Outdoor Grills for Sale in Knoxville: Gas, Charcoal, Pellet, and Kamado Grills for Every Backyard
There is no wrong way to grill. Gas, charcoal, pellet, ceramic. Each one has strengths, each one has trade offs, and the best choice depends entirely on how you like to cook, how much time you want to spend tending the fire, and what matters most to you when the lid opens.
At Foothills Custom Outdoors, we carry outdoor grills across every major fuel type, and we help Knoxville homeowners find the one that fits their cooking style, their backyard setup, and their budget. And when you are ready, we deliver, assemble, and set up your grill on site. No wrestling with hardware in the driveway. No leftover bolts in the box. Just fire it up and start cooking.
Knoxville's Outdoor Grilling Culture: From Quick Burgers to Low and Slow BBQ
East Tennessee has a grilling culture that runs deep. We sit in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, where low and slow smoking is a point of pride. We host tailgates that start at sunrise and run past the final whistle. And our mild winters mean most of us grill year round, not just from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Whether you are searing steaks on a Saturday night, smoking a brisket for a Sunday afternoon, or charring vegetables for a weeknight dinner, the grill is the center of outdoor life in this region. The question is not whether you need a grill. It is which grill is right for you.
Gas vs. Charcoal vs. Pellet vs. Kamado: Which Grill Type Fits Your Life?
This is the big decision, and we want to help you make it with confidence. Here is an honest breakdown of each fuel type based on what matters to real homeowners in our area.
Gas Grills (Propane and Natural Gas): Speed and Convenience
Gas grills are the most popular choice for homeowners who want:
- Fast startup: Turn a knob, push a button, and you are cooking within minutes.
- Precise temperature control: Adjustable burners let you create heat zones for direct and indirect cooking.
- Easy cleanup: No ash, no charcoal dust. Just brush the grates and wipe down.
- Natural gas option: If your home has a gas line run to the patio (common in newer Knox County subdivisions), you never have to swap a tank again.
Gas grills are ideal for weeknight cooking, quick meals, and homeowners who want maximum convenience with minimal fuss. They do not produce the deep smoke flavor of charcoal or wood, but many models include sear burners and smoke boxes that help bridge the gap.
Charcoal Grills: Authentic Flavor for Purists
If flavor is your top priority, charcoal delivers something gas simply cannot. The combination of high heat searing and natural smoke creates a taste that charcoal purists swear by.
Benefits:
- Higher heat potential for restaurant quality searing
- Authentic smoky flavor from real combustion
- Simple, reliable mechanics with fewer parts to break
- Lower upfront cost for many models
Trade offs:
- Longer startup time (15 to 20 minutes to get coals ready)
- More cleanup (ash removal after every session)
- Less precise temperature control than gas
- Requires charcoal storage and management
For homeowners who love the ritual of building a fire and tending the coals, charcoal grilling is deeply satisfying.
Pellet Grills and Smokers: "Set It and Forget It" for Weekend Briskets
Pellet grills have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. They use compressed wood pellets as fuel, feeding them automatically via an electric auger. A digital controller maintains your target temperature, so you can start a 12 hour brisket at 7 AM and go about your day.
Benefits:
- Automated temperature control via digital PID controllers
- Real wood flavor from hardwood pellets (hickory, mesquite, cherry, and more)
- Versatility: Smoke, grill, roast, bake, and even braise
- WiFi and app control on many newer models, so you can monitor from your phone
Trade offs:
- Requires electricity, so placement near an outlet (or outdoor rated extension cord) is necessary
- Wood pellets must be kept dry. In East Tennessee’s humidity, storing pellets in a sealed container is not optional. Damp pellets jam the auger and ruin the cook.
- WiFi signal can be unreliable on properties with thick brick or stone exteriors, especially on elevated decks far from the router
One practical note: if you plan to monitor long cooks from inside the house, test your WiFi signal strength at the grill location before relying on app based features.
