When summer weather hits, one of the first things people do is dust off their barbecue. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and steaks are just a few of the tasty treats you can serve up for your family and friends in your own backyard. But when you’re standing under the sun’s heat for prolonged periods of time, it can leave you feeling not so hot.
A solution to this problem is installing a BBQ gazebo. Not only do they provide shelter from the sun, but they are outfitted for safety and convenience. In addition to having a UV-resistant canopy, the fabric is also fireproofed for safety.
Some models will have a cupola (vented roof) to help draw smoke up and out of the gazebo, and it doubles as a rain shelter as well. Unlike the portable gazebos that pop up, most BBQ gazebos can be left out year-round, as their steel frame is treated to withstand rusting from wet weather.
There are many different types of gazebos for barbecues that you can choose from. We present some of the best ones currently available, and provide all the necessary information you need to know before making your purchase.
- Want something bigger? Try these top hardtop gazebos available for this year
- For storage? See the best storage sheds you can use in your yard
- Check out the best hot tub gazebos you can buy to cover your jacuzzi
- Want to do it yourself? Try a wooden gazebo kit for your next DIY project
8 Best BBQ Gazebos for a Backyard Grill
1. Mastercanopy 5 x 8 BBQ Grill Gazebo
When you want a gazebo that offers more longevity and less hassle, a hard-top model like this 5 x 8 foot, double tiered roof grill gazebo from Mastercanopy is something you should definitely consider before any other. Standing almost 9 feet tall, the all-steel construction makes sure you can leave it outside all year long, without fear of material degradation.
The rust resistant finish is the selling point on this gazebo, as moisture can occur at any time of year. The roof also has a two-tiered design which allows for excellent ventilation through the cupola installed on the peak.
There are also 2 large shelves that can be used for food prep materials, as a bar for serving drinks, or laying out a buffet for your guests. If you want a gazebo that requires less year-round maintenance, a hard-top model like this one is a good way to go.
With a couple of color choices to choose from you should be able to find that one that blends in well enough with your backyard aesthetic. This particular one comes with a free LED light set up, perfect for setting the tone on those evening grill nights.
Key Features:
- 4 Season Use
- Built in Bar Surface
- Powder Coated Finish
2. Outsunny 7 x 4.5 Grill Gazebo
Rectangular and borrowing from an arch-inspired design, Outsunny’s 7 x 4.5 foot BBQ Gazebo is tall and long to accommodate most grills and grill masters. A canopy covers the top and provides additional awning protection on the backside of the structure.
It’s crafted from polyester and is also PA-coated to provide consumers with a waterproof, fireproof, and UV-resistant tarp. A premium, powder-coated, rustproof frame gives dual shelf space, and 5 optional hooks can also be added to the structure.
The frame has extra beams and railing support to add a level of stability, and help with weight capacity and wind-resistance. Of note, Outsunny recommends you not leave it outside during adverse weather. Supplied ground stakes and screws can be used to secure it to the ground or deck, and a 7 foot eave height provides safe ventilation of the gazebo.
Key Features:
- Weather Resistant with PA Coating
- Strong Metal Frame
- Side Shelving
3. Outsunny 10 x 10 Pergola Gazebo
This pergola gazebo from Outsunny is a versatile sun shelter that you can use in a variety of applications. Great for patios, decks, gardens, or as a shelter for your BBQ, it gives you 100 square feet of space in an eye-catching European design. Standing 7 feet tall, the canopy is the main attraction of this model, as it can be retracted for a customized shade at any time.
The canopy is also waterproof with a PU coating, and UV resistant for additional protection. Water holes are built into the design of the canopy and frame, ensuring proper drainage so the structure doesn’t collapse.
A heavy duty, powder-coated steel frame will last a long time with its anti-rust protection, and you can stake it to the ground easily with the included ground anchors.
Key Features:
- Large 10 x 10 Dimensions
- 7 Feet Tall
- Vintage Design
4. Sojag BBQ Messina 6 x 8
A hard-top gazebo that you can leave outside 24/7, 365 days a year, this is a robust model that includes all the BBQ features one needs. Providing 48 square feet and having an entry height of over 6 feet, this dark grey garden gazebo (also available in black) is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.
A strong and rustproof aluminum frame props up the steel roof which has been galvanized to withstand the deterioration that results from steel being exposed to year-round weather fluctuations.
The roof is designed in two-tiers, complete with cupola, which increases airflow and ensures any smoke production from your BBQ is well-vented. The frame also includes double shelves that act as counter space during food prep, and Sojag includes an extended warranty if the gazebo rusts within the first 3 years.
Key Features:
- Unique Charcoal Color
- Galvanized Steel Roof
- Side Shelves
5. Outsunny 8 x 5 BBQ Gazebo
A great option for those who aren’t looking to break the bank and want to get the most bang for their buck. At 40 square foot this grill gazebo gives you plenty of room for cooking an outdoor feast.
At 6.3 feet high for the tallest of chefs, the overhead canopy has a two-tier design for increased ventilation and stress-reduction during high winds. The canopy is crafted from high-quality polyester canvas, which is waterproof, fireproof, and won’t fade over time.
Propping everything up is a lightweight and rustproof steel frame, that offers excellent stability and 2 metal shelves for storing any food or cooking utensils. Opening beers is made simple using the convenient bottle opener that is attached to the frame, and securing the structure to the ground can be easily done with the provided foot pegs.
