Investing in Excellence: A Wirecutter Guide to the 7 Best High-End Grills for Unparalleled Outdoor Cooking

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Investing in Excellence: A Wirecutter Guide to the 7 Best High-End Grills for Unparalleled Outdoor Cooking
Investing in Excellence: A Wirecutter Guide to the 7 Best High-End Grills for Unparalleled Outdoor Cooking
How to Use a Gas BBQ?, Photo by billyoh.com, is licensed under CC Zero

There are some things in life that are worth investing in. A premium quality gas grill is definitely one of them, offering far more than just a place to cook your food. For those who can afford to part with the money, the best high-end gas grills promise decades of reliable use, significantly improving your entire outdoor cooking experience.

These exceptional grills stand head-and-shoulders above the everyday models found in big-box stores. They feature the highest-quality components and boast superior heat distribution, ensuring consistent results every time you fire them up. Furthermore, their outstanding features are thoughtfully integrated to provide an unparalleled level of convenience and performance.

Before making a considerable investment to get a premium quality gas grill, it’s crucial to be certain that it is truly worth the money and that it possesses all the features you need. After thorough research, we have carefully selected seven of the finest grills for this comprehensive guide. We aim to provide you with a definitive resource to help navigate the world of high-end outdoor cooking.

1. **Blaze Professional LUX**The Blaze Professional LUX enters our review as the unequivocal ‘Best Overall’ choice, designed to impress in every possible aspect. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, and its cooking performance is equally stellar. Crucially, the grill is entirely constructed from durable 304 stainless steel, a hallmark of longevity and resistance to the elements.

Beyond its robust construction, the Blaze Professional LUX comes loaded with an impressive array of features that elevate it above the competition. These include a sturdy rotisserie kit and a powerful infrared burner, which together open up a world of advanced cooking possibilities. The accompanying cart provides ample storage space, a practical addition for any outdoor chef.

For those who love to grill after dark, the Blaze Professional LUX offers excellent illumination, with lights both inside the grill and on the control knobs. This thoughtful design ensures visibility and safety during nighttime cookouts. When all these superior qualities are combined with its outstanding value for money, it’s clear why the Blaze Professional LUX secures our top pick spot.

This grill’s impeccable design and craftsmanship are evident from top to bottom. It boasts a very sleek look, a testament to the high-quality 304 stainless steel used throughout its construction. Blaze is so confident in this grill’s durability that they offer a lifetime warranty on all stainless steel parts, providing peace of mind for decades to come. Their commitment to customer service is also noteworthy, with prompt replacement part shipments should any component show defects after years of use.

The Blaze Professional LUX also features a well-designed grease control system, essential for easy maintenance. A full-width grease tray efficiently catches all the dripping, making cleaning up fast and easy after even the most extensive grilling sessions. This attention to practical design details highlights the grill’s user-friendly nature.

The grilling area measures a generous 615 square inches, perfectly sized for cooking for the entire family or hosting a lively BBQ get-together. This spacious surface can accommodate as many as 25 burgers at a time, ensuring no guest goes hungry. An additional 201 square inch removable warming rack is also included, ideal for keeping food items warm or slow-cooking ribs while you focus on searing other dishes.

When it comes to raw firepower, the three heavy-duty stainless steel main burners are truly exceptional. They can blast out an impressive 54,000 BTUs, heating the grill to searing temperatures in a matter of minutes. The cooking grid, made of extra thick 12 mm hexagonal stainless steel rods, is designed to give perfect, restaurant-quality grill marks to your steaks and other meats.

One particularly impressive feature is the advanced flame tamer system integrated into this grill. This system serves a dual purpose: it effectively protects the burners from drippings and ensures heat is distributed evenly across the entire cooking surface. Moreover, it instantly vaporizes any drippings, adding an extra smoky flavor to your food.

As mentioned, planning on grilling after dark is no problem with this unit. It has bright halogen lights to illuminate the cooking area, providing clear visibility. The control knobs are also equipped with LED lights, adding both functionality and a touch of modern sophistication to your night-time cookouts.

For those who enjoy cooking whole birds, roasts, and other large items, the sturdy rotisserie kit will quickly become an indispensable tool. It is complemented by a powerful infrared rear burner, specifically designed to help cook things more evenly. The only feature noticeably missing from this comprehensive unit is a side burner, though Blaze offers them for separate installation in your outdoor kitchen.