Kamado and Ceramic Grills: The Big Green Egg and Beyond
Kamado style grills are massive in East Tennessee. The thick ceramic walls provide exceptional heat retention and insulation, which means:
- Incredible fuel efficiency: A small amount of charcoal can maintain cooking temperature for hours
- Year round performance: The ceramic insulation keeps the grill hot even during Knoxville’s coldest winter nights, so you can smoke a pork shoulder in January without burning through a bag of charcoal
- Versatility: Grill, smoke, roast, bake pizza, and sear, all in one unit
- Longevity: A well maintained ceramic grill can last decades
Trade offs:
- Weight: A kamado grill with a table or stand can weigh 250 pounds or more. If you have an elevated wooden deck, you need to verify that the deck can support the load.
- Learning curve: Temperature control on a kamado is managed by adjusting air vents manually. It takes practice to dial in your target temperature, especially in windy conditions.
Cost: Kamado grills are a premium investment, but many owners consider them a “buy once” purchase.
Patio Furniture by Style and Use
If your property has red clay (and most do in this area), you know what happens after a heavy rain: mud. Thick, sticky, ankle deep mud. An animal enclosure sitting directly on red clay soil will become a mud pit after the first good storm. Here is how we prevent that:
Covers, Pollen Season, and Year Round Protection
Even if your grill sits under a patio roof, it still needs a cover. Here is why:
- Pollen: During spring, thick yellow pollen coats everything. It gets into burner tubes, clogs igniters, and gunks up gas valves. A fitted cover keeps the internals clean.
- Wind driven rain: Patio roofs do not block rain that comes in sideways during a Tennessee thunderstorm.
- Humidity: Overnight moisture condenses on metal surfaces and accelerates rust, even on stainless steel.
- Insects: Spiders love building webs inside gas burner tubes during the offseason. A cover keeps them out.
A quality fitted cover costs a fraction of the grill itself and adds years to its lifespan. It is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Deck Safety: Weight Limits, Heat Shields, and Clearance
Three important considerations for grilling on a deck:
- Weight: Standard gas grills are fine on most residential decks. Heavy ceramic grills (250+ pounds) may require deck joist reinforcement. If you are unsure, we can assess your deck during installation.
- Heat and grease: Grease drippings and radiant heat can damage composite decking and stain pavers. A grill mat or heat shield pad placed underneath protects your surface.
- Clearance from the house: The general guideline is at least 10 feet between your grill and any combustible surface (vinyl siding, wooden railings, overhanging eaves). This is both a safety practice and, in many cases, a local code requirement.
304 vs. 430 Stainless Steel: The Rust Factor
Not all stainless steel is the same, and the difference matters a lot in a humid climate.
- 304 grade stainless steel contains higher levels of chromium and nickel, making it highly resistant to corrosion. It is the standard for commercial kitchen equipment and premium residential grills.
- 430 grade stainless steel is cheaper and more common in budget grills. It looks identical to 304 when new, but it pits, stains, and develops surface rust much faster in high humidity environments.
When a product says “stainless steel” without specifying the grade, it is almost always 430. If you want a grill that resists rust in East Tennessee conditions, look for 304 grade or ask the manufacturer directly.
Smart Grills and Connected Cooking: The 2026 Trend
WiFi enabled grills are no longer a novelty. They are becoming standard on mid range and premium pellet grills. Features include:
Real time temperature monitoring on your phone
Remote temperature adjustment from anywhere with a signal
Alerts when the meat hits your target internal temperature
Cook logging and recipe storage
The practical reality in Knoxville: many homes in our area are built on hills with thick walls, and the grill often sits on a back deck that is far from the nearest WiFi access point. Before counting on app based features, test your signal strength at the planned grill location. A WiFi range extender or mesh network node near the back door can solve most connectivity issues.
Built In Grills and Outdoor Kitchen Integration
For homeowners who want a permanent outdoor cooking setup, a built in grill head is the foundation. Built in units are designed to be installed inside a custom island or countertop structure, creating a true outdoor kitchen.
A built in grill setup typically includes:
- Grill head (gas, 304 stainless)
- Stone/Brick surround
- Refrigeration & Storage
- Sinks & Drainage
This is the highest level of outdoor cooking investment, and it adds significant value to your property. Outdoor kitchens in East Tennessee are consistently rated among the top ROI home improvement projects by local real estate professionals.
If a full outdoor kitchen is on your radar, we can help you plan the layout, select the components, and install the entire setup.
Grill Delivery, Assembly, and Installation by Foothills Custom Outdoors
Whether you are buying a freestanding gas grill or a built in island system, we make sure it is set up correctly, safely, and ready to cook the day we finish.
