Outdoor entertainment areas can be a challenge to decorate, especially when it comes to cooking appliances. Grills are a must-have for any outdoor space, but how do you get one that matches your exterior decor? Consider looking at custom barbecue grills where you can tailor different aspects of your appliance to your preferences.
If you want a high-end outdoor cooking setup there are certain aspects you need to consider first. That's because there are various types of high end barbeque grills and the materials they're made from. You also need to consider the features of a gourmet grilling center so get the outdoor cooking experience of your dreams.
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Shop Outdoor Appliances Near MeFind out how you can create the perfect multi-function outdoor cooking station with our comprehensive guide below. Plus, find out where you can shop for premium grill accessories and barbeques to make outdoor cooking a breeze!
Types of Custom Barbeque Grills
Choosing the right custom grill means understanding how different models perform, how they're installed, and which features suit your preferred cooking techniques. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main types of custom barbeque grills and what sets each apart.
Built-In vs. Freestanding Grills
If you're looking to build a grill outside, your first decision is whether to go with an outdoor build in grill or a freestanding model. A built in grill is designed to be a permanent fixture and is installed in an outdoor kitchen island and connected to a dedicated gas or electrical line. These models have a seamless look and are excellent for integrated cooking zones and storage.
Freestanding grills, on the other hand, come on carts with wheels for portability and flexibility. While they can’t always match the capacity of built-in models, many high-end freestanding grills support advanced features like rotisserie cooking methods and indirect heat grilling.
Fuel Type Differences
Custom BBQ grills can also come in different fuel types. While each type is used to source the heat, they way they function differs and creates a different grilling experience. Let’s break it down:
- Gas grills are favored for convenience and quick heat-up times. They can support multi-zone grilling setup for simultaneous cooking at different temperatures. Propane grills are a subtype of gas grills, and use portable tanks for fuel. They’re ideal when hard-plumbed gas isn’t an option.
- Charcoal grills and wood pellet grills appeal to purists who prioritize wood-fired flavor additions. Though slower to heat and harder to regulate, they give you unbeatable flavor and work well with low and slow smoking capabilities when combined with the right design.
- Dual-fuel grills combine gas and charcoal elements for flexibility. Want to sear steaks one night and smoke ribs the next? A dual-fuel setup accommodates both high-heat searing options and extended smoking sessions.
Advanced Cooking Features
Serious grillers look for models that support two-zone cooking configuration, a setup where one side of the grill is significantly hotter than the other. This configuration is perfect for indirect heat grilling and lets you manage different cooking styles at once.
Some high-end models also have sous vide grill integration, that pairs precise water-bath cooking with a finishing sear. Others are engineered with convection grilling technology, which circulates hot air for even cooking, which is great for baking or roasting meat outdoors.
If you're passionate about specialty techniques, consider grills with integrated rotisserie cooking methods for poultry or those built to accommodate accessories like smoker boxes and pizza stones. Each type of grill opens up different culinary possibilities for your custom outdoor kitchen
Custom Barbeque Grill Materials
The performance and longevity of custom barbecue grills rely heavily on the materials used during construction. From structural elements to finishes, each component plays a role in durability, heat retention, and visual appeal. Below are the most common materials used and what they can give you in a custom outdoor setup.
Stainless Steel Grill Construction
One of the most popular choices in premium grills is stainless steel grill construction. It’s corrosion-resistant and retains heat efficiently. Manufacturers often use 304-grade stainless steel, which provides excellent protection against rust and weather exposure.
In higher-end models, marine-grade stainless steel (such as 316-grade) is used, particularly in coastal environments, where salt air can rapidly degrade lesser metals. This makes it ideal when you build grill units near pools or seaside patios.
Ceramic and Cast Iron Elements
Some custom barbecue grills feature internal components made from ceramics or cast iron. For instance, ceramic heat deflectors are popular in kamado-style grills because they distribute heat evenly and help maintain stable cooking temperatures. Cast iron grates, while prone to rust if not maintained, have superior heat retention, which benefits searing and high-temperature grilling.
Weather-Resistant and Commercial-Grade Materials
Outdoor grilling demands weather-resistant grill materials, especially in variable climates. Powder-coated steel is used in budget-conscious models, though it’s more susceptible to wear over time. By contrast, commercial-grade components, like heavy-duty hinges, burners, and knobs, are engineered to withstand frequent use and temperature fluctuations, so they're important for anyone building a long-term grilling station.
Finishes and Countertop Options
Visual appeal matters too in high-end installations. Designer grill finishes can include brushed stainless, powder-coated colors, or even mirrored steel, each with a distinctive look to match outdoor décor. When designing a full kitchen setup, custom countertop materials such as granite, tile, or weather-rated concrete are chosen to surround the grill unit for a durable and cohesive finish.
Functionality and Storage
Beyond materials used for the cookbox and frame, it's worth considering integrated storage solutions made of stainless or powder-coated metals, which add convenience without sacrificing weather resistance. Custom islands can be fitted with pull-out drawers and shelving that match the rest of the structure.
