Outdoor Kitchen Island Layout Help!

6 years ago

Hi Houzz Community!

We are in the throws of designing our outdoor kitchen, and really struggling to lock down a design that makes the most sense and will stand the test of time. We love to entertain, and especially outside. We envision using this space to grill for big groups, but also as the entertainment hub, where people will come to grab drinks, nibbles, and chat. Do you guys have any thoughts on the two designs below? One is a Double L, which allows for more flow of traffic, but as you can image, is much more expensive (think 50% more) and the other is a U-shape, which limits the flow, but is more cohesive. In general I think we will use the open seating space more than the Dining Table. I tend to think the Double L is better, but not sure if its worth that additional spend. We don't want to be frivolous, so needs to be a worthwhile investment. Looking for thoughts from those outdoor entertaining warriors!

Appreciate the thoughts!

Featured Answer

PRO

Dig Doug's Designs

6 years ago

I prefer the lower layout with 2 access points.

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Comments (8)

chiflipper
6 years ago
You aren't allowing enough countertop space on the sides of the grill. You have a tray containing 36 burger patties...where are you going to set it while you transfer them to the grill???
Anita T thanked chiflipper
Anita T
Original Author
6 years ago
thanks and great point! I'm constrainted on how long I can make that part so will have to use the space adjacent.
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PRO
Revolutionary Gardens
6 years ago
You're dropping tens of thousands on what will hopefully be a one-time investment. You need to hire a landscape designer who knows his/her way around outdoor kitchens to help you, because you have a few things going on (burner placement, fridge placement, etc) that are going to be an issue not just for daily use, but even for construction. Is that grill going up against a house wall? Is that what the red is?
Anita T thanked Revolutionary Gardens
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
As much as you think everyone will sit at a counter while you grill in my experience everyone sits at the nice seating area away from the smoke most of the time . I have 2 stools at my outdoor cooking space and they are used rarely.Outdoor kitchens work best when designed like a good indoor kitchen.That includes counter on either side of the grill and the double L makes no sesne with those small wakways in and out. To me the place where nibbles are grabbed is next to the main seating area not where the dining area is and I have a nice serving bar next to that space .
Anita T thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Anita T
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks all. It is not going up against the house, but rather on the opposite side of the patio by the entertaining area. This has been reviewed by our landscaper/bbq designer, so not sure of the construction issues you mention. The fridge will really just be used for drinks, so mostly be used by guests, which is why we have placed it close to the outside and out of the way of the griller.

Patricia Coldwell, I get your point, but that's why we placed the grill as far from the seating as possible. But I've found that even inside my house or when we grill with our standalone right now, everyone wants to chat and hang out next the cooking- maybe my family and friends are weird :)

You think the walkways are small? I measured and they are a similar width to inside my kitchen. The counter on the side opposite to the grill is raised so that we can put food there (might not be obvious from the drawing)
miss lindsey (She/Her)
6 years ago
I like the second layout too. Always easier to spend someone else's money though!

I would leave out the built in trash. They are nice inside, but outside with lots of different people and probably kids running around its too much effort to open a door or drawer or even to hit a small hole in the counter. So for the trash I'd use a rolling cart with waste, recycling, and if applicable compost and returnables bins. Roll it out to a central location for the party and back to the garage for clean-up.

Then you can move your sink to the center of that run of counter and give the cook more counter space around the grill. It also allows folks to access water for quick wipe-ups without getting in Cook's way.
Anita T thanked miss lindsey (She/Her)
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
To be honest the best chance of help are some pics of the space and an actual detailed drawing of the area. As for walkways if those drawings are to scale the one is 24” and the other 36” neuther one of wich will work IMO.