Key Features:
- Double Tiered Roof for Ventilation
- Food & Utensil Storage
- Rust Resistant Frame
6. Outsunny 2-Tier Grill Canopy (4 Shelves)
A mix of iron and polyester, this 8 x 5 foot BBQ gazebo has a black frame with a coffee-colored canopy and weighs 55 lbs. An eave height of 77 inches gives you plenty of headroom, and its reinforced frame adds much needed stability.
The canopy has a two-tier design using a cupola that helps to vent your BBQ’s smoke, while adding a level design sophistication at the same time. It is protected against water, fire, and won’t fade in the harsh sunlight. Equally two-tiered is the frame, which provides stacked shelves on either side (4 in total) that can be used to house various foods, plates, and cooking utensils.
Structurally, the iron frame won’t rust due to the powder-coated finish and its lightweight enough to allow for relocation in your backyard. Priced to move, this is an attractive gazebo option, although it is recommended not to subject it to harsh winds and storms.
Key Features:
- 4 Shelves in 2 Tiers
- Water Resistant
- Fire Retardant
7. Outsunny 7 x 5 BBQ Gazebo
Catering to tall grills and people, this Outsunny BBQ gazebo has an open-design curved canopy with almost 87 inches of front height. This curved designed will not only provide adequate shelter from the sun, but it helps direct smoke from the BBQ up and away for excellent ventilation.
The canopy itself is made from 180g/m2 PA coated fabric, which translates to a waterproof and UV-resistant tarp that keeps you dry and safe from the sun’s rays. The iron frame is structurally sound, powder-coated, and provides 5 hooks on either side of the gazebo (10 total).
With these hooks you can hang your cooking utensils, as well as any other relevant tools and foods. This gazebo is easy to assemble and break down, making it a portable option as well.
Key Features:
- Hooks for Handing Utensils
- Lightweight Iron Frame
- UV Resistant
8. Shelterlogic Solano Gazebo
A sturdy and easy to assemble gazebo, the Solano from Shelterlogic is a slanted 10 x 6 foot model that is crafted to last a long time. A 2” carbon steel frame is lightweight and deceptively sturdy.
Made to resist any dings, rust, or corrosion, its powder-coated for protection against the elements, meaning you can leave this gazebo outside all year long. The canopy attaches to the frame with simple bungees, for a taut sun shelter. Its composed from 300D polyester, and is waterproof to stand up against wet weather.
With excellent durability, the canopy is also fire-rated and has built-in UVA/UVB resistance, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Anyone can stand comfortably under the 9 foot height, making it a great gazebo choice when grilling on the barbie.
Key Features:
- 300 Denier Polyester
- Water and Sun Resistant
- Fire Retardant
Top 5 Safety Tips for Using a BBQ Gazebo
Even though backyard cookouts can be fun and carefree, the presence of gas and flames means you should always be taking the proper safety precautions. Following these basic guidelines will keep you spending more time under your BBQ gazebo, and less time in the emergency room.
- Position your grill somewhere that is a safe distance from the house, and not too close to things like trees or a shed. You want to makes sure there is enough open space around the BBQ so its not a fire hazard.
- Clean your BBQ regularly, preferably after each use. Grease, fat, and other debris can build up quickly, which can increase the risk of fire.
- Make sure you have your BBQ on a level surface to avoid it falling over. If you are using a charcoal grill on a deck, place a fire-retardant mat underneath for additional protection, as embers may escape and burn your deck.
- When using your grill under a gazebo, make sure there is enough ventilation and high enough roof clearance. Smoke can easily overwhelm you if these two conditions are not met. Gazebos with a cupola can help keep airflow efficiently moving at all times.
- Finally (while these may be obvious), never leave your grill unattended, and always consult the owner’s manual before firing it up for the first time. Charcoal and gas grills differ in their operation, so learning all you can about how your grill operates could save your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my BBQ under a gazebo?
You can, but it is important that you do it safely. Certain foods produce more smoke than others, have longer cook times, and burned off fat can cause grill flare-ups. Following basic safety precautions should be paramount at all times.
How do I secure my BBQ gazebo to a deck or patio? (bolt into wood or cement)
Most decks are made from wood, and patios from cement. Your gazebo legs will have pre-cut holes to use as attachment points.
- Securing it to cement will require you to drill through the pre-cut holes and down into the cement with a masonry bit.
- Slide the leg away from you so you can remove any excess debris from the hole (a shop vac works great for this).
- Next, insert a wedge anchor into the hole, tapping it firmly into place with a hammer and place the gazebo’s leg back into position.
- Using a washer with the wedge anchor’s nut, tighten them over the bolt with a ratchet, this will expand the wedge, securely anchoring it to the concrete.
For those that are securing into a wood deck, its less labor intensive. Using washers with simple wood screws or lag bolts should be more than adequate to stabilize your gazebo.
How safe is it to use my BBQ under a gazebo?
As long as you are taking proper precautions, its ok to use your BBQ under a gazebo. Ensure that you have a lot of ventilation, and that the BBQ is kept away from objects or buildings that could potentially start a fire. Having a gazebo with a fire-retardant canopy is also a good idea, and a cupola is preferable to help vent smoke.
Can I leave my BBQ gazebo outside all year long?
The majority of BBQ gazebos use a metal frame that has protective finish. This coating helps it combat rust and corrosion as moisture, rain, and snow can wreck havoc on metal. Hard top gazebos can be left out year-round, but if your model has a fabric canopy you should remove it from the structure and keep it indoors during storms and the winter months.
Conclusion on BBQ Gazebos
The right BBQ gazebo can make grilling grub with your friends and family even more enjoyable. The right one will give you a combination of shade, ventilation, and shelving that you can use to aid in your cooking, while serving up your flame-broiled foods in style.