When considering purchasing, the Blaze Professional is available on both Amazon and BBQGuys online store, offering flexibility. BBQGuys provides a wide range of options, allowing you to choose between propane or natural gas versions, select a standalone or built-in setup, or even upgrade to a larger 4-burner unit if your grilling space requirements are even more extensive. Ultimately, its professional-level grilling performance, ease of use and cleaning, excellent value, superior build quality, and lifetime warranty for stainless steel parts make it an outstanding investment.


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2. **Fire Magic Echelon Diamond**The Fire Magic Echelon Diamond is truly a sight to behold, immediately striking with its stunning design. This American-made grill achieves the right balance of features and options to satisfy any discerning backyard chef. While it isn’t overtly massive, it still offers plenty of cooking space, making it a versatile choice for various culinary needs.

This premium grill comes with an abundance of configuration options, allowing for significant customization. It can be purchased for built-in outdoor kitchen applications, seamlessly integrating into your custom setup, or as a stand-alone unit for patio use. This flexibility makes it adaptable to diverse outdoor living spaces and design preferences.

One of the most notable and distinctive features of the Echelon Diamond is its flat bar-style cooking grates. These grates are crafted from heavy-duty stainless bars, uniquely designed to be flat on top. This innovative design allows them to transfer heat into your food more effectively, ensuring a superior sear and consistent cooking results.

Powering this exceptional grill are three burners, meticulously cast from one-quarter-inch thick stainless steel. These robust burners are paired with flavor grids positioned above them, which contribute to exceptional heat distribution and precise control across the entire cooking surface. Together, these components deliver a substantial 90,000 BTUs of heating power.

As expected from a premium American-made model, the grill is equipped with all the high-end features one would anticipate. The built-in rotisserie system is particularly impressive, featuring a 13,000 BTU quantum infrared burner. This advanced burner produces twice as many BTUs as a standard infrared burner, promising more efficient and even cooking for roasts and whole poultry.

Monitoring and control are made easy with an included meat thermometer and four independent temperature zones, all clearly displayed and managed from a backlit LCD control panel on the front of the grill. The grill’s interior is brightly lit by two halogen lights for excellent visibility during night-time use, and the control knobs are elegantly backlit with LEDs.

For stand-alone models, a flush-mount 15,000 BTU side burner is included, adding versatility for preparing sauces or side dishes. It’s important to note that this grill, unlike many others, requires a 120-volt outlet to power its ignition and lighting systems, a small detail for planning its placement.

When purchasing this grill from the BBQGuys online store, consumers are offered a variety of choices. You can customize your order by selecting the fuel type, opting for either propane or natural gas, and choosing your preferred configuration—be it stand-alone or built-in—to perfectly suit your specific needs and outdoor kitchen design. This level of customization ensures a tailored grilling experience.

The Fire Magic Echelon Diamond could very well be our top pick, given its impressive features and performance. However, there is one significant hurdle: its limited availability. The grill is often listed as “Temporarily unavailable” on the BBQGuys online store, and Amazon indicates a lengthy “Usually ships within 3 to 5 weeks.” If you desire the absolute best of the best and happen to find this grill “In Stock,” it is highly recommended to order without hesitation. It delivers plenty of heating power, great monitoring options, a powerful infrared burner, and is built with premium materials in the USA.


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3. **Napoleon Prestige PRO 825 Propane/Natural Gas Grill**The Napoleon Prestige PRO 825 is justifiably categorized as the ‘Best Large High-End Grill’, a behemoth designed for serious entertainers. According to Napoleon, this grill is rated for an astounding capacity of up to 51 burgers. With its massive 1430 square inches of total cooking area and a combined output of 123,000 BTUs, this is undeniably a grand-scale grilling machine.

However, it’s not just its sheer size that makes this grill stand out; some of its unique features truly set it apart from the competition. Cooking on this meticulously well-thought-out grill is a genuine pleasure, irrespective of the size of the crowd you’re feeding. Its design intelligently addresses the needs of both intimate family dinners and large social gatherings.

The Prestige PRO 825 cleverly incorporates two distinct covered cooking areas. One features an ample 18 by 28-inch grate, while the other provides an 18 by 18-inch grate, allowing for versatile cooking zones. The larger side is equipped with four conventional grill burners, alongside a rear rotisserie burner and a dedicated smoker tray for wood chips, perfect for infusing flavors.

The smaller area serves as a powerful sear station, capable of reaching intense temperatures, but can also be effectively utilized as a warming area. This section is fitted with two super-high-power infrared burners and an additional warming burner, offering precise control for various cooking demands. This dual-zone approach enhances the grill’s functionality tremendously.

