Wood Outdoor Kitchen Frame
View in gallery
This is the first part of a blog series that teaches you how to make your own outdoor kitchen, starting with the initial plans written on a piece of paper. The project was designed for a pizza oven, a cabinet for storing grilling materials, a countertop to prepare the food, and a built-in grill spot. As you can see in the images of this post, the project was specifically designed for the deck in question, which means that your measurements will be different depending on how big you want your outdoor kitchen to be.
Also Check: What Temperature To Grill Pork Chops
Big Green Egg And Kamado Joe Counter
BBQ islands dont only need to be for built-in propane grills. Charcoal cookers like the Kamado Joe or Big Green Egg can easily be accommodated with the right setup.
This design and free plan from The Lowcountry Lady features a large concrete counter, giving you plenty of cooking and food prep room next to your grill. Its built with shelving and cupboard space to allow you to gather everything you need in one place.
Can I Use My Freestanding Grill As A Built
September 4, 2015 by Dave Marciniak
Outdoor kitchens are popular right now and its not hard to see why. Weve embraced food culture more than probably any other time in Americas history, we have unprecedented technology to make our outdoor spaces as welcoming and comfortable as our indoor spaces, and most importantly, food cooked outdoors just tastes better. Mark my words, 400 years hence scientists will discover that cooking al fresco causes changes at the molecular level. A built-in grill can make it easier, buuuuut.
That doesnt change one important problem with outdoor kitchens: the cost. Every drawer and every appliance you add increases the size of your outdoor kitchen, which can then mean more structure, stone or tile veneer, and countertop material. Here are just a few of the items you may want as part of an outdoor kitchen and their cost.
Given that, one area where people try to save money is the grill. After all, theyre perfectly happy with their Weber or Char-Broil or whatever. Cant they just use that?
Don’t Miss: How To Make Hot Dogs On The Grill
Does An Outdoor Kitchen Need To Be Covered
The grill should be covered when not in use and it is best to use one of our Memphis grill covers designed to fit your model exactly. Our new covers come with Velcro to keep them from blowing off and the built-ins covers have hooks and weights to help keep the cover in place when its windy. Stone and granite islands typically do not have to be covered. For island storage units, if you have high grade stainless steel, such as 304 , your doors and drawers for storage do not have to be covered.
Choosing An Outdoor Kitchen Countertop
We start with the countertop since this surface will get the most use and abuse, consume a good chunk of the budget, and significantly influence the overall look and style of the entire installation.
Choosing the right outdoor countertop will ensure years of enjoyment, admiration, and minimal maintenance.
Of course, the most important factor is exposure to all the elements. Youâll want a countertop that is easy to use and clean and will last and last without looking shabby.
If you live in a hot and sunny climate, then providing for shade is a no-brainer, but especially important over the countertops. You could fry an egg on granite, or ceramic tile or pretty much any type of countertop if exposed to direct sunlight for several hours.
Darker colors will be hotter and lighter colors cooler to the touch. Some surfaces will show wear and tear more than others , while others will yellow from exposure to the UV rays of the sun, or crack during freeze-thaw cycles .
Read Also: Where To Buy Grill Rescue Brush
Also Check: Marinade For Chicken Breasts On The Grill
Outdoor Kitchen Lighting Ideas
Theres nothing quite like planning an elaborate outdoor evening dinner only to realize that theres no way for anyone to see their food or each other. Thats why its vital to have good lighting in your outdoor kitchen area.
You can light your outdoor area in several ways, and its always a good idea to have one backup light source. Try candles, string lights, tiki torches, tea lights, and lighting fixtures.
The amount of light you need will depend on the size of your space and other needs. While cooking outside, its important to see what youre doing, especially if you use sharp objects or fire.
L Shaped Outdoor Kitchens And Island Layouts
L-shaped kitchens offer more storage space than one-wall kitchens. Youll also have room for one to two appliances and a couple of extras depending on the size of your kitchen. Small islands may just be reserved for cooking space, but you can serve guests on larger islands.
This L-shaped outdoor kitchen features a compact setup. The small outdoor hood offers great lighting over the grill. Check out the bar and grill decor too. It makes the space more inviting. The TV is a great addition to provide entertainment for the cook and their guests.
If you want to go with something grander, two outdoor hoods and a large island is just that! Check out how many guests you can seat! You can surely host some fun parties in this outdoor space. It has great lighting too so late-night get-togethers are a possibility.
This outdoor kitchen also has a dedicated area for guests. You can seat four so its perfect for small barbecues or dinner with family. The gazebo makes this space inviting by blocking the sun. Of course, it has everything you need too. All our kitchens so far have featured a hood, stainless cabinetry, a grill, and a sink. Keep that in mind when designing yours!
