Jordan Marie Diggs – RTA Outdoor Living

Jessica Alba’s Honest Renovations Works on a Project Close to Home

Jordan Marie Diggs — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 19:53:55 +0000

If you’re a fan of Jessica Alba and the Honest Renovations TV show… you simply cannot miss this project that Jessica and Lizzy Mathis just unveiled!

And it’s unlike any other home renovation this dynamic duo has done before.

You could even say… it hits close to home.

A few years ago, Jessica Alba secretly purchased her father’s childhood family home. Since 2021, Jessica and Lizzy have been working hard on a complete home makeover… so Jessica could gift this well-loved home to her parents with a whole new look.

This home was a fixer upper in every sense of the term, too. The entire interior was gutted and overhauled… but there’s still traces left of the original home.

Oak wood from the property was salvaged and repurposed in the brand-new interior design. (What’s old is new again, as they say!)

But of course, for us… the real crowning jewel of this home improvement project took place in the backyard.

And we must say… it’s an absolute show-stopper.

This unique design features two separate islands in different locations, keeping entertainment top-of-mind for everyone at the party.

One island includes a large, Italian-made wood-fired pizza oven and a refrigerator… while the other features a large Coyote gas grill, power burner, and bar seating.

Jessica opted for a sleek and modern charcoal plank finish on both islands… which are tastefully accented with marbled white granite countertops.

Jessica’s parents are over the moon with their new setup, and we couldn’t be more honored to help them entertain and enjoy their new home to the fullest!

Covered Outdoor Kitchen: 15 Stunning Ideas & How to Choose – RTA Outdoor Living

Jordan Marie Diggs — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 13:43:05 +0000

It’s no secret that an outdoor kitchen is the crowning jewel of your backyard space.

And once you’ve spent a few grilling sessions al fresco… You’ll want to be cooking up a storm out there as much as possible.

But there’s one thing that could get in the way of on-demand BBQ…

Good ol’ Mother Nature.

Thankfully, if you want to be grilling year round, rain or shine… There’s a simple solution.

Get yourself a covered outdoor kitchen!

And as you embark on the journey of covering your island… There are several options at your disposal to consider.

We’ve installed outdoor kitchens under every kind of cover… And along the way, we’ve learned a thing or two.

In this article, you’ll learn about all your options for a covered outdoor kitchen structure… And wrap up with some impressive ideas for your inspiration.

Quick Links:

What Should Cover Your Outdoor Kitchen? Discussion of 4 Different Types
15 Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Your Shady Sanctuary
Ready for Your Covered Outdoor Kitchen? Here’s Step One

Types of Covered Outdoor Kitchens

It’s all about options… So that’s what we’re going to kick off with.

Which type of covered outdoor kitchen is best?

Let’s find out together.

Pergolas

If you love the feel of open air and sun all around you… A pergola might be the perfect covering for your outdoor kitchen.

This shade structure is the most easy-breezy of all. With criss cross slats across the top, allowing plenty of sunshine to push through.

So… How exactly do pergolas offer some weather protection?

Without any additions, we must admit… A pergola is mainly an aesthetic choice.

However…

You can modify your pergola to protect your outdoor kitchen from rain and hail.

Just cover your pergola!

Many companies offer transparent, waterproof covers that fit snugly on top of your pergola.

So you’re protected from wet weather… And can still enjoy the boho vibe a pergola brings.

Now, what if you would prefer full coverage?

Pavilions / Gazebos

Another super common outdoor structure would be a pavilion or a gazebo.

What’s the difference?

Well, it’s like how a square is always a rectangle… But a rectangle is not always a square.

Nearly any open air outdoor structure with a pitched roof could be described as a pavilion.

For a gazebo… It’s the same, but they are generally specified as being octagonal in shape.

Most often, you’ll find them made with hardwood… Which lends itself to a lovely, rustic farmhouse aesthetic.

You can find more modern, flat-roofed versions out there as well. However, these minimalist designs are far less common.

A pavilion or gazebo would be great for someone who wants full shade over their outdoor kitchen… But also wants to maintain the breeziness of open air.

But perhaps, you may be interested in something a little closer to home.

