Built-in barbecues: how to put together your outdoor kitchen

Building a built-in barbecue in your garden or on your terrace is one of the most satisfying projects you can take on to turn the outside of your house into a real living space. This is not just about installing a grill: it is about designing a complete outdoor kitchen, practical and long-lasting, that lifts every gathering with friends or family. If you are thinking of taking that step, here you will find everything you need to plan it properly and not regret a single decision.

What exactly is a built-in barbecue?

A built-in barbecue is a cooking unit designed to sit inside an outdoor module or worktop, unlike models on legs or wheels that can be moved about freely. The result is an outdoor kitchen that looks solid, clean and permanent: similar to what you would have in an indoor kitchen, but built to stand up to the weather.

You will find gas, charcoal and hybrid models. Gas models are the most sought after for built-in outdoor kitchens because they light immediately, give precise temperature control and need less maintenance. Brands such as Napoleon have led this segment for years, with ranges from entry-level series to professional options with multiple burners and side infrared burners.

If you want to look at the whole catalogue before deciding, have a look at our built-in barbecuessection, where you will find options for every budget and every space.

Planning: the step nobody wants to skip (but everyone should take)

Before you buy anything or mix any cement, spend time planning. The decisions you make now will determine whether your outdoor kitchen works well for decades or whether, in two years’ time, you regret putting the gas supply exactly where the shade falls.

Choose the location carefully

Look for a spot sheltered from the prevailing wind, with good natural ventilation so that fumes disperse, and close to the supply points (gas or electricity) so that you do not have to undertake major work. If you have a pergola, a covered porch or a wall of the house nearby, so much the better: it will give you shade in summer and make it easier to fix the structure.

Decide the size of your outdoor kitchen

Think about how many people you will usually cook for. For groups of 6 to 12, a built-in barbecue with 3 to 5 burners is usually enough. If you host larger events or take outdoor cooking very seriously, a premium model with more cooking surface makes the difference.

Decide too which additional modules you want: drawers, an outdoor fridge, a sink, a serving bar. The more you plan the whole thing, the more comfortable and efficient the kitchen will be.

The modules: the basis of everything

The modules for built-in barbecues are the structure that holds and surrounds the cooking unit. They can be built from concrete blocks or firebrick, or bought as prefabricated modules in stainless steel or high-density polyethylene. Each option has its advantages:

• Masonry (brick/concrete): maximum durability and customisation, but it means building work and more time.
• Prefabricated modules: quicker to install, modern in design and with quality finishes. They are the most popular option today because they let you put the kitchen together in a weekend with no builder needed.

Always choose modules designed for outdoor use and resistant to damp, sun and changes in temperature. A poor-quality module can deteriorate within a few years and ruin the look of the whole installation.

Choosing the right built-in barbecue

This is the heart of the project. There are several key factors: the number of burners, the total power in BTU/h, the materials of the grate and extras such as a side burner, a rotisserie or rear infrared burners.

For medium-sized outdoor kitchens, the Discovery 1200E 3-burner Built-in Barbecue is a very well-balanced option: compact, powerful and easy to fit into standard modules.

If you want more surface and more versatility, the 5-burner version of the same series raises what you can do for large groups considerably.

At the top of the range, the Napoleon Prestige PRO 825 Built-in Barbecue is a beast in the best sense: high-performance stainless steel burners, rear infrared burners for the rotisserie and a generous cooking surface that lets you work with different techniques at the same time.

You can look through the full catalogue of built-in barbecues available in our shop to compare models against your needs.

Installation step by step

1. Prepare the base

The surface where you install the kitchen must be firm, level and waterproof. Concrete, paving or natural stone is the most suitable. Avoid installing directly on earth or on wooden surfaces without fireproof protection.

2. Assemble the modules

If you are using prefabricated modules, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They usually clip or screw together. Make sure you leave exactly the right aperture for the barbecue, following the cut-out dimensions given in the model’s specification sheet.

3. Install the gas supply

This step must be carried out by a registered installer. The gas supply must include an accessible shut-off valve and the pipe must be protected inside the module or built into the wall. Never improvise here.

4. Fit the barbecue

Most built-in barbecues rest on the lip of the aperture on side flanges. They do not usually need additional screws. Connect the gas hose, carry out the leak test with soapy water and make sure the ignition works before calling the project finished.

5. Fit the worktop

The worktop around the barbecue can be granite, porcelain, stainless steel or polished concrete. It gives you workspace, protects the modules and provides the final visual finish to your outdoor kitchen.

Protect your investment

A quality built-in barbecue is a long-term investment. For it to stay in perfect condition, it is essential to cover it when it is not in use, especially in autumn and winter. Covers made for each specific model protect both the ignition electronics and the stainless steel surfaces from the rust that damp causes.

The Napoleon PRO 825 built-in barbecue cover is an example of an accessory made to measure to fit the model perfectly and give real protection without the wind shifting it.

Complete your outdoor space with the right furniture

A well-built outdoor kitchen deserves a dining area to match. Choosing the right table and chairs turns the barbecue area into a place where people want to linger long after the meal has finished.

The aluminium outdoor tables are a very sensible choice alongside an outdoor kitchen: they do not rust, they need no maintenance and their modern design goes well with the stainless steel finishes of the barbecue. If you prefer something lighter and easier to move, the polypropylene outdoor tables are practically indestructible and highly versatile.

The most important thing is that the whole — kitchen, modules, dining area — holds together visually and practically. A well-thought-out garden is not noticeable for how expensive it is, but for how well it flows when you use it.