The cooking grates themselves are a testament to quality, crafted from ultra-thick 9.5 mm stainless steel rods. Their unique wave design is not merely aesthetic; it intelligently keeps food slightly elevated above the grill, preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking. This thoughtful design element is indicative of Napoleon’s commitment to superior grilling performance.

All control knobs on the Prestige PRO 825 are backlit, making operation effortless during evening cookouts, and the grill’s cooking areas are also internally lit for optimal visibility at night. A clever safety feature ensures the knobs smartly turn red if the gas has been inadvertently left on, providing an immediate visual warning.

No matter where you focus your attention on this grill, little innovations emerge that make it truly exceptional. The side table, often a mundane feature on other grills, here boasts an integrated ice bucket and a practical cutting board. For those who frequently cook with a wok, the reversible grate on the side burner is a delightful addition, flipping to securely hold flat pans or round-bottom woks with ease.

The integrated wood chip tray for smoking is ingeniously built into the control knob for its dedicated burner. This design allows it to pull right out from the front of the grill, providing incredibly easy access for loading and managing wood chips without disruption. This attention to user convenience is a hallmark of the Prestige PRO 825.

This Napoleon model is available in either a propane or natural gas version, catering to different fuel preferences. For those with less expansive outdoor spaces, two smaller sizes are also available. Napoleon reinforces its commitment to quality with a generous lifetime bumper-to-bumper warranty on their grills, offering unparalleled assurance. While a few parts, like cart legs and back panels, are not stainless steel, its large grilling area, stylish design, great features, and North American manufacturing make it a compelling choice.

Mont Alpi 44-inch Barbeque Island
Multipurpose Gas Tandoor, Barbeque Grill – Download Free 3D model by Akshat Sharma (@akshatezio …, Photo by sketchfab.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

4. **Mont Alpi 44-inch Barbeque Island**For homeowners seeking a comprehensive outdoor kitchen solution, the Mont Alpi 44-inch Barbeque Island presents a fantastic value proposition. What sets this system apart is its clever modular design, where components are crafted to look seamlessly integrated. This creates a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic, enhanced by faux granite white countertops and heavy-duty stainless siding, projecting a sense of luxury and durability.

The main grill unit is equipped with an 18 by 38-inch cooking grate, offering ample space for a variety of dishes, complemented by a convenient warming rack. This powerful grill delivers an impressive 115,000 BTUs of heat output distributed across its six burners, ensuring efficient and thorough cooking. The grate itself is constructed from sturdy 8 mm stainless rod, built to withstand rigorous use and provide excellent heat retention.

The Mont Alpi island also incorporates advanced burner technology to enhance its versatility. It features ceramic infrared burners strategically placed in the rear for rotisserie cooking, and on the side for intense searing. Furthermore, one of the side tables thoughtfully includes a covered, flush-mount side burner, perfect for preparing sauces, sides, or boiling water while your main dishes cook.

It’s worth noting that the rotisserie kit is not included with the standard grill package; it’s an exclusive inclusion with the slightly more expensive deluxe version or can be purchased separately. This allows for some customization based on your specific grilling needs and budget. The base model operates on propane, but a natural gas conversion kit is readily available separately for those with access to a natural gas line.

Expanding your outdoor culinary space is made easy with numerous other matching modules available. These include practical additions such as a beverage center complete with a sink and refrigerator, allowing you to create a truly bespoke and fully functional outdoor kitchen tailored to your entertainment and cooking desires. The thoughtful design even includes removable caster wheels, providing the flexibility to easily use it as a built-in grill should your plans change.

Choosing from the buying options, the BBQGuys online store allows you to select between the basic or deluxe model of this impressive barbecue island. With the deluxe version, you gain the flexibility to choose between 6 and 4-burner units, or even add a dedicated beverage center to the unit for ultimate convenience. The Mont Alpi Barbeque Island is also available on Amazon, where you can find an additional rotisserie kit if you decide you need one later. Crafted with 304 stainless steel, featuring stylish faux-granite countertops, large storage, and dual halogen lights, it’s a great choice, though the rotisserie kit is an additional consideration.

