How To Create An Outdoor Kitchen With Built-In BBQ

How To Incorporate A Barbecue Into Your Outdoor Space

Today’s barbecues are as much about good looks (stainless steel or black finishes are on-trend) as they are about cooking capabilities. In an outdoor kitchen, a built-in barbecue takes centre stage, so you want to make the right style statement. “It will be built into the joinery, so don't skimp on the quality of the BBQ,” says Adam Douglas, founder of LimeTree Alfresco, a company that specialises in outdoor kitchens. “Look for a quality appliance with a good warranty.” Adam’s other top tip? Go with a design that separates the BBQ and fridge with a few built-in cabinets. “That way, guests can access the drinks fridge without bumping into the cook.”

Shop Built-In Barbecues

BeefEater 1200 Series Black Enamel 4 Burner Built-In BBQ
BeefEater 1200 Series Stainless Steel 5 Burner Built-In BBQ
BeefEater 1600 Series Stainless Steel 5 Burner Built-In BBQ

Create The Ultimate Barbecue Area

No outdoor kitchen is complete without a bar fridge for cold drinks and, of course, meat and veggies. And then there’s the sink – essential for cooking prep and clean-up. Factor in cabinets to store supplies, including barbecue tools and accessories. Any cabinetry must be designed and built to handle heat, dirt, rust and moisture.

A sturdy (and stylish!) benchtop is important for cooking prep. Engineered stone, concrete and stainless steel are all popular finishes that can withstand grease, food spills, the barbecue’s high temperatures, and potential exposure to inclement weather.

“Use easy-to-clean, non-porous materials,” advises LimeTree’s Adam Douglas. “Corian® is also a good choice for benchtops as it is UV stable and 100% non-porous. Easy-to-clean surfaces for doors and drawers include matt aluminium composite panels and painted PVC.”

What Size Barbecue Do I Need?

While the size of your household will factor in your ideal grill size, you’ll also need to consider the space available to fit your built-in BBQ. For instance, a courtyard might call for a more compact barbecue, while a big outdoor room could accommodate a full-scale outdoor kitchen with a generous five-burner grill. Built-in barbecues range from 807mm to more than 1000mm in width for larger models.

“If a larger barbecue suits both your space and design, then it’s wise to go for the bigger option. This will also cut down cooking time because you’ll be able to fit more food on the cooking surface,” says Scott Bazley, The Good Guys Buyer – Seasonal.

“Installing a rangehood is highly recommended for all covered outdoor cooking and built-in barbecue areas to remove smoke, oils and other cooking by-products.”

Barbecue Features To Look For

When shopping for your perfect built-in barbecue, look out for these features to make cooking and clean-up a breeze:

Cast Iron Burners: These heat up quickly, maintain consistent heat and last a long time.
Cast Iron Cooktop: Durable, won’t chip, rust resistant and heats up quickly and evenly so each sausage or steak turns out the same.
Roasting Hood: For roasting or oven-style cooking.
Transparent Hood/Glass Viewing Window: Keep an eye on what’s cooking without lifting the lid.
Stainless-Steel Vaporiser: Efficiently disperses flames across the grill and plate surfaces and reduces flare-ups.
Temperature Gauge:  Lets you maintain optimal cooking temperature.
Elevated Cooking Rack: Keeps food warm or can be used as another cooking area.
One-start Cooking: For easy ignition that works the first time.
Welded Seams: Stops grease, food debris and moisture getting into the gaps, which can help prevent bacteria, build-up and rust.
Controls For Each Burner: Handy to set the heat for each plate or grill and adjust as needed.
Removable Drip Tray: Makes for easy cleaning.
Oil And Grease Collection System: To catch oil and grease in one place, making for an easy clean-up.
Slide Out Gas Bottle: Makes it easier to connect and remove the gas bottle.

Don't forget about portable BBQs

Short on space? Portable barbecues are a great option. If you have limited outdoor space, a portable barbecue will let you grill without taking up too much space. You can keep the BBQ in a corner or grill on a tabletop, getting the flavours of a full-sized grill without losing any space. 

Shop Portable Barbecues

Weber Baby Q1000N LP Flame Red

Weber Q 2600N+ LP Midnight Black

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven Red

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker With Smart Probe

With a big range of barbecues and experts to provide all the outdoor cooking advice you need, The Good Guys are your go-to when it comes to finding your dream barbecue. Come and see us in-store or online.