How Much Counter Space Do I Need For An Outdoor Kitchen
Your outdoor kitchens countertop is one of the first things people will notice about your new outdoor living setup. But unlike measuring for a new grill or outdoor sink, determining exactly how much counter space youll need isnt always straightforward.
When youre in the design stages of your outdoor kitchen, there are a few factors to consider when planning the amount of counter space youll need:
Do I Need A 3 Or 4 Burner Grill
Not everyone will need a grill with more than two burners, but many will find that having more burners is helpful. The more burners that a grill has, the more versatility you can get out of it.
Of course, having more burners means that you also have to get used to working them there is a learning curve to grilling.
With three and four burners, you will be able to create low, medium, and hot zones.
Having all of these zones allows you to cook things in very specific ways, even when cooking various items.
Three or four burners are great for many people, but they are not necessary.
Do you want to be able to create a beautifully grilled meal of meat, veggies, and more? What about kabobs for five or six people?
If so, you will want to look for grills with three or more burners to ensure you have the necessary flexibility to do just that.
Plus, having more burners makes it easier to implement healthy grilling tactics!
What about side burners?
Speaking of added burners, many people wonder if they need side burners or not. You can find these on some grills, and they are useful for heating sauces, side dishes, cheeses, and more.
Very detailed BBQ masters will love having this added burner, but not everyone will make use of it.
If you find a grill that you like without a side burner, you can always use a portable side burner instead.
Side burners are by no means a requirement for good grilling, but many find them to be a useful benefit.
How Many Zones Will My Kitchen Have
Just as with an indoor kitchen, youll want to space out the appliances you have so that theyre easily accessible and not crowded on top of one another. If all youre looking for is a simple barbecue islandwith a grill, this task is pretty easy. But if you plan to have other features and appliances such as a refrigerator or a side burner, youll want to consider spacing them carefully.
One of the best ways to do this is by considering your kitchen layout in terms of zones:
- The Hot Zone: The heart of your outdoor kitchen is your grill, of course. But it might also include a pizza oven or smoker, a side burner, or a warming drawer.
- The Dry Zone: This area is the place where youll do the bulk of your food preparation. You want an area of clear countertop space thats convenient to the Hot Zone
- The Wet Zone: Your sink and/or beverage chilling tub can be near the Dry Zone, but shouldnt infringe on the space you need to chop, trim, or stir.
- The Cold Zone: If you have a mini refrigerator, freezer, or wine chiller, youll want to keep these away from the Hot Zone. Not only will the extra heat make your cooling appliances work harder, but keeping the fridge away from the grill can reduce accidental burn injuries for guests or children swinging by for a cold beverage.
Also Check: What Is The Best Temperature To Grill Pork Chops
The Benefits Of Choosing A Propane Grill Over Charcoal Or Natural Gas
Finding the right propane grill might be the hardest part of preparing for your backyard endeavors, because propane is:
- among the safest, easiest, and enjoyable ways to cook outdoors
- instantly on and ready for use, without the danger and messiness of charcoal
- can be moved to fit your changing needs. They dont require permanent fixtures and piping like natural gas
Best Gas Grill Under $500
- Wheels feel a little cheap
Cooking Space: 450 square incheszGas Type: Propane Max Temperature: ~725° F
Char-Broils mid-sized, mid-market grill is an all-arounder. You get the shiny, stainless look of the high-end grills in the $1,000-plus market for half the price, plus plenty of storage and a sauce burner on the side. Plus, it comes with all-important infrared tech, which raises its temperature ceiling substantially. The budget infrared grill uses perforated steel sheets over the super-charged burners to increase the max temperature to around 725 degrees. The biggest downsides are assembly, which is a bit of a buzzkill at worst, and, again, cast iron grates that aren’t necessary at all. The grill hits the 600 degree mark before turning on the infrared burner that’s plenty of heat to achieve a brown crust before overcooking a piece of meat. The wheels also felt cheap, though they could likely be replaced without much issue.
Read Also: What Model Is My Weber Grill
How To Choose The Perfect Sized Charcoal Grills
If you want to go for simplicity and affordability, the coal grills should be on your list. They go hand in hand. Generally, a gas grill possesses various parts like gas burners, hoses, valves, tanks, ignition systems, etc.
On the other hand, a charcoal grill is all about a container for coals, grates, and lid. Though the cooking on a gas grill is simple, the set-up is more complex. You have to be cautious about any leakage in the propane tank. But you wont get the punch of smoky flavor from the gas grill. But keep in mind that maintaining the heat of the charcoal grill is quite tricky.
When you are thinking about buying a charcoal grill, you have to set some goals. First of all, what size grill do I need?
