10 Built-In Grill Ideas for Outdoor Cooking

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March 31, 2025 11:11 am
10 Built-In Grill Ideas for Outdoor Cooking

Here at Open Space Concepts, we believe that an outdoor kitchen is the ultimate addition to any garden. It provides a space for cooking, entertaining, and relaxing. And, at the heart of any outdoor kitchen, is a built-in grill!

In this blog, we’ll explore 10 unique and stylish built-in BBQ ideas that should hopefully inspire your next outdoor project. From sleek, modern designs to traditional styles, there’s a perfect grill that’ll suit every taste. 

Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

Our 10 built-in BBQ ideas 

With plenty of outdoor kitchen styles on offer, we know a thing or two about built-in grills. If you’re certain that you want a built-in BBQ but are lacking some inspiration when it comes to creative ideas, don’t worry, as we’ve got plenty below! 

1. Opt for a modular design

First up on our list of built-in BBQ ideas is opting for a modular design. Choosing a tailored set-up, such as one of our modular outdoor kitchens, allows you to create a grilling setup that will perfectly match your needs and preferences. You can happily choose specific components, whether that’s a grill, side burner, or smoker, and arrange them in a way that will enhance your outdoor cooking space. 

A modular kitchen design also provides a wide range of cooking options, combining different components that will provide you with a wide range of cooking experiences. Plus, it gives you complete personalisation and control with the full design of your outdoor kitchen! 

2. Choose a sleek style

Having a sleek kitchen design can help to enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your outdoor cooking space. A built-in grill or BBQ is quite a big statement piece, so balance this out by incorporating sleek and modern design features for a harmonious and contemporary finish. It may also add value to your home if you eventually think about selling. 

Add smooth lines and high-quality materials such as stainless steel (more on this below!) or stone to create a sophisticated touch to your outdoor kitchen area. Have a read of our blog, Modern & Stylish Ways to Expand Your Space for further sophisticated ideas.  

3. Add a DIY grill station 

If you want to save money or don’t have a massive budget, then you can always do a bit of DIY! While you might not have the space or desire to choose one of our built-in grills, you can create your own grill station in a few easy steps. Decide whether you want a gas, charcoal, or electric grill, and how much space you want this to take up. 

Build your own frame using wood or metal, ensuring that it’s strong enough to build a stable foundation and withhold the weight of your grill or barbeque. You could customise your grill station with hooks, racks, and other accessories that suit your cooking needs. 

For further ideas, have a read of our blog post BBQ Area Ideas for the Ultimate Alfresco Dining Experience

4. Pick a stainless steel kitchen 

As we’ve mentioned above, choosing a stainless steel outdoor kitchen is a great way to incorporate a sleek and modern touch to your garden. Our range of stainless steel kitchens gives you the choice to incorporate a range of built-in grill options, perfect for hosting gatherings and barbeques. 

Stainless steel is a great heat insulator and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for grilling and other outdoor cooking activities. It’s also incredibly easy to clean and maintain, perfect for easy cleanups if you spill ingredients while cooking up a storm. A stainless steel finish means that you’re investing in a durable, stylish, and easy-to-maintain solution where you can show off your built-in grill. 

5. Optimise your corners

Another great built-in BBQ idea is to make the most of those pesky corners. This can easily be achieved by investing in one of our L-shaped outdoor kitchens, offering a natural L-shape that creates an efficient work triangle between your grill, sink, and fridge. This layout can maximise your efficiency, making outdoor cooking and hosting much more enjoyable. 

At Open Space Concepts, all of our designs are completely bespoke. So, whether you’ve got a small or large garden, you can create an outdoor kitchen that adapts to your specific needs and abilities. If you want your grill to be the star of the show, you can do so with our built-in grill options! 

6. Utilise your counter space

You might not think so, but utilising your counter space wisely can help to enhance your kitchen and give you more space to focus on grilling and cooking up a storm. Your counter space goes hand in hand with your built-in grill, allowing you to prep ingredients, marinate meats, or chop vegetables. 

So, having a well-placed counter next to your grill can be extremely handy for holding tools, spices, and hot pads. Or, to give yourself more grill space, you could create a separate counter area designated for food prep or serving drinks with space for glasses, ice buckets, and mixers. 

7. Go big with double grills

What’s better than one built-in grill? Two! If you want to create an extravagant outdoor kitchen area, then why not add an extra grill? If you have a particularly large garden or are always hosting parties for family and friends, then it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. 

Two grills allow you to cook for larger groups of people simultaneously, ensuring that all of your guests get their food quickly and at the same time. It’s also a great way for you to stay organised, using one grill for direct cooking and the other for keeping extra food warm. Incorporate it into your design and send us your ideas via our online contact form

8. Incorporate bricks 

Another of our built-in BBQ ideas is to use bricks as a way to showcase your cooker. You could stack or combine your bricks together to create a frame around your grill, defining the area while also adding visual interest. You could even extend the brickwork up the wall behind your grill to create a backsplash, protecting your wall from grease and heat. 

Or, as well as your built-in grill, you might want to add a pizza oven! You can use bricks to build a wood-fired pizza oven, combining entertainment and functionality. Integrate your pizza oven into the brickwork surrounding your grill for a cohesive and showstopping look. 

9. Add an island alongside your grill 

Have you ever considered integrating your built-in grill into an outdoor kitchen island? You might not know it, but you can build your grill into a separate island, making it the central hub of your outdoor kitchen, perfect for cooking and entertaining. 

An island can have many uses, serving as a prep area, a serving station, or even a dining counter. It also gives you extra counter space to work with, and you can incorporate cabinets, drawers, and shelves into your island design, maximising its functionality. Here at Open Space Concepts, we’ve got outdoor kitchen islands that suit all tastes and transform your outdoors into a culinary paradise. 

10. Design a full outdoor setup 

If an island isn’t enough, why not go all out and create a stunning outdoor living space? Whether that’s a kitchen, man cave, or outdoor bar area, let your built-in grill be a stand-out feature among your new and improved outdoor space. 

Luckily for you, at Open Space Concepts, we’ve got plenty of premium and luxury designs that you can escape and make into your own personal haven, such as our Cocoon. It’s no surprise that nature can benefit our mental health, so treat yourself to a touch of grandness that’ll not only benefit your home but your mind too. 

Enhance your culinary skills with an outdoor kitchen from Open Space Concepts! 

Hopefully, this blog has given you some built-in BBQ ideas that you can take inspiration from. Whether your garden is big or small, impress your guests with your outdoor cooking skills, made easy from a built-in BBQ! 

Here at Open Space Concepts, we’re truly passionate about the design and installation of outdoor structures. With over 30 years of experience, our expert team is always on standby to assist you with your project. 
For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you. Alternatively, give us a call on 0808 168 0043.

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