Choosing the Best Santa Maria Grill for Your Setup: All the Tips

The U.S. is a melting pot of grilling traditions. From smoky Southern BBQ to hearty Midwestern steaks, Korean BBQ, and more, grills across America sizzle with mouthwatering flavor. But one timeless, California-born method stands out: Santa Maria BBQ.

To master the unbeatable sear of the Central Coast grilling style, you need more than skill: you need the perfect equipment. Santa Maria grills are built for precision, featuring their hallmark adjustable grate system that gives you full control over heat and flame.

At Gaucho Life, we know choosing the best Santa Maria grill can be a bit overwhelming. Different designs serve different needs. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect fit for your space and cooking style.

Let’s dive into it!

What Sets Santa Maria Grills Apart?

At first glance, Santa Maria grills may look ruggedly simple, so much so, you might wonder whether they’re worth the investment. They share some of the same core features you'd find in the best gaucho  grills: an open frame, a steel firebox, and a large cooking grate suspended above the flames.

But what truly defines what a Santa Maria grill is, and sets it apart, is an adjustable grate mechanism that enables you to raise or lower the cooking surface to control the intensity of the heat. Want that hard sear? Drop the grate down, close to the embers. Need a slower roast? Lift it for gentle heat and smoky flavor.

Rooted in California’s Central Coast ranching tradition, Santa Maria grilling blends rustic open-fire cooking with smart design. Whether mounted on a cart, built into a masonry island, or set on a tabletop, these grills offer a truly authentic live-fire cooking experience.

Typically fueled by red oak, white oak, or hardwood lump charcoal, these grills offer the kind of deep, smoky flavor you just can’t get from a gas burner, much like the revered Argentine grilled meat. It’s the kind of flavor that makes every meal feel worth the effort.

But the appeal runs deeper. Santa Maria grills naturally become the heart of the backyard, where people gather, conversations start, and memories are made. With the right grill at center stage, all it takes is a few bar stools and some good company to turn it into the ultimate live-fire hangout.

By the way, if you’re planning a carne asada feast, be sure to explore our tips on the best meat for carne asada.

Santa Maria Grill Styles: Your Lifestyle, Your Take

Choosing the right Santa Maria grill isn’t just about specs: it’s about how you cook, how you host, and how you use outdoor space. Once you match the grill to your lifestyle, the rest is simple: fire it up, gather your people, and let the smoke do the talking.

But first things first: Let’s review some common Santa Maria Grill models and see how they stand against each other.

Built-In Santa Maria Grills

Serious backyard chefs or fire-centered gathering lovers dream of polished, permanent centerpieces like the ones you get with built-in Santa Maria grills.

These setups are designed to be integrated into custom outdoor kitchens or masonry enclosures, whether in brick, stone, or concrete. They typically require professional installation or solid masonry skills, which usually means a higher upfront cost.

Still, if you’re in it for the long haul, it’s worth the investment. Built-ins blend seamlessly into your outdoor space and stay protected from wear, weather, and frequent movement, as long as quality construction goes with it. 

Cart-Mounted Santa Maria Grills

At Gaucho Life, we believe that having a small backyard shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the glory of perfectly grilled meat. While built-in Santa Maria grills can be a bit bulky for a pint-sized patio, cart-mounted full-size grills might be just the solution you need.

These freestanding units are mounted on heavy-duty steel carts, with freestanding wheeled grills for flexible use. They’re usually equipped with storage shelves for grilling accessories and cooking gear—perfect for prepping everything from flank steak to bbq grilled chicken.Think of them as the workhorse of the Santa Maria world: mobile, tough, and always ready to fire up.

They’re often more affordable than built-in setups, since no professional installation is required. And while built-in kitchens offer unmatched aesthetics, cart-mounted Santa Maria grills can still be easy on the eyes. 

Need some proof? Just take a look at our premium Santa Maria Grill and Cart model, with its robust iron frame, and (drumroll, please) a handcrafted wooden side table.

Tabletop or Portable Santa Maria Grills 

If you're truly working with a shoebox-sized space, portable or tabletop Santa Maria grills can be an even more convenient option. These grills shine on small balconies, in RV setups, at campsites, and during that all-time American favorite: tailgating. Need inspiration for small-scale fire cooking? Don’t miss our guide to bbq grilled vegetables.

Just keep in mind that high-quality, high-performance models can be hard to come by. Most of the time, these compact grills are designed for occasional use: think ponies, not workhorses. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride.

Thanks to their compact footprint, they’re also more budget-friendly than larger models, making them the perfect companion for grill lovers who want to take their fire-cooked favorites anywhere.

Before You Buy: Key Features to Consider

Space and portability aren’t the only things to consider when choosing your perfect grill. Quality, in particular, is a cornerstone you don’t want to sacrifice just to save a few bucks. Trust us: after a few uses, the difference can be seen.

A Santa Maria grill that’s both solid and well-priced (Costco-style, if you will) can feel as rare as a wild mustang: tough to find, but not impossible to spot. The real trick? Knowing where to start the roundup. Need a nudge? Gaucho Life’s collection is just a click away 😉. 

So, how do you know if a Santa Maria grill, whether budget-friendly or top-of-the-line, is built to last? Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Lift system: Steer clear of anything that wobbles or slips! Look for one that operates smoothly, feels secure, and holds its position reliably. Pulley and winch systems work best for larger grates, while wheel-crank systems are user-friendly and deliver that classic, head-turning look. 

