Convert Freestanding Grill to Built-In Grill | Is it a Good Idea?

You’re building an outdoor kitchen and you’re wondering how to convert freestanding grill to built-in grill. Seems like a straightforward process… But there’s actually a lot more to it than you may realize! Before jumping right into how to do this, it’s important to consider if it is actually a good idea or not first! To determine this, it comes down to exploring three different categories.

If you convert a freestanding grill to built-in grill… The first thing you’ll have to consider is construction. There’s a huge difference in construction between built-in grills and non built-in grills! As you know, your outdoor kitchen should be a permanent structure. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect your appliances to last just as long. Built-in appliances are manufactured with premium materials, and almost always come with a lifetime warranty to back this quality. Non built-in appliances will not share this feature. The materials used are not made to last the long haul, and they often come with a short-term warranty.

Another factor if you convert a freestanding grill to built-in grill is design. How do these appliances differ in design? Of course, a built-in grill is designed to be installed into an outdoor kitchen. They will have flanges that comfortably rest on the outdoor kitchen countertop, making installation easy. Manufacturers will also have cutout dimensions specified so you know exactly how to plan for cutouts in your island. Non built-in grills do not have these features! So you’ll have a harder time installing and planning ahead.

The third consideration is safety, which is the most important of all! Be sure to watch the video for full details on why non built-in appliances are unsafe to use in an outdoor kitchen.

[MadMarche]

This video will be something I will definitely be sharing with future customers! Thanks for making this, as I get this question all of the time from customers who are trying to save money. I have an outdoor kitchen and patio company in Rio Rancho, NM, where the weather is very conducive to outdoor living spaces. Thanks RTA Outdoor

[frankc]

Thank you for this information, you probably just saved me a lot of trouble.

[davidt]

You may correct about design purpose for non built-in and built-in grills. However, consider the huge price difference between the two (some times ten times more expensive of built-in), install a non built-in to a island is still a good idea.

[dcduben]

thanks for the video, im currently planning an outdoor kitchen and had the question if i could use the grill head from my grill cart and build it to my counter top later on down the road. after watching the video it sounds like the only real difference between a "built in" model and a grill cart is that it might void the manufactures warranty, the materials used in the grill and might be harder to install. but not that there is any real difference between the grill heads itself especially if i have more premium manufacture that uses all 304 ss anyways and can make any modifications necessary myself. Aso side not LOL at the rookie @2:57 trying to use a square😂

[MultiTarheels]

But what is so frustrating is I can get a 304 stainless Wilmington grill (stand alone) for $2000. You do same grill as drop in and it goes up 1k or more for less material involved. Lifetime warranty…WHY????

[joeneuman]

You just build it the same way 99% of stoves are built into the cabinets in your home kitchen, you just build around it. Then when it's old you just replace it. DIY it for $400 or pay someone $20, 000.