Weber Summit S-670 Grill Center
File:Weber Grill Restaurant – Schaumburg.jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

5. **Weber Summit S-670 Grill Center**While Weber might not always be the first brand that springs to mind when discussing ultra-high-end, luxury grill manufacturers, their top-of-the-line models, particularly the Summit Series, undeniably deliver a phenomenal cooking experience. The Summit S-670 Grill Center is a perfect illustration of a grill where every component and feature harmonizes beautifully to create a truly exceptional outdoor cooking appliance. It stands as a formidable contender, often drawing direct comparisons with industry giants like Napoleon, where the choice frequently boils down to personal preference for aesthetics or brand loyalty.

The “Grill Center” option within the Summit Series is expertly designed to help homeowners achieve the look and feel of a complete, fully integrated outdoor kitchen. This configuration features sophisticated stainless freestanding units, creating a seamless and premium aesthetic. It boasts two robust side tables, thoughtfully equipped with adjustable stainless steel shelving, providing ample prep and storage space. One of these side tables ingeniously incorporates a powerful dual-ring 27,000 BTU side burner system, perfect for simmering sauces, boiling corn, or preparing delicate side dishes without monopolizing the main grilling area.

What truly sets the Summit S-670 apart is its meticulously engineered rotisserie system, with a drive unit permanently mounted on the side table that flips down flush when not in use, preserving sleek lines. Beyond this, it features an integrated smoker box with a dedicated 6,800 BTU burner for deep, smoky flavors. A powerful 10,600 BTU sear station is also built-in, ready to deliver restaurant-quality searing and perfect grill marks with intense, concentrated heat.

The Weber Summit S-670 Grill Center truly embodies value and performance. Its six main burners provide exceptional control over different cooking zones, complemented by a powerful dual-ring side-burner for added versatility. Owners frequently praise its excellent value for money, comprehensive smoker box, and superior rotisserie system. The construction is notably durable, backed by a generous 10-year warranty covering all parts, instilling confidence in its longevity. While the burner housing and the rear of the grill are made of porcelain-enameled steel rather than full stainless steel, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise outstanding grilling machine.

6. **Coyote Centaur 50-Inch Hybrid Grill**For those seeking the absolute zenith of grilling versatility, dual-fuel grills, often referred to as hybrids, have surged in popularity, fundamentally expanding the horizons of outdoor cooking. The Coyote Centaur 50-Inch Hybrid Grill stands as a prime example of this innovative category, offering the best of both grilling worlds in one cohesive unit. We’re not talking about merely switching between propane and natural gas here; this sophisticated system provides both the immediate convenience of a gas grill and the rich, authentic flavor of a charcoal-fired barbecue pit, catering to every culinary mood and occasion.

The Centaur distinguishes itself with a truly impressive design feature: two distinct cooking zones, each protected by its own dedicated hood. This means that a spontaneous weeknight craving for perfectly seared burgers or quick-grilled vegetables can be swiftly satisfied on the gas side, offering instant heat and precise control. Simultaneously, or for a more leisurely weekend endeavor, the charcoal side patiently imparts that unmistakable smoky depth to ribs, briskets, or whole chickens, allowing for low-and-slow smoking or intense, high-temperature searing for a restaurant-quality crust.

Functionally, the gas section delivers ample power and even heat distribution for consistent results across its expansive cooking surface, with robust burners for rapid preheating. The charcoal section is engineered for traditional smoking and grilling, featuring an adjustable charcoal tray and precision air vents for meticulous control over heat intensity, distance from grates, and smoke infusion, offering unparalleled mastery over your craft.

As a high-end hybrid grill, the Centaur is constructed with an unwavering commitment to quality and durability, consistent with the meticulous standards seen in other premium models. It boasts heavy-duty stainless steel components throughout, ensuring it withstands the rigors of outdoor environments and years of frequent use. The thoughtful engineering extends to its ease of cleaning and maintenance, with designs aimed at simplifying the post-grilling process, reflecting Wirecutter’s focus on practical, user-centric solutions. This superior build ensures that your investment not only performs exceptionally but also maintains its pristine appearance and structural integrity for the long haul.

grilling salmon” by joey.parsons is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

7. **American Muscle Grill 36-Inch Built-In Dual Fuel**Presenting itself as the “Most Stylish Dual Fuel Grill,” the American Muscle Grill 36-Inch Built-In Dual Fuel is not merely a cooking appliance; it is a meticulously crafted centerpiece designed to elevate any outdoor kitchen with both its stunning aesthetics and exceptional culinary prowess. This grill is engineered for those who demand ultimate versatility, blending robust performance with an undeniable visual appeal, making a bold statement in a sophisticated outdoor living space.

