At a Glance:
Step 2: Determine the Right Outdoor Kitchen Layout
Step 3: Understand Outdoor Kitchen Appliances
Step 5: Design a Dream Grill Station with Our Picks
You’re finally ready to put all your planning into action and you’re taking the plunge to build the outdoor grill station of your dreams. It’s an exciting time, and there are a million outdoor grill setup ideas to explore—but without the right plan, even the best outdoor cooking layout will have flaws. If you’re wondering how to build an outdoor grilling station and what steps you need to take to make your outdoor grill station functional, efficient, welcoming, and envious, this guide is for you! Follow along as we go over different layout options to consider along with other tips and inspiration to make your outdoor grilling dreams come true.
Today we’ll be focusing on outdoor grill setup ideas for your space, how to build an outdoor grilling station, and what steps you need to take to make your outdoor grill station functional, efficient, welcoming, and envious. There are many different layout options to consider, which we will discuss in detail to help you determine which is best for your outdoor kitchen.
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Shop NowStep 1: Measure Your Space
Gathering your outdoor kitchen measurements accurately is a foundational step that greatly impacts how your outdoor grilling station functions. Knowing the measurements of the appliances that you’ll be installing is also imperative because it’s important to have at least three feet of clearance around the grill station for airflow, safety, and functionality. It’s also a good idea to make a rough sketch of the area with every aspect of your outdoor kitchen included that will serve as a great reference when the building begins.
Step 2: Determine the Right Outdoor Kitchen Layout
Once you have all your measurements ready, it’s time to determine the outdoor grill setup that is ideal for your space. There are multiple layouts that you can choose from with pros and cons, but your space will likely determine which is the best choice for you.
U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
A U-shaped outdoor kitchen layout is ideal for a wide-open space with close proximity to the house for water, electricity, and the convenience of the inside kitchen. For this layout, you’ll want to ensure you have enough space and clearance for appliances, countertops, seating, and storage. For this layout, place the grill at the end of the U-shape for easy access and ventilation and the sink and refrigerator in a triangle pattern for convenience.
Outdoor Kitchen Island Setup
An outdoor kitchen island layout provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing look to your outdoor space that is inviting and relaxing. Knowing the size of your space will help you determine the size and shape of your island for the best possible layout when considering the proximity to the house, views from the outdoor grilling station, traffic flow, and existing structures such as patios or decks. Common shapes for the island include L-shaped, rectangular, straight, and curved.
Outdoor Galley Kitchen
The outdoor galley kitchen has two parallel counters of equal size with appliances, a sink, prep space, and storage cabinets with a walkway between them. This setup allows you to place appliances on both sides, creating a triangle effect with the refrigerator, stove, and sink. This setup is ideal for food prep and entertaining.
Straight Line Outdoor Kitchen
A straight-line outdoor kitchen is a smaller station yet has an effective layout for outdoor grilling so that the floor plan is open for entertaining. This setup is designed like an indoor kitchenette against a single exterior wall. Keep in mind the materials you’ll be using to ensure the safety of your exterior wall.
Step 3: Understand Outdoor Kitchen Appliances
The appliances that you choose for your outdoor grilling station play an integral role in how well your outdoor kitchen functions. Outdoor kitchen appliances are designed to withstand the weather outside while delivering superior functionality for your family and friends. Choosing quality appliances based on durability, ease of maintenance, and your desired cooking style and features will greatly impact the overall outcome of this great new outdoor space.
Outdoor Refrigerator
You can’t have an outdoor kitchen without an outdoor refrigerator. It’s a key element for storing drinks, condiments, and perishable food. They’re designed to withstand temperature fluctuations and moisture with weatherproof construction and insulation. Choose between a standard outdoor refrigerator or the convenience of space-saving refrigerator drawers that fit in with your outdoor cabinetry. When you choose an outdoor refrigerator, be sure it is weatherproof and made of 304 stainless steel.
Outdoor Dishwasher
An outdoor dishwasher is a luxury for anyone who entertains. An outdoor dishwashing machine saves on trips back and forth between the inside kitchen and the outside grilling station and is designed to withstand the fluctuations of temperatures outside. Another great option for outdoor dishwashers is the ever-popular dishwasher drawers. Sleek, modern, yet powerful, dishwasher drawers are a versatile option for outdoor kitchens. As with outdoor refrigerators, outdoor dishwashers should be constructed of weatherproof material such as 304 stainless steel.
Outdoor Range Hoods
Outdoor range hoods are necessary for enclosed or smaller outdoor kitchens especially if you’re cooking on a gas grill or cooktop. When installed in an outdoor kitchen, a range hood vents out smoke, grease, and cooking odors to keep the outdoor grill area free of airborne grease and unwanted contaminants.
Grills
Is an outdoor kitchen truly complete without a proper grill? It’s the jewel of space, but picking the right grill for your outdoor kitchen can make the difference between a pleasant experience and one you dread. Here’s a quick roundup of tips.
Electric: Outdoor electric grill appliances are a convenient and efficient way to cook al fresco with temperature controls for precise grilling. And since electric grills produce fewer emissions compared to gas grills or charcoal grills, they’re more environmentally friendly and are better suited for small outdoor areas.
Gas: An outdoor gas grill is ideal for all your outdoor cooking needs. They offer quick, convenient, and precise cooking that is unmatched by their counterparts. They ignite quickly and come to temperature faster than charcoal grills. The precise cooking features using dials or knobs give you complete control over the outcome of your steaks, burgers, grilled chicken, or kabobs.
