Built-in pellet grills have revolutionized outdoor cooking, offering convenience, versatility, and exceptional flavor. These grills are seamlessly integrated into outdoor kitchen setups, providing a sleek and functional cooking solution for both amateur and seasoned grill masters.
derrickriches.com is supported by you, our readers (the smartest, best readers in the world). We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy through a link on this page. This comes at no cost to you. Learn more.
Until recently, your choices for a custom outdoor kitchen were limited to charcoal or a gas grill. However, with the immense popularity of pellet grills, there are more options. These Best Built-in Pellet Grills are specifically designed to fit into custom enclosures, providing a versatile outdoor grilling experience with the added bonus of low and slow smoking.
The first reason why you should consider a wood-burning built-in grill is based on the advantages of this style of cooking. Pellet grills burn real wood that produces real smoke. Because of their ability to hold low cooking temperatures, they are the perfect combination of an efficient smoker and a decent grill. In the Built-in Category, the current options are limited. However, as the market grows, more manufacturers will introduce these products to their lineup.
More: Best Pellet Grills
When considering a built-in pellet grill, it is important to consider its layout. The Memphis Grills model has a rear-mounted pellet hopper where the wood pellets are added and stored. That means that they must be accessible from behind, which can be a design limitation. However, despite this limitation and their high price, these are the best on the market. Make sure you read through the installation instructions before making your purchase so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.
More: Pellet Grills by Price
When installing a pellet grill, it must be mounted into a solid, fire-proof enclosure and wired for power. That means dealing with standard electrical safety concerns for outdoor installation. It’s recommended to add a main power switch to any pellet grill installation to cut power to the grill when not in use, reducing the likelihood of electric component failure. Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to read through the installation guide provided by the manufacturer to avoid any installation complications.
The Best Built-in Pellet Grills
1. Memphis Pro
Memphis Wood Fire Grills is one of the top of the line manufacturers of pellet grills. They approach this category with the idea of making a product that looks and works much like a gas grill. They are good-looking (the best-looking in the industry) and convenient. These grills are not, however, inexpensive. This particular model runs around $4,500USD and it is the mid-sized version of their built-in line. On the other hand, this pellet grill has 562 square inches of primary grill space, high heat direct grilling capabilities, and a full stainless steel body. In fact, this built-in pellet grill can put a serious sear on a steak and still be able to smoke a brisket for as long as you desire. It is the perfect balance of functionality, beauty, and performance.
The control panel for this pellet grill is separate and is a highly intuitive screen mounted on the side of the grill. You can connect your smart device via WiFi to be able to monitor the grill and food temperature remotely.
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 562 Square Inches
- Hopper Capacity: 18 Pounds
- Temperature Range: 180° to 650° F
- Connectivity: Full WiFi with App
- Three temperature probe ports
More information at Memphis Grills
If this grill isn’t big enough for you, take a look at the Memphis Elite Built-in Pellet Grill.
Read my Full Review of the Memphis Wood Fire Pellet Grill
If the price of the Memphis Pro seems a little high (and yes it is) you could consider the Memphis Beale Street which is a smaller and simpler pellet grill for a little over $2,000USD.
2. Twin Eagles Wi-Fi Controlled 36-Inch
First things first. This pellet grill is at just over $6,000USD. Add in the full rotisserie system and you are looking at nearly $7,000USD. If you are not looking to spend in this neighborhood, move down the list. On the other hand, the Twin Eagles Wi-Fi Controlled 36-Inch Pellet Grill is simply amazing. Of course, it is. Twin Eagles make it. The construction quality is the best in the industry and no one has this level of attention to detail. This is the pellet grill that can replace not just a gas grill, but the best in gas grills. It really is that good. You can even run this pellet grill on charcoal if you want to. It has phenomenal searing power and yet it still smokes like the best pellet smokers on the market. If you can afford the best, then this is the built-in pellet grill for you.
The hopper can only hold 13 pounds of pellets, which is comparatively small. However, with the heavily insulated body and airtight lid, the Twin Eagles Pellet Grill is extremely efficient with heavy-duty construction. This allows the grill to be operated for over 12 hours without refueling.
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 948 Square Inches
- Hopper Capacity: 13 Pounds
- Temperature Range: 140° to 725° F
- Connectivity: Full WiFi with App
- Three temperature probe ports
- Full Rotisserie System Included
More information at Twin Eagles Grills
Read my Full Review of the Twin Eagles 36-Inch Pellet Grill
3. Traeger Timberline XL
Traeger has reached deep into the luxury pellet grill category with their latest redesign of the Timberline Grill. They have packed this model with features and years of experience, making it one of the most technologically advanced pellet grills while also one of the easiest to use. This pellet grill runs nearly $4,000USD so don’t think it is a discount model. While not a shiny stainless steel grill, it is a very serious product.
As a built-in, this is really just the Timberline XL freestanding with a special trim kit to give it a more “counter-friendly” look. It is still sitting on casters, but the front plate locks the grill in place. The side table-mounted electric induction burner now fits into a custom cut-out on your countertop. This is an easy way to get a built-in look without extra cabinetry.
