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Outdoor Kitchen Design Guide
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO DESIGNING AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN
Kalamazoo’s outdoor kitchen experts have designed thousands of spaces, working within
a variety of budgets, size constraints, lifestyle needs and cooking preferences. This helpful
guide leverages our vast design knowledge. It includes key planning considerations,
top design tips and some common mistakes to avoid so that you can start planning the
outdoor kitchen of your dreams today. Once you’re ready to get started, you can access our
Resource Library to download all the tools and information needed to start designing.
RESOURCE LIBRARY
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Getting Started 3
Planning an Outdoor Kitchen 5
How to Select the Right Cooking Products 10
Sample Kitchen Plans 13
Bringing It All Together: A Comprehensive
Kitchen Design and Installation Checklist 15
Exclusive Trade Partner Benefits 16
Design Concierge Services 16
Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the document without
written permission of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet is prohibited.
©KALAMAZOO OUTDOOR GOURMET, 2023
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Asking these three key questions early in the planning process will help create a functional space
that fulfills your client’s needs.
WHAT WILL THE OUTDOOR SPACE BE USED FOR?
Spend some time documenting all the ways in which
the client envisions using the space. Ask them to
describe their needs by season or by type of gathering.
If there are traditional foods or celebrations that are
important to them, note those as well. Family pizza
nights, summer lobster boils or other cooking events
may require special equipment or space planning.
Understanding how the space is intended to be used
area as well as help determine the size of equipment
needed. You’ll also discover how much dining space is
needed and where it should be located.
PRO TIP: If a client or family member plans on being
left or right of the grill at 90 degrees. This makes it
possible for the cook to engage with guests while
keeping on top of cooking tasks.
Getting Started
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CLIENTS
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QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CLIENT
• Will the outdoor kitchen be used for special occasions or as more of an everyday second kitchen?
• Will the outdoor kitchen space be used year-round?
• How many people will be cooking and dining in the space for each type of gathering?
• Will your client or someone else in the house be the primary chef, or will they use caterers for most
meals and events?
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HOW SELF-SUFFICIENT DOES THE OUTDOOR
KITCHEN NEED TO BE?
There are two types of outdoor kitchens: a satellite
kitchen, and a fully-independent outdoor kitchen.
Key considerations like available space, proximity to
the indoor kitchen and the client’s cooking needs will
dictate which type of outdoor kitchen is best suited.
A satellite kitchen is a basic outdoor kitchen that
is typically dependent upon the indoor kitchen.
In
general, we recommend a satellite outdoor kitchen
include, at a minimum, all necessary cooking appliances,
prep and landing spaces and a sink. Positioning the
outdoor kitchen adjacent to the indoor kitchen makes
it possible to use the indoor refrigeration, dry storage
and prep spaces for outdoor cooking.
A fully-independent kitchen requires more space
to incorporate all prep, cooking and storage
capabilities, and can be a destination on the
property if desired.
If the client plans to cook and
prep outdoors often or if the outdoor kitchen will
be located further away from the indoor kitchen, we
recommend including refrigeration, plenty of prep
space and a place to store dry goods, dishes and
other utensils. If the outdoor kitchen needs to function
completely independently from the indoor kitchen,
we suggest considering including specialty items like
beverage refrigeration and a dishwasher.
WHAT CHALLENGES DOES THE OUTDOOR
KITCHEN POSE?
While the functional layout of an outdoor kitchen
is pretty similar to that of an indoor kitchen, the
elements add some additional factors that should be
considered.
Key Factors to Consider When Assessing the Site
• Relationship to the indoor kitchen
• Relationship to other outdoor living spaces
• Privacy
• Utilities
• Local codes regarding placement and size
• Existing drainage patterns
• Shade and sun patterns
• Prevailing wind
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SUN
Hot countertops
UV deterioration
RAIN
Drip edge
Shelter
DARKNESS
Task lighting
Ambient lighting
WIND
Blowing smoke
Linens & towels
HEAT
Refrigeration
Comfort
COLD
Winterization
Comfort
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Planning An Outdoor Kitchen
OUR TOP DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
APPLY BASIC INDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN
PRACTICES TO CREATE FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN
ZONES
Plan enough space for all four functional zones,
including enough countertop space to support each
one. Pay attention to each functional zone and think
about how they will work together for prep, cooking,
serving and cleanup activities. Together, these are the
keys to designing an outdoor kitchen that really works
for the home entertainer.
Hot Zones
Grills, cooktops, pizza ovens and other cooking
appliances, plus the surrounding workspace.
Dry Zones
Counterspace used for food prep, plus cabinetry and
storage space not dedicated to supporting any of the
other three functional zones.
Wet Zones
The sink, surrounding countertop and any storage
primarily used for sink-related activities.
Cold Zones
Refrigerators, freezers and other cold storage spaces,
plus the adjacent countertop areas.
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CONSIDER COUNTERTOP SPACE GUIDELINES
AND LANDING AREAS FOR MAXIMUM
KITCHEN FUNCTIONALITY
Frontage Minimum Recommendations For Prep Areas
• 36 inches: Small kitchens
• 48 inches: Essential kitchens
• 72 inches: Medium kitchens
• 158 inches: Large kitchens
*NKBA standard indoor recommendation
Frontage Minimums
• 21 inches: Small kitchens
• 36 inches: Essential kitchens
• 72 inches: Medium kitchens
• 96 to 120 inches: Large kitchens
PRO TIP: Countertop Rain Management
• A drip edge cut under the counter can help keep the
cabinets and other equipment below stay cleaner
and drier. This is nothing more than a continuous,
small groove cut into the bottom of the counter
along the edge. Even if the kitchen uses Kalamazoo
Outdoor Gourmet weather-tight cabinets, this detail
is another demonstration that you, as a professional
designer, truly understand outdoor kitchen design
parameters.
• When using a backsplash, the counter can be angled
slightly downward toward the front to prevent
puddles from accumulating at the backsplash.
• An undermount sink will allow the client to wipe
counter when they want to cook right after a spring
shower.
Landing Areas
Each station in the outdoor kitchen needs clear
counter top space to support it. We call this space a
landing area. This concept works hand-in-hand with
the concept of functional zones, and it is a key part
of planning an outdoor kitchen. Kalamazoo Outdoor
Grill—24 inches to one side and 12 inches to the
other for a total of 36 inches of clear countertop space
adjacent to the grill
Sink—18 inches on each side
Refrigerators—15 inches next to or above each
appliance
Cooktop—12 inches on each side
Pizza Oven—24 inches to one side and 12 inches to
the other
PRO TIP: Use open shelves to increase usable counter
space in small outdoor kitchens.
COMMON MISTAKE: The single most frequent
design mistake we see that makes day-to-day use
of counter space. Whether the homeowner is laying
out plates to transfer food from the grill to serve or
juggling tools, platters and sauces, the cook often
seems to run out of room to work. A good design
will allow enough countertop space for prepping food,
serving food and keeping cooking supplies handy.
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4 .
SELECT LOW-MAINTENANCE MATERIALS
DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE RIGORS OF
AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN
• High-quality stainless steel provides a sanitary
surface for grills, appliances and cabinetry, and is
harsh environments.
• Natural stone counters work well, but some require
sealing on a regular basis. The densest granites,
such as “absolute black”, are among the least porous
stones but may not be ideal for the client’s design
aesthetic.
• Consider how hot counter materials may get
under constant sunlight. Some materials stay
naturally cooler than others, and it isn’t always a
light-versus-dark color issue. The best way to test is
to leave a sample in the sun.
• When selecting countertops, stain resistance should
be a primary concern. Check with the supplier to
is just as important as color. These materials are
popular choices for outdoor spaces:
– Soapstone, which is softer to the touch than other
natural stones
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– Textured or tinted concrete
• Counters and patio/decking material (especially near
the grill and other cooking equipment) should be
highly resistant to grease stains.
PLAN SEATING OPTIONS
Incorporating adequate seating is a crucial component
when it comes to enjoying the outdoor space. It’s
important to account for more than just the width
of each seat. Knee space requirements vary with the
height of the seat, and the proper amount of clearance
behind each seat should also be considered.
Seating widths
• Normal seating width is 24 inches wide per person.
• Accessible seating width is 36 inches wide per person.
Knee space
• Bar height seating (counters set at 42 inches high)
needs a 12 inch counter overhang for comfortable
knee space.
• Counter height seating (counters set at 36 inches
high) should have a 15 inch overhang.
• Table height seating (counters or table 30 inches
high) should have at least an 18 inch overhang for
knee space.
• Accessible seating (counters or table 30 inches high)
requires a 19 inch minimum overhang.
Trac clearance
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least 32 inches between the counter/table/bar
edge and the nearest obstruction to make room for
comfortable seating.
• To allow people to edge past behind seats, leave at
least 36 inches.
•
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COMPLEMENT THE DESIGN OF THE HOME
AND LANDSCAPE
Consider the design of the home and its surroundings.
Incorporate materials used inside the home to extend
those elements outdoors to create a cohesive look.
PLAN THE ENTIRE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
SPACE
cooking, dining, lounging and even swimming. Think
of the overall design.
PLAN FOR UTILITIES
The location of the outdoor kitchen and the equipment
placement of the necessary gas, water and electrical
supply. Consider these key factors:
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should be a 7-inch water column. Bulk propane
should be regulated to an 11-inch water column.
