When it comes to serious outdoor cooking, Big John Grills stand tall—literally and figuratively. These industrial-grade grills have built a name for themselves in the catering, commercial, and event cooking space for one big reason: they deliver consistent performance, durability, and large-scale cooking capacity.
Whether you’re a caterer, event organizer, church group, fire department, or simply someone who grills for crowds, Big John Grills offers a wide range of equipment that meets your needs.
Let’s dive into what makes Big John Grills a standout choice, explore their product offerings, and answer common questions to help you determine if one of these beasts is right for your next cookout.
What Are Big John Grills?
Big John Grills is a U.S.-based manufacturer of commercial-grade grills, griddles, fryers, and catering equipment. Known for their rugged construction, modular designs, and high output, these grills are designed for high-volume cooking at events like fairs, festivals, fundraisers, and large outdoor parties.
Founded over 50 years ago, Big John Grills has earned a strong reputation among professionals for quality and reliability.
Why Choose Big John Grills?
Here are some key reasons Big John Grills are preferred by serious outdoor chefs and caterers:
1. Durability
Made from stainless steel and powder-coated steel, these grills are built to last through years of heavy use.
2. Large Cooking Surfaces
Big John grills are known for their extra-large cooking areas, with some models offering up to 8 square feet or more of grill space—ideal for burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and ribs in bulk.
3. Fuel Options
Choose from propane gas, charcoal, or hybrid models depending on your cooking style.
4. Modular & Mobile Designs
Most grills are towable or have wheels, making them perfect for traveling events, fairs, or remote venues.
5. USA-Made Quality
Proudly manufactured in the U.S., their quality control and customer service are top-tier.
Popular Big John Grills Models
Here are a few popular models in the Big John lineup:
- Model A3 Charcoal Grill: 1,032 square inches of cooking surface. Ideal for cooking for up to 100 people.
- Model M-15B Towable Propane Grill: Equipped with stainless steel burners and a full-length cooking surface.
- Model GR142: Flat-top propane griddle for pancakes, eggs, burgers, or stir-fry—perfect for breakfast or festival cooking.
- Model E-Z Way Rotisserie: For whole pigs, turkeys, or chickens—great for BBQ events.
Each grill is customizable with accessories like shelves, hoods, steam tables, and rotisseries.
Ideal Use Cases
Big John Grills are ideal for:
- Catering businesses
- Fire departments and fundraisers
- Churches and nonprofits
- School and sporting events
- Backyard chefs who cook BIG
If you’re serving 50 to 500+ people, Big John has a grill to match your output needs.
Maintenance & Longevity
One of the major advantages of Big John Grills is how easy they are to maintain. The stainless steel construction resists rust, and many parts are removable for cleaning.
Routine maintenance includes:
- Cleaning grease traps and burners
- Checking gas hoses and connections
- Scraping grates and surfaces after use
- Covering or storing the grill indoors when not in use
With basic care, these grills can last a decade or more, even under heavy commercial use.
FAQs About Big John Grills
Q1: Are Big John Grills only for commercial use?
A: Not at all. While they are designed for high-capacity cooking, many individuals purchase Big John grills for family reunions, BBQ competitions, or large backyard parties.
Q2: Do Big John Grills come assembled?
A: Most grills require minimal assembly. Towable models usually come ready to use, while others may need the legs or accessories installed.
Q3: Can I use propane and charcoal together?
A: Big John offers both propane and charcoal models, but not typically in the same grill. However, you can purchase different units if you want both cooking styles.
Q4: How much food can I cook on a Big John Grill?
A: A large model can cook:
- 100+ hamburgers at once
- 60+ chicken breasts
- 20 racks of ribs
This varies by model, but all are optimized for high-volume efficiency.
Q5: Are replacement parts available?
A: Yes. Big John Grills provides easy access to replacement parts, from burners and valves to grates and covers. Their customer service is very responsive.
Q6: How much do Big John Grills cost?
A: Prices typically range from $800 to over $3,000, depending on the size and type. Towable and gas models are usually more expensive due to added components.
Q7: Where can I buy a Big John Grill?
A: You can purchase directly from the official Big John Grills website, through authorized dealers, or via select restaurant supply companies. Always verify authenticity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to take your grilling game to the next level—especially for large crowds and high-output events—Big John Grills is a trusted name that won’t let you down. These aren’t just grills—they’re professional-grade cooking machines designed to deliver performance where it counts: in the heat of the moment, feeding hundreds of hungry people.
With models for every grilling style, excellent support, and a reputation built on decades of quality, Big John Grills is the go-to solution for serious outdoor cooking.