• Flat or V-grates: Your choice depends on cooking style and concerns. Expanded metal and rod grates heat up quickly and are easier to clean. V-grates help manage grease by channeling drippings, which reduces flare-ups.

• Material matters: Go for 304 stainless steel if you want durability and rust resistance, especially for built-in models. Iron holds heat well but needs more upkeep to stay in shape.

• Thick steel (10–12 gauge minimum): This means better heat retention, less warping, and longer grill life. Fully welded seams are a must, as they’re what keeps your grill from falling apart over time.

• Integrated brasero or firebox: Worth it if you're serious about your fire. It helps you keep a more organized grill and a steady ember source. Keep in mind that it takes up space and can increase the setup’s price. 

• Game-changing extras: Look for wide, sturdy side tables that double as prep stations, removable grates for easy cleaning, and heavy-duty, lockable wheels on cart models. These aren’t just add-ons, but the cherry on top of every cookout.

DIY Options Using Santa Maria Grill Inserts

Santa Maria grills bring in a touch of the cowboy charm (or gaucho flair, if you’re leaning toward a hybrid santa maría grill insert). Honoring their tradition of rugged resourcefulness by building your own backyard grilling sanctuary just feels right.

When off-the-shelf options fall short, DIY setups are the answer. Love having every tool within arm’s reach? Prefer open layouts where guests can gather around the fire without getting in the way? With a pre-made insert, you can create a setup that matches your space, style, and cooking ambitions.

The possibilities are endless, and that can make it tough to get started. So, to help balance inspiration with practicality, here are some standout real-life setups from our clients, all built around Gaucho Life’s Santa Maria grills:

• Built into a concrete or brick island. For year-round grilling and a showstopping setup, build your grill into a concrete or brick island. You’ll get ample prep and storage space, wrapped in a weather-resistant, eye-catching structure.

• Mounted over a custom fire pit. Craving rustic charm? Build a square or round fire pit and rest your grill insert on top, or weld angle iron across the opening to support the grate. With its open sightlines and relaxed feel, this setup practically begs for sunset cookouts and long evenings around the flame.

• Outfitted with reclaimed side tables or prep stations. Reclaimed wood, butcher block, or steel can be turned into fold-out side tables that bring character and charm without the extra cost. Add shelving for utensils, cutting boards, or fire tools, and you’ve got a station that’s as practical as it is good-looking.

• Framed with stone veneer or pavers. Working with a tighter space or budget? Use steel studs and cement board to frame a simple rectangular base. Then finish it with stacked stone, tile, or pavers to match your patio, for a customized, small-scale standout.

• Mounted on a cart. If a full custom prep station isn’t in the cards, mount it in an iron cart for the grill. This adds mobility to your setup and cuts down on construction costs. Gaucho Life’s carts come with side shelves and lower storage to keep meal prep tools and firewood right where you need them. 

A grill insert not only gives you the freedom to create a space that’s truly your own, it also saves you the cost of a full built-in. With more room in the budget for premium materials and personal touches, you’ll be all set to fire up that first big BBQ and proudly tell your guests, ‘Yep, I built it.’ 

Every pioneer started with a dream. Build your backyard frontier with a Gaucho Life insert that fits right in.

While Santa Maria grills are a fantastic choice for open-flame enthusiasts, they’re not the only option out there. If you're interested in exploring more traditional styles, check out our guide to the best Argentinian grills and discover which parrilla fits your grilling lifestyle.

FAQs

Got questions about Santa Maria grills? Let’s tackle some of the most common ones. If yours isn’t covered, don’t hesitate to give us a shout. We’re happy to help!

Should I choose a cart grill or a built-in model?

Choosing between a built-in or cart-mounted Santa Maria grill comes down to your space and lifestyle.

If BBQ is a regular affair and you’re ready to invest in a permanent outdoor setup, a built-in model is the way to go. It lets you tailor the space to your needs, creating a true backyard centerpiece.

But if you're short on space, renting, or just grill occasionally, a cart model offers the flexibility to move it when and where you need

What kind of wood or charcoal should I use? 

For that signature Santa Maria flavor, red oak is the gold standard. It burns hot, clean, and delivers a mild, earthy smokiness that defines Central Coast BBQ.

Can’t find red oak? White oak or hardwood lump charcoal make solid backups. They burn similarly clean and hot while still adding that desirable smoky depth.

Steer clear of softwoods like pine or standard briquettes, as they produce more ash and can leave behind harsh flavors or unwanted chemicals

Where can I buy a Santa Maria grill kit or plan?

To purchase quality grills, go to specialty manufacturers, such as Backyard Discovery, BBQ Outfitters, Lone Star Grilzz, and, of course, Gaucho Life.

Look for kits that include a robust lift system, built for durability and performance, stainless or fire-grade steel, and clear installation guidance.

Rein It. Flame It. Own It. Santa Maria Style

Looking for superior fire control, solid construction, and eye-catching style? A Santa Maria grill delivers all that, and more.

Its signature adjustable grate gives you pinpoint heat control, whether you're aiming for a slow, smoky sizzle or a bold, blazing sear. This level of precision helps you master your technique and serve up top-tier results from day one.

Santa Maria grills are also built to flex, fitting your space, lifestyle, and cooking ambitions. With options ranging from pre-made to fully custom, you can craft the setup that suits your vision to a T.

So fire it up. A Santa Maria grill isn’t just a piece of equipment: it’s a long-term investment to make every outdoor gathering a memorable one.

Ready to make it yours? Head West. Or better yet, head to our collection at Gaucho Life. 

Why? Because we know that it’s not just about grilling. It’s a way of life.