Outdoor Kitchen Layout Ideas | 4 Best Options (with Pros & Cons)

Hey, what's going on everybody? and today we will be focusing on four of the most popular outdoor kitchen layouts- Linear, L-shaped, U-shaped and galley layouts–and the benefits they can bring to your outdoor entertaining space. We'll explore the advantages of each layout and provide you with the information you need to see what layout will work best for you in your space.
Let's discuss the benefits of linear layouts and how they can help you create a functional and convenient outdoor cooking area. Linear layouts are a popular choice for those who want a central location for outdoor cooking without the need for additional entertainment features. These layouts provide counter space for food preparation, making them a practical option for those who want functionality without breaking the bank.

One of the advantages of linear layouts is that they come in smaller designs which are considered one piece. These designs are ideal for those who have limited space and don't need to incorporate additional appliances. Linear layouts work well against the wall of a house, making it easier to run utility lines. If you're looking for a larger linear layout, the two-piece layout is a great option. These layouts are anything above seven feet and come in two pieces. Many people prefer longer linear layouts because they want to incorporate more appliances.

The Back of the Island

Alright, so we're in the back of the island here. I'm going to start with the countertop. Again, it's made in two pieces, so you'll notice there's a seam right here and we do this very strategically, so when you're in front of the island, really not even going to be noticeable at all. Moving down, you'll see we have the seam on the base of the islands here, and since a lot of people aren't really looking at the back of their islands too much, it's really a good way and a strategic way to design this so we can extend the length of your island.

L-Layouts – A Practical and Convenient Option for Outdoor Cooking

In conclusion, linear layouts are a practical and convenient option for outdoor cooking. Whether you're looking for a smaller design or a larger two-piece layout, linear layouts provide the counter space and functionality you need without the additional entertainment features. If you're planning to build an outdoor kitchen area, consider a linear layout for a practical and functional solution. Let's talk about L-shaped layouts and the advantages they can bring to your entertaining space. L-shapeds are a great way to extend your outdoor kitchen layout while maintaining an efficient flow for entertaining your guests. With a bar island on one side of the L, you can easily stand and cook while also turning to serve your guests sitting at the bar. This creates a great flow and gives you the ability to entertain effectively. One advantage of l-shaped layouts is that they come with bar seating as a standard, but they can also be customized to exclude it if you're not looking to entertain or bar seating doesn't fit your design.

L-shaped layouts can work well on the corner of a patio, keeping the rest of the patio space open and not restricting the flow of traffic. Another advantage of L-shaped layouts is that they incorporate two islands, allowing you to separate your layout out into zones. You can have your grilling and cooking zone on one side of the L, while on the other side you can have your refrigeration and sink. This makes it easy to separate your hot and cold zones for a more efficient cooking experience. However, one downside of an L-shaped layout is that they can create some dead space on the front panel of the bar island, which can be considered a loss of surface area to fit additional appliances. Overall, L-shaped layouts can be a great choice for those looking to extend their outdoor kitchen space while maintaining an efficient flow for entertaining. Whether you want to include bar seating or not, L-shaped layouts are versatile and can work well on the corner of a patio or against a wall. Consider adding an L-shaped layout into your outdoor entertaining space for a functional and stylish upgrade.

Now we'll be discussing the advantages and disadvantages of U-shaped islands and the amount of patio space required to accommodate them. U-shaped islands are basically an extension of an L-shaped kitchen. They come with an additional third island, which creates a closed layout. This can restrict the flow of traffic on your patio, but if you're big into entertaining, a U-shaped might be the perfect addition to your space. Most U-shaped islands come standard with bar seating on both sides, which makes them perfect for hosting guests. They also come with a lot of appliances to help you cook a lot of food for your guests, which is important if you're hosting a big event. With the three islands of a U-shaped, you actually have the ability to separate your layout into three zones. You can have an island for your hot zone with all your cooking appliances, an island for your cold zone with the refrigeration, and the last island for your prep zone, where you'll typically have storage and other components.

U-shaped Grill Island – A Great addition to Your Backyard

One thing to keep in mind is that a U-shaped requires lots of patio space. The countertop depth on both sides of the U-shaped, coupled with the length of the grill island, means that you'll need a minimum of about 18 feet of patio space. However, for a comfortable U-shaped, we recommend a space of at least 20% by 15%. This space requirement is something to consider before you decide to install a U-shaped on your patio. U-shaped islands are a great addition to your backyard, especially if you're big into entertaining. They offer a lot of versatility and cannot accommodate a lot of appliances. However, keep in mind that they do require a lot of patio space.

The Advantages of Galley Layouts

Last but not least, let's discuss galley layouts and their advantages over other layouts we have covered. Galley layouts are similar to L-shaped kitchens in terms of having two islands, but one advantage of a galley is that it doesn't restrict your patio flow. Unlike an L-shape, which has an extension that guests must walk around, a galley allows for walk through space in between the islands, which is perfect for those who don't want to restrict their patio. Additionally, one of the islands on your galley layout can be a floating island, which makes it a great option for those who want to cook and entertain their guests. Since the galley is tighter than an l-shape, it's easier to cook and turn around to serve guests at the bar. With the floating island. It also allows you to easily separate your outdoor kitchen into zones. like an L-shaped layout.

You can have your cooking zone on one island and use the other island for your cold zones, which gives you the best functionality and efficiency when you're cooking and entertaining. Another advantage of a galley layout is that it uses the patio space and island space more effectively. There is no dead space, as you may have encountered with an L-shaped, so you can incorporate more appliances into your outdoor kitchen. The galley layout comes standard with a bar island, but it doesn't have to be. Some people prefer to use it as a serve, encounter, or prep surface, which can be especially useful if it's a floating island up against a house. Overall, a galley layout is a great option for those who want to cook, entertain and use their outdoor space without restricting the flow of traffic.

Outdoor Kitchen – Galley – The Perfect Choice

With its functional layout and ability to incorporate more appliances, a galley may be the perfect choice for your outdoor kitchen. We hope this information has been helpful in your decision-making process. Whether you opt for a linear, L-hape, U-hape, or even a galley layout, the most important thing is to create a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen that you'll enjoy for years to come. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to be up to date with the latest outdoor kitchen information.

Conclusion

Linear layouts are a popular choice for those who want a central location for outdoor cooking. With a bar island on one side of the L, you can easily stand and cook while also turning to serve your guests sitting at the bar. Galley layouts are similar to L-shaped kitchens in terms of having two islands. Unlike an L-shape, which has an extension that guests must walk around, a galley allows for walk through space in between the islands. The most important thing is to create a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen that you'll enjoy for years to come. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to be up to date with the latest outdoor kitchen Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family.