Unlike freestanding grills which you can wheel around to avoid a downdraft if the wind changes while you are cooking, built-in grills are in a fixed position. From a design standpoint, the message they send says “outdoor kitchen” instead of “last-minute plans.”
If you have sufficient space, an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill can be configured with a generous countertop space for food prep and (and under-counter storage for other built-in appliances, such as a refrigerator). In the photo above, New York City-based landscape architect Robin Key (a member of our Architect and Designer Directory) created a comfortable outdoor kitchen workspace in a Manhattan garden.
Another benefit is a built-in grill powered by natural gas can connectto a dedicated fuel line—and never run out of gas again. (With a propane-powered grill, you’ll still have to swap out empty tanks.)
Above: From Fisher & Paykel, a DCS Series 7 collection of Built-In Grills is available in 30-, 36-, or 48-inch widths. A 36-Inch Built-In Propane Gas Grill With Rotisserie delivers 75,000 BTUs and is $2,999 from BBQ Guys. Above: Artisan’s Professional line of built-in grills (available in both 32- and 36-inch sizes) have infrared rotisseries, halogen work lights, and electronic ignitors. A 32-inch 32-Inch, three-burner Propane Grill is $2,240 from Discount BBQ.
Above: From Napoleon, a LEX 485 Built-in Grill Head with four burners (with a total of 48,000 BTUs) and a stainless steel finish is $999 from Woodland Direct. Above: Wolf’s line of Outdoor Grills come in three sizes and can be configured for either built-in or freestanding use. A 36-inch Built-In Wolf Grill is available as a propane or natural gas model at AJ Madison. For more information and prices, see AJ Madison. Above: From Viking, the Professional 5 Series of outdoor grills are available in four sizes (from 30 to 54 inches) have temperature gauges, stainless steel burners, and ceramic briquettes. A 36-inch Built-In Viking Grill with three burners (and a total of 73,000 BTUs) is $5,089 from AJ Madison. Above: Artisan’s Professional line of built-in grills (available in both 32- and 36-inch sizes) have infrared rotisseries, halogen worklights, and electronic ignitors. A 32-inch, three-burner Propane Grill is $2,240 from Discount BBQ. Above: Weber’s Summit series of built-in gas grills come in two sizes (34 and 42 inches wide, both with an infrared rotisserie burner) and are configured for use with either propane or natural gas. Prices are from $2,399 to $2,999 depending on size at Weber. Above: A 34-inch Built-In Natural Gas Grill With Rear Infrared Burner by Blaze Professional (54,000 BTUs) is powered by natural gas; $2,799.99 from BBQ Guys. Above: A good choice for a small space, a 28-inch Coyote C-Series Built-in Propane Gas Grill has two burners and is $1,049 from Amazon. Above: KitchenAid’s Built-in Propane Gas Grill has main stainless steel burners (61,000 BTUs) and a ceramic rotisserie burner and is 30 inches wide; $799 at Amazon.
If you’re designing an outdoor kitchen for any size space, start with our Design Guide to Outdoor Kitchens in our Hardscape 101 series of guides. For more outdoor kitchen ideas, read:
