An outdoor kitchen can be a great way to liven up any outside space. Being able to cook and entertain on the same outdoor patio can allow you to spend more time with your guests and less time locked away in the kitchen while the party is happening outside. Installing a built in BBQ can be a great way to utilize your patio to its fullest potential.
Whether you have a smaller back patio or a large, built in deck with a pool, you will be able to find the perfect outdoor kitchen and built in BBQ for your space. Armand’s Discount works closely with many built in BBQ manufacturers, meaning that you will have no problem finding the perfect outdoor kitchen fixtures and BBQ online. But what factors should you consider while looking for the perfect built in BBQ?
Built In BBQ Tip #1: Gas or Charcoal?
The first factor you will need to consider is whether you will choose a gas or charcoal grill. Most people agree that food cooked on a charcoal grill tastes better, but grilling with charcoal is more time consuming than grilling with a gas grill. If you think that you will be doing a lot of grilling on a weeknight, a gas grill might be a better option since it is much more time efficient. On the other hand, if you like to spend a leisurely weekend afternoon grilling with friends and family, a charcoal grill might suit your needs just fine.
Other, less popular options are an electric grill or a wood-burning grill. Electric grills are popular with those living in apartments due to the lack of outdoor space and strict safety regulations. Wood burning grills are arguably the most traditional method of cooking over an open fire, but these are much more labor intensive to use and maintain than gas or charcoal grills so they have fallen out of favor in recent years. The bottom line here is that if you are already a grilling enthusiast, a charcoal grill might be the best option. If you are just getting started, a gas grill is a much more foolproof option.
Built In BBQ Tip #2: How much are you looking to spend?
BBQ grills can become very expensive very quickly. There are an almost unlimited number of features and add-ons that you that you can opt into when you are purchasing a grill. Very low-end grills will sell for less than $100, but gas grills can easily cost between $3,000 and $5,000 if you are looking at a high-end model. Even charcoal grills, although they tend to be much simpler, can sell for over $1,000.
Many expert smokers do not recommend including a smoking box in your grill. Instead, consider purchasing a separate smoker and BBQ if you are interested in both. This is a pricey add on that many do not find necessary for their BBQ. You can get a higher quality stand alone smoker for less money than you can find as an add on to your grill.
Built In BBQ Tip #3: What features are most important to you?
Common upgrades include a rotisserie burner – great if you cook a lot of whole birds or large roasts over the fire, a ceramic burner for searing meat, or backlit controls for nighttime cooking. Other possible safety features include an alarm that will warn you if your food starts to burn.
Most people consider a built in thermostat a must have feature, especially for new grillers. This can help you learn to cook meat at the appropriate temperature without undercooking or burning your dinner. Another must have is a set of sturdy shelves along the side of your grill. Having a stable place to put plates, tongs, and spices will make your life much easier.
Also consider investing in a grill cover if your outdoor kitchen is not already covered. A grill can be a fairly pricey investment, so you will want to keep it protected so that it will last as long as possible.
The bottom line is that you can spend as much or as little as you want. If you are unsure how much grilling you will actually do or what features you will really want, start out with a low-end grill. Once you have more experience grilling in your outdoor kitchen, you will start to learn what features you really need and what features you do not even miss having. At this point, you can invest in a higher quality grill that will last for years.
See our selection of Outdoor Kitchens and Built-in BBQs here, or give us a call with any questions: (310) 839-5555