There’s no doubt about it… Kalamazoo Grills are the most expensive grills on the market.
Of course, there’s one primary thing you want to know.
Are they worth it?
The answer solely depends on what kind of griller you are… and the size of your budget.
And in this Kalamazoo Grill review, it’s our goal to help you determine if this brand is a “yay” or “nay” for you.
So let’s cut to the chase, shall we?
Company Background (Why Kalamazoo Grills are So Expensive)
Let’s kick off with a short history lesson. Kalamazoo has existed in one shape or form since 1906… and it’s in this history that the origins of their quality shines through.
Originally, the company was known as Kalamazoo Sheet Metal.
During this time, the shop focused on producing highly specialized steel welded products.
Their biggest claim to fame?
Producing perfectly welded dairy processing equipment.
It wasn’t until 1996 that Kalamazoo Grills came into the picture… but with the backing of a long-standing history for unmatched quality.
This unusual start to becoming a grill manufacturer is what makes Kalamazoo Grills so unique. So while we’re on that note… let’s discuss these aspects in more detail.
Unique Aspects of Kalamazoo Grills
If you’ve seen a Kalamazoo grill in a showroom… you’ll know these grills have some serious visual presence!
There’s a reason for this… but there’s also some hidden gems when you look under the hood.
That said, let’s kick off the unique feature with looks.
Polished Welds
There’s no doubt about it… the polished, virtually seamless welds on a Kalamazoo grill are their standout feature.
And it harkens back to when Kalamazoo was dedicated to manufacturing dairy processing equipment.
Because when you’re making food-safe equipment… a perfect weld is actually essential.
Dairy processors need to be confident that their equipment is easy to clean, and won’t have imperfections that could harbor pathogens.
Kalamazoo never lost their touch with top-notch welding… and the evidence is found in every grill.
So yes, your grill is easier to clean! But the superior welding also acts as an added bulwark against rust and corrosion. There’s nowhere for moisture to sneak in.
We should also add that each Kalamazoo grill takes a full week to make. One week = one grill. No expenses are spared in the making of these grills!
So if you appreciate excellent craftsmanship… this feature alone will go a long way for you.
Better & More Even Heat Distribution
A common complaint with grilling is an unevenly heated grill surface.
Your burgers are scorched to a crisp on one end… and criminally underdone on the other.
It’s frustrating, for sure. But what can you do? You’re forced to work with the quirks on your grill… and adapt.
Except with a Kalamazoo grill.
Why?
Kalamazoo puts a great deal of distance between their grill grates and burners… in some cases, the grates could be nearly 12” above the burners!
Of course, most grill manufacturers like to keep these two elements close together. The more distance, the more heat is lost.
But on the contrary… the more distance, the more evenly your grill grates are being heated.
Kalamazoo compensates for this heat loss with superpowered burners. As for the result?
A far more even-keeled grilling experience than you’re used to.
Deep Firebox Design
A third unique feature of Kalamazoo’s grills are their deep firebox design.
If you pop the doors open on one of their freestanding grills… you’ll notice that the firebox structure extends down into the storage cabinet!
We don’t know about you… but we’ve never seen another freestanding grill set up this way.
And of course, it’s for a specific reason.
With all that extra volume below the grill… more airflow is encouraged to circulate throughout the housing.
This enhanced airflow creates a convection-like current through the grill… once again resulting in more even heating and an easier cooking experience.
All three of these unique features will be found across Kalamazoo’s grill line.
And speaking of their grill line… let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer.
Kalamazoo Grill Overviews
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet may not have a head-spinning amount of grill models… because they don’t need to.
Every grill is so expertly engineered… that they only need to produce a couple options in each category.
Let’s kick off this Kalamazoo Grill review with the hybrid model.
Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire Grill Review
Possibly Kalamazoo’s most popular model… their Hybrid Fire grill is a formidable force in the grilling world.
Able to tackle gas, charcoal, and wood-fired grilling with equal expertise… this is the best grill for versatile outdoor cooks!
How are all these fuel options housed in a single unit?
The secret is in the Kalamazoo hybrid fire grilling drawer. This drawer sits above the burners… allowing the gas to ignite wood or charcoal when desired.
And if you’d rather have the quick convenience of gas… simply leave the tray empty and continue along as usual.
Other defining factors include Kalamazoo’s proprietary Dragon Burners, a barbecue burner for indirect cooking, and rotisserie system with infrared burner.
We’ll also mention that Kalamazoo’s Dragon Burners are aptly named. Dishing out 26,500 BTUs of heat per burner… these things may as well be breathing fire!
Other value-adds with the Hybrid Fire grill are luxury laser-cut grill grates, Sunbrella cover, and 304 stainless steel. (A 316 stainless upgrade is available for oceanside climates.)
Cart model or built-in models are available, with or without an added side burner.
Prices range from $21,995.00 – $41,375.00 depending on the option you choose. (Yes, you read those prices right!)
Kalamazoo Gaucho Grill Review
For the wood-fired purists out there… Kalamazoo’s Argentinian grill is truly a marvel to behold.
This gaucho grill has all the traditional nuts and bolts… but with a couple notable quality of life upgrades.
But we’ll start off with looks.
No doubt, the first thing you’ll notice about this grill is the massive 30” wheel. This wheel turns smoothly as butter… and allows you to precisely control the height of your grilling surface.
It’s a feature that will truly make your Argentinian grill a showpiece… bringing value far beyond just the utilitarian function.
But of course, the utilitarian functions on this 304 stainless steel grill are great too.
Kalamazoo’s gaucho grill includes laser cut grill grates… and a motorized built-in rotisserie that can support an entire suckling pig! (Luau, anyone?)
