The Best Professional Outdoor BBQ Grills for 2025: Expert Reviews & Buying Guide

Buying a luxury outdoor grill shouldn’t feel like guesswork.

Every brand claims to be the best. But when you're spending anywhere from $7,000 to over $22,000, you deserve straight answers, not marketing fluff.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best professional BBQ grills for 2025 with real-world insight, not just specs pulled from a brochure.

You’ll learn the key differences between Kalamazoo, Lynx, DCS, and Hestan, and how to choose the right grill based on your cooking style, not just the price.

We’ll also cover:

• Which grills offer the best searing, smoking, and rotisserie performance
• What “marine-grade stainless steel” really means (and whether you actually need it)
• The biggest mistakes people make when buying a luxury grill
• How to save money without sacrificing performance

As a bonus, we’ll show you how to build your outdoor kitchen like a pro without blowing your budget on features you don't need.

Let’s jump in.

📌Skip Ahead

• Full Product Reviews
• Key Factors to Consider
• Warranty & Service
• What to Buy
• FAQ's

The Best Professional Outdoor BBQ Grills for 2025

Quick Picks: Best BBQ Grills for 2025

1. Best Overall: Kalamazoo Hyrbid Fire K750HB (Starting at $20,995+)

Review

Kalamazoo offers a range of grill sizes in both built-in and freestanding models, including 28, 37, 48, and 54 inches.

These grills are built to order and unique in more ways than one—as they should be, given the price tag.

Kalamazoo started as a sheet metal shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, back in 1906.

Here’s why you might want one.

One of my best friends is a professional griller. I’ve learned that professional grill masters are a different breed.

None of them cook with gas.

They all have their own proprietary blends of wood and charcoal, using fully customized grills to get the perfect flavor.

With the Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire Grill, you get that same flavor and texture—but with the speed and convenience of gas.

The burners are located below a drawer that opens easily, making ignition simple. But what really sets it apart is the flavor.

You get the depth and texture of charcoal and wood, without sacrificing performance.

Kalamazoo Grill Features

Natural Convection

Kalamazoo’s deep-well construction allows more air circulation for natural convection, helping food cook more evenly and absorb more flavor from the wood or charcoal.

Searing Capability

Unlike Hestan, Lynx, and DCS, Kalamazoo doesn’t use an infrared searing burner.

Instead, when you add charcoal or wood, the grill reaches searing temperatures up to 1,200 degrees. That's hotter than a standard infrared element at 1,100 degrees.

Burner Output

Like Hestan and Lynx, Kalamazoo’s burners deliver 25,000 BTUs each.

But these cast brass burners weigh about 14 pounds and have rear-facing ports that are less likely to clog over time.

Clean Up

The deep well also simplifies cleanup. Ash and grease collect in a bottom-mounted system that’s easy to access.

Customization

You can customize your Kalamazoo with grates for meat, fish, vegetables, or even a griddle for breakfast.

Marine-Grade Stainless Steel

If you live near the ocean, Kalamazoo also offers grills in marine-grade stainless for a higher cost.

"Marine grade" is often used as a marketing term, but in this case, it refers to better-quality steel or a taurine finish that resists rust.

Kalamazoo is one of the few brands actually built to last in coastal environments.

Each Kalamazoo is handcrafted in Michigan and signed by the people who built it.

Kalamazoo Grill Head: 42- and 54-Inch Models

In 2022, Kalamazoo introduced a new series. It was their first without the Hybrid Fire Grill. These include the 42-inch K42DB and 54-inch K54DB.

These models are better insulated than any other grill on the market, each weighing 360 pounds (compared to 240 pounds for most brands).

Kalamazoo also lowered the height by two inches to preserve natural airflow for convection cooking.

Each grill features a rotisserie with two infrared burners and laser-cut stainless steel grates that retain heat and produce excellent sear marks.

The price started at $12,500. In 2023, these models became available only in marine-grade stainless, nearly doubling the price.

Kalamazoo Drawbacks

Kalamazoo grills don’t have many weaknesses.

