Benefits of Having a Built-in Gas Barbecue

There’s nothing more Australian than a backyard barbecue under the summer sun. Whether you’ve got a small outdoor space or a bigger backyard with a swimming pool, gathering friends around a barbecue in warmer weather for a great outdoor meal is always a social hit.

But isn’t it stressful when you have to run around for a new gas bottle at the last moment?

There are a number of alternatives when it comes to styles and sizes of barbecues. This includes a choice of free-standing or permanently installed gas barbecue. And a built-in barbecue could make a huge difference to your entertaining. It’s just one of the many benefits of having a permanent gas barbecue.

But let’s dig in to the pros and cons of a built-in BBQ.

Pros of a Built-in Natural Gas BBQ

There are a number of benefits to outdoor grilling; the obvious ones being delicious food and the sociable element. If you’ve got the space and you enjoy the great tastes, barbecues and grills will become a regular part of your dining schedule. If you’re under cover, you might even be grilling meats outdoors well into winter.

So, if it’s a regular part of your lifestyle, why not have a gas barbecue permanently installed in your entertaining space? Here are some of the pros of doing so.

No Need for Gas Refills

With a permanent gas barbecue, you’ll be connected to your main natural gas line. No longer will you need to go out to get your gas bottles filled with LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), or rush around buying charcoal beads. With natural gas BBQs you have an ongoing, permanent fuel supply for as long as you need it. Bottled gas can become a thing of the past.

You Don’t Need Storage Space

A barbecue is a hefty piece of equipment and, even though it’s on wheels, can be difficult to move. With portable BBQs, if you’re putting them away for the winter, you have to find some sort of storage space in the garage or back shed. As the weather gets warmer, you’ve got to dig it out of the garage again. There’s no heavy lifting when your barbecue is a permanent garden fixture.

You Increase Your Home Value

A built-in natural gas BBQ is a significant asset that can enhance the value of your home. When it comes to selling your property, potential buyers often look for unique and high-quality features that set a home apart. A well-maintained, integrated gas BBQ is precisely such a feature. It not only adds a touch of luxury and convenience but also demonstrates a commitment to quality and outdoor living. This can be a decisive factor for buyers who envision entertaining guests and enjoying alfresco dining. Therefore, installing a built-in gas barbecue can be a wise investment, offering both immediate enjoyment and long-term financial benefits by increasing your property’s market appeal and value.

You Can Customise Your Barbecue

Having a built-in barbecue means you can set up your own outdoor kitchen. You can customise your barbecue area to perfectly suit your needs. Therefore, in the middle of a busy party, you’ll know exactly where to find the utensils you need. A permanent gas barbecue looks stylish and is something you can customise to complement other features of your outdoor space.

Natural Gas is Cost Effective

Natural gas is cheaper and more energy efficient than electricity, and even works out more economical than using LPG. So getting connected to your main gas line will lead to savings in the long run.

It Extends Your Living Space

Your kitchen and dining room are busy areas of the home. Having a built-in gas barbecue means you’ve effectively got a second kitchen and dining area. It truly extends your living space to the outdoors, adding versatility to your home.

The Cons of a Built-in Gas Barbecue

So is there a downside to installing a permanent gas barbecue in your backyard entertaining area? You’ll need to consider all factors before deciding to transform your backyard into a second kitchen. Let’s consider some of the potential downsides of a permanent gas barbie.

Built-in Barbecues Can Be Expensive

The installation of a high-quality built-in gas barbecue can be a costly affair, especially when considering the initial expenses involved. For those who are working within a tight budget, this can be a significant drawback. The upfront costs of gas BBQs not only include the purchase price but also the installation fees, which can add up quickly. In comparison, opting for a more economical alternative, such as a small, portable charcoal BBQ, might be a more practical choice for those who wish to enjoy outdoor grilling without a substantial financial commitment. Such alternatives offer flexibility and affordability, making them suitable for budget-conscious individuals.

Stand-alone Barbecues are Portable

Portable BBQs offer the flexibility of always being able to move them out of the way when necessary, which can be particularly useful when you have limited backyard space. Then you can always choose to wheel it out later when you’re in the mood to use it again. You can also take them camping or

You’re Stuck with It

Over time, you and your family might become less inclined to cook outdoors, leaving you with an elaborate and underused feature. Additionally, in regions with colder climates, you likely won’t use your built-in barbecue for significant portions of the year, making it seem like a less practical investment. If your lifestyle or preferences shift, this can be particularly frustrating, as a built-in unit doesn’t offer the flexibility of storing or selling off a portable grill if you no longer need it.

You’ll Need Suitable Shelter for It

If your built-in gas barbecue is not undercover, it will be subjected to extreme weather conditions, and it might be uncomfortable to use on hotter days (and in colder weather too). With a portable barbecue, you can easily find a handy sheltered spot for it.

A Final Decision on Natural Gas BBQs

So, if you enjoy outdoor cooking, it’s easy to see how the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to installing a built-in gas barbecue. To summarise, it comes down to the amount of space you’ve got and the upfront costs of buying a barbecue and installation, which you’ll need a qualified gas fitter to take care of. And don’t forget it’s possible to convert an LPG barbecue to natural gas.

You’ll also need to consider bench space, the ideal size of your outdoor eating area and having some kind of shelter, because that can be crucial in summer and winter. If all the pieces are in place, it might be time to take that step into installing a permanent barbecue feature in your backyard.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.