Grill Hobs
Grill Hobs: Indoor Barbecue On Your Worktop
A clear UK guide to built-in grill modules, extraction, sizing and when they make sense in your new kitchen
What Is a Grill Hob?
A grill hob is a built-in cooking module that gives you a dedicated grilling surface inside your kitchen. Instead of using a separate countertop grill or an outdoor barbecue, the grill sits flush in your worktop next to your main hob or as part of a modular layout.
Food cooks on open grates or a ridged plate while fat drains away into a drip tray. You get the charred flavour and grill lines you expect from a barbecue with the control and convenience of an indoor appliance.
Indoor Grilling Focus
Grill hobs suit homes where you love barbecue-style food but have limited outdoor space or an exposed garden. They also work well in open-plan kitchens where cooking is part of entertaining and you want guests to watch the grilling in comfort.
Main Types Of Grill Hobs
Most grill hobs sold in the UK fall into two main categories. Both use electricity for consistent heat.
Electric Grill Hobs
Metal grates or ridged plates sit above electric elements. Heat spreads evenly across the surface and you set the level with simple controls.
Best if you want accurate temperature control, simple operation and a familiar indoor appliance feel.
Surface options open grate for strong grill marks or solid plate for more contact heat.
Lava Stone Grill Hobs
Electric elements sit below real lava stones. The stones absorb and hold heat, then radiate it into the food. This mimics the deep heat you get from charcoal.
Best if you want an experience close to a restaurant grill with strong sear and rich flavour.
Key point lava stone systems offer excellent heat retention but need more cleaning and stone replacement over time.
Availability In The UK
Grill hobs are specialist products sold mainly by premium brands such as Gaggenau, Wolf and Smeg. Lava stone models sit at the top of the price range and often feature in high-end modular hob systems.
Why Choose A Grill Hob?
Year-Round Grilling
Grill indoors in January exactly as you would in July. Rain, wind and early sunsets do not affect your plans when everything happens on the worktop.
Health-Focused Cooking
Grates allow fat to drip away into the tray below. Food still tastes rich, but you reduce the amount of fat on the plate compared with shallow frying.
Social, Interactive Cooking
Place a grill hob on an island or peninsular and cook in front of family and guests. This suits open-plan layouts where cooking is part of the evening rather than hidden away.
Dedicated Function
Your main hob stays free for pans and sauces. The grill hob focuses on steaks, burgers, kebabs and vegetables, which keeps cooking organised during busy meals.
Sizes And Configurations
Most grill hobs are designed as compact modules that sit alongside other appliances. Typical widths mirror standard domino hob sizes.
30 cm
Compact module
Suitable for smaller kitchens or occasional grilling. One main cooking zone, ideal next to induction or gas dominoes.
40 cm
Most common size
Good grilling area for a typical UK household. Works well as part of a three-module run on a 90 cm worktop section.
60 cm and above
Larger format
More space and often two heat zones. Suits keen grillers, regular entertaining and wide island layouts.
Integration Options
Standalone Domino Units
Individual grill modules sit between or beside other hob types. You combine induction, gas, Teppanyaki and grill pieces to build a custom run.
Integrated Frames
Some premium systems place a grill section inside a wider frame with induction or gas zones. This creates a single visual appliance with mixed functions.
Extraction For Grill Hobs
Grilling produces more smoke, grease and odour than standard boiling or frying. You need stronger extraction than you would for a simple four-zone hob.
Overhead Extractors
This is the most common approach. A wall or ceiling hood sits directly above the grill area.
Guideline aim for a higher extraction rate than usual. For many kitchens this means at least 600 m³/h, and more for large islands or open-plan spaces.
Downdraft Systems
The extractor sits behind or between hob modules and pulls vapour down through a slot. This suits island layouts where you want a clear view across the room.
Pay attention to duct runs and noise levels because the fan often sits in the cabinet or under the floor.
Integrated Extraction
Certain high-end grills include extraction around the cooking area in the same appliance. This keeps steam and smoke close to source and simplifies planning.
These models usually sit at the top of the price range, so factor this into the budget early.
Extraction Is Essential
Without strong extraction you risk constant smoke alarms, greasy surfaces and lingering cooking smells throughout the home. Treat extraction as part of the grill hob cost, not an optional extra.
Key Installation Points
Position Next To Other Hobs
Linking Strips
Manufacturers supply trim pieces that sit between modules. These keep the surface neat and reduce gaps where spills would collect.
Control Layout
Check that all knobs or touch areas are easy to reach and not too close together. You want clear access even when every zone is in use.
Heat Management
Follow the maker’s instructions for side and rear clearances. This protects cabinetry and ensures ventilation around the appliance.
Cabinet And Support
Base unit size most 30 cm grills sit over a 30 cm cabinet, and 40 cm grills sit over a 40 cm cabinet with standard 60 cm depth.
Ventilation leave airflow below for electrical components and for any downdraft ducting.
Access plan simple access to drip trays and removable parts because you will handle them often.
Weight lava stone models weigh more than basic plate grills, so check any overhangs and spans with the kitchen fitter.
Power Supply
Electrical Load
Many grill hobs need a dedicated circuit, often in the 16–32 amp range depending on size and brand. Your electrician should size this together with the main hob and oven circuits.