Some may prefer the precision of an infrared sear burner, but the charcoal and wood options more than make up for it in flavor and texture.

That said, the infrared rotisserie burner outputs 18,000 BTU—slightly less than Hestan’s.

And as you’d expect, this kind of quality comes at a cost.

The non-hybrid marine-grade drop-in model starts at $19,000. Hybrid freestanding models start at $22,000.

Finally, expect a wait. Due to demand and the handcrafted nature of each unit, it may take over two months to receive your grill.

Key Features

• Sizes Available: 28", 37", 48", and 54" (built-in and freestanding)
• Fuel Type: Hybrid (gas, wood, charcoal)
• Heat Output: 25,000 BTU cast brass burners
• Searing Temp: Up to 1,200°F with charcoal or wood
• Construction: Deep well for natural convection cooking
• Grates: Custom grates for meat, fish, vegetables, or griddle
• Materials: Marine-grade stainless steel available
• Insulation: Heavy-duty build (360 lbs vs. 240 lbs standard)
• Rotisserie: Dual infrared burners
• Ease of Use: Slide-out drawer for easy lighting and cleanup
• Handcrafted: Made and signed in Michigan

Pros

✔️Cooks with gas, wood, or charcoal
✔️Reaches searing temps up to 1,200°F
✔️Durable marine-grade stainless steel option
✔️Custom grates for meat, fish, vegetables, and griddles
✔️Even cooking from natural convection design
✔️Easy ash and grease cleanup
✔️Hand-built in the U.S.

Cons
❌High starting price ($19,000 and up)

❌Long wait times (over two months)
❌No dedicated infrared sear burner
❌Rotisserie burner is less powerful than some competitors
❌Limited availability

🔍Read More: Problems with Kalamazoo Grills

2. Best for Infrared: Lynx Grills (Starting at $6,299+)

Review

Lynx offers a wide range of grill sizes in both built-in and freestanding models, including 30, 36, 42, and 54 inches.

Lynx was the first true professional grill and has evolved more than any other brand, thanks to its ceramic burners and infrared searing technology.

• The Lynx L30TRF is a 30-inch freestanding grill with one Trident infrared burner, one ceramic burner, and a rotisserie.
• The Lynx L42TRF is a 42-inch freestanding grill with one Trident infrared burner, two ceramic burners, and a rotisserie.
• The Lynx L42TR is the built-in version of this model with the same burner configuration and rotisserie.
• The Lynx L54TRF is a 54-inch freestanding grill with one Trident infrared burner, three ceramic burners, and a rotisserie.
• The Lynx L30R-3 is a 30-inch built-in grill with two ceramic burners and a rotisserie, ideal for a permanent outdoor kitchen.

Lynx grills come in several configurations: all gas burners, a mix of gas and Trident infrared, all infrared, or single-sear burner setups.

You can now choose an all-sear model, a single-sear burner, or a gas-only setup depending on how you prefer to cook.

I always recommend one sear burner paired with gas burners for the flexibility to cook both ways.

Lynx Grill Features

Infrared Burner

Unlike traditional gas burners like those on DCS, the Trident infrared burner produces direct, high-intensity heat that spreads evenly across the cooking surface.

It sears meat quickly on the outside without overcooking the inside.

The Trident burner offers a wide temperature range from 300 to 1,000 degrees, allowing you to control heat without shifting food between zones.

You can even char vegetables and fruit by gently wilting them.

Ceramic Burner 

Lynx uses ceramic burners instead of cast brass or metal.

Ceramic doesn’t corrode over time, making it ideal for long-term durability.

The burner ports are positioned on the underside to prevent clogging from grease and drippings.

Heat Distribution with Ceramic Radiant Briquettes

Lynx grills include ceramic radiant briquettes that help spread heat evenly and reduce flare-ups.

There’s also a slide-out shelf to catch drippings and make cleanup easier.

Lynx Drawbacks

Lynx’s ceramic briquettes need to be cleaned by hand. You can't flip them for self-cleaning like you can with Hestan.

Instead, you’ll need to remove them, clean them manually, or replace them over time. It’s not a major issue, but it does take a bit more effort.

Key Features

• Sizes available: 30", 36", 42", and 54"
• Built-in and freestanding models
• Burner options include gas, infrared, or a combination
• Infrared burner reaches temperatures from 300 to 1,000°F
• Ceramic burners are durable and resist corrosion
• Heat is spread using ceramic briquettes
• Rotisserie included on most models
• Slide-out drip tray for easier cleanup

Pros

✔️Multiple size and configuration options
✔️Infrared burner allows for fast, high-heat searing
✔️Wide temperature control for better cooking precision
✔️Ceramic burners don’t rust and resist wear
✔️Even heat distribution across the grill
✔️Built-in rotisserie on most models
✔️Drip tray makes grease management easier

Cons

❌Ceramic briquettes require manual cleaning
❌No self-cleaning option for heat distribution system
❌Higher maintenance compared to some competitors

🔍Read More: Lynx vs. Hestan BBQ Grills

3. DCS Series 9 Grills (Starting at $7,299+)

Review

DCS offers a range of sizes for their grills, both built-in and freestanding, including 30, 36, and 48 inches wide.

DCS once claimed to be an “all sear” grill by using ceramic rods throughout the grill to increase heat and reduce flare-ups.

Now, they include a dedicated searing burner with an output of 24,000 BTU in the Series 7 and Series 9 grills.

Infrared burners heat faster because they direct heat more intensely. Gas spreads heat more gradually.

You need to pay close attention when using infrared, as the higher speed can cause food to burn more easily.

Differences between DCS Series 7 and 9 Grills

Here are the key differences between the DCS Series 7 and Series 9 grills:

Series 9 Grills

• BE1-36RC – 3 burners with a rotisserie and smoker box on a cart
• BE1-36RCI – 3 burners with an infrared rotisserie and smoker box on a cart
• BE1-48RC – 4 burners with a rotisserie and smoker box on a cart
• BE1-48RCI – 4 burners with an infrared rotisserie and smoker box on a cart

Series 7 Grills

• BH1-30R – 2 burners with a rotisserie on a cart
• BH1-36R – 3 burners with a rotisserie on a cart
• BH1-36RI – 3 burners with an infrared rotisserie on a cart
• BH1-48R – 4 burners with a rotisserie on a cart
• BH1-48RS – 4 burners, a rotisserie, and an integrated side burner on a cart
• BH1-48RI – 4 burners with an infrared rotisserie on a cart

The Series 9 line includes several key upgrades compared to the Series 7.

DCS Grill Features

Light

Series 9 grills feature light-up knobs for better visibility during night grilling. The top workspace has also been redesigned for more usable space.

Grease Management

Both Series 7 and 9 share the same grease system. The surface tilts forward, draining into a front tray.

However, on the Series 7, foods like hot dogs may roll slightly due to the angled grates.

The Series 9 solves this by allowing the grates to lay flat.

Accessories

The Series 9 comes with a steaming tray and a removable wood and charcoal accessory.

These let you add different flavors while cooking.

Top Six Differences When Upgrading to Series 9

• Taller Hood Top – Extra vertical space for secondary cooking
• Spring-Assisted Lid – Opens and closes with less effort
• Electric Glow Bar Ignition – More reliable than the battery ignition in Series 7
• Infrared Rotisserie Burner – Mounted at the back for rotisserie use
• Halogen Lights – Built inside the hood for grilling in low light
• Full Charcoal/Smoker Box – Movable and larger than the fixed version in Series 7

DCS Drawbacks

DCS does not offer an all-infrared grill like Lynx, or color options like Hestan. Its charcoal feature doesn’t match the performance of Kalamazoo’s.

DCS also offers fewer size options than Lynx. Plus, you can’t buy a DCS grill fully assembled. It must be built from modular components.

Lastly, I’m not a fan of an all-searing grill. You need to monitor your food closely to avoid burning it.

