Tips for Optimizing Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout

So, you’ve made the decision you’re going to build an outdoor kitchen. You’ve selected the site where you’re going to install it. Now, before you start purchasing all the materials you need to turn your dream space into a reality, you need to come up with the perfect layout for your outdoor kitchen.

Chances are, you’re already familiar with the “kitchen triangle,” a concept used by interior designers to create the most functional and convenient kitchen space possible. The idea is that the refrigerator, the cooktop and the sink should all form three points of a triangle, with no single leg of that triangle measuring more than 10 feet. Those triangle legs should be completely clear of any obstructions.

This same theory is often used by outdoor kitchen builders in Seattle, WA to give people an optimized outdoor layout. Most outdoor kitchens are relatively small, so it actually ends up being easier to create the kitchen triangle without having to walk too far from one point to another.

The exact type of layout you choose for your outdoor kitchen will depend primarily on the total amount of space you have to work with, but it will also be affected by your total budget for the project and the cooking methods you like to use. Here are just a few examples of some of the more popular outdoor kitchen layout styles:

• Straight line kitchens: This style is similar to what’s often referred to as a “kitchenette.” Here, the kitchen is installed against a single wall. This setup is usually ideal for people with a smaller budget and a smaller amount of space to work with. While it’s typically only suitable for one cook at a time to work in the space, it will still provide a reasonable amount of functionality and convenience for people working in their outdoor kitchen. Because this kitchen will likely be installed against the wall of the house, you should add some non-combustible materials to protect your home’s siding.
• Kitchen islands: The most common outdoor kitchen design is an island layout, in which the grill and all appliances are clustered into a single central unit. This is an extremely cost-effective (and space-effective) way of creating an outdoor cooking space and entertaining center. Consider having one side of the island countertop raised to create a clear separation between the cooking area and socializing/eating areas.
• U-shape kitchens: If you wish to have a larger area, one that’s likely its own freestanding structure, the U-shape kitchen might be ideal. This is especially true if you’re going to have an outdoor refrigerator, dishwasher, sink and bar area. This design is very similar to indoor kitchen designs and can be a focal point of your backyard and property.

These are just a few examples of common designs used by outdoor kitchen builders in Seattle, WA. For more information about things you should take into consideration when planning your outdoor kitchen spaces, contact the team at Custom Fire Art today.

Categorised in: Outdoor Kitchen Builder

This post was written by Writer