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Safety Tips for Using an Outdoor Kitchen

By June 9, 2022May 8th, 2024Grilling Tips, Outdoor Kitchens
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If you like cooking outdoors on the patio or deck during warm weather, you may be looking for ways to elevate your outdoor meal preparation. Outdoor kitchens can be simple or extensive, but either way, they can help you to have everything you need to prepare a meal located within easy reach of your grill. Imagine not having to run indoors to grab the ketchup because you have an outdoor refrigerator. Think about the convenience of having multiple cabinets in your outdoor cooking space so you have easy access to the dishes and utensils you need. A sink is another element that instantly elevates an outdoor kitchen to a space you’ll enjoy using all summer long. There are many reasons that outdoor kitchens appeal to people who enjoy grilling, and you might find that you use your outdoor space more than ever.

Outdoor Kitchen Planning

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Planning an outdoor kitchen involves setting a budget, choosing a location, and figuring out which elements you want to include. Having counter space for meal prep, a sink, cabinets, and a refrigerator will essentially enable you to move every part of meal preparation from indoors to outdoors. You’ll need to scale your outdoor kitchen to fit your space. Ideally, an outdoor kitchen that’s close to the back door on an existing patio or deck makes the most sense. If you have the funds, a drop-in grill that fits into surrounding cabinetry and counter space is a popular choice. Otherwise, portable grills can also work.

Protect Your Outdoor Kitchen

covered outdoor kitchen

To maximize your use of your outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to shield the kitchen and the seating area around it from the elements. A pergola can allow enough smoke ventilation while providing both shade and protection from the rain. Covered porches could also be converted to outdoor kitchens, and cabanas are available in various shapes and sizes to provide protection for an outdoor kitchen. Check the area above the grill to ensure that combustible objects such as tree limbs aren’t too close to the heat.

Outdoor Kitchen Safety

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Safety needs to be a top consideration when planning and building an outdoor kitchen. Use high-quality materials that are moisture- and heat-resistant and that won’t get stained by grease and other cooking substances. Most people avoid flooring and cabinets made of wood in outdoor kitchens. Instead, stainless steel, granite, stone veneer, natural stone, and concrete pavers are popular building materials. Granite is strong and dense and resists cracking and staining. Concrete pavers have appealing texture and are available in many different colors. Purchase only appliances that are rated for outdoor use, and don’t install cooking and cooling appliances beside each other. A gas shut-off valve should be accessible and functional in case a gas leak occurs. Your outdoor kitchen also needs to be well-lit with task lighting over the cooking and food prep areas as well as lighting along walkways. Also be sure to choose non-slip flooring.

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Using an outdoor kitchen also demands care to prevent mishaps and injuries. Keep a functional fire extinguisher in your outdoor kitchen. Most fire extinguishers last between five and 15 years, so replace yours if it’s aging. Having a first-aid kit in a drawer or cabinet will also enable you to respond readily to minor cuts and burns. Empty trash bins regularly, and keep your food prep areas clean. The grill also needs to be clean to avoid flare-ups while cooking. Never leave grills or other cooking appliances unattended while cooking, and always keep children and pets away.