warming buns on another.
- Extra Features: Rotisserie kits, side burners, warming racks, and integrated thermometers are great add-ons that enhance versatility and convenience.
- Built-In vs. Freestanding: Built-in grills are ideal for a polished, permanent look. Freestanding grills offer more flexibility if you're not ready to commit.
Durability & Weather Resistance
- Material Matters: Choose grills made from 304 stainless steel for top-notch rust and corrosion resistance. It's especially important if you live in a coastal or humid climate.
- Solid Construction: Look for welded seams instead of riveted ones, as they tend to last longer and resist wear from weather.
- Protective Covers: Investing in a high-quality grill cover can add years to your grill’s life, especially in areas with harsh weather.
Maintenance & Cleaning
- Grease Management System: A good drip tray system helps prevent flare-ups and makes cleanup faster.
- Removable Grates & Trays: Grates and internal components that are easy to remove make deep cleaning much simpler.
- Material Finishes: Brushed stainless steel surfaces not only look sleek but also resist fingerprints and are easier to wipe down.
Choosing a grill isn’t just about the specs—it’s about finding the right balance of performance, durability, and day-to-day usability. Keep these key points in mind, and you'll end up with a grill that looks great, performs even better, and lasts for years.
Why Choosing Villardin Outdoor Kitchen Grills?
Once you’ve considered the essential features of a high-quality grill—performance, durability, and ease of use—Villardin stands out as a premium option for your outdoor kitchen setup. Here’s why it’s a brand worth considering:
1. Generous Cooking Space
Whether you're cooking for a few or feeding a crowd, Villardin offers two spacious models to suit your needs.
- 8-burner grill: 684 sq. in. of cooking space, enough for up to 38 burgers
- 6-burner grill: 474 sq. in., fitting about 27 burgers
These large surfaces are ideal for multitasking, meal prepping, or entertaining larger groups.
2. High Heat Output
With powerful heat performance, Villardin grills shorten your cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
- 8-burner model: 98,600 BTUs
- 6-burner model: 74,600 BTUs You get quick, even searing and the ability to handle various heat zones effortlessly.
3. Tru-Infrared Heating System
This advanced technology delivers:
- 360° Even Heating: No more hot or cold spots—your food cooks consistently.
- Lower Gas Usage: More efficient heat transfer means shorter cook times and reduced gas costs.
- Better Moisture Retention: Infrared searing locks in natural juices, ensuring flavor-packed results.
4. Built-In Flame Divider
To help avoid burnt food, Villardin grills are equipped with a flame divider. It ensures indirect, controlled heat that prevents scorching while still delivering excellent results.
5. Multi-Function Cooking Capabilities
Fry, bake, and cook simultaneously with one unit—perfect for creating full meals outdoors with ease.