In this large outdoor kitchen, theres space for a dedicated cooking area and guest area. The guest area features a small L-shaped island with a sink, grill, hood, and storage cabinets. On the other end, guests can enjoy delicious food and nice conversation under the umbrella. What a cool setup!
Recommended Reading: What Gas Grills Are Made In The Usa
What Do I Need To Do To Avoid This Happening In My Home
Among the areas of the home to pay special attention to in your project are the walls of the home adjacent, especially behind, the grill or grills. Materials that are generally safe back walls to grills are stucco, stone, brick and a relatively new favorite is Hardie material. It is a non-combustible fiber-concrete composite that really does have the look of wood.
There are many that simply do not like the look of most of the non-combustible materials listed and for them some of the newer products are really popular. Materials like Marine Grade Plastic, Epoxy Resin and PVC are creating amazing cabinets that are stunning to the eye, last for many years fully exposed to weather and far more effective use of space.
Epoxy resin and PVC cabinets with True refrigerator, Delta Heat grill and hot/cold water sink
Epoxy resin and PVC cabinets with granite counter tops and Memphis wood fired grill/smoker
If you require your builder to use entirely non-combustible materials, wrap your grill in non-combustible insulation liners and choose all outdoor-rated products made from companies using high grades of stainless steel then you can rest assure that you will have many years of consistent temperatures, be safe from fires and free of the challenges listed here.
Companies recommended for cooking appliances:
Twin Eagles, Delta Heat, FireMagic, AOG, TEC Infrared, EVO, Memphis Grills, Lynx
Grills that do not require heat insulation liners:
TEC Infrared, EVO
Consider Adding Some Nice
They’re not necessities, but they make cookouts more enjoyable
- Sink: The ease and sanitary benefit of washing hands and veggies without schlepping inside makes it worth the investment for not just the sink but also for plumbing and waste lines.
- Dedicated gas line: If you have natural gas, run a line from the house so as not to struggle with a propane tank or run out of fuel during a BBQ.
- Extra burner: Ideal for side dishes. Some grills come with one, but be sure there’s enough space to fit your pots.
- Refrigerator: A stainless-steel undercounter unit keeps cold drinks and ingredients within reach of the grill.
More add-ons to consider
Recommended Reading: How To Grill Brats Weber
Outdoor Kitchen Guest Area Ideas
Set aside a section of your outdoor kitchen for some guest furniture. In smaller kitchens, you might not be able to host parties but you can invite a few guests or enjoy dinner with your family. With more space, you have the freedom to deck out your guest area. Maybe invest in a TV or sound system, some nice couches and tables, or even an outdoor pool.
This outdoor kitchen looks like it was dropped in the middle of a forest. All the furniture makes it easy to host several guests who can relax and enjoy each others company. And enjoy delicious food too!
Talk about a cool setup! Nice furniture, a large TV, a mini-fridgeeverything guests need to enjoy a night out with friends and family! Not to mention that with the stainless steel cabinets, side burner, professional hood, and grill, the cook can grill to their hearts content.
I love the color of the textured wood! It makes the outdoor space look sleek! The guest area is the perfect distance from the cooking area too. Everyone can enjoy great conversation while the hood is running and meats are barbecuing.
Can I Use My Freestanding Pellet Grill In My Outdoor Kitchen
Yes, if you want to easily transition your Memphis freestanding grill into an outdoor kitchen island, today or in the future, it is easy to do with a Memphis Slide-in Kit. Simply remove the side shelves and attach the Slide-in Kit and place the grill with lower cabinet in your new outdoor island. Available with Elite,Pro and earlier freestanding models.
You May Like: What Kind Of Weber Grill Do I Have
Choosing A Barbecue Grill
The grills on the market today offer such a broad range of bells and whistles that you need to spend some time deciding what you must have and what youre not willing to pay for.
BBQ Grills come in a wide range of sizes with cooking areas from 24 to 48 inches wide and 15 to 25 inches deep. Both freestanding and built-in models are available.
For the traditionalist, charcoal grills go for about $100 to $600 with some including shelves and storage.
Gas grills offer more cooking power and greater temperature control with more features such as separate burners and rotisseries. They cost more too at $300 to $8000!
The grill is the cornerstone of your design and will influence the construction and configuration of the remaining utilities, prep areas, storage, and dining space.
Additionally, youâll need to consider barbecue grill safety and installation issues like using an insulation jacket so the bbq grill can be installed into an island made of combustible materials.
So take your time picking out the one that will best suit your needs and plans.
How Do I Design My Outdoor Kitchen
When designing your dream outdoor kitchen, the skys the limit! However, there are a few things youll want to keep in mind. First, consider how you will use your outdoor kitchen and what appliances you will need. Then, choose a layout that works for your space and flow.
