Outdoor Kitchen Design Tips
NOVO provides premium built-in gas grills and outdoor kitchen appliances for designing complete outdoor kitchens. With decades of experience and innovation designing and building the very best outdoor cooking systems, we have many tips to help you create the perfect complete outdoor kitchen and entertainment space.
1. Always buy and install the best quality appliances that will last and can be repaired as needed. As there are no industry standards for grills, grilling or outdoor kitchen equipment, replacement can be difficult and expensive. If you end up having to replace a built-in grill, that can have very expensive implications for surrounding countertops and custom stone work. Buying premium built-in grills from a reputable company with a great warranty can be your best insurance against finding yourself with few options and expensive alterations in the future.
2. It is very important to group the appliances in your outdoor kitchen in functional zones for dry, wet, hot, and cold areas. You will want to design sufficient room for food preparation and plating on either side of the grill, optimally 36 to 48 inches. Also important is allowing sufficient space between parallel counters for drawers and doors to open properly, and for work on both surfaces simultaneously. In optimal outdoor kitchen designs, everything has its place. There are specific places for your fuel, tools, dishes, cutlery, glasses, openers, and beverage cooling/storage to make entertaining easy and avoid interrupting the party to run into the house for things you need. Optimally, you will have trash and recycling stations easily accessible to you and your guests. Also consider a drip channel or edge in your countertop to avoid water rolling down onto your cabinets.
3. You will want to equip your outdoor kitchen with tools and appliances for all of the functions you require, taking into consideration maximum flexibility and efficient layout. A good example are power burners that can sear, fry, and boil installed lower than counter height in order to provide sufficient room for larger pots and pans, such as woks and stock pots.
4. When designing outdoor cooking and entertainment areas, be sure to consider prevailing winds and how the smoke from your built-in grill will travel. Try cooking in multiple locations on several different days to see where and how the smoke travels, so that your neighbors and guests do not get smoked out. If the area is covered, you may install an exhaust hood or ceiling fan to mitigate the effects of smoke.
5. Extend the entertainment season by installing fire features, heating elements, and covering or partially enclosing your outdoor kitchen and entertainment space. If you intend to utilize fire pits for dining, be sure your countertop is deep enough, with sufficient overhang for seating. Note the height of the flame, ventilate the area properly, and consider incorporating a glass windshield.
6. Make sure your design allows for the addition of amenities, elements, and equipment in the future before putting down permanent ground cover. Consider future heating, lighting, fireplaces, and entertainment features in your layout and future size your gas and electrical utilities.
If you are considering building an outdoor kitchen and entertainment space, reach out to us for more information on outdoor gas grills, equipment, appliances, design, and much more at NOVO grills!