Key Features

• Available in 30", 36", and 48" sizes (built-in and freestanding)
• Series 7 and Series 9 models with various burner configurations
• Ceramic rods for even heat and fewer flare-ups
• Dedicated 24,000 BTU sear burner in newer models
• Infrared rotisserie burner on select models
• Built-in smoker box and optional charcoal accessory (Series 9)
• Spring-assisted lid and electric ignition (Series 9)
• Flat grates in Series 9 for better control of rolling foods
• Slide-out grease tray with angled surface for cleanup
• Steaming tray included in Series 9

Pros

✔️Strong searing performance with dedicated burner
✔️Offers both gas and infrared cooking options
✔️Ceramic rods distribute heat evenly and reduce flare-ups
✔️Series 9 includes helpful upgrades like hood lights, spring lid, and larger charcoal box
✔️Good rotisserie setup with infrared burner
✔️Wide range of accessories for added cooking flexibility

Cons

❌No all-infrared option
❌Fewer size and style choices than some competitors
❌Charcoal feature isn’t as powerful as Kalamazoo’s
❌No color customization options
❌Must be assembled from separate components
❌All-sear models can overcook food if not carefully managed
❌Series 7 grates may allow round foods to roll

4. Best for Customization: Hestan Grills (Starting at $7,499+)

Review

Whether you prefer a built-in or freestanding grill, Hestan has options to fit your setup.

Freestanding models come in 36- and 42-inch widths, while built-ins are available in 30, 36, or 42 inches.

Built-In Models

• GMBR30 – Available with either one Trellis burner and one sear burner, or two Trellis burners with a rotisserie
• GMBR36 – Options include three Trellis burners with a rotisserie, two Trellis burners with one sear burner and a rotisserie, or an all-sear version with a rotisserie
• GMBR42 – Available with four Trellis burners and a rotisserie, three Trellis burners with one sear burner and a rotisserie, or an all-sear version with a rotisserie

Freestanding Models

• GMBR36CX2 – Two Trellis burners, one sear burner, hidden rotisserie, and side burner
• GMBR42CX2 – Three Trellis burners, one sear burner, hidden rotisserie, and side burner

Hestan Grill Features

Grill Hood

You can move the hood with one finger, just like other top grills. But Hestan’s hood stays in place, allowing you to grill with it partially open.

Grates

Unlike Lynx, Hestan uses reversible ceramic briquettes for even heat, fewer flare-ups, and easier cleaning.

Heat Distribution

Unlike Lynx, Hestan uses reversible ceramic briquettes for even heat, fewer flare-ups, and easier cleaning.

Trellis Burner

Made from 321-grade stainless steel, the Trellis burner has ports on all four sides.

While most metal would rust in harsh environments, Hestan has tested this material in saltwater and found it outperforms standard 304 stainless steel.

Note: Marine-grade stainless steel typically refers to 316 stainless steel.

Variable Rotisserie Burner

Hestan’s rotisserie burner delivers between 12,000 and 18,000 BTU. It’s located on top, so you can cook on the utility shelf below.

The rotisserie motor is also hidden for a cleaner look.

Customization

Hestan is the only grill available in 12 bold California-inspired colors. Models are available in both built-in and freestanding formats.

Hestan Drawbacks

Like the others, this is a high-quality grill. However, the burner ports face upward toward the food, which can lead to clogs over time.

Key Features

• Available in 30", 36", and 42" sizes
• Built-in and freestanding options
• Sear burner and rotisserie included on most models
• Grates are thick for even cooking and strong sear marks
• Hood stays in place when partially open
• Uses ceramic plates to spread heat and reduce flare-ups
• Rotisserie burner is strong and placed at the top
• Hidden rotisserie motor
• Available in 12 color choices

Pros

✔️Good size and model variety
✔️Even heat and fewer flare-ups
✔️Strong searing and rotisserie performance
✔️Hood can stay open while cooking
✔️Easy-to-clean heat plates
✔️Custom color options

Cons

❌Burners can clog because they face upward
❌More expensive than other grills in the same size range

🔍Read More: Hestan BBQ Grills Review: Are They Worth the Price?

