Way back when you bought a grill and replaced it every few years. Then Weber built a solid grill. If you were looking for a grill with a ton of power and a better simmer, Lynx designed the first pro grill.
Hestan and Kalamazoo compete in the super premium professional bbq segment. We will compare the two very different companies and their grills.
Hestan Grills
Hestan is a subsidiary of Meyer Corporation, the largest cookware supplier in the U.S.A. Before stepping into the backyard, Hestan’s engineers spent years alongside chefs in commercial kitchens.
They re-invented the restaurant kitchen based on how chefs really cook. The grills are manufactured entirely in the company’s 70,000+ square-foot, state-of-the-art headquarters in Anaheim, California.
The Hestan professional grills come in 3 sizes.
GSBR30 - $4,549
GSBR36 - $5,699
GSBR42 - $6,549
Features:
- Horizon hood opens easily with spring-assisted hinges and holds at desired height
- motion-activated Stadium halogen under-hood lighting illuminates the cooking area, while front control panel LED lighting keeps controls visible
- ceramic infrared top burner delivers 12,500 to 18,000 BTUs for perfect rotisserie/searing/finishing with the simple touch on function
- heavy-duty 321 stainless steel Trellis tubular burners provide 25,000 BTUs of high-performance power
- High-performance variable ceramic infrared sear burners offer 25,000 BTUs each
- Symmetrical flip-to-clean radiant tray with monogrammed ceramic briquette
- Concealed whisper-quiet rotisserie motor system features a chain-driven, single-speed, 6 rpm, 50 in-lbs motor
- One-push automatic ignition system
- Heavy-gauge, welded body construction
- Infinite position monogrammed removable smoker and handle for wood chips or smoker pellets
- 12 Hestan signature color finish options
Kalamazoo Grills
Kalamazoo craftsmanship started in 1906. They began their journey as Kalamazoo sheet metal more than a century ago. The family-owned company relied on its reputation for craftsmanship. The birth of the Hybrid Fire Grill started more than 15 years ago.
The founder's great grandson set out to design the world's best grill. It did not follow the conventional industry template. A heavy gauge welded frame offered lasting durability and combines the convenience of a gas grill with the superior cooking capabilities of a charcoal grill.
The Kalamazoo pro grills also come in three sizes: 28", 38" and 51".
K500HB - $11,495
K750HB - $14,995
K1000HB - $19,495
Features:
- Gas, charcoal,and wood are used in any combination over the entire hybrid grill
- Cast brass burners weigh in at 14 pounds each and offer 25,000 BTUs of awesome grilling power
- Deep fire box engineering delivers a more even heat at the grill grate and more dynamic heat circulation for rotisserie roasting and smoking meats
- Custom, laser-cut grill grates create amazing grill marks in a selection of patterns optimized for different types of food.
- Ignition burner with electronic hot surface ignition
- Flip up warming racks
- Rotisserie system with two infrared burners, motor mounted in cabinet
- Customizable cooking surfaces optimized for meat, fish or vegetables
Hestan vs. Kalamazoo Pro Grills: Which do you buy?
Price aside, both are considered the best grills on the market. Both have 25,000 BTU burners, sear elements, and solid construction. You can monogram your meats on both and rotisserie a small ox effectively if necessary.
Hestan is much less expensive but is the best of the professional gas only grills.
Kalamazoo is more than solely gas. The hybrid drawer is the single best feature in grilling. You can cook with the flavors of wood and/or charcoal in one unit.
Pro grillers all use a combination of wood and charcoal because the taste and texture of the food is that much better.
For that reason, Kalamazoo is the best grill you can buy. At $10,000 more it should be the best.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about BBQ grills? Read the Yale BBQ Buying Guide with differences between ceramic, gas and hybrid grills along with detailed profiles of Lynx, Alfresco, DCS, Kalamazoo, Weber, Broil King, and more. Well over 210,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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