Built-In Grills

The most common sizes are 30" and 36". A 30" 4-burner fits a family of 4-6; 36" 5-burner handles a party of 8-10 comfortably; 42" and up are for entertainers who cook multiple proteins at once. Always confirm your cutout size against the manufacturer's spec sheet — cutouts are 1-2" smaller than the head's outer dimension.

The cooking head is identical — the difference is the frame. Built-in heads have no cart, no wheels, and no side shelves so they can drop into an outdoor kitchen. Freestanding versions of the same head come mounted on a stainless cart with propane storage, shelves, and casters. If you already have (or are building) a masonry island, buy the built-in; if the grill needs to be mobile or standalone, buy the cart.

Yes, if the grill is under a covered patio, gazebo, pergola with a solid roof, or any structure that traps smoke. IRC and most local codes require an outdoor-rated vent hood in those cases. For a fully open patio with no overhead structure, a vent hood isn't required — smoke dissipates. See our vent-hood buyer's guide for CFM sizing.