7 Outdoor Kitchen Mistakes To Avoid

1. Measure Carefully

Know the exact cut-out dimensions for appliances and cabinetry before making any cutouts.
This can help avoid costly construction mistakes such as having to hire a granite fabricator to come out and cut your countertops again, or having too large of a cutout for the appliances being purchased.
In most cases, you should be supplied cut-out dimensions prior to purchase or at the time of purchase. Don’t hesitate to ask for cutout dimensions of any of our products if you can’t find them, these are extremely important for your outdoor kitchen to turn out as planned.

2. Island Venting

Make sure your outdoor kitchen island is correctly ventilated with vent panels.
As a safety precaution, we recommend using multiple island vents for your outdoor kitchen island or at the very least doors and drawers that have vents already incorporated in them. You definitely want to check your gas lines for any leaks prior to using your grill or any other gas appliances, however, through regular use you have the potential for gas to build up in the confined space underneath the island. Ensuring that your island is properly ventilated will help you avoid a potentially hazardous situation in the future.

3. Counter Space

Did you plan enough counter space?
You might have had limited space when deciding how big you can go with your outdoor kitchen island, but aside from those restraints, you need to need to plan for counter space as well. This might sound like common sense but people tend to try and load up the limited space they have with a grill, side burner, sink, trash chute, etc… and forget that they need some workspace while cooking.

4. Grill Insulation

Will you need an insulated jacket? An insulated jacket for a grill is typically necessary when you're installing the grill in an outdoor kitchen or built-in setting where combustible materials are present nearby. The need for an insulated jacket depends on the clearance requirements specified by the grill manufacturer and local building codes.

Here's how you can determine if your grill needs an insulated jacket:

1. Check the Grill Manual: The grill's manual usually provides specifications regarding clearance requirements for safe installation. It will indicate whether an insulated jacket is necessary based on factors such as the grill's heat output and the materials surrounding the installation area.

1. Local Building Codes: Check your local building codes and regulations. Some jurisdictions require insulated jackets for certain grill installations to ensure safety and prevent fire hazards. These regulations may vary depending on factors such as the grill's heat output and the materials used in the surrounding structure.

1. Consult a Professional: If you're unsure whether your grill needs an insulated jacket, consider consulting with a professional such as a licensed contractor or a representative from the grill manufacturer. They can assess your specific installation situation and provide guidance on whether an insulated jacket is necessary.

1. Consider Surrounding Materials: Even if not explicitly required by the grill manufacturer or local building codes, it's a good idea to consider the materials surrounding the grill installation. If combustible materials such as wood or vinyl are present, an insulated jacket may provide an extra layer of protection against heat transfer and potential fire hazards.

1. Err on the Side of Caution: When in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution and install an insulated jacket if there's any uncertainty about the safety of the installation. It's important to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of your grill and outdoor living space.

5. Outdoor Rated Appliances

When choosing your outdoor kitchen components make sure that you look for 304-grade stainless steel and UL-rated outdoor refrigeration appliances. This will ensure that your products are built to last in an outdoor environment. Some of the cheaper outdoor refrigerators made by outdoor brands are not, in fact, UL approved which is something to consider when buying.

6. Appliance Placement

Appliance placement is a very important aspect of designing an outdoor kitchen. Mainly, you want to separate your gas appliances (anything that will put off heat) from your refrigeration appliances. Having your grill too close to an outdoor refrigerator is just asking for a problem.

7. Premium Brands

Do your due diligence, and pick reputable outdoor brands. Luckily for you, top-notch brands are all we carry!
It can be overwhelming when trying to choose from outdoor kitchen brands for your project. When choosing a brand here are a few points to consider:

• What country are the products manufactured in?

• How solid of a warranty do the products have?

• Is the stainless steel 304 grade?

• How long has the brand been in business and what reputation does it have? (If a brand new company offers lifetime warranties on all it’s products that won’t mean anything if they go out of business after a year or two).

Make sure that these 7 outdoor kitchen mistakes are avoided when building your outdoor kitchen to keep your project running smoothly.