Make sure the plumber or gas technician has
planned for the total BTU capacity of all equipment.
• Will the kitchen be plumbed for water supply?
– Hot and cold, or just cold? Is an inline water
heater installed below the sink less expensive
than running hot water lines?
– How will the plumbing be winterized? Have you
basement? Is the kitchen plumbing connected to
the sprinkler system?
– How are you handling waste water? Consider
these options: a bucket under the sink, dry well or
french drain, or connecting to the home’s waste
water lines.
EXTEND THE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
SEASON WITH HEATERS, SHADE AND RAIN
SHELTER
• Shade from pergolas and awnings in both the
to the enjoyment of the space.
• Appropriate rain shelter for the outdoor kitchen
can help keep the cook dry and comfortable even
if the guests migrate indoors. Do not, however, put
a combustible ceiling or awning above an outdoor
grill. If necessary, use an outdoor-rated ventilation
hood.
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under eaves and pergolas. Radiant heat under the
patio and countertops has been used in outdoor
kitchens with large budgets while portable propane
patio heaters are a good solution for more modest
budgets.
• Fireplaces and hearths are perhaps the most
attractive option for adding heat to an outdoor
entertaining area.
INCORPORATE MUSIC AND OTHER
ENTERTAINMENT
• There are many options for high-quality outdoor
speaker systems. Incorporate music into your design
so the client doesn’t face the design challenge of
adding it later.
• Video monitors and televisions can also be
successfully incorporated into the outdoor
entertaining areas if appropriately sheltered from the
elements. In addition to shelter, not all equipment
delivers a good picture in bright sunlight conditions.
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INCORPORATE AMPLE LIGHTING
• Providing adequate task lighting in an outdoor
kitchen can be quite a challenge, but it is necessary
for chefs working in the kitchen after dark.
• Ambient lighting and lighting for the dining area are
also critical to the success of an outdoor living space
design.
• Safety lighting is important especially for paths and
stairs.
By addressing these considerations, you can
design an aesthetically pleasing and functional
outdoor cooking and entertaining area.
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Safety is a vital part of outdoor kitchen design. We
recommend keeping the following factors in mind:
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Slip resistance in an outdoor kitchen is as important
as it is around a pool.
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cooktops and any people. A minimum of 9 inches of
countertop extension is recommended behind and
to the sides of all hot appliances.
• Never install a grill below an overhead combustible
surface. Follow all manufacturer guidelines for safe
clearances for combustible surfaces to the sides and
back of appliances.
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accessible location at least a few feet from any
gas-burning appliance.
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• Clip or round all outside corners of the countertop.
• Provide ample lighting throughout the kitchen and
on all walkways and steps leading to the kitchen.
CONSIDER SAFETY
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Product selection is one of the most important decisions to be made during the planning process,
and is crucial to overall enjoyment and functionality.
How to Select the Right
Cooking Products
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CLIENTS:
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and charcoal grilling.
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What do they want to cook in their outdoor kitchen?
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Do they plan on cooking outdoors most days of the week?
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Do they want to incorporate specialty items such as a lobster boil, a smoker cabinet, or a pizza oven?
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How many people will they typically be cooking for and entertaining?
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Will anyone else be cooking in the outdoor kitchen? What do they enjoy cooking?
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Does the client plan on cooking in the outdoor kitchen themselves, or will a personal chef be the primary cook?
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Today’s outdoor kitchens can include every feature,
convenience and appliance you could imagine. The
following are some highlights of the options that are
available
:
GRILLS:
When it comes to grills the most popular
solution in outdoor kitchens is the gas grill, in particular
of weeknight cooking, but can’t always do everything or
best are going to raise and lower the grill grate above
intensity of the heat.
anything else. Kamado-style grills allow you to cook at
“low-and-slow” temperatures or searing hot heat for
incredible versatility. Pay attention to the overall size,
shape of the cooking surface and insulation thickness for
cooking with the ability to cook in any combination with
gas, wood and charcoal in only one unit. Some grills
extend all the way to the ground for convection cooking
similar to an oven, expanding your grilling capabilities.
SMOKER CABINETS:
the pitmaster who takes pride in “low and slow”
is a must. Smokers come in many shapes and sizes,
burners,” vertical “water smokers,” kamado-style vertical
smokers, gravity-feed charcoal smokers, electric pellet
smokers and more. Some features to evaluate are
briskets, ribs or large turkeys. A computer-controlled
blower system provides reliable, precise temperature
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PIZZA OVENS:
temperature changes to cook food beyond pizza
built-in ovens surrounded by masonry, countertop
ovens or pizza ovens on rolling carts.