They’ve even eliminated the annoyance of starting a wood fire from scratch.
These Argentinian grills include gas powered starter burners… giving you a speedy jump start on your wood-fired dishes.
As with the Hybrid Grill, both built-in and freestanding options are available… with prices ranging from $31,855.00 to $40,995.00.
Echo Gas-Fired Grill Review
But perhaps you don’t geek out over wood-fired grilling.
If you prefer the classic no-nonsense style of straight gas grilling… there’s a Kalamazoo-shaped hole in your heart named the Echo.
Kalamazoo’s entry into the gas grill market doesn’t go over the top with needless bells and whistles. It does one thing… and it does that one thing well.
The Echo gas grill will come in 316 marine grade stainless steel by default… which is the gold standard in all climates.
Their ultra-powered U-shaped burners sit nearly 8” below the grill grates. Yet, you can easily hit 750°F on the grates for an impeccable sear.
And speaking of the grates… the Echo will come part and parcel with a set of crosshatch laser cut grates. This multipurpose design will leave stunning grill marks, no matter what you’re cooking.
Rotisserie chickens are on the menu, too. This Kalamazoo grill has a roof-mounted infrared burner and chain driven rotisserie system.
Plus, since the infrared burner is top-mounted, it can also double as a broiler.
Cleanup couldn’t be easier, either. The Echo’s cleanout tray is a sliding drawer that contains three heavy-duty stainless steel trays… all for catching grease and food bits.
Simply wash off the trays, insert back into the grill… and you’re good to go.
Once again, both freestanding and built-in units are offered with the Echo grill. Prices range from $18,995.00 to $27,995.00.
Shokunin Kamado Grill Review
Wrapping up Kalamazoo’s grill line… we have the Shokunin kamado grill.
Meaning “artisan” in Japanese, this grill is indeed an exemplary example of fine artistry!
The Shokunin functions essentially the same as any other kamado grill… but as is characteristic of Kalamazoo, with some thoughtful twists.
Rather than the traditional ceramic, the Shokunin kamado is made with 304 stainless steel. Of course, the 316 upgrade is available as well.
The handle and stand components are made from high-grade ipe wood. This type of wood is one of the hardiest against rot and harsh weather conditions.
2 inches of glass fiber insulation fill the grill walls… allowing for huge insulation potential. In fact, this grill can sustain a 250°F temperature for 65 hours with 12 lbs of charcoal!
And while a multi-day smoke isn’t something you’re likely to do… you’ll know an overnight brisket smoke will be safe until morning.
The Shokunin also features a unique multi-level cooking system. You can smoke, roast, or grill using three tiers of laser cut cooking grates.
You can even customize the airflow in this unit! There are two vents on either side of the hood… allowing you to create a crossflow effect, tailored to what you are cooking. The versatility of this charcoal grill is impressive indeed!
Kalamazoo thought about cleanup, too.
The Shokunin comes with a convenient ashtray at the very bottom of the unit. Instead of using a brush to scrape ashes out of a tiny opening… you simply pull the tray out, empty it, and place it back inside.
The Shokunin is currently only available as a freestanding model… and it’ll run you $11,225.00.
Is Kalamazoo Worth it?
Now here’s the million dollar question. (Or more accurately, the multi-thousand dollar question.)
Are Kalamazoo grills worth the price tag?
Well, here’s our seemingly non-committal response.
It depends… and here’s why.
There’s no other way to slice it… the craftsmanship on these grills is simply unimpeachable.
Every grill is handmade in Kalamazoo, Michigan… and each unit takes a full week to manufacture.
You will not find higher quality construction or engineering in any other grill brand!
And there’s no doubt the performance of these grills are as high-end as it gets.
But of course, there’s one huge caveat:
The price.
You can purchase a custom designed outdoor kitchen for the same price (or less) than a single Kalamazoo grill.
The stellar quality of these grills command a huge price tag… but if you’re at all restricted by a budget, Kalamazoo probably isn’t for you.
If these prices don’t make you wince, and you care greatly about fine details… Kalamazoo may be a great option for you.
If you’ve got the funds, you won’t be disappointed. Kalamazoo truly is the best-of-the-best.
But if you’d be blowing your entire outdoor kitchen budget on a single Kalamazoo grill… you’ll certainly be open to hearing about a worthy alternative.
A Worthy Alternative to Consider
Let’s say you’re looking for a set of high quality appliances… but you’re also conscious about getting a good deal.
Sound like you?
Well, then you’ll love Coyote Outdoor Living.
Coyote specializes in outdoor appliances that run the gamut from grilling, BBQ, refrigeration, pellet grills, pizza ovens, storage… and anything else you could think up for an outdoor kitchen.
These premium appliances don’t skimp on quality, either.
They may not be meticulously welded by a craftsman… but they are made with complete 304 stainless steel construction throughout. (Yes, the same material quality as Kalamazoo!)
Coyote grills are also engineered to perform better than most in-class appliances.
Most of their BBQ grills are outfitted with high-powered proprietary Infinity burners, for example.
These burners are similar in design to Kalamazoo’s dragon burners… and are meant to provide superior heat distribution and power over traditional tube burners.
And best of all?
All of Coyote’s appliances can be purchased at a fraction of the price compared to Kalamazoo.
In fact, with the leftover money you save… you can incorporate your appliances into a custom concrete outdoor kitchen!
Starting to get some big ideas?
If so, our free online design tool is the ideal place to start.
You can create a custom outdoor kitchen design in mere minutes… and get a feel for Coyote’s appliance line.
Have fun designing, and perhaps we’ll be in touch soon!
