Freestanding vs. Built-In vs. Portable: Which Outdoor Grill Is Right for You?

Outdoor kitchens are now a popular choice among homeowners looking to cook and entertain outdoors, which adds value to the property. In Los Angeles, we are seeing more people invest in stylish open-air cooking spaces that match the indoors with plans ranging from casual weekend BBQs to fully outfitted outdoor dining areas. However, no matter how beautiful your space is, without the right grill, it won’t be functional.

When you design your outdoor kitchen, one of the most vital decisions will revolve around what type of grill fits best. This is why knowing the different outdoor grill types is essential. If you’re choosing between a freestanding grill vs a built-in or debating on a smaller option like a portable model, your decision will impact how you use the space and eat.

In this guide, we’ll discuss all styles of grills, including freestanding, portable, and built-in, along with their advantages and disadvantages, so that you can determine how to create the best outdoor grill setup that suits both your lifestyle and space needs.

What Is a Freestanding Grill?

A freestanding outdoor grill is among the most sought-after cooking options, especially for backyard grilling. These grills are self-contained units, and they usually come with wheels, making it easy to move them around your patio or yard. Most models feature a grill with cart design, which offers side shelves for prep work in addition to cabinets for storage and grill tool hooks, providing you with everything needed in one convenient setting.

This type of grill is great for homeowners looking for flexibility. If you like rearranging your outdoor space, need to store your grill during cold months, or even plan on traveling with it, freestanding units make all that simple. This type of unit is also smart for renters or anyone with limited outdoor space, as this doesn’t need permanent installation.

Most outdoor freestanding grills use gas as fuel, which provides easy ignition and strong heat output, making it efficient for everyday use. For elegant yet reliable backyard gas grills, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center offers stylish high-end models design, focusing on user convenience as well as performance.

Explore Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for high-quality freestanding grill options that suit every patio or yard, and discover ones that complement your style of outdoor cooking.

What Is a Built-In Grill?

A built-in grill is perfect for homeowners seeking to integrate cooking equipment into a fully functional outdoor living kitchen. They are integrated directly into an outdoor countertop or outdoor grill island, providing a seamless integration with the surrounding stone, tile, or stainless-steel finishes. The end result is a sleek and modern outdoor space that exudes sophistication while serving as an extension of your indoor kitchen.

Beyond aesthetics, these grills are powerful. Permanent outdoor kitchen grills usually offers larger cooking surfaces, stronger burners, and additional amenities such as rotisserie kits and searing zones or infrared heat. These types of built-in grills are for those who like to cook on a daily basis and frequently host dinner parties or gatherings.

Keep in mind that these types of setups require meticulous planning during the installation phase, which involves additional work, but boosts long-term value for your home. If you’re designing a high-end outdoor kitchen and need a versatile, robust grill, built-in models won’t disappoint.

To complete your custom setup, visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, where you can browse different options and a premium selection of Built-In Grills.

What Is a Portable Grill?

A portable outdoor grill is an option for people who want to cook outside without having an extensive setup. Perfect for small patios, camping trips, beach outings, or tailgating. They’re relatively effortless to carry around, set up, and store.

Almost all portable grills are available in tabletop style or come with foldable legs, which facilitate easier packing and movement. They are also available in gas, charcoal, and electric, making it easier for you to choose based on your preferences. There are some models that have small propane canisters that work better for long-distance travel.

Even though these grills are smaller in size compared to regular outdoor grills, they still provide enough cooking space for burgers, steaks, hot dogs, and grilled veggies, which makes them ideal for anyone without much space or who wants an additional grill for fast meals.

For those looking for something uncomplicated that can be easily taken on the go, portable outdoor grills allow you to cook anywhere while providing taste and convenience.

Comparison Chart: Freestanding vs. Built-In vs. Portable Grills

Comparing different types of outdoor grills side by side makes choosing the right one simpler. This grill comparison chart summarizes important outdoor grill features such as ease of setup, mobility, power output, and pricing. Making it easier to weigh the grill pros and cons of each style.

Freestanding grills are great value choices considering their price, features, and flexibility. Built-in grills offer unparalleled performance and aesthetics if you plan to install them permanently. For convenience meals, portable grills are the best.

If you need help choosing a particular model, you can always see the best-rated models up close and receive professional guidance at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center showrooms.

How to Choose the Right Grill for Your Space

When selecting an outdoor grill, start with how it aligns with your area, lifestyle, cooking habits, and budget. Here are some important areas to consider when choosing an outdoor grill that truly works for you.

How Often Do You Grill?

For frequent users (especially for hosting family get-togethers), built-in outdoor grills may become the best grill for backyard as they usually provide ample power for an entire menu and have generous cooking space. This style also provides a polished look appropriate for regular use. On the other hand, for occasional or backup users who want something more versatile, start with portables or freestanding grills instead.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Space matters. If you have a big patio or are designing an outdoor kitchen, a built-in model will slide right into your layout. But in a cramped space, or if you plan to store the grill when not in use, a free-standing or portable outdoor grill may be a more efficient use of space.

Do You Need to Move the Grill?

With a freestanding grill, you have more options. It can be moved or stored away with minimal effort. If mobility is your top concern, portable grills are even better. On the other hand, built-in grills are not movable, they are permanently affixed in place after installation.

What’s Your Budget?

The most affordable options include portable and freestanding models. Built-in grills are pricier, but offer high-end performance and long-term value, making them a good long-term investment. Make sure that your budget aligns with your outdoor cooking expectations.

When you start Outdoor kitchen planning, it helps to think about how you will be using the space. So, by getting the right grill, you are making sure that your grilling setup is going to last for years to come and that you will have a great time cooking on it.

Visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center to Explore Outdoor Grill Options

Building the perfect outdoor kitchen requires proper guidance and quality products. At Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, we take pride in being the outdoor kitchen experts serving all of Southern California. Our team is readily available to advise you on selecting the right type of grill and help you with every aspect of your full outdoor setup design.

As one of the most trusted Outdoor Grill Showrooms in Los Angeles, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center stocks a wide range of premium grills, including portable units, freestanding models, as well as built-in grills for custom islands. We have live displays so you can ask questions and receive tailored recommendations based on cooking preferences, budgets, and space constraints.

You can easily walk into any of Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center Showrooms in Studio City, Calabasas, Santa Clarita, Costa Mesa, Torrance, or Mission Viejo to check out the innovations in outdoor cooking equipment from top brands.

Visit our luxury grill stores in LA and OC and speak with our team today to get started right away! Let us assist you in designing an outdoor cooking area that complements your lifestyle.

The Takeaway

Picking the right grill can totally transform the way you experience your outdoor space. A freestanding grill gives you the versatility to move it where you want, while a built-in model delivers a high-end, permanent look, along with extensive, lasting value to your outdoor kitchen space. If you want a small and simple option you can take anywhere, a portable grill provides easy meals without a big footprint.

Whatever option works best for your lifestyle, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center has the right luxury backyard grill choice for you. Whether you need a tabletop or a full-scale outdoor kitchen, we offer a wide variety of best-rated models to choose from.

Want to shop outdoor grills in LA or searching for a grill store near me? Explore Outdoor Grills at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center and get pro assistance now.