Cal Flame vs Summerset: Which Premium Outdoor Brand to Buy
Cal Flame and Summerset are the two premium outdoor cooking brands we sell most. Both are MAP-protected. Both make U.S.-built products. Both have loyal customers. They overlap in some categories and don't in others.
This guide tells you which to pick for which situation. No fluff.
Where They Don't Overlap (The Easy Decisions)
Buy Cal Flame for:
- Pre-built BBQ islands. Summerset doesn't make full BBQ islands. They make the components (grills, drawers, refrigerators) that go into custom-built islands. Cal Flame makes the full island as a single unit.
- Outdoor fireplaces. Summerset doesn't make outdoor fireplaces. Cal Flame's Patio and Escape Series fireplaces are the go-to.
- Fire pit tables. Summerset doesn't make fire pit tables. Cal Flame's Mesa, Sedona, Phoenix, and Mojave are the lineup.
Buy Summerset for:
- Standalone built-in grills (going into a custom island, an existing island, or a third-party modular system).
- Outdoor refrigeration. Cal Flame's BBQ accessory refrigerator is small (15"). Summerset makes 24" and 15" outdoor-rated refrigerators that handle real entertaining volume.
- Wine coolers. Summerset's 24" dual-zone wine cooler is the only outdoor-rated wine cooler we carry.
- Vent hoods. Summerset makes 36", 48", and 60" outdoor vent hoods. Cal Flame doesn't.
- Pizza ovens. Summerset's Hybrid (wood + gas, $3,999) and freestanding LP ($1,399) are the pizza oven options. Cal Flame doesn't make pizza ovens.
- Heavy-volume cooking. The Summerset Pro Power Side Burner (18,000 BTU infrared) is the most aggressive sear burner in our catalog.
Where They Overlap: Built-In Grills
This is the only real decision point. Both brands make built-in gas grills.
Side-by-side: Built-In Grills
| Feature | Cal Flame G-Series | Summerset Quest | Summerset Alturi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799-$2,799 | $4,399-$5,699 | $6,299 |
| BTU per burner | 15,000 | 15,000 | Ceramic infrared (1,500°F sear) |
| Stainless grade | 304 | 304 (heavier gauge) | 304 commercial-grade |
| Burner warranty | Lifetime | Gold Standard Lifetime | Gold Standard Lifetime |
| Cooking grates warranty | 1 Year | Gold Standard Lifetime | Gold Standard Lifetime |
| Rotisserie | Back burner only (kit extra) | Premium kit included | Full premium kit included |
| Made in | Pomona, CA | USA | USA |
The Honest Recommendation
Buy Cal Flame G-Series if:
- You're outfitting a Cal Flame BBQ island. The G-Series is designed to integrate with the Cal Flame island visually and structurally.
- You want lifetime burner warranty at the lowest price tier.
- You're building on a tight budget but don't want to drop into off-brand grills.
- You'll cook for family of 4-6 weekly, with occasional bigger gatherings.
Buy Summerset Quest if:
- You're building a custom outdoor kitchen (not a Cal Flame island), and want a high-tier built-in grill.
- You want the Gold Standard Lifetime Warranty (extends to grates, not just burners).
- You'll cook 3+ times per week.
- You want premium build quality without going to flagship pricing.
Buy Summerset Alturi if:
- You sear thick steaks, prime rib, brisket regularly. The ceramic infrared burners hit 1,500°F — nothing else in our catalog matches that.
- You're building a no-compromises outdoor kitchen and want the flagship.
- You're a serious cook who treats outdoor grilling as the cooking method, not a weekend novelty.
The Combined Build (Most Common)
Most $20K+ outdoor kitchens from our spec service end up with both brands:
- Cal Flame BBQ Island (provides the structure)
- Cal Flame fire feature (Cal Flame is the only option)
- Summerset 24" refrigerator (Cal Flame's is too small)
- Summerset Pro Power side burner (highest BTU sear in our catalog)
- Summerset 24" wine cooler (only outdoor-rated wine cooler)
- Summerset vent hood (only option)
It's not Cal Flame OR Summerset. It's both, in the categories each does best.
The Verification Step
Both brands enforce MAP pricing across authorized dealers. Don't buy from anyone who's significantly below the prices on this site — it's almost certainly gray market and the warranty won't apply. Verify any other dealer by calling Cal Flame Dealer Relations at 800-225-7727.
Need Help Picking?
Use our Free Spec Service. Send us your patio dimensions and budget — we'll send back a configuration matched to your specific space.