Paired with high-BTU burner systems, quality materials transform a simple grill into a full-functioning outdoor kitchen capable of serious performance and longevity.
High-End Features of Custom Barbeque Grills
Custom built-in grill features should give you far more than basic grilling. High-end grill stations allow users to customize everything from fuel source to aesthetics, delivering precise performance and exceptional durability. Here are five advanced features available from top manufacturers.
Infrared Searing and Rotisserie Capabilities
Infrared searing burners are a hallmark of elite grills. Brands like Lynx and Hestan use ceramic infrared technology to deliver intense, direct heat, ideal for locking in juices with a quick sear. Many models also include rotisserie kits for grills, with rear-mounted infrared burners for even roasting. Some Lynx professional grills feature even integrated rotisserie systems with dual-position rods and high-powered rear burners, which makes them perfect for whole chickens or roasts.
Hybrid Fuel and Pellet Flexibility
For maximum versatility, some grills have hybrid fuel grilling systems. Kalamazoo grill innovations lead the way here, so you can cook with gas, charcoal, and wood simultaneously. For pellet enthusiasts, pellet smoker conversion kits are available from brands like Memphis and Coyote to enable slow-smoked flavor with digital precision.
Add-ons and Custom Grill Layouts
Luxury BBQ customization means choosing the exact modules that suit your space. Want a side burner for boiling or sautéing? Side burner options are available for top brands. Add a dedicated warming drawer or refrigerated cabinet to build a professional-grade grilling station personalized to your needs. Grill island accessories can include storage drawers, cutting boards, and beverage centers, all seamlessly integrated.
Smart Temperature and Lighting Control
Maintaining perfect heat is easy with integrated temperature control systems. Wolf outdoor grill options include digital thermometers, while Hestan outdoor cooking systems feature motion-activated halogen grill lighting systems and LED-lit knobs for nighttime grilling. These controls ensure precision, even during complex cooking.
Add-Ons for Specialty Cooking
Modern grills can handle much more than burgers. Brands like Alfresco include built-in smoker attachments and pizza oven add-ons for true wood-fired cooking. For charcoal lovers, charcoal tray additions available from Fire Magic premium features the traditional grilling with the convenience of a gas-powered setup.
From premium grill grates to double side burners, today’s luxury grills combine technology and tradition for the ultimate outdoor cooking experience.
Where to Shop for Custom Barbeque Grills in the Bay Area
Friedmans Appliances in the Bay Area has a curated selection of high-performance grills perfect for DIY grill station plans or full outdoor kitchen integration. You can get entertainment-focused grill design options as well as space-saving grill designs.
Additionally, we carry top brands like Lynx, Hestan, Wolf, and Alfresco, each with real features such as smart grilling technology, rotisserie systems, and infrared searing zones. Whether you’re interested in energy-efficient grilling with pellet models or need all-season grilling solutions, our showroom lets you experience it all firsthand.
Thinking about the ROI on grill customization? Our experts can help with grill customization budget planning by giving you advice on affordable options that give you years of incredible cooking experiences. Visit our website to browse premium outdoor appliances and grilling accessories, or stop by our shop to see these innovations in action and speak with our specialists about creating your custom setup. Friedmans is your destination for outdoor cooking that performs year-round!
Custom BBQ Grill FAQs
Sometimes you can convert a regular barbecue into a built-in, but it requires careful planning to ensure safety, ventilation, and structural support. The grill must be rated for built-in use; otherwise, its heat output and airflow needs could pose fire hazards when enclosed. Many homeowners opt for custom barbecue grills because they’re specifically designed for permanent installation and provide proper clearances, mounting options, and durable construction for integration into outdoor kitchen islands.
Built-in grills can be better for those who want a permanent outdoor cooking solution that integrates seamlessly with an outdoor kitchen. They can feature higher-quality materials, more powerful burners, and additional accessories like rotisseries, smokers, and side burners. These grills are designed for durability and performance, so they're ideal for frequent entertaining and long-term use.
Yes, custom barbecue grills are worth it for homeowners who value performance, durability, and personalized design. They allow for customized features like multiple fuel options, rotisserie systems, built-in smokers, and smart controls that standard grills often lack. While the upfront investment may be higher, the long-term value, cooking versatility, and potential to increase property appeal make them a practical choice for serious outdoor chefs.
You can buy a custom barbecue grill from Friedmans Appliance, a trusted retailer that provides premium outdoor cooking equipment. We have a wide selection of grills in various designs, fuel types, and finishes to match your specific outdoor space and cooking needs. For hands-on guidance and to see top brands in action, visit our Bay Area showroom and speak with experts about building your ideal outdoor kitchen setup.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dishwasher or laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Grills and Outdoor Appliances at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop custom barbeque grills online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you build a custom barbeque grill, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
→ Learn more: The Definitive Outdoor Grill Station Buying Guide