Charcoal: Outdoor charcoal grill options bring back distinct childhood memories of smoky flavor wafting through the air. Charcoal and wood chips used when grilling have a specific taste that gas and electric grills just can’t match. They’re also pretty affordable, although they produce a lot of smoke—if you have a larger, open outdoor kitchen, go for it, but if your space is smaller, consider safer options.
Pellet: An outdoor kitchen pellet grill offers the best of both worlds with the convenience and unique cooking style of a gas grill with the closest option to the taste of a charcoal grill. Pellet grills can smoke, grill, bake, roast, and barbecue, making it the overall choice for versatility and flavor. The drawback? These tend to be bigger grilling stations. That’s a plus for larger outdoor kitchens with plenty of elbow room—not so much for cozier outdoor cooking spaces.
Learn More: The Best Grill Brands for Grilling Season [Buying Guide]
Step 4: Remember Safety
Grill station outdoor safety should be foremost when designing and building your dream outdoor kitchen. Ensuring there’s adequate ventilation is vital to prevent the buildup of smoke, gasses, and heat, and making sure there’s plenty of clearance around all grills and appliances for fire safety will give you peace of mind during all your outdoor entertaining.
Bringing in a professional to install electrical outlets with outdoor-rated options and install and maintain gas lines if a gas grill is being used is of the utmost importance for overall safety and an enjoyable outdoor grilling station for everyone. As a general rule, always design an outdoor kitchen with a grill that’s a minimum of 10 feet away from the main home.
Step 5: Design a Dream Grill Station with Our Picks
Are you ready to build your dream outdoor grill station? Check out our top picks for all your favorite necessities.
Weber® Genesis S-415 65" Stainless Steel Freestanding Natural Gas Grill
The Weber Genesis S-415 65” freestanding natural gas grill features the new and innovative PureBlu burners. They are designed to evenly distribute the heat from the flames onto the grill surface with a tapered design that sets this grill apart from the rest. Avoid issues with grease dripping onto the flames with the openings to keep grease flowing away eliminating the worry of clogs and corrosion. At 65” wide, this is a larger grill that works great in open outdoor kitchens.
⭐Featured Weber Genesis Review:
“Great grill. Easy to assemble with my hubby and I. Quality product and looks durable. Grills food evenly and is easy to clean. Convenient for summer BBQs.”
Broil King® Regal™ S 520 Built-In Grill
The Broil King Regal S series built-in grill has ample grilling and warming space with 875 square inches of grate surface. The 55,000 BTU stainless steel dual-tube burner system delivers just the right amount of heat and flame for the perfectly grilled steak or burgers for your next BBQ. The stainless steel ignition switch and electronic ignitor make it as easy as a push of a button to get the grilling in motion. With a built-in design, this is a great addition to an outdoor kitchen island or the centerpiece to a U-shaped outdoor kitchen layout.
⭐Featured Broil King Regal Review:
“Really happy with the construction of this grill. Dial in that temperature and away you go.”
Learn More: Mastering the Flame: A Guide to Napoleon Grills and Outdoor Cooking
Sub-Zero® 24" Panel Ready Outdoor Refrigerator Drawers
Shop These Sub-Zero Drawer Refrigerators
This pair of Sub-Zero 24” outdoor refrigerator drawers is a must-have for your new grilling station. The two-drawer capacity makes room for all your favorite foods right at your fingertips without having to run back inside. Sub-Zero’s microprocessor regulates the temperature inside, as well as an advanced seal system around all four sides makes sure that all your goodies stay fresh longer.
U-Line® 24" Stainless Solid Outdoor Refrigerator
Shop These U-Line Drawer Refrigerators
These U-Line 24” outdoor refrigerator drawers offer over has 5 cubic feet of storage, which is enough space to hold 98 12-ounce bottles or 150 12-ounce cans. The temperature ranges between 34 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 degrees Fahrenheit to house wine to soda and can be adjusted with the digital touchpad control with a blue LED display. This outdoor refrigerator can either be freestanding or built-in, depending on your specific outdoor grill station layout, which gives you plenty of flexibility.
XO 23.88" Stainless Steel Outdoor Refrigerator
Shop This XO Outdoor Refrigerator
With retro LED lighting inside has a party feel that lights up everything inside in three different colors to clear pull-out shelves, this XO outdoor refrigerator was made with entertainment in mind. But it also works hard to keep your BBQ favorites fresh with air filtration conditioning to for temperatures that are consistent 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
ZLINE 48" DuraSnow® Stainless Steel Outdoor Wall Mounted Range Hood
Shop This ZLINE Outdoor Range Hood
This ZLINE outdoor range hood is a modern addition to your backyard grill station. Made of stainless steel panels that easily remove to wash in the dishwasher, this range hood is easy to maintain. The best feature is the very powerful exhaust fan that is extremely quiet with no need to raise your voice to have a conversation when it’s running.
⭐Featured ZLINE DuraSnow Review:
“We're pleased with its quality and performance. The first time we used it was truly shocking because we never thought our kitchens could feel and smell any fresher. Apparently, it has been clammy for so long we thought that's its natural smell.”
Planning and designing your outdoor grilling station with the ideal outdoor kitchen layout for your individual needs will give you the confidence you need to move forward with all your plans for some great outdoor entertaining. Choosing all your appliances to fit within a convenient space outdoors will give you years of outdoor fun with friends and family, great conversation, and a time of relaxation while enjoying the great outdoors. Don’s Appliances is the one-stop destination for all your outdoor grilling needs in and around the Pittsburgh area. Come in today and start planning your outdoor kitchen, we can help you with any questions you may have.
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Outdoor Kitchen Appliances at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop outdoor cooking appliances online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you build the outdoor grill station that say you’re a grillmaster— whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Secret Small Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Tight Budgets