What truly sets the American Muscle Grill apart is its unparalleled multi-fuel capability, extending beyond gas and charcoal. Its ingenious design allows for various other fuel types, including wood chips, pellets, and infrared burners, creating an extraordinary range of flavors and cooking styles. This flexibility empowers chefs to experiment with different fuel sources, from smoky hardwoods to intense infrared searing, ensuring every meal is a unique culinary adventure.

The “Stylish” aspect of this grill is evident in every detail, from its sleek, integrated “Built-In” design to its high-quality finishes and commanding presence. For a built-in unit, seamless integration into custom outdoor cabinetry and countertops is paramount, and the American Muscle Grill achieves this with finesse. Its robust construction, typically featuring premium-grade stainless steel, not only ensures exceptional durability and resistance to the elements but also contributes to its luxurious, polished appearance, making it a focal point of any high-end outdoor kitchen.

Performance is at the core of the ‘Muscle Grill’ identity, delivering high BTU output for rapid heat-up and sustained, even temperatures. Equipped with heavy-duty cooking grates for efficient heat transfer and restaurant-quality sear marks, its precise temperature control and multi-fuel flexibility make it adept at any cooking method, from searing steaks to slow-smoking brisket, offering consistent and superior results.

### Things to Consider Before Buying a High-End Grill

Investing in a premium quality gas grill is a significant decision, extending beyond the initial ‘wow’ factor. High-end grills offer a world of possibilities, yet necessitate specific considerations before purchase, influencing satisfaction, long-term use, and seamless integration into your outdoor living space. This section provides practical, solution-oriented advice, covering installation complexities, dual-fuel hybrids, and matching size and power, all viewed critically to ensure an informed purchasing decision aligned with your culinary aspirations.

#### Installation and Use

Acquiring an expensive grill often involves a crucial, professional installation process, especially for built-in models. This ensures safety and optimal performance, involving careful handling of gas lines, electrical connections (like the 120-volt outlet needed for Fire Magic Echelon Diamond), and proper ventilation. Structural support is also paramount, preventing hazards and ensuring longevity.

Beyond installation, consider your primary cooking style. Prioritizing rotisserie, high-heat searing, or slow-smoking helps identify essential features like dedicated infrared burners or integrated smoker boxes. Thoughtful designs, such as the Blaze Professional LUX’s full-width grease tray, also simplify maintenance, making cleaning a breeze and enhancing the overall cooking experience.

#### Dual-Fuel Hybrid Grills

Dual-fuel hybrid grills, exemplified by the Coyote Centaur and American Muscle Grill, represent a significant leap in outdoor cooking, combining the convenience of gas with authentic smoky flavors from charcoal, wood, or pellets. This versatility allows effortless switching from quick weeknight gas grilling to weekend slow-smoking, offering unparalleled flexibility to match cooking methods to mood and dish.

However, embracing a dual-fuel hybrid introduces additional considerations. These units are more complex and often higher priced than single-fuel counterparts. They require more substantial space for installation, accommodating two distinct cooking systems and storage for different fuel types. Understanding these logistical demands ensures seamless integration without unnecessary clutter.

#### Size and Power Output

The impressive scale and power output of high-end grills must match your entertaining habits and outdoor space. Grills like the Napoleon Prestige PRO 825, rated for up to 51 burgers, are for serious entertainers. Evaluate size by considering the primary grilling area, warming racks, and side burners. A generous cooking surface is vital, while warming racks are invaluable for keeping food warm or slow-cooking, enhancing efficiency.

Beyond physical size, total BTU output and heat flux (BTUs per square inch) indicate a grill’s raw power and efficiency. High BTUs ensure quick preheating and searing, but consistent, even heat distribution is equally important. Features like the Blaze Professional LUX’s flame tamer systems protect burners and spread heat uniformly. Innovative grate designs, like Fire Magic Echelon Diamond’s flat bar-style grates, transfer heat effectively, ensuring superior searing and consistent results.

The journey into high-end gas grills reveals where superior engineering meets unparalleled culinary potential. From robust, lifetime-warrantied stainless steel titans to ingenious dual-fuel hybrids, each premium model offers distinct advantages to elevate your outdoor cooking. These are investments in durability, versatility, and the joy of exceptional meals. By considering installation, hybrid benefits, and aligning size and power with your lifestyle, you’re not just buying a grill—you’re crafting the centerpiece of your ultimate outdoor culinary sanctuary. Choose wisely, reflect your passion, and prepare for decades of delicious adventures.

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