Fire Magic and American Outdoor Grill (AOG) are the two names that come up on every serious built-in grill shortlist — and if you're building near salt water, they're often the only two worth considering, because both build with the 304 stainless steel that coastal conditions demand. The real decision is what the price gap between them actually buys you. Here's the honest comparison, including how each holds up in salt air.
Construction and Materials
Both brands build with stainless steel throughout, but they approach the burner system differently. AOG uses 304 series stainless steel with U-shaped stainless burners rated at 50,000 BTU, a design built for even heat distribution and long-term corrosion resistance. Fire Magic's Aurora series uses a cast stainless steel E-burner system, a heavier-duty burner construction that's part of what pushes the price higher.
- AOG: 304 stainless steel body, U-shaped stainless burners, 50,000 BTU
- Fire Magic: Cast stainless steel E-burner system, premium fit and finish
- Both are made in the USA
- Both are built-in only in this catalog — no freestanding cart versions
How Each Handles Salt Air
For coastal installations, the shared 304 construction is the headline: both brands resist the pitting and rust streaks that kill 430-grade grills within a season or two near the shore. The differences are at the margins. Fire Magic's cast E-burners carry more metal mass than sheet-formed burners, which matters in the part of the grill that salt air attacks hardest and replaces most often. AOG counters with readily available, affordable replacement burners — so even the highest-wear component is a routine part swap rather than a repair project. Either way, follow the coastal basics: fresh-water rinse after heavy salt days, a breathable cover, and sheltered placement. Our coastal grill buyer's guide covers the full salt-air checklist.
Cooking Area and Sizing
Both brands offer 30" and 36" built-in models sized for standard outdoor kitchen island cutouts.
- Fire Magic Aurora A660i (30"): 660 sq. in. cooking area
- Fire Magic Aurora A790i (36"): 792 sq. in. cooking area
- AOG L-Series & T-Series (30"/36"): Comparable footprint, with T-Series adding refinements over L-Series
Price Comparison
This is where the two brands diverge most. AOG built-in grills in this size range run from roughly $3,493 to $3,713, positioning it as a strong value in the premium category. Fire Magic's Aurora series runs from roughly $7,135 to $7,906 — closer to double the AOG price for a comparable size — reflecting its heavier burner construction and brand positioning at the top of the built-in grill market.
- AOG: $3,493–$3,713 — premium build at a more accessible price
- Fire Magic: $7,135–$7,906 — top-tier construction and finish, top-tier price
Which Brand Should You Choose?
- Want the strongest value in a true American-made premium grill: AOG
- Building a no-compromise outdoor kitchen and want the heaviest-duty burner system available: Fire Magic
- Budget-conscious but still want 304 stainless and USA manufacturing: AOG
- Buying for a luxury coastal outdoor kitchen where the grill is the centerpiece investment: Fire Magic
Both brands are worth shortlisting if you're serious about a built-in grill — the right one comes down to how much of your outdoor kitchen budget you want the grill itself to represent.
Browse Both Brands
Every grill at Wood Fire Home ships free across the US, backed by each manufacturer's warranty — check the specific model's terms on its product page. See the full AOG collection or the full Fire Magic collection.
By Matthew Murphy
