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Best Outdoor Grill for Outdoor Kitchen Design: Top 5
The best outdoor grills for outdoor kitchen design are Big Green Egg, Bull, Coyote, Viking and Wolf. Read our expert reviews based on 20,000 installations.
Choosing an outdoor grill for your outdoor kitchen seems simple — until you see hundreds of brands and thousands of product choices. The U.S. barbecue and grill market is a $2.1 billion industry — you need an expert guide to help make a decision.
We put our decades of outdoor kitchen design and installation experience to work to create this guide to our 5 favorite outdoor grill brands: Big Green Egg, Bull, Coyote, Viking and Wolf.
Our contractors and outdoor living designers used data and reviews from thousands of projects to inform our selections. Here’s how we made our decisions, and what you’ll learn:
- Meet our top 5 outdoor grill brands (in no order): Big Green Egg, Bull, Coyote, Viking and Wolf have proven themselves to be top quality partners and grill makers.
- Take deep dives into each BBQ and grill brand: Learn their key features, fuel types, best use cases, and how to integrate them into your dream outdoor kitchen design.
- Learn how to make smart buying decisions. Use your personal cooking and grilling preferences, outdoor kitchen layout and fuel preferences to inform your decision — then, work with an outdoor living designer to make your dream kitchen a reality.
Why Trust Our Outdoor Grill Expertise?
We’ve installed over 20,000 premium outdoor living spaces for homeowners throughout Texas — the most selective outdoor grill customers in America.
Allied Outdoor Solutions is synonymous with dream outdoor kitchens, patios and pool decks in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and the DFW Metroplex. That reputation is built on clear communication, honest business, and a commitment to working with the best materials and appliance brands.
We used over 2 decades of experience with some of America’s finest outdoor grill brands and manufacturers to create this guide.
How We Chose Our Top Outdoor Grill Brands
We base our rankings of the top outdoor grill brands for outdoor kitchen design on some tough criteria. We’re not being snobs — you’re making an investment that ought to last decades.
Our standards for superior grill brands fall into 3 categories:
- Premium features
- Advanced grill and cooktop elements
- Kitchen design integration
Premium Features
There are plenty of decent BBQs and grills to flip burgers on. But which grills truly elevate your outdoor cooking experience?
We’re talking premium features. Thoughtful tech. Solutions that make grilling easier, and cooking more fun.
We give high marks to brands that incorporate the following premium features:
- High quality materials
- Heavy duty construction
- Stainless steel elements
- Ergonomic design (i.e. soft close drawers)
- Integrated lighting
- Smart grill technology (Wi-Fi connectivity)
Advanced Grill and Cooktop Elements
Outdoor cooking should be as easy (or easier) than using your indoor kitchen. Advanced cooktop options help make grilling as fun as it’s supposed to be.
We looked for these advanced grill and cooktop elements in premium grills:
- Infrared burners
- Precise temperature control
- Rotisserie kits
- Smoker boxes
- Side burners
- Zone cooking
Kitchen Design Integration
No matter how amazing an outdoor grill is, it has to fit seamlessly into multiple outdoor kitchen design layouts. (What good is a killer BBQ if it’s a pain to reach or use?)
We look for products that exude thoughtful design. The hardest thing about using your grill should be waiting to eat.
Our Top 5 Outdoor Grills for Outdoor Kitchens
These are our 5 favorite outdoor grills for outdoor kitchen design projects, listed in alphabetical order:
- Big Green Egg
- Bull
- Coyote
- Viking
- Wolf
Big Green Egg: Ceramic and Charcoal BBQ Masters
It’s hard to believe Big Green Egg introduced kamado style grilling to America in 1974 — these ceramic ovens still feel fresh. The Egg’s ability to lock in moisture and control temperature makes it a popular “wish list” item for many outdoor kitchen projects.
From the 10” diameter Mini to the 672 square inch 2XL model, there’s a surprisingly large number of Big Green Egg sizing options.
The brand is highly recognizable — we don’t have to “sell you” on the Egg. If you want one, you won’t have trouble getting one!
Key Features
- Kamado style ceramic oven construction
- Cast iron fire gate
- Regulator vent cap
- Weatherproof exterior coating
- Rust-proof alloy hinges
- 10” to 29” diameter product sizes
Tech Features
- ConvEGGtor® grill converter
- Weatherproof high-temperature silicon gasket
- Secure hinge realignment system
- Patented draft door
- Precision temperature control
Fuel Type(s)
- Lump charcoal
Overall Impressions
Big Green Eggs provide the specific experience of ceramic oven grilling. Bring your own wireless smart thermometers and probes for a high-tech cooking experience.
Bull: Reliable Outdoor BBQ Veterans
Bull Outdoor Products are pioneers in the outdoor BBQ kitchen and grill island market. They bring over 3 decades of experience to custom outdoor grill design, and it shows in their workmanship.
We like it when barbecue veterans keep educating themselves. Bull worked with engineers at Cal Poly to create ReliaBull Technology that ensures even heating across your grill surface.
Bull Outdoor Grills operates production and warehouse facilities in California and Tennessee led by teams of precise master craftsmen.
Key Features
- Premium grade 304 stainless steel
- 14 gauge stainless steel construction (select products)
- Piezo igniters
- Single piece dual lined hoods
- Cast stainless burners
- Chromium plated griddle option
Tech Features
- ReliaBULL even heating technology
- Infrared burners
- Rotisserie kits
- Fire box
- Easy clean drip liner
Fuel Type(s)
- Natural gas
- Propane (LP gas)
- Charcoal
Overall Impressions
Bull provides excellent grill head solutions for outdoor kitchen design. They’re ideal for an overall outdoor kitchen concept where the grilling station takes up less square footage — big flavor in a small space.
Coyote: High-Tech Grilling from The Heart of Texas
Coyote brings a strong blend of durability and innovation to their outdoor grills. We’d expect nothing less from a reputable outdoor living brand based in Dallas, TX.
When it comes to grill technology, Coyote brings it with three proprietary burner systems — Infinity™, I-Burner™ and RapidSear™. They house that innovation inside premium grade 304 stainless steel and high-grade metallic fixtures.
Whether you’re looking for gas grills, pellet grills, charcoal grills or smokers, Coyote has multiple product options and sizes to choose from.
Key Features
- Premium grade 304 stainless steel
- Double-walled stainless steel hoods
- Cast stainless steel burners
- Zinc nickel alloy knobs
- 28” to 50” width product sizes
- Designed for outdoor kitchen design integration
Tech Features
- Digital touch screen
- Temperature probes
- Infrared burner systems
- Proprietary firebox technology
- Smart Drop™ green technology (in Coyote pellet grills)
Fuel Type(s)
- Natural gas
- Propane (LP gas)
- Pellet
- Charcoal
- Electric
Overall Impressions
Coyote excels at providing product versatility to homeowners. They offer customizable grill options designed to serve the “outdoor chef” with unique kitchen layout specifications.
Viking: Luxury Outdoor Grilling Veterans
We like that Viking sets an incredibly high bar for their own performance, design and innovation. If you want dependable, brand-name outdoor kitchen appliances, Viking’s among the very best.
In the last 3 years alone, Viking’s been awarded by the NKBA, Design Journal, Good Housekeeping, CBS, Robb Report, Architectural Digest and more.
The brand has become synonymous with gas grill innovation — we regularly recommend their products to homeowners with a natural gas hookup or propane gas tank.
Key Features
- Premium grade stainless steel
- Cast brass burners
- Heavy duty welded construction
- Premium smoker box included
- Dual-position rotisseries with 3-speed motor (select products)
- 13” to 54” width product sizes
Tech Features
- Infrared rear burner
- ProSear™ burner
- Ceramic briquettes for even heat distribution
- Blue LED control illumination
- Hot surface ignition system
Fuel Type(s)
- Natural gas
- Propane (LP gas)
Overall Impressions
Viking Range excels at crafting premium outdoor gas grills — homeowners who prefer charcoal or wood pellet options may prefer other brands.
Wolf: Precision Grilling Made Simple
The acquisition of Wolf Range Company by Sub-Zero in 2000 was a merger of major players in the kitchen appliance space. In the years since, Wolf continued to evolve as a strong force in outdoor grill innovation.
Wolf’s built-in and freestanding outdoor grill models offer a combination we love — complex grilling precision that’s easy to use.
Their controls are really intuitive, and their products are highly customizable.
Key Features
- Premium grade stainless steel
- Heavy duty, all-weather construction
- Easy-open double wall hood
- Independently contained 25,000 BTU burners
- External reading thermometer
- 30” to 54” width product sizes
Tech Features
- Infrared sear zone
- Halogen-lit grilling surface
- Hot surface ignition system
- Ceramic briquettes for direct and radiant heat
- Independently controlled infrared rotisserie burners (select products)
Fuel Type(s)
- Natural gas
- Propane (LP gas)
Overall Impressions
Wolf offers freestanding and built-in gas outdoor grills. Their price point is higher than other competitors on this list.
5 Factors to Consider in an Outdoor Grill Purchase
Stuck between 2 or 3 great outdoor grill options? Use these 5 decision points to pick the perfect one for your dream backyard kitchen.
- How do you like to cook? Do you love spending the afternoon in front of the grill, or do you want to stick a smart internal thermometer in your steak and walk away? Are you grilling for 20 guests, or smoking a brisket for your family? Make sure your outdoor grill is designed to match the way you love to cook.
- What’s your outdoor kitchen layout? Your grill’s size and features directly impact the size, shape and layout of your outdoor kitchen design. Make sure it works and functions in the space — don’t forget to account for ventilation, counter space and storage!
- What are your fuel preferences? Do you like the natural smoke of charcoal, or hate the mess? Do you have a propane tank or natural gas hookup?
- Do you enjoy maintenance? Some people love putting a little elbow grease into cleaning their BBQ. Others hate it. Ask your outdoor kitchen installer about the maintenance requirements of your grill.
- What’s your budget? All else being equal, what’s your ideal budget for a new outdoor grill? Use this as your “tiebreaker” vote between 2 grills you like equally.
The Perfect Grill for Your Outdoor Kitchen Space
The right outdoor grill for your outdoor kitchen has to check 4 important boxes:
- Use: Does it let you cook the way you want to cook?
- Layout: Does it fit in the layout and style of your outdoor kitchen design?
- Tech: Will the onboard technology continue to provide value for years?
- Function: Bottom line — does it make a great barbecue?
Check out our past outdoor kitchen design gallery for inspiration. Then, talk to us about the best outdoor grill products for your individual needs.
We’ll pair you with your ideal grill, and turn your dream outdoor kitchen into a beautiful reality. Let’s get you outside and grilling!
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