Then, you have to consider what you are planning to use it for. Do you want the grills just occasionally? Or do you want to serve all the neighbors with your turkey-grilled dishes?
The budget and space also put impacts on your buying options. Let us check out the following factors to help you make sense of your options.
Grilla Grills Grill Size Comparison
You can never get too much meat, now, can you? Ribs for the party, jerky for the trip, turkeys for the holidays, the list goes on. Thankfully, the Silverbac and Kong are BIG to start with, and the Grilla catches up in no time, thanks to the optional rack extension. Weve created this chart to give you a rough idea your quantity will vary depending on size of cuts, etc. We threw in some corn, just for grins.
Finding the right size for your next barbecue ensures you are ready for your party. You want to maximize your space while also finding a smoker that will fit. Use our tips to help you select the best option.
Also Check: Clean Outside Of Stainless Steel Grill
What Is The Average Size Of A Gas Grill
An average-sized gas grill has about 360 square inches of cooking area, 24 inches wide by 15 inches deep. Larger-size grills can have as much as 1,200 square inches of cooking area, 48 inches wide by 26 inches deep.
The number of burners on the grill is an important factor when considering the size. A three-burner gas grill has about 450 to 500 square inches of cooking area, enough space for the average household. Five or six-burner gas grills have 550 to 650 square inches of cooking area, perfect for those who like to entertain.
The 12 Best Gas Grills You Can Buy In 2021
From Weber to Napoleon, we’ve tested gas grills that cost less than $100 up to grills that cost more than a used car.
This definitive guide to the best gas grills of 2021 explores everything you need to know to find a gas grill best suited to your needs, including features to look for, materials, looks and price. Gas grill not for you? Check out our guides to charcoal and pellet grills.
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How To Choose The Right Grill Size
July 22, 2016 12:00 ET | Source:Kalamazoo Outdoor GourmetKalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet
MISSION, KS– – If you’re shopping for a new gas grill, one of the most important aspects to consider is its size.
“There are more things to think about than simply how many hamburgers you want to cook at once,” said Russ Faulk, grillmaster and chief designer for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, maker of outdoor kitchen equipment. “To a great extent, more size offers more cooking flexibility. Few people need a giant grill, but most people can take advantage of having a bit more cooking space.”
Here are some helpful tips he recommends for choosing the right size grill.
Understand the true size of the cooking surface. Total cooking area for grills is measured in square inches. This figure often includes the warming rack and cooktop areas, so do a little digging to identify the square inches of the primary grill grates alone. A minimum of 450 square inches is a good starting point to meet the needs of most people. For example, a 500-square-inch grill grate can accommodate about 24 hamburgers at one time.
The magic really happens when you combine direct and indirect techniques, Faulk said. Some call it “sear and slide” cooking, which is an indispensable method for grilling a thick steak. Sear it over high, direct heat then move it to indirect heat to slow down the cooking. A grill with at least 700 square inches is recommended for cooks who frequently embrace indirect grilling techniques.
What Is The Difference Between Scfm And Cfm
SCFM, or standard cubic feet per minute, is a CFM measurement based on a standard temperature, pressure, and humidity. CFM, on the other hand, does not take variables like temperature and pressure into account. For this reason, it is a slightly less accurate measurement of fan power. That being said, most bathroom fans and range hoods are measured in CFM while air tools use SCFM.
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How To Find A Perfect Grill Size Like A Professional
When you go out to buy the perfect grill size for your BBQ party, there can be many factors that youre not familiar with, particularly when it is your first barbecue.
A lot of folks ask me about what size grill do I need to buy? So, here Im going to give you tips on how to avoid your mistakes.
Firstly, it is imperative to find your BBQ needs and then buy a grill size that caters to the serving size of the BBQ party.
It is just like when you choose a new car, you have to decide whether you need a two-seater or a four-seater, same goes for the size of the grill.
Furthermore, it is key to get a few answers from yourself about the following questions:
- How many guests do you typically host at a BBQ party? Are you going to host a small family or a large batch of college friends?
- Are you going to grill only once a week or it will be a special occasion only for example, an Independence Day or a Memorial?
- Where are you planning to host the party is it going to be at the balcony or backyard?
How To Choose The Right Size Gas Grill
When choosing the right size grill, you need to take several things into consideration. First, how many people do you plan to cook for at one time. Also, how many dishes do you want to prepare?
And, of course, you also need to consider the practical aspects of where you plan to place your grill. Your answer to these questions will contribute to your grill size, so its essential to know this early on. Start with determining your ideal grill size based on how many people you plan to cook for at once.