California Rooms

California rooms are a unique type of outdoor kitchen covering… Affording you the convenience of outdoor entertaining, just a few steps from your back door.

What is it, exactly?

It’s essentially an extended patio cover. It juts out directly off the back or side of your house… Covering your back patio.

California rooms are known for having enclosed walls on either side… Blurring the lines between an indoor and outdoor space.

This makes them a great outdoor kitchen cover for a few reasons.

For one… It blocks out wind, rain, and other nasty weather that keeps you from using your outdoor kitchen.

But it also allows you to keep your outdoor kitchen close to your house. If you forget to bring some things outside… It’s not a big deal to hop in, grab them, and continue grilling.

Even better… Your outdoor furniture is well protected under the cover of a California room. Enjoy the tranquility of an outdoor dining area, free from worry about passing showers.

Need even more coverage? Well… Let’s jump to the East coast, because a Florida room’s going to be the ticket.

Florida Rooms

If you like the feeling of being outside… But don’t actually want to be outside, a Florida room gives you the best of both worlds.

Depending on your preference, these structures are fully enclosed sunrooms or screen rooms.

In the Northeast, you’ll typically see them more often as a sunroom… With either a glass or traditional ceiling.

This setup is ideal if you live in a cold climate, and want the opportunity for year round grilling. It’s weatherproof, and can be fully temperature controlled. (What could be better?)

If you still want the feeling of fresh air on your skin… You may prefer the Southeast version, which is more of a screen room.

It keeps the bugs out, provides a high amount of weather protection… But you can still catch a whiff of that fresh, outdoor air.

There is a caveat with Florida rooms, however.

Due to the fact that this space will be fully enclosed… That can pose problems for safety when cooking.

Why?

Your outdoor kitchen needs ventilation in order to be safe to operate.

So in addition to making sure your island is properly ventilated… You’ll want to make sure you have a non-combustible backsplash behind the grill, and a vent hood installed overhead.

It’s not a deal breaker, by any means! You just have to be sure to plan ahead properly.

And now that you’ve gotten a taste of some different structure options… Let’s take a peek at some covered outdoor kitchen designs.

Jaw-Dropping Backyard Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

We can theory-craft all day about different kinds of outdoor kitchen covers... And which one might be best for you.

But at the end of the day…

It doesn’t matter much if you don’t see something that makes you inspired.

With that said, let’s peruse some outstanding covered outdoor kitchen plans!

1. Covered Patio Outdoor Kitchen Under Pavilion

Let’s start with a setup that’s livin’ large… Literally.

This L-shaped outdoor kitchen has got just about everything under the sun. (Except, it’s not under the sun!)

The massive overhead pavilion is painted in a lovely rust color… Adding to the overall rustic aesthetic of the space.

But let’s zoom in on the functionality of this roof, for a moment.

You’ll find many examples where just the kitchen, or even only a portion of it, is covered.

If that’s all your budget allows for, or if you have tight space requirements… There’s nothing wrong with that!

What we love about this example is there’s no skimping on space. This homeowner had the room to let their pavilion sprawl… And sprawl it did!

There’s complete coverage for the resident chef… As well as for guests who would like to dine at the bar island.

2. Outdoor Kitchen Covered Patio Idea

Already have a covered patio that’s ready for an outdoor kitchen?

Or maybe…

You just want your outdoor kitchen “close to home”?

Either way, this is a great idea to glean inspiration from.

This homeowner has a full on covered back porch… Ideal for all your favored backyard pursuits.

Of course, the outdoor kitchen is the star of this setup!

The L-shape of this design is neatly tucked under the roof… Providing complete rain protection during a stray storm or two.

And since this homeowner’s got the space… There’s even a completely covered seating area off to the other side.

Enjoy the perks of your outdoor cooking space… Without fear of getting drenched. (Let out that sigh of relief!)

3. Easy Breezy Pergola Outdoor Kitchen

Who wouldn’t want to sip on a fruity cocktail under the cover of this beautiful pergola?

The beachy vibes are simply pouring out of this setup… And we’re fully on board with it!

If you live in an area with picture-perfect weather all year round… There’s nothing better.

This pergola offers a pleasant amount of shade... While still allowing for a good amount of pure sunshine to seep through.

