At first glance, choosing the layout for an outdoor kitchen is easy. At least, much easier than when you were struggling with the plans of the interior kitchen. That’s because there’s usually ample space in the backyard and no limitations due to the walls and furniture usually found indoors. On second thought, backyards are often wild and sloped. And there may be a need for an overall backyard renovation.
In any case, figuring out the outdoor kitchen layout is a serious matter and a very difficult one too. Your comfort depends on the kitchen’s layout. And then, you don’t choose randomly but based on the landscape’s dimensions. On top of that, you need to consider what fixtures you want. It’s one thing to settle for an outdoor oven and another to want an oven, grill, and smoker. And then, you may want additional outdoor features, like a fire pit. Or an outdoor fireplace.
How to consider the best outdoor kitchen layout for you
To determine the right backyard kitchen layout for you, it’s vital to first consider what you want. And what you need. To also take into account the dimensions of the backyard section you are thinking of placing the outdoor kitchen in and all you want to be included in the plan – the countertop size, storage space, appliances – everything. This list will give you a better view of how much space you need in relation to how much space you have, making your decision on the layout easier.
It makes sense to say that the more complex the layout, the more backyard living space the kitchen will occupy. Of course, intricate backyard kitchen designs and layouts create more storage and counter space – hence, are more convenient too. Let us discover the main outdoor kitchen layouts and both their advantages and disadvantages.
One wall outdoor kitchens
One wall outdoor kitchen layouts are the simplest of all since the design follows a linear style and is attached to a wall. This is also known as a straight-run kitchen since it includes all features – the counter, the appliances, the storage space. Although this is the simplest layout, it doesn’t imply that the kitchen is small. There’s no actual limitation on how long the kitchen will be. The main advantage of this layout is that it occupies minimum space and so it’s ideal for even tiny backyards. The disadvantage is the linear layout itself since the cook must move parallel to the kitchen, missing all the action behind their back.
Galley outdoor kitchens
Now, if you put another linear kitchen opposite the one-wall kitchen, you will have a galley design. Galley kitchens are characterized by the two counters – one standing opposite the other, which may have the form of islands too. There’s space between the counters for people to prep, cook, and keep company. It’s a very practical layout since it creates the required triangle of having easy access to the sink, fridge, and cooking appliance. But if the space between the counters is not sufficient, it’ll be enough room for only the cook.
U-shaped backyard kitchens
U-shaped kitchens are particularly convenient because they allow people to stand between and around the counter. The main disadvantage is that they are great for large spaces only, although you can make one or both of the side counters shorter. If there are no backyard space limitations, U-shaped kitchens are excellent since they provide counter and storage space, and great convenience for everybody.
L-shaped outdoor kitchens
In an L-shaped kitchen, the cook can prep food and still socialize since a set of stools can be placed at the outer part of the long counter. Actually, the length of the two counters forming the L shape is not defined. It mainly depends on your space. This layout may not offer the space storage and counter space as the U-shaped but still offers more than enough and occupies less space.
Freestanding kitchens/islands
A freestanding outdoor kitchen island is perhaps even simplest than the one-wall layout. You can place it anywhere you like and the advantage is that there’s access from all four sides. Of course, there are some limitations to the space for storage and prepping, but then again you can enjoy all that comes when there’s an outdoor kitchen in the backyard, even if it’s small.
