You’re on the hunt for a built-in grill for your outdoor kitchen… and through your research, you’ve come across Fire Magic Grills.
Fire Magic is well-known in the industry for their enduring line of luxury grills.
But of course, you’ve got some important questions to address before making an investment.
Are these grills worth it?
Do they really do what it says on the tin? Make magic fire?
In all seriousness, though… that’s what this Fire Magic Grill review is for.
In the following article, we’ll cover all the ins and outs of Fire Magic grills. When you’ve finished reading through, you’ll have an excellent idea if this brand is right for you or not.
So let’s get started, shall we?
Quick Links:
- Quick Rundown on Fire Magic’s Company History
- Fire Magic Gas Grills Reviews: The Skinny on Choice, Aurora, and Echelon
- How does Fire Magic’s Charcoal Grill Compare?
- It’s Electric: Overview of Fire Magic’s Electric Grills
- Can’t Choose Between Gas and Charcoal? Consider the Fire Magic Combo Grill
- Fire Magic Grills Reviews: A Look at their Outdoor Griddle
- Are Fire Magic Materials Good Quality?
- Running Through the Fire Magic Warranty with a Fine-Toothed Comb
- Is Fire Magic Worth the Price?
- Fire Magic Grill Review: Our Final Thoughts
- Closing Out: Looking for a Great Alternative?
Company Overview: What’s the Scoop?
We’ll begin with a quick company overview!
Fire Magic was originally founded back in 1937 by Harold Keck. A true visionary, it was Harold’s mission to take outdoor cooking to the next level.
And over 80 years later, Fire Magic still persists as a premier outdoor appliance purveyor.
These American-made products run the gamut for an outdoor kitchen… with options ranging from gas grills, to refrigerators, to kegerators, and even ice makers.
But of course, today, we’re just honing in on the grills! So without further ado, let’s get into the meat of this article.
Fire Magic Gas Grill Reviews
Although Fire Magic offers a range of charcoal and electric grills (that we’ll get to later)… most likely, you’re in the market for a gas grill.
Lucky for you, Fire Magic sells a robust variety of gas grill options at several price points.
So depending on your budget… you’re likely to find a model that suits your needs.
Fire Magic Choice Grills Overview (Premium)
Fire Magic’s Choice grills are considered their entry-level option.
These built-in BBQs don’t have any frills or fuss… but are still durably constructed for longevity.
With Fire Magic’s Choice line, you’ll be able to choose from 3 different sizes: 24”, 30” and 36”.
All three grills will have the same features across the board. The only difference will be the amount of burners included in the unit.
Speaking of which, every Choice grill will come with Fire Magic’s 16-gauge u-shaped burners. These burners provide more heat distribution than a typical tube burner… which is a good upgrade for a more “entry-level” grill.
These grills will dish out 46,000, 57,000, and 69,000 BTUs of heat, respectively.
Fire Magic’s Choice grills will also come with 304 stainless steel flavor grids (also known as flame tamers), an analog thermometer, and their signature diamond sear cooking grids.
These aren’t just your standard, boring old cooking grids, either. Instead of the typical rounded grates you’re used to… the diamond sear cooking grates have a smooth, flat top. Each rod is about 0.35” wide.
This means that more surface area of the grate is touching your food as you’re grilling… resulting in a better heat transfer and stunning grill marks!
Fire Magic Choice grills are constructed with complete 304 stainless steel… and made in the USA with globally sourced parts.
Fire Magic Aurora Grills (Premium+)
Now, let’s take a step up and peruse through the Aurora line.
These built-in grills have a bit more variety and oomph to them… which could be a good option if you found the Choice models to be a bit lacking.
What’s included?
Well, let’s nail down on the sizes first. You can purchase the Aurora grill in 24”, 30” or 36” sizes… just like before.
But this time around, the Aurora grills will include heavy-duty cast stainless steel burners. These h-shaped burners are far more powerful than the u-shaped ones… and will provide even more heat distribution throughout the grill.
These burners can pump out 50,000, 63,000, and 90,000 BTUs of heat, respectively.
And if that wasn’t enough… you can also add on a rear rotisserie burner and rotisserie kit!
The Aurora grill will also include upgraded flavor grids, an analog thermometer, diamond sear cooking grids, a hot surface ignition system, and halogen lights for nighttime grilling.
Some models, such as the Aurora A660i and A790i, have an additional optional upgrade.
If you like to see how your food is doing while it’s cooking… you may want to add on Fire Magic’s “Magic View Window”.
It’s exactly what it sounds like, too. Instead of a solid stainless steel grill hood… you’ll have a viewing window that allows you to watch your food while the hood is down.
Just like the Choice line, Aurora grills are made with complete 304 stainless steel. They’re also manufactured in the USA with globally sourced parts.