REFRIGERATION: Choose from refrigerators and
refrigerated drawers, freezers and freezer drawers,
wine reserves, keg tappers, beverage centers and ice
machines. Many refrigeration units match the look of
the outdoor kitchen cabinets so there is a seamless
PRO TIP: You can tell a lot about the quality of
an outdoor refrigeration unit by looking at the
manufacturer’s recommendations for summer heat and
winter storage. If it is suggested that the unit should be
be the best choice for your kitchen. Forced-air cooling,
variable-speed compressors and thick insulation are
all important factors when you want to store anything
units are designed to withstand extreme summer heat
and still perform at a high level. Similarly, if the unit is
designed to be left outside all winter long and simply
better than a unit that needs to be brought indoors
for the winter.
COOKTOPS: Outdoor cooktops have come a long
way from the old notion of a “side burner” attached
to a grill. Single, double and quadruple cooktops are
available to rival the best indoor ranges. Powerful
wok burners and lobster boilers are also an option.
Available for masonry, or simply mounted into a
convenient storage cabinet. Think through the type of
materials for your burners. For example, brass burners
won’t corrode in the elements, and deliver a lot of heat.
VISUALIZE YOUR PROJECT. UNDERSTAND ITS DETAILS. DOWNLOAD THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN CATALOG.
entire line of outdoor kitchen products. This is the best way to imagine the realities of your project, looking through
inspirational photography and studying existing outdoor kitchens.
DOWNLOAD CATALOG
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Bringing It All Together
A COMPREHENSIVE KITCHEN DESIGN AND INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
From initial ideas right through to installation and beyond, this checklist covers the key design
aspects that apply to most outdoor projects.
SITE ASSESSMENT
1. How conveniently located will the outdoor kitchen
be to the indoor kitchen? Is the path between clear
food, dishes and other items back and forth?
2. What is the relationship between the outdoor
kitchen and other outdoor living spaces?
3. How will you connect to the home’s utilities? Will
the kitchen be against the house? If away from the
house, what obstacles will interfere with any utility
trenches you may need to dig?
4. Does the site need to be leveled?
5. What is the existing drainage pattern and how will
changed?
6. What is the prevailing wind pattern, and will you
need to provide some shelter from the wind?
7. What is the sun exposure, and how will you ensure
adequate shade?
8. Are you going to provide shelter from rain? Will the
structure be an extension of the house? If so, how
system?
LOCAL CODES AND PERMITS
9. Do codes govern the placement, size or design of
the outdoor kitchen?
10. Are permits needed for the outdoor kitchen or any
pavilions or other structures you plan?
11. Are permits required for gas, water or electric work
you are doing? Are the professionals involved fully
familiar with the local codes?
12. How much time is typically required to obtain the
necessary permits?
UTILITIES
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gas should be 7” water column. Bulk propane
should be regulated to 11” water column. Has the
plumber or gas technician planned for the total
BTU capacity of all equipment?
14. Will the kitchen be plumbed for water supply?
• Hot and cold, or just cold? Is an inline water
heater installed below the sink less expensive
than running hot water lines?
• How will the plumbing be winterized? Have you
basement? Is the kitchen plumbing connected to
the sprinkler system?
• How are you handling waste water? Bucket under
the sink? Dry well or French drain? Connected to
home’s waste water lines? Recycling for watering
the garden?
15. Have enough electric (GCFI) outlets been planned
throughout the kitchen and above the counter?
16. Is ample task, ambient and safety lighting included
in the electrical plan?
KITCHEN USABILITY
17. Have you considered the relationships among
the four functional zones (hot, cold, wet and dry)
serving and cleanup activities?
18. Have you planned enough space for multiple
cooks working in the kitchen, if appropriate?
19. Will the bulk of the prep work be done inside or
out, and have you designed your functional zones
accordingly?
20. Have you provided enough counter space
overall? Have you followed the Kalamazoo
recommendations for minimum landing areas
around each work center?
21. Have you provided enough storage for the
planned uses of the outdoor kitchen?
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Exclusive Trade Partner Benefits
We strive to make your role as a trade professional easier in any way we can. Join our Kalamazoo Professional
Parter Program for exclusive access to:
Our team has designed hundreds of beautiful, functional outdoor kitchens and knows our extensive line of
through the design process seamlessly. You will be paired with a dedicated design concierge who can share
in-depth product knowledge and outdoor kitchen design best practices. Our design concierge is always just
a phone call or email away, so you can leverage their vast knowledge. Learn more about the design process
and how we can support you.
Design Concierge Services
• Rebates on client projects
• Special events
• Client welcome gifts
• Exclusive industry events
• Marketing and photography support
• Virtual training and ongoing education
• And so much more!
EXPLORE BENEFITS
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