The outdoor kitchen is done in a stacked stone terra finish… Providing a lovely complement to the paver patio.

At the same time, the stainless steel appliances provide a welcome contrast (in addition to being functional)!

With a gas grill, dual side burner, and wood fired pizza oven… You’re ready and raring to go for anything the party calls for.

4. Outdoor Covered Kitchen Idea on Wood Deck

Let’s go back to a lounge space with a little more coverage. Well, a lot more, really!

This covered outdoor kitchen (NO FOLLOW) is nestled under the protection of a California room.

Interestingly enough, this space isn’t giving off California vibes! In fact, this New Hampshire outdoor kitchen is decorated with a distinctly New England theme. (As is only right!)

With tasteful florals, stained wood decking, antique lanterns, and cozy loveseats… There’s no better way to enjoy all four seasons of New England weather.

And the rustic, yet contemporary bright plank finish only adds to the homey farmhouse aesthetic.

A stunning granite countertop and backsplash ensures this homeowner’s exterior wall is protected from heat… And an overhead ceiling fan will keep the space well-ventilated, despite being more enclosed.

To us… This is the height of indoor outdoor living!

5. Outdoor Kitchen Under Covered Patio Idea

Full of clean lines and pleasantly contrasting colors… We’re a big fan of this covered outdoor kitchen idea. (And so is the Rottweiler behind the sofa!)

This larger-than-life pavilion is truly a statement piece… And even connects to some additional living space at the rear.

This back wall creates a stunning backdrop and structure for this outdoor living space.

In addition to an extra room… It also supports an outdoor TV, small shelf, and room for a couple outdoor chairs.

It’s the perfect setup for enjoying a refreshing beverage al fresco.

And wouldn’t you know it… That’s exactly what this space is set up to do.

Rather than opting for a complete patio kitchen… This homeowner opted for a single bar island, instead.

Although we might feel like we’re missing a cooking area… If it’s all about the drinks for you, this design might be right up your alley.

6. Outdoor Living with a Florida Room

Enjoy your outdoor patio bug-free with the help of a Florida room!

And while this space may seem like it’s all about the pool… It’s the petite outdoor kitchen that really pulls everything together.

With a gas outdoor grill and Big Green Egg charcoal grill… You’ve got the best of both worlds!

So whether you’re hankering for a burger or a rack of ribs after taking a dip… You can cook according to your craving.

Zooming out a bit, it’s easy to see the appeal of a Florida room.

Sunshine is allowed to pour in uninhibited… And you’re completely protected from rain, wind, and nasty pests!

What’s not to love?

7. Modern Outdoor Kitchen Design Idea with Shade Structure

In some cases, you’re not after a cover for functionality.

Perhaps for you… It’s all about aesthetics.

And if that’s true, your interest will be piqued by this backyard kitchen design.

Rather than opting for a fully functional, sprawling cover… This homeowner put a simple structure just over the grill island.

Is it an awning? Is it a mini pergola? We’re not really sure… But we are sure of one thing — it’s a nice touch.

This small roof adds another element of interest to the space… Drawing the eye upward, but keeping the focus on the outdoor kitchen.

And if you ever wanted to add some rain protection at your grill station… It’s easy to add on a plastic covering for some more practicality!

8. Outdoor Kitchen Area Under Extended Patio

Let’s look at another covered outdoor kitchen from a different perspective.

So far, we’ve been peering from the outside in… How about from the inside, out?

This first-person perspective does a great job of showing you what it would be like to have a covered patio. (With an outdoor kitchen underneath, of course!)

Imagine taking your first step out onto the patio… And you’re greeted with the sight of a cozy seating area with an outdoor kitchen.

To us… It’s a dream come true. (And this picture is proof!)

This linear outdoor kitchen boasts a big ol’ pizza oven… With plenty of extra counter space for perfecting your pizzas.

There’s also a refreshment center smack dab in the middle for hand washing, drink making, and light dishwashing.

When you’re done cooking… Just sink into one of those comfy chairs, take a load off… And enjoy your meal.

9. Custom Outdoor Kitchen Under Wood Pavilion

Alright, let’s go back to the outside looking in.