Fire Magic Echelon Grills Overview (Luxury Tier)
Now how about Fire Magic’s high-end built in gas grills? As the name implies, the Echelon Diamond series is as luxurious as it gets.
As far as sizes go, Fire Magic decided to mix it up a little. The Diamond Echelon is available in 30”, 36”, and a gargantuan 48”.
Once again, you’ll find Fire Magic’s cast steel h-burners here. Each grill will dish out a scorching 75,000, 96,000, and 112,000 BTUs, respectively.
Unlike the Aurora line, Echelon Diamond grills will come standard with a recessed infrared backburner. Out of the box, these built-in grills are ready for a rotisserie kit!
Every Diamond Echelon grill will also come with diamond sear cooking grids, flavor grids, halogen lights, digital meat probes, and a convenient drip tray.
But beyond this, there’s two other optional features you can include with your Echelon grill.
- The “Magic View” Window
- A Digital or Analog Thermometer
The “Magic View” window is exactly the same feature as we discussed for the Aurora grill line! You can choose to add a viewing window to your grill to see your food as it’s cooking.
Additionally, you can choose between a grill that has a digital thermometer display or an analog thermometer.
The digital thermometer display is operated by touch… and also allows for smartphone connectivity to check temperatures remotely.
The analog thermometer is, of course, analog! It’s the same trusty old thermometer you’ve seen on all of Fire Magic’s grills.
Plus, you’ll get that heavy-duty 304 stainless steel construction throughout.
All in all, this grill will truly have you sitting in the lap of luxury… but what if you’re not into grilling with gas?
Fire Magic Charcoal Grill Reviews
For the griller who prefers a more analog experience… you’ll be more inclined to express interest in Fire Magic’s charcoal grills.
There’s a bit less variability on sizes here, with just 24” and 30” widths on offer. Both grills are a bit on the smaller side! So if you need wide-open spaces for your charcoal grilling… you may need to seek other options.
That said, features on this charcoal grill are pretty much what you’d expect… no frills, but functional!
Fire Magic’s charcoal grill has an adjustable charcoal pan (for height adjustment), hood vents, warming rack, and diamond sear cooking grids.
Beyond this, there is another nice value-add to the Fire Magic charcoal grill. If you need to add more charcoal mid-cook… no worries! You don’t need to remove your cooking grates.
Instead, you simply open the charcoal drawer and drop some more coals right in.
And of course you’ll get that solid 304 stainless steel construction throughout.
Now, what if you’re a griller on the flip side of fuels? What if you’d rather go all-in on electric?
Fire Magic still has something in store for you.
Fire Magic Electric Grill Reviews
If you live in an apartment or HOA that doesn’t allow open flame appliances, or you just prefer electric grilling… you’ll want to take a closer look at Fire Magic’s electric grills.
Currently, there’s two different models available. There’s an older built-in version that measures about 16” wide… and a newer, larger version that measures 30” wide.
The smaller version has a double-walled oven lid, option for a rotisserie upgrade, stainless steel cooking grids, drip tray, and can heat up to 800°F.
As for the newer, 30” version… much is the same, with some notable improvements.
You’ll get touch screen temperature control, smart phone connectivity, diamond sear cooking grids, double walled lid, meat probe, drip tray, and up to 700°F heat capacity.
Additionally, you can choose between “single control” or “dual control” options. With the dual version, this simply means you’ll have 2 separate cooking zones that can be independently controlled.
If you choose the dual control version, you’ll also be able to add on a viewing window if desired. (These are the same windows we’ve discussed previously!)
And as always… all Fire Magic electric grill options will be constructed with 304 stainless steel.
Although gas, charcoal, and electric BBQ grills comprise Fire Magic’s main offerings… there are 2 other grills that may be of interest to you.
Fire Magic Combo Grill
Beyond the standard grill types… Fire Magic also sells a combo grill.
If you can’t decide between a propane gas grill or a charcoal grill… this combo grill is a dream for you!
This 50” Fire Magic combo grill shoves a gas grill and charcoal grill into a single unit.
On the gas side, you’ll get all the same features as an Aurora grill. Cast stainless steel burners, diamond sear cooking grids, flavor grids, hot surface ignition, and an infrared backburner.
Between the main burner and backburner, you’ll get 63,000 BTUs of heat.
On the charcoal side, it’s got all the same features as the standalone version.
The charcoal side has an adjustable charcoal pan (for height adjustment), hood vents, warming rack, and diamond sear cooking grids.
You’ll get 304 stainless steel construction throughout, of course!
But if a combo grill still doesn’t quite tickle your fancy… perhaps an outdoor griddle is in order?
