To choose a built-in BBQ, work out the cooking area you need from how many people you feed (a BeefEater 4-burner has 3,840cm², roughly 30 burgers at once), then pick the build quality and finish (stainless steel or enamel, double-skin hood), the fuel (LPG as standard, natural gas with a conversion by a qualified engineer), and a hood or flat lid. Check the exact cut-out and enclosure rules before you build, because they differ between ranges even at the same burner count.
In this guide
Step 1: how big?
Burner count is a shorthand for cooking area. Allow about 120cm² per burger with space to turn it, and keep about a third of the grill free as a cooler zone.
| BeefEater size | Cooking area | Split | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-burner | 3,072cm² | 320mm grill, 320mm plate | Couples and families |
| 4-burner | 3,840cm² | 400mm grill, 400mm plate | Families who entertain |
| 5-burner | 4,608cm² | 640mm grill, 320mm plate | Regular parties |
| 7000 series 5-burner | 4,480cm² | 2 x 270mm grills, 380mm plate | Parties, with a premium build |
| Proline 6-burner | 4,176cm² | 430mm grill, 430mm plate | Showpiece outdoor kitchens |
Figures for the 1200, 1600 and 3000 series built-ins, from BeefEater. More on working out capacity in our built-in BBQ capacity guide.
Step 2: grill or plate?
The open grill gives char lines and lets fat drip away. The solid plate cooks eggs, onions, fish and anything small. A 50:50 split suits most people; if you mainly grill steaks and burgers, a bigger grill share (as on the 5-burners) helps.
Step 3: build quality and finish
What separates ranges is not burner count but what they are made of:
- Frame: BeefEater uses seam-welded frames across these ranges, in black porcelain enamel (1200E, 3000E) or stainless steel (1200S, 1600, 7000, Proline).
- Hood: a double-skin hood holds heat for roasting and stays cooler outside. The 7000 series uses a double-layer 304 stainless steel hood.
- Cooktops and burners: porcelain-coated cast iron grills and plates hold heat well; look after them with a brass brush and a wipe of oil.
- Warranty: BeefEater Europe's UK warranty for the 1200, 1600 and 7000 built-ins covers the barbecue for 24 months with the burner box covered for a further 3 years. Check the terms for your model.
Enamel resists marks and suits a dark scheme; stainless steel suits a modern kitchen look but shows fingerprints and needs cleaning along the grain.
Step 4: hood or flat lid?
A roasting hood turns the barbecue into an outdoor oven: joints, whole chickens and indirect cooking. A flat lid keeps the cooktop covered and sits lower, which suits a sleek island; the Proline flat lid stands 42mm above the benchtop against 212mm for the Proline with roasting hood.
Step 5: LPG or natural gas?
- LPG: BeefEater built-ins are supplied for LPG. You need a ventilated, accessible compartment for the cylinder.
- Natural gas: a BeefEater natural gas conversion kit (part 95176) suits the 1200, 1500, 1600 and 1700 series. The conversion and the connection to your gas supply must be done by a qualified gas engineer; at your home that means a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Step 6: check the cut-out before you build
| Model | Opening | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 1200S 4-burner | 825mm wide, at least 230mm high | 540mm |
| 1600E 4-burner | 880mm with bracket, 830mm without | 604mm |
| 7000 Classic 5-burner | 973mm (1030mm with bracket) | 640mm |
| Proline 6-burner | 1025 x 502mm bench cut-out | Benchtop at least 600mm deep |
Enclosures must be non-combustible. The 1600 series needs a 40mm minimum gap to the rear wall; the 1200, 3000 and 7000 series give a 450mm minimum clearance to combustible materials. Full details in our built-in BBQ installation guide.
Step 7: the add-ons that finish the job
- A heat shield to protect the enclosure behind.
- A fitted cover: 1500, 1600 and 1700 built-in, 1200 and 3000 built-in or Proline.
- A tool kit such as the Lifestyle 24 piece stainless steel set.
Quick picks
- Best value way in: the 1200S 4-burner, stainless steel with a double-skin hood, 21.2kW.
- Most popular all-rounder: the 1600E 4-burner, 21.2kW from its main burners, 3,840cm².
- Premium build: the 7000 Classic 5-burner with a 304 stainless steel hood.
- Showpiece: the Proline 6-burner with double-skin roasting hood and flame failure protection.
Not sure built-in is right? Compare built-in vs freestanding, or browse all built-in BBQs.
Questions and answers
How many burners should a built-in BBQ have?
For most families, 3 or 4. A BeefEater 4-burner has 3,840cm² of cooking area, enough for around 30 burgers at once. Choose 5 or 6 burners if you regularly cook for large groups.
What is the difference between BeefEater E and S models?
The finish. On the 1200 series, E models have a black porcelain enamel frame and hood and S models are stainless steel. Check each product page for the exact materials.
Can a built-in BBQ run on mains gas?
BeefEater built-ins are supplied for LPG. A natural gas conversion kit is available for the 1200, 1500, 1600 and 1700 series, fitted by a qualified gas engineer.
What size hole do I need for a built-in BBQ?
It depends on the model. A BeefEater 1600E 4-burner needs 880mm wide with its hanging bracket (830mm without) and 604mm deep; a 1200S 4-burner needs 825mm wide, 540mm deep and at least 230mm high.
Do I need a hood on a built-in BBQ?
Only if you want to roast and cook indirectly. A flat lid suits a sleek island and fast grilling.