Affordable Grilling Options

1. Least Expensive Marine-Grade Grills: Blaze Grills 

Review

What if you live near the ocean, in places like Nantucket or Hyannis, and want a marine-grade grill without paying Kalamazoo prices?

Blaze offers a solid alternative at a fraction of the cost.

It’s built to handle salty air, with marine-grade materials, good heat output, an infrared burner, and plenty of space to grill.

Key Features:

• Burners: 4 cast 304 stainless steel burners
• BTUs: 14,000 per burner (56,000 total) + 10,000 BTU rear infrared rotisserie burner
• Cooking Surface: 715 sq. in.
• Grates: 9mm triangular stainless steel rods
• Features: Heat zone separators, flame-stabilizing grids, full-width drip tray, illuminated control knobs, and interior lights
• Construction: Double-lined grill hood to reduce heat discoloration

Pros:

✔️Affordable for a marine-grade built-in grill
✔️Lifetime warranty on burners and stainless steel components
✔️Ideal for coastal environments with high salt exposure

Cons:

❌Burners are limited to 14,000 BTUs each
❌The 32-inch width is unusual, which limits compatibility. It mainly fits Challenger Coastal outdoor grill islands
❌Not a high-powered grill; best suited for basic grilling near the water

2. Aspire by Hestan Grills ($6,399+)

Brief Review

Hestan’s “Aspire” line uses a traditional tubular burner rated at 23,000 BTU, compared to 25,000 in the standard Hestan models.

The rotisserie burner is fixed at 14,000 BTU, and the grates are standard stainless steel instead of the thicker diamond-cut version.

Key Features

• 304 stainless steel heavy-gauge welded construction
• Spring-assisted hood for easy opening
• Interior halogen lighting
• Flip-to-clean ceramic briquette tray
• Hot surface ignition system
• LED-lit control panel
• Built-in temperature gauge with cooking zones
• Stainless steel rod grates
• Removable stainless steel drip tray
• Lifetime warranty on body and burners

3. DCS Series 7 Grills ($3,799)

Brief Review

Series 7 is another lower-priced option. It has the same burner output but lacks the light-up knobs and easier cleaning features found in the Series 9.

You won’t get the smoking or steaming tray, and the lid is not spring-assisted.

Key Features

• Size Options: 30", 36", and 48" widths
• Burners: High-output stainless steel burners with up to 25,000 BTU each
• Rotisserie: Built-in rotisserie system with infrared burner
• Cooking Surface: Durable stainless steel grates
• Heat Control: Ceramic rods spread heat evenly and reduce flare-ups
• Grease Management: Sloped system directs grease into a drip tray for easier cleanup
• Construction: Heavy-duty 304 stainless steel throughout
• Design: Built-in and freestanding configurations available
• Lighting: Optional hood lights and control illumination (varies by model)
• Lid Style: Standard hinged hood (not spring-assisted like Series 9)

4. Lynx Sedona Grills ($4,899+)

Brief Review

The Lynx Sedona BBQ Grill is a more affordable model in the Lynx lineup, but it differs in both construction and origin.

Unlike other Lynx grills, the Sedona is made in China and uses a lower grade of stainless steel - specifically 201-grade.

Key Features

• Available in 30", 36", and 42" sizes
• 23,000 BTU stainless steel burners
• Optional infrared sear burner
• Optional rotisserie with rear infrared burner
• Ceramic plates for even heat and fewer flare-ups
• Interior grill light and LED knob lighting
• Battery-powered ignition system
• Spring-assisted hood for easier lifting
• Made with 201-grade stainless steel

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Professional BBQ Grill

Let’s talk about what you can expect from a professional grill and what they all have in common.

In other words, let’s get into the details.

All the grills listed below are made from high-quality stainless steel, including types 316, 304, or 201.

