If you live in Phoenix or the Valley of the Sun, you know the scene: it’s Saturday evening, the grill is hot, and you’re ready for cooking burgers or steaks. But the Arizona sun is still shining bright.
You glance at your patio cover and wonder: “Can I grill/cook under here? Is it safe? Will I fill the patio with smoke—or ruin the cover?”
This is a genuine concern for many homeowners. You want to protect your investment and keep things safe. At Chillax Patios, we’ve installed Alumawood patio covers for over 10 years in Phoenix. We’ve heard this question countless times.
Here’s the truth: yes, you can BBQ or cook under a patio cover. But the type of cover and ventilation setup matter a lot. Let’s break it down simply.
A lattice-style cover has slats spaced to let sunlight filter through while providing shade.
For BBQs, this is the easiest option. Smoke rises through the open spaces easily. No build-up, no trapped fumes. You get great airflow, making it the safest cover for cooking.
Pros: Good ventilation, natural airflow, stylish shade.
Cons: Doesn’t block all sunlight or rain. The grill master might still catch some sun.
If you want to grill comfortably without ventilation worries, lattice is your best choice.
Solid Alumawood covers offer great shade and durability. They keep out the sun and light rain. But for BBQs and cooking, ventilation is key.
Yes, you can grill/cook under a solid cover. Alumawood is tough and won’t rot or peel like wood. But smoke can build up without airflow, making it uncomfortable for you and your guests.
Pros: Maximum shade, weather protection, keeps furniture cool.
Cons: Needs airflow planning for BBQ smoke; may feel enclosed.
This is where smart design comes in, and we at Chillax Patios help homeowners plan ahead.
This modern solution is becoming popular. A louvered system looks sleek and allows you to adjust the slats for shade and airflow. With a button (motorized) or a hand crank, you can tilt the louvers open for smoke to escape while cooking, then close them for shade afterward.
Pros: Great control, excellent for BBQs, weather protection when closed, ventilation when open.
Cons: Higher cost than lattice or solid covers; requires professional installation.
If you’re serious about outdoor cooking, a louvered system is ideal.
At Chillax Patios, we use Alumawood, a high-quality aluminum that looks like wood but has fewer issues. Why is this important for BBQs and cooking?
Alumawood resists warping, cracking, and termites.
It has a baked-on finish that can handle Phoenix’s sun.
Unlike wood, smoke and heat won’t damage it.
However, proper ventilation is still vital. Heat from grills should never build up directly under a solid cover without airflow.
When cooking under a patio cover, keep these factors in mind:
Airflow is essential. Smoke and heat must escape. This can happen through lattice openings, a louvered system, or open sides.
Position the grill smartly. Don’t push it into a corner. Give it space, ideally near an open edge.
Be cautious with heat. Although Alumawood is durable, avoid placing the grill against posts or beams.
Electrical considerations. For outdoor appliances like an electric smoker, have a licensed electrician handle the wiring. We can build wiring channels into the cover, but an electrician will connect it safely.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that around 10,600 home fires begin each year due to grills. Most of these fires start on decks, porches, or patios. Ventilation and placement are crucial for safety.
Let’s discuss what makes one patio cover safe for BBQing and cooking while another may frustrate you. It boils down to quality and precision.
Some contractors rush their jobs. They skip reinforced beams, overlook airflow planning, and don’t think about future needs. You may save money now, but you could end up with smoke-filled evenings or unsafe setups later.
At Chillax Patios, our approach is straightforward:
Design with your lifestyle in mind (grilling included).
Use strong engineering. Use lattice where it fits, solid structures where needed, and louvers for flexibility.
Build with Alumawood, which withstands Phoenix’s harsh conditions year after year.
Offer a lifetime warranty on our installations.
We might not be the cheapest, but we build patio covers right the first time. This way, you can enjoy them safely for years. For verification, you can always check your contractor with Arizona Registrar of Contractors
By the end of this article, here’s what you know:
Yes, you can BBQ under a patio cover.
Lattice covers provide the best ventilation.
Solid covers work but need airflow planning.
Louvered systems offer flexibility for grilling and shade.
Alumawood is perfect for Phoenix—it’s durable and low-maintenance.
Safety matters. Position your grill wisely. Ensure good ventilation. Don’t skimp on design or installation.
Grilling and cooking outdoors is part of life in Arizona. The grill brings family and friends together. Whether you’re grilling game-day burgers, Sunday carne asada, or weeknight chicken, this is the perfect spot. Your patio cover should make this better—not more stressful.
At Chillax Patios, we’ve put up hundreds of Alumawood covers in Phoenix over the past ten years. We know what works and what doesn’t. Safe, enjoyable outdoor cooking needs both shade and airflow.
So yes—feel free to BBQ under your patio cover. Just ensure it’s made with quality, precision, and your grilling needs in mind. That’s how you enjoy comfort and safety in the shade.