Napoleon BILEX or BIPRO Built-In Gas BBQs?

Condos aren’t the only ones installing built-in BBQs into their counters, private homeowners are too!

There are many benefits to installing a built-in BBQ. One such benefit is the use of the standard Singapore 12.7KG LPG tank. The problem with this standard issue is the size. At 57cm tall, this 12.7KG tank doesn’t fit in most mobile BBQ cabinets, and the ones who manage to squeeze it in are cutting it pretty close.

Designing your own counter means being able to customise your own tank cabinet. Of course, you could always get the smaller 9KG gas tank, but the 12.7KG ones last the longest and are the most bang for your buck.

The biggest benefit is of course for aesthetics. It’s the beautiful flushed-in look that makes your BBQ look like it’s part of a whole outdoor kitchen rather than an afterthought. One of our favourite designs was done at a homeowner’s balcony in Jade Mansion.

Basically, the homeowner moved his entire kitchen from the inside of his apartment to his balcony, creating a wet kitchen and alfresco dining area fully equipped with a built-in gas and electric cooking hob, fridge, ovens, sinks and of course the Napoleon Prestige BIPRO500RB Gas BBQ (from a previous season). Most balconies are underutilized and seen as a redundant space, however, as BBQ lovers we beg to differ. We love balconies, especially spacious ones!

But how do you know which built-in BBQ is right for you? Let’s take Napoleon Grills’ Bilex485RB and Prestige Bipro500RB for example. Both BBQ’s are equipped with 4 main burners and 1 rear burner – but besides that you’ll find that the Prestige Bipro500RB comes with a die cast aluminium firebox (longer lasting than welded steel), thicker stainless steel grids and warming rack, as well in built-in lights and knobs lights which are perfect for cooking at night.

Although this seems to make the Bipro500RB a superior BBQ to the Bilex485RB, the latter is also popular because it’s lower in cost, more compact, and easier to install as it does not require an electrical socket for the rear burner ignition and lighting.

Ultimately, whichever built-in model you decide to go with, always make sure to design the counter-top according to specifications and check with your BBQ dealer on the installation process if you are unsure of anything.

These Built-In BBQ grills are available for purchase from The BBQ Grill Store.