You won’t find any plastic or painted metals in these grills, which helps ensure durability and longevity.

Marine-Grade Stainless Steel

"Marine grade" is mostly a marketing term, so it’s important to focus on the actual metal composition.

Kalamazoo and Blaze both offer marine-grade type 316 stainless steel.

Type 316 includes molybdenum, which makes it highly resistant to rust—ideal for anyone living near the ocean or other saltwater environments.

One exception: Kalamazoo’s grill heads use type 316, but the rest of the unit may not. There’s also a considerable upcharge for grills made entirely of marine-grade stainless.

Because 316 is harder to form and more expensive, most manufacturers use type 304 stainless instead.

On the other end, Lynx manufactures the Sedona grill using type 201 stainless steel. It’s more affordable but doesn’t hold up as well as 304 or 316 over time.

Burner Output

The burner output for all professional models is 25,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) per burner.

For comparison, Weber’s best grill, the Summit, offers a total of 65,000 BTU, but only 13,000 per burner.

A professional grill, with three burners at 25,000 BTU each, totals 75,000 BTU.

Grill Options

Each brand offers both built-in models for outdoor kitchens and freestanding models in a range of sizes.

They also provide matching appliances, so you can fully outfit your outdoor kitchen.

If you're planning an outdoor space, click here for our webinar and step-by-step guide.

Warranty & Service: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

When you're spending $7,000 to $22,000 or more on a professional grill, warranty coverage and service support aren’t just nice to have - they’re essential.

While all of these brands build grills designed to last, it’s smart to understand what’s covered (and what’s not) before you buy.

Here’s how the top brands compare on warranty, serviceability, and nationwide support:

Service Is Only as Good as the Dealer You Buy From

Here’s the catch: warranty coverage may be national, but service is always local.

Just like with indoor appliances, some dealers are great at support. Others simply aren’t.

💡Pro Tip: If you’re buying from a dealer that doesn’t handle service directly, call the manufacturer or warranty provider first and ask:

• “Who handles service in my area?”
• “Are parts stocked locally or special order?”

Don’t assume. Verify.

What Is NOT a Professional Grill

Every video and blog seems to love every grill.

Nobody ever says, “Don’t buy this grill.”

But be careful when shopping for a high-end grill. Many don’t offer better construction or the high burner output you’d expect from a true professional model.

True story: One time, our chef placed her hand on a running grill to show the cold spots. So yes. Be cautious.

We don’t carry every brand, but we review all the good ones in our BBQ Buying Guide. It’s free. You can grab your copy by clicking this link.

Which Professional Grill Is the Best?

First, they all have their merits. All of these grills deliver strong, consistent heat, along with rotisseries and sear burners.

The best grill isn’t always the biggest or the most expensive. It’s the one that fits how you like to cook.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right grill based on your grilling style, priorities, and outdoor setup:

More Guidance Based on How You Grill:

• If you love slow-roasting and smoking: Kalamazoo and DCS are your best bets, thanks to their smoker features and convection design. Lynx can add a smoke box, but it’s not designed specifically for low-and-slow cooking like Kalamazoo.
• If searing steaks is your priority: Lynx, with its Trident infrared burner, is hard to beat for searing power and precise control. Hestan’s rotisserie burner also sears well, though it’s not as fast as infrared.
• If design and aesthetics matter as much as performance: Hestan is the only grill with true color customization. Choose from 12 bold California-inspired finishes to match your outdoor space.
• If you live near the ocean: Look for marine-grade stainless steel, specifically type 316. Kalamazoo offers this on hybrid and grill head models. Blaze also has marine-grade options at lower price points.

💡Pro Tip: Don’t just buy a grill. Choose the one that makes you want to cook every weekend. The right fit leads to fewer regrets and better meals.

Additional Resources

Imagine the perfect barbecue experience with the right grill, smoker, griddle. Our BBQ Grill Buying Guide makes this dream a reality. Learn from the best brands like Lynx, Kamado Joe, and Weber.

Download now and make every barbecue a story worth telling. Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.

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