Visit a grill or outdoor kitchen designer to start getting some ideas. Memphis dealers can help you with what you will need to build your dream outdoor kitchen. You will want to think about how you plan to use your outdoor kitchen. Here are just a few questions you should ask:
- How often will you be entertaining?
- For how many people?
- Do you want more of a casual, down-home feel or something a little more sophisticated?
- How much storage for utensils, wood pellets, sauces or spices will you need?
- Do you want a beverage refrigerator or cooler? If so, how large?
- Do you want a sink with running water for preparations and clean up?
Happy Grilling!
You May Like: How To Clean Barbecue Grill Grates
What Kind Of Storage Do I Need In My Outdoor Kitchen
There are a variety of storage choices for outdoor kitchens, so its easy to personalize it to your preferences. You will want doors and drawers to hold grilling accessories and tools, sauces, pellets, and other items you will want for convenience in your cooking process. Make sure to select high quality products for your island, such as 304 stainless steel doors and drawers, with soft closures and slides that will handle at least 100 pounds in weight for durability. You may also want to look at a cooler or refrigerator, but that depends on your space and budget limitations.
How To Make A Freestanding Grill Look Like A Built
If you dont want to shell out the money for a built-in grill, it is possible to convert a freestanding grill to built-in in appearance by building a grill surround. When constructing a grill surround, it is important to use materials that are fireproof, such as bricks and mortar or concrete, and to build it in an open area or one with proper ventilation.
SAFETY NOTE:
Not all freestanding grills can be converted to built-in grills this way. In some situations, placing your freestanding grill into a built-in setup may not be safe, as they are not tested or built with this type of use in mind, and it may even void your warranty. Be sure to check with your manufacturer to see if they have approved this type of conversion and what the recommended clearances are around the grill to maintain sufficient airflow.
In many cases, a freestanding grill will have to fit into the new surround as-is, removing only unnecessary pieces from the structure such as the folding sidesotherwise, you risk damaging the structural integrity of the grill and can render it unsafe to use. Measure carefully before making your building plans, keeping in mind that you will need to be able to access the fuel source, and make sure you avoid inadvertently sealing your grill into the surround. Otherwise, you lose the mobility and flexibility that freestanding grills provide, and taking it out in the event it needs maintenance or replacing will be more challenging.
Also Check: How Much Are Silver Grills
Door & Drawer Storage
It may not be glamorous, but outdoor kitchen storage is vital for organization and safety in any kitchen. Having storage within your outdoor kitchen means you dont have to shuffle cooking tools between the indoors and outdoors.
The amount of storage you have will vary depending on your kitchen size. That storage is usually drawers or cabinets. Hand tools do well in drawers and cabinets can handle larger items.
Most outdoor kitchen storage is in kitchen islands or larger kitchen shapes. However, you can also get stand-alone storage to supplement your kitchen.
If you want more decorative storage, you can display your items on a bar cart or use furniture with built-in storage options, like ottomans or couches.
Can You Use A Regular Grill For An Outdoor Kitchen
Using a regular grill for an outdoor kitchen has its many benefits. The number one benefit to using a regular grill is that it is cost effective, as it costs less than having to have a grill built in.
Typically, people use regular grills for outdoor kitchens for the sake of convenience, as well, as they are easier to maneuver around from one place to another. When people consider having a built-in grill, they would look into the differences between a built-in grill and a regular grill, and outweigh the pros and cons.
You May Like: How To Make Good Bbq Chicken On The Grill
Building Around The Grill
A common question I hear is, Can I use a regular grill for a built-in? Yes, you can! You dont need the most expensive grill to have a built-in. But you will need a grill thats fairly easy to build around.
Ideally, the grill shouldnt have shelves that stick out. For this project, its best to use a grill thats easy to build around by laying simple paver blocks that dont require lots of cuts.
Creating a grill surround with Pavestone Rumblestone is simple and affordable. Rumblestone blocks come in dimensions that allow for infinite variations during assembly.
Were using the Petry familys old grill as a model for what the new built-in grill will need to look its best.
Can I Take The Legs Off My Existing Grill And Use It Like A Built
The answer, in almost all cases, is no. With your higher-end grills the manufacturer may offer a cart that also fits your grill head, but most box store/consumer models arent built that way. Even if you could remove the legs without sacrificing the strength and integrity of your grill it may not be built appropriately for actually inserting it into an enclosure. Youre talking about a gas appliance. Unless the manufacturer recommends that kind of conversion, I wouldnt do it.
You May Like: Salmon On The Grill In Tin Foil
Things To Consider When Making An Outdoor Kitchen With A Frame
Brace yourselves, as this is going to be a long list of the things that you need to keep in mind if youre designing your outdoor kitchen. The following list was put together for people who want a complete outdoor kitchen experience and want to benefit from full functionality when theyre interacting with it. So, here are the things to consider when youre sketching your outdoor kitchen plans:
