Part of shopping for the perfect pellet grill is considering how and where you will set it up once you bring it home. Patios can serve as an excellent location for your pellet grill, as they are often situated close to the house and are carefully designed with both style and functionality in mind.
At ATBBQ, we’ve helped design and install hundreds of outdoor kitchens, and much of that learned expertise applies to patio setups for pellet grills. Even if you plan to stop short of installing appliances and an outdoor sink, we have the learned experience to offer key tips for pellet grill patio ideas, including installation options, safety considerations, and general maintenance.
Built-in vs. Freestanding Pellet Grills in Outdoor Kitchens
One of our first recommendations when designing an outdoor cooking space is to include a Yoder Smokers Pellet Grill. In particular, the Yoder Smokers YS640s is especially advantageous to build around because of its quality and versatility. Not only does it excel at both low-and-slow indirect cooking AND high-heat direct flame grilling, but when outfitted with the right accessories, it can also function as a wood-fired oven, a griddle, and a mult-zone cooking unit. That multi-functionality comes in handy when trying to maximize patio space.
One of the other advantages of the Yoder YS640s is that it is available both on wheels and as a built-in unit. The wheeled models include everything from a standard cart to a competition cart with storage drawers, to the Outlander Series, which is easy to move and position thanks to 10-inch wheels wrapped in pneumatic tires that are 6.5 inches wide, an integrated pull handle, and a steering axle. Each of the movable units serves different needs for those who will frequently tote their pellet smoker to and from their patio space.
However, built-in models often serve folks better when their patio can serve as a permanent home for their pellet grill. These models include all of the grilling functionality of their movable cousins but come without the stand, making them ideal for direct installation into your outdoor kitchen framework. You can choose from configurations including the standard left-side pellet hopper or move the pellet hopper to the right side, depending on your layout requirements. If your patio can accommodate a bit of counterspace, a built-in is worth considering for an elevated patio cooking setup.
Safety Considerations for Pellet Grills on Patios
As with any outdoor cooking apparatus, it is essential to consider safety concerns when planning possible setups. That being said, pellet grills have some safety advantages over gas grills and charcoal grills. You never have to worry about gas leaks, there’s minimal risk of sparks escaping the cooking chamber, grease is funneled away from the firebox, and the cooldown period is much faster than with a charcoal fire.
The primary safety consideration for pellet grills on patios is ensuring they are clear of combustible materials. When setting up a freestanding pellet grill on your patio, ensure it sits level to maintain balance in case of a bump and to allow for proper airflow during cooking. A level grill also allows grease to flow properly, reducing potential safety issues. If your patio is made out of wood, consider placing a heavy-duty fire-resistant BBQ grill mat underneath the pellet grill to protect it. While not a safety issue, these mats are also recommended for other types of patios as a protective measure against grease and drips.
When designing spaces that feature built-in pellet grills, we always recommend using steel frames with built-in leveling feet to ensure stability. In addition to being easy to adjust, they are also non-combustible. We also recommend granite countertops and stone or brick finish materials to help protect any combustible structures in the immediate area of the pellet grill.
And if you’re using a pellet grill on a covered patio, proper ventilation and airflow are essential to prevent the space from becoming too smoky. As long as the roof is at least seven feet high and there aren’t more than two adjoining walls, you will likely have sufficient natural airflow. However, when installing a built-in pellet grill in a partially enclosed space, it is recommended to consult with a professional for a customized design.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Pellet Grills on Patios
Pellet grills are relatively easy to clean and maintain regardless of location. Two tried-and-true tips are to run a burn-off cycle at 400 °F for 30 minutes after cooking with greasy foods, and to wipe down the grates and interior walls of the grill while it is still warm, so that the fat and grease don’t have a chance to harden. A clean grill not only cooks more efficiently, but it also produces cleaner smoke, adding a pleasing depth of flavor to your food.
For more detailed overviews on pellet grill cleaning and maintenance, please refer to our comprehensive guides: How to Clean and Cover a Yoder Smokers YS480 or YS640 After the Cook and How to Deep Clean Yoder Smokers Pellet Grills.
Patio Materials for Outdoor Kitchens with Grills
Durability and stability are paramount when constructing an outdoor patio to accommodate your grill. It’s a significant project that’s totally worth the time and money, as it can provide a setting for memorable gatherings with friends and family. But it’s also a project that you’ll want to be happy with for years to come. Some of our go-to materials that hold up well in the elements include:
- Stone, Brick, and Cement – While a gravel patio may be appealing for ease of installation, it can be a difficult surface when it comes to cleaning up food spills, carrying loads and moving your grill. Opt for these more stable options, which we also favor over tile because of its difficult-to-clean grout and propensity to pop out of place when water freezes behind it.
- Granite and quartzite are extremely durable, UV-resistant, and heat-tolerant countertop options.
- Galvanized Steel Tubing – Great for framing in an outdoor space because it’s strong, light, and can withstand corrosion.
Pellet Grill Patio Layout Inspiration
Not sure where to start with patio planning and design? Here are some helpful tools from our library to help get you started:
- Big Ideas For Small Spaces – While intimate and fun, patios present the challenge of creating a functional space without feeling confined. Here, you’ll find tips for planning a welcoming patio, as well as helpful guidance for other small spaces.
- How To Create A Beautiful Outdoor Space – Mapping out a patio footprint, choosing the right trim and fixtures, and identifying style themes early on are just some of the tips for designing a space you’ll want to return to again and again.
- Your Guide To Buying A Patio Dining Set – A complete checklist of factors to consider when shopping for the furniture your friends and family will gather around for memorable outdoor meals.
- We’ve Built Over 300 Outdoor Kitchens – These Are Our 5 Favorites – Our portfolio of home run swings. While you likely won’t use these plans in their entirety, they can certainly inspire creativity with tried-and-true design elements.
DIY vs. Professional Outdoor Kitchen Installation
Depending on the existing condition of your yard, the scope of your patio plans, and your comfort level for tackling home improvement projects, you may be able to approach a new patio space as a DIY opportunity. If that’s the case, you’d be able to follow many of the steps in the ATBBQ Ultimate DIY Guide To Installing An Outdoor Kitchen, with the added step of installing your preferred type of outdoor flooring if it’s not already in place.
If you decide to go the DIY route, ATBBQ can provide design services and supply materials for your project. We are also available to serve as the lead on the entire design and construction process for your ideal outdoor space, ensuring that we keep your preferences and goals in mind so that your patio or outdoor kitchen meets your expectations. Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you need assistance at any point along the way.
And as your friendly neighborhood outdoor cooking enthusiasts, we have experience preparing thousands of meals on pellet grills for our loved ones and friends. We are always happy to serve as a resource and talk All Things Barbecue with beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, so feel free to visit us online at www.ATBBQ.com, call us at 316.440.3950, or drop by the store where we have dozens of grills on display for you to check out in person.
Happy Grilling!
