Countless individuals wish to own a built-in grill as part of their outdoor kitchen. Finding the right grill, however, may present challenges. With so many options to choose from, how do shoppers know which one to buy? What factors should they consider when making this purchase?
Size
Shoppers need to know what size grill to purchase to ensure it fits the space they have set aside for this appliance. A large outdoor kitchen accommodates larger grills, but a small patio needs an appliance that won’t take over the entire space. Most built-in grills come in sizes between 34 and 40 inches and include three to five burners. Compare the choices from rtaoutdoorliving.com to see what may be right for your kitchen.
When choosing a grill, it’s important to consider the available counter space. For instance, if a person only has ten feet to work with, they don’t want a grill that spans 60 inches and takes up half of the counter. Furthermore, built-in grills cannot be situated at the end of an island. They need to be a minimum of a few inches in to ensure they remain stable.
In addition, the grill hood requires clearance to open. The owner must plan for at four inches behind the grill surface to allow the grill hood to open properly without encountering an obstacle. More clearance may be needed for some models.
Cooking Surface Area
Individuals must recognize the cooking surface of the grill doesn’t match the exterior dimensions of the appliance. Plan for a cooking surface that is at least two inches smaller than the grill’s advertised dimensions. However, certain manufacturers advertise their grills based on the cooking surface area. The consumer must know this when comparing the options.
Planned Use
People must know how they will regularly use the grill. Do they plan to cook for family and friends on a routine basis, or will the grill be used to prepare meals for only one or two people? This influences the size of the grill needed. However, a person can also invest in a separate warming rack to accommodate large crowds when the grill is smaller.
Surrounding Materials
Owners must choose materials for their outdoor kitchen with the built-in grill in mind. They must plan for a non-combustible material between the grill and any flammable materials to prevent fire hazards. This material is typically referred to as an insulated jacket, and the outdoor kitchen designer is helpful when determining where protection may be needed.
When purchasing this jacket, the owner must know the specifications of the built-in grill to ensure the jacket fits properly. Fortunately, many grill manufacturers make and sell these jackets to go along with their products. This helps to ensure a proper fit.
Plan for the Future
A person should plan for the future when purchasing a built-in grill. Determine what additions may be needed at a later date, and have the designer work them into the plan. This makes it easy to complete the expansion in the future without a lot of hassle.
When the time comes to purchase your built-in grill, work with an outdoor kitchen designer. They’ll help you narrow the available choices to find the model that best meets your needs. Once the grill is in place, you’ll find you want to cook all of your meals outdoors because you enjoy your new kitchen so much. Feel free to do so, as that’s exactly what it is for, and you’ll want to get the most enjoyment from your investment.
