Freestanding vs. Built-In Gas Grills: Pros and Cons
If you're serious about grilling, you know that choosing the right gas grill is a big decision. A great grill isn't just a cooking tool, it can become the heart of countless backyard barbecues, summer gatherings, and family feasts. The right choice can elevate your outdoor cooking experience, while the wrong one can lead to frustration, unexpected costs, or even a poor fit for your space.
Do you go with a freestanding gas grill, which is portable and flexible, allowing you to reposition it as needed and even take it with you if you move? Or do you invest in a built-in gas grill, a sleek, permanent fixture that is well integrated into your outdoor kitchen, offering a high-end look and long-term durability?
With so many factors to consider—including space, budget, grilling style, durability, and convenience—it’s essential to weigh your options carefully. Some people prioritize mobility and affordability, while others seek a professional, built-in setup for a true outdoor kitchen experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of freestanding vs. built-in gas grills, covering key aspects such as durability, cost, installation, performance, and customization to help you make the best decision for your grilling needs.
What’s the Difference Between Freestanding and Built-In Gas Grills?
Before diving into pros and cons, let’s break down the core differences between these two grill types. While both freestanding and built-in gas grills offer excellent cooking performance, they serve different purposes and fit different lifestyles. Understanding their distinctions will help you determine which option aligns best with your needs.
A freestanding gas grill is a self-contained unit that typically comes with wheels or a cart, allowing for mobility and flexibility. These grills often feature side burners, storage cabinets, and tool hooks, making them versatile for various outdoor spaces. They’re ideal for those who like to rearrange their backyard setup, entertain in different locations, or need a budget-friendly option without permanent installation.
A built-in gas grill, on the other hand, is designed to be installed as part of an outdoor kitchen setup. These grills are seamlessly integrated into custom countertops or grilling islands, offering a sleek, high-end look. Built-in grills provide higher durability, better customization, and a more permanent solution, making them perfect for homeowners who plan to use their outdoor kitchen frequently and want a long-term investment.
| Feature | Freestanding Gas Grill | Built-In Gas Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Standalone, mobile unit with wheels or legs | Installed into an outdoor kitchen or countertop |
| Portability | Can be moved anywhere | Fixed in one place, permanent installation |
| Price Range | Typically more affordable ($500-$5,000) | More expensive ($2,000-$10,000+), plus installation costs |
| Installation | No setup required—just connect the propane or gas and start | Requires professional installation and sometimes custom build |
| Customization | Limited—comes with preset features | Fully customizable to match outdoor kitchen layout |
| Durability | Varies by brand; lower-end models may have less longevity | Typically built from premium, heavy-duty materials |
By understanding these fundamental differences, you can start assessing which type fits your space, cooking habits, and long-term goals. Now, let’s explore their individual advantages and disadvantages.
Freestanding Gas Grills: Pros and Cons
Freestanding gas grills are the go-to option for many homeowners due to their convenience and affordability. These grills offer flexibility that makes them ideal for a wide range of outdoor cooking enthusiasts, from casual weekend grillers to those who host frequent backyard gatherings. With their wheels or carts, freestanding grills can be easily moved around your patio or yard, making them perfect for renters, seasonal grillers, or anyone who has a need to constantly rearrange their outdoor setup.
Another key advantage is that freestanding gas grills come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points, making them accessible for all budgets. Whether you’re looking for a basic model for quick meals or a high-end option with advanced features like infrared burners, rotisseries, and side burners, there’s going to be a freestanding grill that fits your needs. Additionally, they don’t require any professional installation, which saves both time and money.
However, do they meet all grilling needs? While freestanding gas grills provide excellent performance, they may lack the seamless integration and durability of built-in grills. Let’s dive deeper into their specific benefits and drawbacks.
✅ Pros of Freestanding Gas Grills
1. Portability & Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of freestanding grills is their mobility. Whether you want to grill on the patio, by the pool, or take it to a tailgate party, these grills go where you go.
📌 Customer Insight:
"I love my freestanding grill because I can roll it into the garage during the winter to keep it safe from the weather." – David P., Texas
2. No Installation Required
Freestanding grills are essentially plug-and-play—just set it up, connect it to a propane tank or natural gas line, and you’re ready to grill in minutes.
3. More Budget-Friendly
Compared to built-in models, freestanding grills are more affordable while still offering premium features like infrared burners, side burners, and rotisserie attachments.
4. Versatility in Features
Many freestanding grills come with additional features such as:
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Side burners for cooking sauces and side dishes
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Warming racks for keeping food warm
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Cabinets and storage drawers for accessories
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Rotisserie kits for slow-cooked meats
❌ Cons of Freestanding Gas Grills
1. Less Aesthetic Appeal
Even though modern freestanding grills come in sleek designs, they don’t offer the same seamless built-in look that outdoor kitchens provide.
