Quick answer: saxony grill gazebo review
If you want a purpose-built shelter for grilling, the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo is one of the most practical options. This saxony grill gazebo review covers build quality, ventilation for smoke, assembly time, and whether the XL or the smaller Saxony 8′ x 5′ makes more sense for your yard.
In short: the Saxony lineup is designed around cooking outdoors. The Saxony XL gives you more working space and headroom around a full-size grill and prep table, while the smaller Saxony fits compact patios or a small gas grill. Both are cedar, come with pre-drilled parts, and—based on real-world builds—can be assembled quickly by two people.
What to expect from a grill gazebo
When reviewing a grill gazebo I focus on four things: ventilation and smoke management, footprint and clearance, material and durability, and ease of assembly. The Backyard Discovery Saxony XL performs well across all four: cedar absorbs heat and looks great, the open sides and roof pitch help vent smoke, and pre-cut pieces simplify assembly.
Pros and cons
- Pros: cedar construction, dedicated BBQ layout, roomy 12′ x 6′ footprint, straightforward hardware, good value for a cedar gazebo.
- Cons: cedar needs periodic sealing for long-term color; not a substitute for a masonry outdoor kitchen if you need heavy-duty fire separation.
Recommended model: Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo
For most homeowners who grill regularly, the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo is my primary recommendation in this saxony grill gazebo review. The longer 12′ length gives room for a grill, prep table, and a small refrigerator or storage cabinet while keeping everything under one roof.
Assembly and real-world testing
One of the best ways to evaluate a gazebo is to see it built. A very similar Backyard Discovery Arcadia gazebo was built on camera in one evening by two people, which tells you a lot about the practicality of the brand’s pre-cut, pre-drilled cedar kit. The Saxony XL uses the same approach to parts and hardware, so you should expect a comparable assembly experience for two capable adults.
Watch a Real Backyard Discovery Gazebo Build in 4K
Before you commit to a gazebo, it helps to see one go together in the real world. Preston and his brother built a Backyard Discovery Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ cedar gazebo in a single evening, start to finish.
In the 4K video below, you can see how the pre-cut, pre-drilled cedar pieces fit together, how the hardware is organized, and how manageable the process is for just two people. The fresh cedar smell, solid posts, and overall build quality are a big part of why we like Backyard Discovery so much.
If you want to see more photos and details from this exact build, Preston also wrote about the process on his personal site: PrestonShamblen.com/backyard-discovery-arcadia-gazebo-setup. It includes tips, notes, and behind-the-scenes details from the same evening.
Practical tips for grill setups
- Position the gazebo so prevailing winds carry smoke away from the house and seating areas.
- Keep combustible materials (lighter fluid, oil, paper) in a closed cabinet away from the immediate grill wall.
- Use a fire-rated mat under charcoal grills and keep a small fire extinguisher accessible.
- Seal the cedar annually if you want to preserve the color—cedar is naturally durable, but finish extends its life.
How the Saxony XL compares to the Saxony 8′ x 5′
The Saxony 8′ x 5′ (smaller model) is ideal for gas grills and tight patios. The Saxony XL adds usable counter depth and room for a second cook. If you entertain frequently or want a small outdoor kitchen feel, the Saxony XL is worth the extra footprint and cost.
Conclusion
This saxony grill gazebo review finds the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo an excellent choice for homeowners who want a dedicated, attractive shelter for grilling. It balances ventilation, space, and build quality, and—because Backyard Discovery uses pre-drilled cedar parts—assembly is achievable in a single evening for two people (as shown in Preston’s Arcadia build). If you need more compact coverage, consider the smaller Saxony, but for regular cooks the XL is our pick.