For each person you plan to cook for, allow 72 square inches of grilling space. Therefore, cooking for three people requires 216 square inches, and cooking for four people requires 288 square inches. If youre cooking for five people, you need 360 square inches, and for six people, 432 square inches.
Typically people will round up to the next hundred square inches to make sure they have enough cooking space. If your grill is overcrowded, it can lead to overcooked or underdone dishes, which becomes an overall hassle.
So, figure out your estimated cooking area and round up to ensure you have the appropriate grill size. Once youve determined the best size grill, you can start looking at your options.
Read Also: What Temperature Should You Grill Pork Chops
What Makes A Good Pellet Grill
So, you’ve been barbecuing on propane and charcoal, but what is that people keep telling you about pellet grills? What the heck are pellets? Most importantly, what is the best grill to invest in? Who makes the best pellet grill? And What Makes a Good Pellet Grill? If you’re too shy to ask people about it, we’re here to help. Below are some of the important elements that make a good pellet grill:
Standard Btu Range For A Grill
The industry standard for BTUs needed for a grill is between 75 and 100 BTUs per square inch of heating surface. When choosing a grill, shoppers should focus on the quality of construction, the desired cooking area, and the ability to generate even heating across the entire cooking surface.
Grills that fall in the lower range, and specifically below 71 BTUs per square inch, could operate at lower temperatures and result in longer cooking times. Conversely, a grill above 100 BTUs per square inch could generate too much heat and potentially char your meal. Typically, a grill with between 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking surface will provide fast and consistent heat.
Also Check: Weber Grills Warranty Registration
What Size Grill Cover Do I Need
Since an outdoor grill is an asset, people generally want to safeguard their grills from extreme weather conditions. By shielding it with a grill cover is an efficient way to secure a charcoal grill.
For generations to come, a grill cover will help to keep your grill appearing fine. After each use, you must cover your grill until it has completely cooled. Holding your grill covered when not in use keeps it safe and helps stop corrosion. But the key question that emerges in ones mind here at this moment is what size grill cover do I need?
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Pro Tip: Avoid Excessive Btu Ratings
Additionally, an excessive BTU rating on a propane grill might be an effort to compensate for poor craftsmanship. Inspect grills carefully before making your purchase. Look for models that have heavy-duty lids that seal tightly around the primary cooking area. Grills with high-quality grates for the cooking surface, and well-constructed vents that can help control airflow, will produce better results for your backyard barbecue.
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C Cooking Surface & Pellet Hopper
Cooking surface is something you should consider before you shop for any grill. It depends on what you want to use for – “larger backyard parties or small family dinners”? Also, take note of what type of food you’d like to grill. Most will comfortably fit in your typical BBQ fare, like ribs, burgers but if you want to smoke a large piece of meat, a large grill is better.
Cooking Area & Size: Small pellet grills usually feature 100-150 sq. feet of the upper rack and 450 sq. an inch of primary cooking area. It isn’t much different from larger grills that feature 500-700 sq. inch of primary cooking area. For relative big families, a cooking surface of 350-800 sq. inches should be enough.
The size of the pellet grill hopper affects how long you can leave the pellet grill unsupervised, in addition to how often you’ll need to buy more pellets and refill the hopper with pellet. A larger hopper allows long smoking without having to check the grill on every second. The pellets used per hour varies based on the grill and pellet. It also varies based on the intensity of the temperature used more pellets burn at a higher temperature versus a lower one, but lower temps mean longer cook times and more pellets.
What Additional Features Do I Need
Youve chosen the size of the barbecue based on who youre cooking for, space and number of burners but what about additional features?
Our larger gas barbecues include the Gourmet BBQ System cooking grates. The removable centre section can be replaced with a number of accessories , allowing you to cook all your favourite meals on the barbecue. Cook anything from pizza to casseroles or even an early morning breakfast – all in the comfort of your garden.
Barbecuing has never been as accurate then with the Spirit II and Genesis gas barbecues, with both series being iGrill 3 compatible. The iGrill 3 allows you to monitor the doneness of up to four cuts of meat from an app, and be notified on your phone once food has reached the perfect temperature to serve. This app-connected thermometer is your answer to perfectly barbecued food. Every time.
Gas barbecues with side burners have all sorts of uses: cooking sauces or side dishes that cant easily be prepared on the barbecue sautéing vegetables on the side while barbecuing larger items on the grill or simply keeping your sauces and side dishes warm. Just think of your red wine sauce simmering away on the side burner while you perfect your steak and fries on the barbecue! A side burner is the perfect feature for outdoor cooking as it allows you to spend more time outside with your guests while cooking an entire meal.
Get creative with your side burner
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