2. Can Be Less Durable
Some lower-end models use cheaper materials that may rust or wear out faster, especially when exposed to the elements.
Built-In Gas Grills: Pros and Cons
A built-in gas grill tends to be a luxury choice for those who want to create an outdoor kitchen experience. These grills are more than just about functionality, they can enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space, transforming a simple backyard into a fully-equipped culinary haven. Built-in grills will seamlessly integrate into your outdoor countertops or grilling islands, offering a sleek, polished look that appeals to homeowners who value both form and function.
While built-in gas grills are more expensive upfront, they can provide long-term value in multiple ways. First, they are built from high-quality materials like 304 stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion, even when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Secondly, built-in grills can increase property value by creating a desirable outdoor kitchen setup that appeals to potential buyers.
Additionally, built-in gas grills often feature larger cooking surfaces, more powerful burners, and better heat distribution compared to their freestanding counterparts. They are ideal for homeowners who entertain guests frequently or enjoy cooking a variety of foods simultaneously.
However, they do carry a higher cost that can be attributed to more than just the grill unit itself. You’ll need to consider the expenses for custom countertops, weather-resistant enclosures, utility extensions (like gas and electrical lines), and professional installation services. These costs add up quickly but can deliver a long-lasting, high-performance grilling experience that freestanding models simply cannot match.
✅ Pros of Built-In Gas Grills
1. Seamless Outdoor Kitchen Integration
A built-in gas grill offers a high-end, professional look that transforms your patio into a true outdoor cooking station.
📌 Expert Research:
“There is data showing a strong link between building an outdoor kitchen and getting a significant positive return on investment, or ROI. The National Association of REALTORS® 2018 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features assesses the ROI of building an outdoor kitchen at 71%.”
2. Superior Durability
Most built-in grills are constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel, making them:
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Rust-resistant
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Weatherproof
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Long-lasting (10+ years with proper care)
3. Customization & Performance
Built-in grills can be fully customized, including:
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Side burners
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Searing stations
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Smoker boxes
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Infrared burners
❌ Cons of Built-In Gas Grills
1. Higher Upfront Cost
A built-in gas grill can cost $2,000 - $10,000+, not including installation costs, due to the added expenses from custom countertops, stone or brick enclosures, gas line extensions, ventilation systems, and other customization expenses.
2. No Portability
Once a built-in grill is installed, it’s there for good. If you move, you can’t take it with you.
Which Gas Grill is Right for You?
Choosing between a freestanding and built-in gas grill isn’t always straightforward. It requires a careful evaluation of your lifestyle, outdoor cooking habits, and long-term plans for your outdoor space. While both types of grills can deliver amazing culinary results, the right choice depends on how you plan to use your grill and the kind of backyard experience you want to create.
If you enjoy the flexibility of rearranging your backyard layout or you think that you might move homes in the future, then a freestanding grill is a practical choice. On the other hand, if you want a permanent, sophisticated outdoor kitchen setup that adds both function and value to your home, a built-in grill might be the better investment.
Still undecided? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Question | Freestanding Gas Grill | Built-In Gas Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want portability? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Do you want a budget-friendly option? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Are you looking for a long-term investment? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Do you have an outdoor kitchen setup? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Do you need easy installation? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
When choosing between a freestanding and built-in gas grill, it's essential to consider your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans for your outdoor cooking space. Are you looking for convenience and flexibility, or do you envision a permanent outdoor kitchen that adds value to your home? Answering this question can steer you toward the right grill for your needs.
Think about how often you entertain guests, the variety of meals you plan to cook, and the available space in your backyard. Freestanding grills offer the advantage of mobility and lower upfront costs, making them a popular choice for those who prefer simplicity and adaptability. Built-in grills, however, provide a high-end, seamless look with enhanced durability and performance that can be ideal for homeowners who want to invest in their property's long-term appeal.
Choose a Freestanding Gas Grill If…
✅ You want mobility and flexibility
✅ You’re on a budget
✅ You don’t need a permanent outdoor kitchen
Choose a Built-In Gas Grill If…
✅ You have an outdoor kitchen setup
✅ You want a long-term investment
✅ You want a seamless, high-end look
Explore the Best Gas Grills at Shop Backyard Grills
No matter which option suits your needs, Shop Backyard Grills has a collection of high-quality freestanding and built-in gas grills to fit your needs and budget.
🔥 Check out our top picks:
Ready to upgrade your backyard grilling setup? Browse our selection and start grilling like a pro! 🍔🔥
