Is the Broil King Imperial 490 Built-In Gas Grill worthy of your outdoor kitchen, especially given its excellent reputation for freestanding units?
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Broil King Imperial 490
Specifications
- Four 12,250 BTU dual tube stainless steel burners
- 500 square inches primary cooking area with a total of 695 square inches
- 48,000 BTU maximum output from the main burners
- 15,000 BTU rear-mounted stainless steel (not infrared) rotisserie burner with full rotisserie kit
- Stainless steel and painted steel construction with cast aluminum end caps
- Stainless steel rod cooking grates
- Battery-powered electronic ignition
- Double layer hood with center-mounted thermometer
- Complete Insert kit included
- Cover and propane tank sold separately
- Made in Canada by Onward Manufacturing Company
Full Review – Broil King Imperial 490 Built-in Gas Grill
PROS
- Full Feature Insert
- Strong Heat output
- Full Rotisserie System
CONS
- Less Warranty Coverage than Competing Products
We are now accustomed to seeing grills designed specifically for outdoor kitchen enclosures, resembling modern kitchen appliances. However, there was a time when freestanding grills were transformed into outdoor cabinetry and structures, just like the Broil King Imperial 490. It may not be a traditional insert, but it certainly is an excellent gas grill with numerous features and a more affordable price compared to many built-in units available today.
For just under $2,200, you can purchase a nice-looking three-burner gas grill insert. However, this Broil King unit comes with a side burner connected to the grill head and controlled by a valve on the main control panel. It also includes a rear-mounted rotisserie burner (non-infrared) and four main burners. While it is a large, well-featured grill, it does not conform to the typical outdoor kitchen appliance we are used to.
This version of Broil King’s freestanding grill has been re-engineered to transform it into something it wasn’t designed for. While the cart itself doesn’t offer much beyond holding the grill up, the additional features bring about a bit more complexity. It should be noted that this grill is not part of a larger line of outdoor kitchen products.
Broil King Imperial 490 Built-In- The Extras
This unit is a great option for simple installations and small grill islands. It adds versatility in a single package, whereas most manufacturers offer similar components for extra. This built-in gas grill comes with everything needed for easy placement, including the mounting system. If you’re in building an outdoor kitchen on a limited budget, consider this unit.
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