Fire Magic Drop-In Griddle
Sometimes it’s not all about steaks and veggie kabobs. If you’re enticed by the idea of a breakfast al fresco, a griddle should be on your shopping list!
And Fire Magic griddles are good ones to consider, too.
There’s one size available at 30” wide… which is pretty common for built-in griddles.
Each Fire Magic griddle will come with stainless steel burners, hot surface ignition, dual zone cooking knobs, drip tray, and a stainless steel griddle cover.
At full blast, this griddle can pump out 45,000 BTUs of heat.
There’s 2 different versions you can choose between, too… but your preference is really down to aesthetics.
One version has a plain stainless steel finish… and the other has a black glass panel where the cooking knobs are.
Either way, you’ll get full 304 stainless steel construction for maximum durability.
And speaking of materials… now that we’ve given you an overview of each product, let’s look deeper at Fire Magic’s overall quality.
How’s the Material Quality?
By this point, you’ve surely seen how much we have harped on the use of 304 stainless steel.
We call it durable, heavy-duty, high-quality… but why? Why does this mythical 304 grade matter so much?
Well, it does in fact matter a great deal! Not all stainless steel grills are manufactured to a high standard… and 99% of the time, it comes down to the grade of stainless steel used.
That’s why when it comes to purchasing a long-lasting outdoor grill… we always recommend purchasing a grill made with 304 stainless steel.
This grade of steel provides superior rust and corrosion resistance in the outdoor environment… allowing you to enjoy many years of grilling without issue.
And since Fire Magic uses 304 steel throughout their entire grill line, we have no qualms about the quality of their grills!
Details on Fire Magic Warranties
The materials are looking good… but what about the warranty?
A good warranty will reveal how much a brand stands behind their product.
In the case of Fire Magic, their warranty is quite a good one… and it’s tiered depending on the parts in question.
You’ll get:
- A lifetime warranty on the cast stainless steel burners, u-shaped burners, cooking grates, and stainless steel housing
- A 15 year warranty on brass valves, inner liners, manifold assemblies, porcelain, and backburner assemblies
- A 10 year warranty on electric grill cooking grids and housing
- A 5 year warranty on flavor grids, infrared burners, and charcoal stainless steel grills
- A 1 year warranty on ignition systems, and electronic components
Pretty comprehensive, right?
Overall, we don’t have any complaints about this warranty system. We always look to see a lifetime warranty on the structure… and many other parts are covered for quite a long time.
But, as we all know… this level of quality and coverage comes at a price.
What do Fire Magic Grills Cost?
So far, there’s no red flags coming up for Fire Magic. All in all, these are solidly constructed grills that have built up a good reputation.
But of course… these things only matter if the price is worth it to you!
So what does the average Fire Magic grill cost?
Fire Magic doesn’t make their prices publicly available online, which complicates this a little bit!
That said, we were able to find some price ranges on BBQGuys.
Choice gas grill models start at around $3,550.50… and the larger built-in Echelon models cap out at around $11,760.00.
As you can tell, this is quite a wide range! Some of the Choice model grills could be considered to be in the premium class… but everything above is definitely in the realm of luxury.
At that point, you simply have to assess what your budget can afford. There’s good materials and features across the board… it’s just a question of how many bells and whistles you want.
Which brings us to our final thoughts.
Fire Magic Grill Review: Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, would we recommend Fire Magic grills?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, we have no qualms about the materials or warranty. So in that sense, we do recommend Fire Magic!
However, we recognize that the cost may be highly prohibitive depending on your budget.
So if you want a grill that has the same quality construction and great features… you may want to look to an alternative option.
A Premium Grill Brand for the Grilling Enthusiast
If you want high quality appliances without the high end price tag… you’ll want to take a closer look at Coyote Outdoor Living.
Coyote specializes in outdoor appliances that run the gamut from grilling, BBQ, refrigeration, pellet grills, pizza ovens, side burners, storage… and anything else you could think up for an outdoor kitchen.
These premium appliances don’t skimp on quality, either!
Just like Fire Magic, all of Coyote’s grills are constructed with complete 304 stainless steel.
So just right there you won’t have to worry about future durability.
And on top of that, Coyote offers a lifetime structural warranty on all their appliances… again, just like Fire Magic!
In many ways, these two brands could go head-to-head.
Most of Coyote’s grills come with their signature Infinity burners, which are similar to Fire Magic’s cast steel burners.
And you know what’s best of all?
Much of Coyote’s line can be purchased at a much lower cost compared to Fire Magic.
Perhaps with the leftover money you save… you can put some seed money towards an outdoor kitchen?
If the idea of an outdoor kitchen has got you excited… our free online design tool is an excellent place to start!
You can draft up a custom design in minutes… and get a feel for Coyote’s appliance line.
Have fun designing, and perhaps we’ll be in touch soon!
