Counter and hatch grilles

What are counter and hatch grilles?

A counter or hatch grille is a small roller or retractable grille that closes off a serving hatch, kiosk window, bar or reception counter. It secures the opening between the public side and the stock or till behind, while staying compact enough for tight spaces.

Takeaways, bars, kiosks, ticket offices and receptions all have a counter that needs closing at the end of the day. A compact roller grille coils into a small box above the hatch; a retractable grille folds to one side.

Grilles are fixed to the counter structure or a subframe, with a lock at the bottom rail or leading edge. Where a counter is also a fire separation, we discuss whether a fire-rated product is needed instead.

How much do counter and hatch grilles cost?

Our guide range is £595 to £1,795 plus VAT (£714 to £2,154 inc VAT) per hatch, supplied and fitted. The exact figure depends on size, type, finish and locking, and your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the free survey. See all grille prices.

Specification and options

Compact coil boxes for low heads
Retractable options where there is side space
Bottom-rail or side locks
Brushed, anodised or powder-coated finishes
Fixing to counters, bulkheads or subframes
Manual operation for small openings
Stainless or aluminium to suit food areas
Neat integration with countertops

Where counter and hatch grilles are used

Takeaway and café hatches
Bars and kiosks
Ticket and reception counters
School and canteen serveries
Pharmacy and dispensary counters

What to decide before you order

Coil box or side stack

Roller grilles need a little head space; retractables need side space.

Fire separation

If the hatch is in a fire-resisting wall, a standard grille does not replace a fire shutter.

Food areas

Smooth, cleanable finishes suit kitchens and serveries.

Daily use

Choose a light action if staff open and close it several times a day.

Rules across the UK

The rules on planning, listed buildings and fire safety differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are the points most relevant to counter and hatch grilles; local pages show the version for your nation.

England (similar principles apply in Wales, Scotland and NI)

Grilles across exits in business premises

In workplaces and other non-domestic premises, including the common parts of blocks of flats and HMOs, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes the responsible person keep escape routes and emergency exits available and easy to open while people are present. A grille across an exit should be unlocked and parked open whenever the building is occupied, and covered in the fire risk assessment.

Grilles inside the glass

A grille fitted inside the glass does not normally need planning permission, because it does not materially change how the building looks from outside. If the building is listed, listed building consent may still be needed.

How it works

Tell us what needs securing

Use the quote tool or form, or call. Sizes and a couple of photos help us give a guide price straight away.

Free survey

A surveyor measures every opening, checks the walls and fixings, and talks through type, colour and locks.

Fixed price in writing

You get a written quote with the grille schedule, the price and the lead time. Nothing is ordered until you accept.

Made, fitted and handed over

Grilles are made to measure, fitted by installers working under our contract with you, tested and explained.

Counter and hatch grilles: questions

How much does a hatch grille cost?

Most counter and hatch grilles cost between £595 and £1,795 plus VAT (£714 to £2,154 inc VAT) supplied and fitted, depending on size and type.

Can a hatch grille be fire rated?

A standard security grille is not fire rated. If the hatch needs fire separation, a fire-rated shutter is required instead.

Will the grille fit under our ceiling?

Compact roller grilles need only a small box. If there is no head space, a retractable grille that folds to the side works instead.

Can staff lock it easily?

Yes. Hatch grilles lock with a key at the bottom rail or leading edge.

Can you fit it into an existing counter?

Yes, by fixing to the counter structure or a subframe built into it.

Are these grilles suitable for food areas?

Aluminium and stainless finishes are easy to clean and suit serveries.

Find counter and hatch grilles near you

Choose your county or region for local information and the rules that apply where you are.

Get your free quote