What Makes American Made Grills Better Than Kalamazoo

Hybrid grills allow buyers to appreciate the convenience of gas grills without losing the flavor of charcoal and wood grills. Hybrid grills offer a combination of precision and authenticity, included all in one unit. Two U.S. brands, American Made Grills (AMG) and Kalamazoo Gourmet, stand out among the best in the hybrid category.

Kalamazoo has built a reputation for its premium craftsmanship and brand prestige, particularly common in high-end outdoor kitchens. While AMG has emerged as a serious competitor with industry-leading warranties and a stronger value proposition. American Made Grills manufactures models with comparable or superior performance to Kalamazoo’s at a significantly lower price. 

At BBQ Authority, one of the leading American Made Grill dealers in the US, the AMG Muscle 36” and AMG Encore 36” start around $10,000, while a comparable model, the Kalamazoo Echo 4, costs over $16,000. The price gap alone makes this comparison difficult to ignore, offering customers potentially thousands of dollars in savings. For buyers balancing performance, durability, and cost, the question becomes: “What are you actually getting for the increased price?”

Head-to-Head Comparison Table

Price Advantage

The most obvious advantage of American Made Grills compared to Kalamazoo Gourmet is the price difference. Specifically in the 36” category, AMG delivers genuine hybrid performance at a price point $6,000 below Kalamazoo’s. AMG’s Muscle and Encore series offer enhanced features, comparable performance, and American-made quality at a significantly lower price.

Warranty Superiority

AMG’s warranty is one of the strongest in the industry, with lifetime coverage on construction, cooking grates, burners, burner covers, valves, flame tamers, heat zone separators, and briquette systems. This is a comprehensive warranty package that most competitors don’t offer. Compared directly to Kalamazoo's warranty terms, which cover all parts for two years; burners, values, pipes, and electronics for five years; and steel components and grates for 25-years; AMG’s coverage offers a wider breadth.

Accessories Included

One of AMG’s biggest advantages over Kalamazoo are the standard features and accessories included. 

AMG Muscle and Encore series 36” grills include:

• 100 lb. capacity rotisserie kit
• Drop-in infrared sear burner
• Stainless steel griddle plate
• Grate lifting tool (for solid fuel refilling)
• Fuel starter kit (wood + charcoal)
• Cleaning care kit
• Weather-proof vinyl grill head cover
• LED front panel lighting
• Flamethrower ignition with backup manual lighting tubes
• Patented multi-fuel tray system (charcoal, wood, pellets)
• Reversible 9-gauge V-Grates

The Kalamazoo Echo 4 36” includes:

• Rotisserie system with infrared burner
• Electronic control bezels
• Interior task lighting
• Three-position warming rack
• Cleanout system
• 10 ft. gas hose

Size Flexibility

A key differentiator between AMG and Kalamazoo grills comes from flexibility in sizing. AMG Muscle and Encore models are available in both 36” and 54” options, allowing customers to choose a size that suits their needs. The AMG Muscle 54" configuration is particularly relevant for outdoor kitchen buyers planning large builds. Meanwhile, Kalamazoo's Echo 4 is only available in 36".

Flame Thrower Ignition

AMG uses a flame thrower ignition system on both the Muscle and Encore series. Unlike traditional spark ignition or Kalamazoo’s hot surface ignition, AMG’s flame thrower ignition delivers faster ignition, stronger flame initiation, and improved durability for outdoor conditions. This standard feature on American Made Grills provides superior reliability and consistency compared to Kalamazoo’s Echo 4.

Infrared Rear Burner

Both the Muscle and Encore series from AMG include a 12,000 BTU infrared rear burner as standard equipment. This feature is ideal for rotisserie cooking and even heat distribution. While both AMG and Kalamazoo grills offer an infrared rear burner, AMG delivers 12,000 BTU compared to Kalamazoo’s 10,000 BTU.

Heat Zone Separators

AMG includes heat zone separators across both the Muscle and Encore series, enabling true multi-zone cooking. Customers can cook at multiple temperatures simultaneously, with standard heat zone separators on AMG models offering precise controls and maximum efficiency. Kalamazoo’s Echo 4 does not include this feature despite its higher price tag.

BBQ Authority Advantage

A practical difference that often gets overlooked by buyers is where you can purchase the grill. While Kalamazoo isn’t carried by BBQ Authority, AMG is in-stock and available at BBQ Authority. Grills ship directly from their own warehouse to expedite shipping, and orders include free shipping over $49. Customers can even take advantage of BBQ Authority’s expert product support team and earn a free BBQ sauce or rub gift on any orders over $50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Made Grills a better value than Kalamazoo?

Yes, American Made Grills is generally considered a better value than Kalamazoo due to its lower starting price (as low as ~$3,800 at the 36" level), comprehensive warranty coverage, and range of included features. While Kalamazoo carries a strong brand name, American Made delivers comparable hybrid performance at better prices. Customers can shop confidently at BBQ Authority for the best prices on American Made Grills. 

What is the difference between the AMG Muscle and Encore hybrid grills?

The AMG Muscle series and AMG Encore series hybrid grills share many core features, including 9mm stainless steel grates, 26,000 BTU burners, flame thrower ignition, and lifetime warranties. Both offer high-performance and similar price points, with the primary differences coming down to design preferences and configuration options. For example, differing hood designs, control panels, knob lighting, and gauges. Customers can compare both models at BBQ Authority.

Where can I buy American Made Grills, either Muscle or Encore?

BBQ Authority is the top authorized dealer for American Made Grills in the United States. The company is veteran-owned and family-operated, and it’s the best place to secure competitive pricing. BBQ Authority’s request-a-quote option is perfect for individuals designing large configurations or building an outdoor kitchen. BBQ Authority provides free shipping over $49 and ships directly from their warehouse to ensure reliable and fast shipping.

Shop the full American Made Grills catalog at BBQ Authority, including the AMG Muscle series and AMG Encore series.