Professional Fitting
Because of heat, power and extraction requirements, treat grill hobs as specialist appliances. Use qualified installers and keep all documentation for future servicing.
Essential Buying Considerations
Heating Method And Surface
Electric Elements
Offer predictable heat and straightforward controls. Choose open grates for stronger grill marks or solid plates for more contact area.
Lava Stone Systems
Deliver intense, even heat and strong sear. In return, you accept higher cost and the work involved in maintaining and occasionally replacing stones.
Single Or Dual Zones
Dual-zone grills let you cook meat and vegetables at different temperatures at the same time. This helps when you entertain regularly.
Cleaning And Maintenance Features
Removable Parts
Look for grates and drip trays that lift out easily. This makes quick cleaning more likely to happen after every use.
Dishwasher-Safe Pieces
Some manufacturers design trays and certain plates for the dishwasher. This reduces the effort of weekly deep cleaning.
Surface Coatings
Non-stick or easy-clean coatings reduce burnt-on residues. Always follow the recommended cleaning products to protect these finishes.
Power And Usage Reality Check
Circuit capacity confirm that the existing consumer unit and kitchen wiring support another large electric load alongside ovens and induction.
Usage pattern grill hobs suit people who cook this way weekly. If you grill once a month, consider a portable grill or a different module instead of a built-in unit.
Teppanyaki Hob Versus Grill Hob
| Feature | Teppanyaki hob | Grill hob |
|---|---|---|
| Surface type | Flat stainless steel plate | Open grate or ridged grill plate |
| Cooking style | Food cooks directly on smooth metal | Food sits on bars or ridges with direct radiant heat |
| Best for | Stir-fries, fish, meat, vegetables, pancakes | Steaks, burgers, kebabs, firm vegetables |
| Cooking result | Even browning and restaurant-style searing | Strong grill lines and outdoor-style flavour |
| Oil and fat handling | Small amount of oil on the plate and a grease channel | Fat drains through the grate into a drip tray |
| Cleaning | Scrape and wipe plate then empty tray | Remove grates and trays for soaking and scrubbing |
| Smoke level | Moderate. Good extraction recommended | High. Strong extraction essential |
| Learning curve | Some new techniques to learn | Similar to outdoor grilling for most people |
| Maintenance level | Regular cleaning and occasional plate conditioning | Frequent cleaning of grates, trays and in some cases stones |
| Visual impact | Professional chef-style feature | Barbecue-at-home feel on the worktop |
| Entertainment value | Great for show cooking and teppan-style evenings | Familiar barbecue experience brought indoors |
The Honest Pros And Cons
Where Grill Hobs Excel
- ✓Authentic grill lines and strong charred flavour.
- ✓Year-round grilling regardless of British weather.
- ✓Fat drains away from food which supports healthier meals.
- ✓Works brilliantly for social cooking on an island.
- ✓Keeps your main hob free for pans and sauces.
- ✓Ideal for homes without space or permission for outdoor barbecues.
Limitations To Consider
- !Powerful extraction is essential and increases cost.
- !Cleaning grates, trays and stones takes time and discipline.
- !Used mainly for one style of cooking, so value depends on how often you grill.
- !Specialist parts and service networks sit with premium brands.
- !Electrical load can be high alongside ovens and induction.
Maintenance And Long-Term Care
Look after the grill after every use and it will reward you with consistent performance and fewer stubborn stains.
Daily Cleaning
Allow the grill to cool to a safe temperature while still warm. Remove loose food with a brush, lift out grates and empty the drip tray. Wash parts in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher if the manual allows it.
Regular Deep Cleans
Plan a deeper clean weekly if you grill often. Soak grates, scrub away carbon build-up and clean the area beneath the elements to prevent smoke and odour.
Lava Stone Care
If you choose lava stones, turn them occasionally for even wear and replace cracked stones. Vacuum or wipe dust and crumbs from around the stones before refitting them.
Service Checks
Ask your appliance engineer to check connections, elements and controls during routine service visits. This is especially helpful for higher-powered modular systems in busy family kitchens.
Typical UK Cost Guide
Is A Grill Hob Right For You?
Decision checklist
- □ You enjoy barbecue-style food several times a month.
- □ You have or will install strong extraction in the cooking area.
- □ You have worktop space for a specialist module next to your main hob.
- □ You are happy to clean grates and trays after use.
- □ Your electrical supply supports another high-load appliance.
- □ You want cooking to be a visible, social part of entertaining.
- □ You lack outdoor space or want an indoor alternative to a barbecue.
If most of these points feel true for your household, a built-in grill hob is likely to be a worthwhile upgrade rather than a novelty.
When Grill Hobs Make Sense
A grill hob suits households that grill regularly, value social cooking and have the budget and space for a dedicated module. It works particularly well as part of a modular hob run with induction, gas and Teppanyaki plates in a premium German or bespoke kitchen.
Key takeaway
Think of a grill hob as a specialist tool. It delivers impressive results when you use it often and plan strong extraction and cleaning routines. If grilling is an occasional treat, a portable grill or a flexible Teppanyaki plate may offer better value and simpler ownership.