From Unboxing to First Cook: We Handle Everything
For freestanding grills, our service includes:
- Delivery to your patio, deck, or outdoor cooking area
- Complete assembly and hardware installation
- Gas connection verification (propane tank hookup or natural gas fitting)
- Ignition testing and initial heat cycle
- Cover fitting and storage recommendations
- Packaging removal and disposal
You do not assemble anything. You do not haul anything. You fire it up and start cooking.
Built In Grill and Outdoor Kitchen Installation
For built in systems and outdoor kitchens, our scope expands to:
- Island and countertop construction
- Grill head, side burner, and accessory installation
- Coordination with licensed plumbers and electricians for gas, water, and power
- Stone, brick, or stucco finishing
- Permitting assistance for Knox County building requirements
This is where our “complete outdoor solution” approach really shines. Instead of managing multiple contractors, you work with one team that handles the entire project from start to finish.
Serving Knoxville, Farragut, Maryville, Oak Ridge, and East Tennessee
We deliver and install grills and outdoor kitchen systems throughout Knox County and the surrounding areas.
A grill is only as good as its setup. Cross threaded bolts, leaky gas fittings, and wobbly carts are not just annoying. They are safety hazards. Let our team assemble and install your grill so it works perfectly from the first cook.
Knoxville Grilling Regulations and Safety Codes
City of Knoxville: Deck Grilling Distance Rules
The City of Knoxville requires:
- A minimum of 10 feet between any grill and combustible structures for multi family dwellings
- A minimum of 25 feet for open burning (bonfires, fire pits without enclosures)
- Grills must not block exit pathways on balconies or decks
These rules are designed to prevent structure fires and are enforced by the Knoxville Fire Department.
HOA Rules on Charcoal and Wood Burning Grills
In tighter subdivisions and multi family communities, HOA bylaws may restrict:
- Charcoal or wood burning grills on balconies or attached decks (fire risk)
- Visible smoke that constitutes a “nuisance” to neighbors
- Grill placement in front yards or visible from the street
- Types of fuel storage (propane tank size and location)
If you live in an HOA community, review your covenants or ask your board before purchasing a charcoal or wood burning grill.
Permits for Natural Gas Lines and Built In Islands
Running a natural gas line to an outdoor grill requires:
- A licensed plumber for the gas connection
- A Knox County building permit for new gas line installation
- An inspection to verify the line meets code
If you are building a permanent island with electrical, plumbing, or gas, a building permit is almost certainly required. We help coordinate these requirements as part of our outdoor kitchen installation service.
Outdoor Grill FAQ
Which grill type is easiest to maintain?
Gas grills require the least ongoing maintenance. Brush the grates after each use, clean the grease trap periodically, and cover it when not in use. Pellet grills need regular ash vacuuming and hopper cleaning. Charcoal grills require ash removal after every session. Kamado grills need periodic ash cleanout but are otherwise low maintenance.
Can I leave my grill outside during winter?
Yes, with a fitted cover. Gas and charcoal grills handle cold weather fine. Pellet grills should have their hoppers emptied if they will sit unused for weeks (humidity damages pellets). Kamado grills are virtually weather proof due to their ceramic construction.
Is propane or natural gas better?
Neither is objectively better. Propane offers portability (you can move the grill anywhere). Natural gas offers convenience (no tanks to refill). If your home already has a gas line run to the patio, natural gas is the most practical choice.
How long should a quality grill last?
A well built gas grill with 304 stainless steel components lasts 10 to 15 years or more. Kamado grills can last 20+ years. Budget grills with 430 stainless steel often show significant rust within 2 to 3 years in our climate.
Can I get replacement parts locally?
This varies by brand. We recommend choosing grills from manufacturers with strong parts availability and local service support. We can advise you on which brands are best supported in the Knoxville area.
Find Your Perfect Grill: Talk to Nick and Sam
Whether you want a compact charcoal kettle for the deck or a full built in outdoor kitchen with a gas grill, sear station, and smoker, we are here to help. Contact us today. We will talk through your cooking style, walk your property, recommend the right setup, and handle everything from delivery to first fire.
No pressure. No upselling. Just honest advice and professional service from people who love building great outdoor spaces.