Built-in grill design & construction
The built-in grill is probably the most functional example of outdoor amenities within modern patio design. An outdoor grill provides true convenience by increasing workspace and alleviating the fear of running out of fuel mid job. The hardcore cooks who only use charcoal may disagree but for the rest the convenience of pressing a button and not having to fumble with propane tanks is a convenience worth investing in. Augmenting the grill space into an outdoor kitchen with add-ons such as storage, external burners, refrigerators, and lighting is worth considering when the budget allows. Outdoor sinks are handy convenience but do require winterization in central Ohio.
Locating the grill station close to the kitchen door is a popular request from avid cooks. As important, is keeping a direct line of access with the fewest obstacles between the indoor and outdoor kitchens. This is also the reason for outdoor storage, minimizing trips for supplies. Additional storage, whether simple drawers of a refrigerator, seems to be the one add-on clients regret not choosing. The size of the cabinet is usually dictated by the size of the grill but ample space can be useful when entertaining large parties.
Materials
As the heart of any outdoor cooking station, the grill head should be the first piece ordered. A 36” grill head is usually big enough for most households, however some of the larger units do come with better heating elements. As important as external burners and rotisserie, is storage, additional cabinets and drawers for storing grilling tools seems to be the most useful add-on. There are several good brands available with little performance difference between them.
Whether sticking with a simple stainless steel grill head set in an outdoor cabinet or planning a full outdoor kitchen island, it is important to blend the materials into the surrounding patio. Building the grill cabinet out of concrete landscape block is usually the least cost. Typical is to match other vertical surfaces on the patio such as seat walls or match any brick or stone masonry on the house.
Granite is by far the most popular material for the work surface as it is extremely durable and very easy to clean. It can be matched to the granite counters of your indoor kitchen or choose something that blends in with the outdoor patio garden. Indiana limestone is another durable material that will typically blend in easily with the exterior of a house since it is often used for architectural details such as window sills and water table banding.