The U.S. barbecue grill market was valued at approximately $3.35 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $4.81 billion by 2030, driven largely by increased interest in outdoor living and home entertaining. Moreover, nearly 38% of grill owners bought a new grill in the past two years, many replacing or upgrading existing ones.
With that level of investment and interest, many homeowners and grilling aficionados ask: which kind of outdoor grill makes the most sense? In this article, we’ll compare freestanding grills, built-in grills, and portable grills so you can decide what suits your style, space, budget, and usage best.
What Kinds of Grills Are We Talking About?
Before we dive in, a quick primer on the grill types we'll be comparing:
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Freestanding grill: A stand-alone cooking appliance, either on a cart or legs, often with wheels; not permanently built into outdoor cabinetry or islands.
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Built-in grill: A grill designed to be permanently installed into an outdoor kitchen setup—cut into a countertop or within a custom island.
Key Factors to Consider
When picking between a freestanding, built-in, or portable outdoor grill, think through:
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Available space and layout
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How often you grill / how many people you cook for
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Budget, both upfront purchase and installation
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Mobility vs permanence
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Fuel type (gas, charcoal, pellet, electric)
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Aesthetic & durability needs
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Maintenance requirements
Pros & Cons: Freestanding vs Built-In vs Freestanding
Here are how the three main styles stack up in different dimensions:
Feature |
Freestanding Grill |
Built-In Grill |
Mobility & Flexibility |
Moderate. Many have wheels to reposition, but still bulky. |
Very low. Meant to stay in place. |
Upfront Cost |
Medium. Price varies widely depending on size, fuel, materials. |
High. Includes cost of the grill plus installation, cabinetry, countertop cut-outs, possibly gas/electric/plumbing. |
Installation Complexity |
Low to medium. Often just site prep, gas hook-up or propane tank setup; no major construction. |
High. Needs proper cutouts, ventilation, gas or utility hookups, structural support. |
Cooking Power & Features |
Broad range. Good performance, multiple burner options; many premium freestanding grills have advanced features. |
Typically higher end—larger cooking areas, fully featured burners, side burners, rotisserie attachments, etc. |
Durability & Permanence |
Good, especially high-end models. But exposed to weather; materials matter. |
Excellent, especially when built into a well-designed outdoor kitchen with protection & top materials. Also tends to increase property value. |
Aesthetic/Integration |
Less integrated—more visible as a standalone piece. |
Very cohesive look in an outdoor kitchen; premium design, custom builds often make them showpieces. |
Best Use Cases |
Everyday backyard grilling, those who want flexibility without a full outdoor kitchen. |
People wanting luxury outdoor kitchens, hosts who entertain a lot, long-term home investment. |
Deep Dives: Built-In and Freestanding
Built-In Grills
Advantages:
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Cohesive and upscale look—great for custom outdoor kitchen designs.
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Larger cooking areas and room for advanced add-ons (side burners, rotisserie, lighting, etc.).
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Permanent gas line or utilities may allow for more convenience, fewer refills if using propane tanks.
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Potential to increase home value when professionally designed and installed.
Drawbacks:
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Higher upfront costs (grill plus installation, materials, cabinetry).
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Requires more planning—ventilation, countertop structure, gas/electric/plumbing hook-ups.
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Once installed, not movable. Changing layout or replacing grill size can be costly.
Freestanding Grills
Advantages:
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Greater flexibility and lower commitment. Easier to move or replace without major construction.
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Broader range of price points. There are budget models, mid-range, and high-end.
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Easier to access for cleaning, maintenance, or feature upgrades.
Drawbacks:
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Not as integrated or permanent. They might not look as seamless as built-ins in a full outdoor kitchen design.
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Some models are less durable if exposed to the elements without shelter or covering.
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Might lack some high-end features built-ins offer as standard.
Questions & Practical Tips to Help You Decide which Type is Right
To zero in on what’s best for you, consider asking:
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How often do I grill? Is this for casual family dinners, or hosting big gatherings?
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Do I expect to build or already have an outdoor kitchen structure?
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What kind of fuel do I prefer (gas, charcoal, etc.)? Is natural gas or propane already available?
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Do I need portability (move it, store it)?
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What’s my budget for both the unit and installation / infrastructure?
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How much space do I have, and how much do I want the grill to be part of the design vs being a standalone appliance?
Cost Comparison & Long-Term Value
While built-in grills often cost more up front, they can offer long-term value in terms of durability, convenience, features, and possibly higher resale value. Freestanding grills usually cost less initially and provide flexibility, but may require more frequent replacement or updating depending on how much wear and exposure they get.
A few cost‐considerations:
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Material durability (stainless steel, burners, weather-proofing)
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Cost of installation and any site work (for built-ins)
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Cost of utility connections (gas line installation, propane, etc.)
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Maintenance (cleaning, cover when not in use)
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Accessories: side burners, lights, covers, rotisserie, etc.
Matching Grill Style to Your Outdoor Cooking Style
If you prefer a polished, high-end setup, grill a lot, entertain frequently, and plan to stay long-term at your home, then a built-in grill is likely the right choice.
If you want a strong balance between performance, cost, and flexibility—and you might move things around, or want something you can use without big construction—then a freestanding grill is a smart choice.