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 1320 Square Inches
- Hopper Capacity: 22 Pounds
- Temperature Range: 180° to 500° F
- Connectivity: Full WiFi with App
- Two temperature probe ports plus Two MEATER wireless probes
More information at Traeger Grills
Read my Full Review of the Traeger Timberline Pellet Grill
4. Coyote 36-Inch
Built-in many ways like the other grills on this list, the Coyote Pellet Grill is packed with features. You get an all-stainless steel unit that can hit 700 degrees F on the high end and yet hold low and slow smoking temperatures on the bottom end. There are multiple temperature probes, an easy-to-use cooking system, and a number of features. You will notice right off the bat, the laser-cut stainless steel plate cooking grates. Inconsequential for smoking, but great for high-temperature grilling.
While this is a very good pellet grill, you might notice that when you look at this list, you get what you pay for. This grill runs around $3000USD, so it is cheaper when compared to many other outdoor cooking appliances. That is how it works sometimes. I do, recommend that you take a serious look at this unit. You get almost everything that you find on more expensive units, just not the same construction or engineering quality.
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 1056 Square Inches
- Hopper Capacity: 15 Pounds
- Temperature Range: 175° to 700° F
- Connectivity: None
- Three temperature probe ports
Note: Unlike most of the pellet grills on this list, the Coyote does not have wireless connectivity and can not be monitored or controlled via a smart device.
More information at Coyote Grills
Read my Full Review of the Coyote 36-Inch Pellet Grill
5. recteq RT-1070
recteq (formerly REC-TEC) has developed this all-stainless steel pellet grill insert to beat the price of all the competition. This is a large, Wi-Fi-enabled grill with a price tag of under $1,200USD. That means only the Grilla Silverbac (listed below) has a lower price. Of course, you don’t get the quality of the Twin Eagles or the Memphis pellet grills listed above, but for an inexpensive built-in solution, it is hard to beat the RT-1070.
This pellet grill has a large cooking area and a large, front-mounted hopper. It has WiFi connectivity and can be controlled from your phone, so it has all the convenience factors. On the other hand, the hood is a single layer of stainless steel, so this unit is not terribly efficient or heavy on insulation. But recteq has been in the pellet grill business for many years and has earned an excellent reputation. If you are trying to save money, but want that outdoor kitchen experience, I strongly suggest you take a serious look at this model.
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 1070 Square Inches
- Hopper Capacity: 30 Pounds
- Temperature Range: 180° to 700° F
- Connectivity: WiFi with recteq App
- Two temperature probe ports
More information at recteq Grills
6. Grilla Silverbac
Not all built-in pellet grills are luxury grills. Grilla, one of the early makers of pellet grills and one of the more innovative has recently launched into the outdoor kitchen market with a discount setup that has it all for a reasonable price. At the center of this is a built-in version of the Grilla Silverbac. It doesn’t have all the stainless steel, but it is a design that has proven to perform. Best of all, you can get this insert pellet grill for under $900USD. You still get wireless monitoring and control, plenty of cooking space, and almost all the extras that can be found on the much more expensive units on this list. This is the Silverbac without the cart.
Specifications
- Cooking Area: 692 Square Inches
- Hopper Capacity: 20 Pound
- Temperature Range: 180° to 500° F
- Connectivity: WiFi with App
- One temperature probe port
More information at Grilla Grills
Read my Full Review of the Grilla Silverbac Pellet Grill
DIY Built-in Pellet Grills
Almost all pellet grills on the market come with legs to keep them off the ground. It is possible to build almost any pellet grill into a custom enclosure by removing the legs and mounting the unit onto a fireproof platform. However, doing this will void warranties because of the associated risks involved. Despite manufacturer warnings, people still do it. If you choose to go this route (and I am not saying you should), consult a professional with knowledge of basic construction. Use a fireproof material for the enclosure, such as [concrete, brick, or metal], and keep the unit unplugged when it is not in use.
If you are converting a freestanding pellet grill into a custom enclosure, there are some key factors to consider. First, you will void your warranty. Fires or damage to the unit will no longer be covered, nor will the manufacturer be held liable for improper use of their product, including altering its structure. Next, pellet grills need airflow, so you must ensure that the fan that feeds the fire pot is not blocked or obstructed. Finally, it’s important to ensure that the auger has sufficient space to move around, as it is not rigidly mounted.
I want to caution you that I am not endorsing or condoning this in any way. I am simply providing the information.
About Me
I have been writing about Barbecue & Grilling for over 20 years and have cooked on almost every grill or smoker ever built. In that time, I have endeavored to match people with the grill or smoker that is right for them. I believe that the right product is the one that you find easy to use, capable of doing everything you want, and with great reliable. If you have a good first experience, you will be back for more. In this way, we grow barbecue for the next generation. I want you to make memories that your children will cherish.
I have been involved in the outdoor kitchen market for the past two decades, even helping with writing a book on the subject. Over the years, I have tested and reviewed hundreds of outdoor kitchen products and even given input into the design of several models. The explosion in the pellet grill market has created an exciting opportunity for outdoor kitchens. Now, a single insert can grill and smoke, expanding the possibilities of outdoor cooking for both moderately priced as well as luxury installations.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article and the website it appears on use sales affiliates to cover the cost of operation. If you choose to purchase a product through the links provided, a portion of that sale will go to me. It helps me create content, so I can help you and others have the best barbecue experience. I am grateful to all my readers over the years that have been so kind as to assist me in my exploration of outdoor cooking. Thank you.
#Builtin #Pellet #Grill
