Outdoor Kitchen Buying Guide


Outdoor Kitchen

Getting Started

An outdoor kitchen can be so handy. It gives you an opportunity to prepare meals and spend time outside without wasting time on running back inside your house for beverages, plates or cookware. If you’re looking for something more elegant and sophisticated than a BBQ in a backyard, you should go for an outdoor kitchen.

What to Consider

Location

Layout

Kitchen Triangle: the most common layout, where the cooktop, refrigerator, and sink are the corners and should be less than 100 feet from each other.

Islands: to make an island, clutter the grill and appliances in a central unit. It allows guests to gather around the cook and creates an entertaining hub.

Straight Line: Should be installed against a wall, this layout is perfect for one-cook spaces. To protect the siding, choose non-combustible materials. A budget-friendly option that is perfect for small spaces.

U-shaped: perfect for a large kitchen with a dishwasher, a fridge, a grill, a sink, and bar area. It imitates indoor kitchens and becomes a backyard focal point.

Outdoor Cabinet Material

Consider these durable materials to ensure that an outdoor kitchen lasts for years to come.

    •  Marine Grade Polymer is a high-density Polyethylene, a 100% waterproof material that will not rot or rust. Marine Grade Polymer resists degradation and stain and is easy to clean.

    •  Stainless Steel is ideal for outdoor kitchens since it integrates well with frills and appliances. The steel should be 18 gauge thickness.

    •  Teak can withstand over 200 degrees Fahrenheit and isn’t affected by snow, rain, sleet or sun. The material is rust and water-proof. Easy to clean with a scrub with water and soap.

Choosing Appliances

Floor Materials

Seating

While planning an outdoor kitchen, consider the width of each seat, knee space and the amount of clearance behind the seats.

    •  The usual seating width is 24 inches per person, but you can plan it up to 36 inches per person.

    •  Depending on the height of the seats, consider knee space. If you have bar height seating, leave at least 12 inch counter overhang for comfortable sitting. If you plan sitting behind the table, sitting should have no less than the 18-inch overhang.

    •  Traffic clearance: if no traffic needs to pass, leave 32 inches between the table edge and the nearest obstruction. People can freely pass behind seats if there are 36 inches left.

Budget

Before making a purchase, think of all your needs. If you can use an outdoor kitchen just for a couple of months out of the year, keep it simple. Besides, estimate what you’ll be doing in the kitchen and whether you’re going to have large gatherings there. It will help you to be realistic about the budget and purchase only barely essentials.