Why Are Built In Grills So Expensive?

There is no doubt that there are many benefits to having a built-in grill installed in your outdoor kitchen.

However, it's no secret that built-in grills can get pricey, especially compared to a basic grill you'd find at a big box store.  And that's not counting the cost of labor to get your grill installed!

If you’ve considered buying a built-in grill but are wondering why they are so expensive, and if they're worth the cost, then read on!

We’ll be covering all the main factors that contribute to the average built-in grill’s elevated price tag.

How Much Is A Built-In Grill?

There’s no getting around the fact that a built-in grill is an investment.

However, it’s important to note that some of these grills are less expensive than others.

The starting point for built-in grills is around $1,500 - $2,000.

Built-in grills with this kind of price tag won’t have all the bells and whistles that higher-end models have, and they are almost certainly manufactured overseas.

But if you really want a built-in grill and don’t want to break the bank, this is the kind of price you’ll be looking at.

As you get into the more high-end appliance brands, you’ll see that built-in grills can cost around $3,000ish, on average.  Of course, there are even more expensive grills - luxury grill brands can cost upwards of $10,000 for some larger models.

Reasons Why Built-In Grills Are So Expensive

The figures outlined above may induce a little bit of sticker shock, but there are several logical reasons why built-in grills cost so much. The main ones are:

Higher-Quality Materials

Because built-in grills are designed to be installed into a surface for long-term use, they are made with higher-quality materials.

This is so that they can withstand the installation process (which isn’t a concern with standalone grills) and to ensure that the unit lasts long enough that the cost of having your grill customized and installed is worth it.

For the reasons we’ve just explained, built-in grills are typically made with durable, weather-resistant materials.  Heavy-duty stainless steel is the most common material found in built-in grills.

Remember, unlike a standalone grill, you’ll have no choice but to leave your built-in grill outside permanently, so rust-resistant materials are extremely important.

While having a grill made from high-grade materials is great, it unfortunately means that your grill will be more expensive.

Bear in mind that you’re not just paying for durability and ease of cleaning when you purchase a stainless steel built-in grill, but also for better heat distribution, which brings us to our next point.

Improved Performance

Built-in grills generally produce better results in terms of cooking than standalone grills you'd find at a big box store.

The average built-in grill has a much wider temperature range than a box store grill and will be much better in terms of heat retention and consistency.

The wider temperature range you get with built-in grills allows you to cook different types of foods to perfection by adjusting the temperature.

Some of the highest end grills can actually hold temperatures low enough to smoke a brisket or other types of BBQ.

Like most products in any area of the culinary market, better performance equates to a higher price tag.

Given the massive difference between the average BTU rating and cooking time of a standalone grill compared to a built-in grill, it’s no surprise that built-in grills are much more expensive.

*Note* It's worth pointing out here that many built-in grill brands also create freestanding grills as well - however these tend to be even more expensive than their built-in counterparts.

More Visual Appeal

Honestly, built-in grills just tend to have better aesthetics than standalone grills.

This might not be an essential factor for some people, but for those who want a sleek and luxurious area to cook outdoors, a built-in grill is the obvious choice.

Built-in grills are designed to be incorporated into an outdoor surface so that they fit in seamlessly with the rest of your patio.

They are bespoke, meaning that they can be customized to ensure the perfect fit.

A properly designed built-in grill can actually increase the overall value of your home thanks to it's performance and aesthetics.

Made In The USA... Mostly

We mentioned before that the products at the lower end of the price spectrum for built-in grills are manufactured overseas.

Due to the reasons mentioned above (keen focus on craftsmanship, performance, and high quality construction), most built-in grill brands manufacture their products in the USA.

In terms of pricing, that means a grill manufactured in the USA is going to be inherently more expensive than one manufactured in China or elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

Built-in grills are great because they look luxurious, perform incredibly well, and are made with durable, high-quality materials.

However, all of these benefits contribute to the high price tag associated with built-in grills.

There may also be additional costs when you use a built-in grill, such as gas or electric line installation costs and the cost of paying a contractor to get your unit installed.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether these extra costs and tasks outweigh the benefits or not.

Questions about built-in grill pricing?  Reach out to us, we'd be happy to help!