Built-In Gas Grills: Sizes, Burners and Outdoor Kitchen Planning
How to choose a built-in gas grill for an outdoor kitchen, with four 30 to 54-inch grills from Lynx, XO and Viking compared.
- Built-in grill heads in this guide range from 30 to 54 inches wide.
- Total cooking area runs from 702 sq. in. on the XO to 1,555 sq. in. on the Viking, including warming racks.
- Total output runs from 46,000 BTU on the Lynx Sedona to 98,000 BTU on the Viking.
- Every grill needs an exact cutout in the island, so check the cutout size before the island is built.
A built-in gas grill is a grill head without a cart, designed to drop into an outdoor kitchen island or counter. It gives a permanent, finished look and lets you plan storage, counter space and other outdoor appliances around it.
This guide explains how to size a built-in gas grill, what burner and BTU numbers mean, and how to plan the island, then compares four built-in grills we carry from Lynx, XO and Viking, using the specs listed on each product page.
Our top picks at a glance
Compare them side by side
30-Inch Pick: Lynx L501NG Sedona 30-Inch Built-In Grill
The Lynx L501NG is a 30-inch Sedona built-in grill in 304-grade stainless steel for natural gas, with 2 stainless steel burners at 23,000 BTU each (46,000 BTU total). It offers 733 sq. in. of cooking area (508 primary, 225 secondary), blue-lit control knobs, hood assist, interior lighting, spark ignition and a thermometer.
- 733 sq. in. total
- Hood assist
- Blue-lit control knobs
- 304-grade stainless steel
- 2 burners
- No rotisserie
Infrared Rear Burner Pick: XO XOGRILL32XLT2N Performance XLT2 32-Inch Built-In Grill
The XO XOGRILL32XLT2N is a 32-inch Performance Series built-in grill in stainless steel for natural gas, with 3 U-shaped burners and an infrared rear burner. It lists 51,000 BTU total and 702 sq. in. of cooking area (530 primary, 172 secondary), blue LED control lights, interior lighting and a thermometer. A rotisserie is optional.
- Infrared rear burner
- 702 sq. in. total
- Blue LED control lights
- Interior lighting
- Rotisserie sold as an option
- Natural gas version
Trident Burner Pick: Lynx L42ATRNG Professional 42-Inch Built-In Grill
The Lynx L42ATRNG is a 42-inch Professional built-in grill in 304-grade stainless steel for natural gas, with 3 Trident infrared burners and 75,000 BTU total. It offers 1,200 sq. in. of cooking area (855 primary, 345 secondary), a dual-position rotisserie, a warming rack, halogen lighting and electronic ignition.
- 3 Trident infrared burners
- 1,200 sq. in. total
- Dual-position rotisserie
- Warming rack
- Needs a large island
- Natural gas version
54-Inch Pick: Viking VQGI5541NSS 5 Series 54-Inch Built-In Grill
The Viking VQGI5541NSS is a 54-inch 5 Series built-in grill for natural gas with three cast brass burners and one ProSear burner, plus a dual-position rotisserie with 2 infrared burners. It lists 98,000 BTU total and 1,555 sq. in. of cooking area (1,110 primary, 445 secondary), with a 28,000 BTU rotisserie burner, backlit controls, interior lighting, a warming rack and a drip tray.
- 1,555 sq. in. total
- ProSear burner
- Rotisserie with infrared burners
- Backlit controls
- Needs a 53-inch cutout
- Natural gas version
Built-In Gas Grills Compared
Lynx Sedona 30" | XO 32" | Lynx 42" | Viking 54" | |
| Model | L501NG | XOGRILL32XLT2N | L42ATRNG | VQGI5541NSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,089 | $2,399 | $8,929 | $11,719 |
| Width | 30" | 32" | 42" | 54" |
| Grill Burners | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Total BTU | 46,000 | 51,000 | 75,000 | 98,000 |
| Cooking Area | 733 sq. in. | 702 sq. in. | 1,200 sq. in. | 1,555 sq. in. |
| Infrared | Not listed | Rear burner | Trident burners | ProSear and rotisserie |
| Rotisserie | Not included | Optional |  | |
| Gas Type | Natural gas | Natural gas | Natural gas | Natural gas |
| View | View | View | View |
How to Size a Built-In Gas Grill
Start with how many people you cook for. Most families do well with a grill around 30 inches wide, such as the Lynx L501NG. Larger grills, such as the Lynx L42ATRNG and Viking VQGI5541NSS, handle big gatherings and rotisserie cooking. Cooking area is listed in square inches: primary is the main grate, secondary is the warming rack.
BTU is total gas output. More BTU is not the whole story, because burner type and grate design matter too. Infrared burners, like the Lynx Trident burners, the XO rear burner and the Viking ProSear burner, deliver intense heat for searing.
- 30 to 32 inches: everyday family grilling
- 42 inches and up: entertaining and rotisserie
- Check primary and secondary cooking area
Planning the Island and Gas Line
Every built-in grill has a specific cutout width, depth and height, listed on the product page. The grill drops into the cutout, so build the island to those numbers. Many brands also recommend an insulated jacket when the island is built from combustible materials; check the installation guide for your grill.
Confirm your fuel before you order. Built-in grills are sold in natural gas or liquid propane versions, and the four shown here are natural gas versions. Our guide on choosing an outdoor grill setup covers island layouts, and winterizing outdoor appliances helps protect your grill in the off season.
How to Choose a Built-In Gas Grill
- 01
Pick a widthChoose a size based on how many people you cook for and the space in your island.
- 02
Confirm the fuelOrder the natural gas or liquid propane version that matches your hookup.
- 03
Choose burner featuresDecide whether you want infrared searing or a rotisserie.
- 04
Build to the cutoutUse the cutout width, depth and height from the product page.
Our Picks by Outdoor Kitchen
Compare every built-in grill we carry by size, fuel and burners.
Shop GrillsFrequently Asked Questions
What size built-in grill do I need?
For most families, a 30 to 32-inch grill is enough. If you entertain often or want a rotisserie, look at 42 inches and up. The grills in this guide range from 30 to 54 inches wide.
What is the cutout size for a built-in grill?
Each grill has its own cutout width, depth and height, and the cutout is usually a little narrower than the grill itself. Check the product page or the installation guide for your model before the island is built.
How many BTUs should a built-in gas grill have?
The Lynx L501NG lists 46,000 BTU total. The Viking VQGI5541NSS lists 98,000 BTU total, the most in this guide. Burner type and grate design matter as much as the BTU number.
Can I convert a built-in grill from propane to natural gas?
Grills are sold as natural gas or propane versions. Check the product page and the manufacturer's instructions before converting, and use a licensed installer.
Do built-in grills need a rotisserie?
No, but it is useful for roasts and whole chickens. The Lynx L42ATRNG and Viking VQGI5541NSS include a rotisserie, it is optional on the XO, and the Lynx L501NG has none.
