Hestan Built-in 42-Inch Gas Grill Review
Hestan 42-Inch Built-in Gas Grill
$7200
Pros
- High Heat Output
- Innovative Rotisserie System
- Solid Construction
- Available in Multiple Colors (for a price)
Cons
- More Prone to Flare-ups
Full Review - Hestan Built-in 42-Inch Gas Grill
When Hestan went out to build a gas grill, they started from scratch. Many high-end grill makers build products that imitate or improve on the original DCS design. Not Hestan. These grills not only have a unique feel, but integrate some amazing features. The Hestan built-in 42-inch gas grill is the largest insert from Hestan. This is a big, 4-burner grill with a total cooking space of over 1,000 square inches of laser cut stainless steel plate.
The burners on the Hestan are stainless steel tubular burners. Much of the competition in this price range use a cast style burner. What the trellis burners offer is a literal sea of flame. The burners have arms that reach from one burner to the next. What you get is a very even heat since the fire is uniform front to back and side to side. Place these under stainless steel trays of ceramic briquettes and you have very even, almost scientific heat.
The cooking grates are laser-cut stainless steel plate 5/16-inch thick. These hold heat and transfer all that power. And this grill has power. Lots of it. With the standard burner configuration (you can get a single or all infrared burner configuration) there are four 25,000 BTU maximum output burners. That's up to 100,000 BTUs under 782 square inches of primary grill space. It's no wonder that one of this grill's biggest faults is its propensity for flare-ups.
Yes, there will be fires. They will, however, be short lived and caused by not selecting the appropriate heat for what you are cooking. Grilling is an art and with the power that this grill can wield, a force. Be attentive and you will have no problems. Also, just because the knobs go to eleven, doesn't mean you need to turn them all the way up.
My favorite feature on this gas grill is the rotisserie burner. I know. Most people don't use their rotisseries. It isn't that popular of a way to cook. Whatever. Rotisserie cooking is awesome and you should do it. Especially if you have a great rotisserie system. Now, several years ago, companies started putting rotisserie burners in the back of their grills. It was a nice feature. Especially when they also gave you the full rotisserie kit.
The rotisserie burner (18,000 BTUs) is top mounted. It focuses that heat down towards the cooking grates. So not only do you have a great rotisserie configuration, but a broiler. You can put food on the upper cooking grates, turn on this burner, and do serious searing (without flare-ups). You can cook a steak like a professional kitchen, or melt cheese on toast. This is powerful versatility. This is a feature I love.
Bottom Line
The Hestan Built-in 42-Inch Gas Grill is one of the best gas grills on the market. You pay for it. But what you are paying for is solid construction, excellent features, and incredible power. Hestan builds gas grills for people who want to cook, not decorate their patios. Yes, you can, for an extra fee, get this grill in a variety of colors, but that's just appearance. What to grill? Buy this grill.
You can also get this model as a freestanding grill with the Hestan 42-Inch Gas Grill. Hestan also makes a more budget friendly line in the form of the Hestan Aspire Series.
Construction Quality
3
Temperature Control
0
Features
3.5
Flare-ups
0
Durability
0
Flares up like you are pouring gasoline on it. The design of the tiles catches the grease. They should have sloped them. It is like whack a mole cooking burgers on this grill, even at the lowest temp. And Hestan Concierge is a joke. The service after you place the order is really disappointing for something this expensive.