If you want your outdoor kitchen to feel like it’s a separate, freestanding, dining space… You’ll want what is known as a satellite outdoor kitchen.

Sounds fancy… But all it means is that your outdoor kitchen is further away from the house.

With the addition of a large pavilion, the effect of a separate area is magnified greatly!

It’s got a sense of grandeur about it… Your very own outdoor oasis.

Seriously, though. Who wouldn’t want to kick back and enjoy a weekend afternoon out here? It’s picture perfect.

And before we move forward… We’ve got to tip our hats to the design continuity in this space. It’s truly rustic, through and through.

Between the dark-stained wood pavilion, wrought iron chairs, and weathered wood finish on the outdoor kitchen… This setup screams rustic Americana.

But if you’re looking for something a little more streamlined… We’ve got just the thing for you.

10. Indoor Outdoor Stone Outdoor Kitchen Idea

Here’s yet another spin on an indoor outdoor living space! But this time… We see it in a contemporary grayscale theme.

We’ve got to commend this homeowner, as well. In addition to being visually appealing… They went all-out on safety!

There’s a complementary white stacked stone backsplash lining the back of the outdoor kitchen… And a generously-sized vent hood above both the kamado smoker and gas grill.

To us, it’s a beautiful sight in more ways than one.

The way this space is set up, it’s like you have your own “outdoor kitchen nook”. A little, private corner you can cook in… Retaining your zen in spite of the hosting chaos going on elsewhere in the backyard!

But even if your backyard BBQ’s are pretty mellow… We can all appreciate the idea of a set aside, dedicated cooking area.

11. Covered Outdoor Kitchen with Fire Pit & Seating Area

Why stop at just one cover? Depending on the vision you have for your outdoor living space… A second cover may be called for!

That’s exactly what we see here, folks.

Over the outdoor kitchen, you have a pergola covering the island area… And a separate pavilion for a dining and seating area off to the side.

It’s the perfect mix.

There’s a blend of sun and shade as you cook at the outdoor kitchen… Complete shade at the seating area when you need a retreat from the sun… And full sun everywhere else, when you need a little pick me up!

And when the sun gives way to the moon… There’s that matching square fire pit to chat the evening away.

There’s no question — this outdoor living space is fully optimized to keep you outside all day long.

12. Covered Outdoor Kitchen at the Tiki Bar

There’s no surer way to bring the feeling of island time to your backyard… Than with a full-fledged tiki bar!

Carefully adorned with vibrant, hanging planters and cheerful lighting… We can smell the salty, ocean air and feel the island breeze just by looking at these pictures.

Pull up a seat at the bar, take a deep breath, and just let it all sink in.

This design is a tranquil oasis… Right in the comfort of your backyard.

You’ve got plenty of shade… An undeniable island vibe… And a fully equipped outdoor kitchen for serving up all your BBQ favorites.

Is there anything missing? (We think not!)

13. Enjoy Bug-Free Grilling with this Covered Outdoor Kitchen Plan

You won’t find a single buzzing, little pest with this outdoor kitchen design!

In fact, this setup resembles an indoor kitchen more so than an outdoor kitchen! But with all that sunshine pouring in from those large windows… You get the feeling like you’re outside, without the downsides that can come along with it.

And when it comes to outdoor kitchen appliances… This BBQ island has the perfect trifecta: a pellet grill, pizza oven, and gas grill.

Smoke some ribs on the pellet grill… Fire a pizza in the oven… Char some steaks on the gas grill… And dinner’s served.

14. Refined & Stylish Covered Outdoor Kitchen

Let’s go back to a more open air concept with this outdoor kitchen idea.

Overlooking a beautiful pond and lawn… We could easily get used to the view in this outdoor living space!

But aside from the view, there’s a lot to love about this design. It’s refined, yet rustic, all at the same time.

The stacked stone chalk finish is a remarkable blend of rustic and sophisticated on its own! The stone lends itself to a more hand–hewn aesthetic… While the bright white finish gives off a refined look.

And with a classic chandelier, simple wooden table, and white paint to match… You’ll be living the high life, no matter the weather.

15. Extended Patio with Outdoor Kitchen & Entertainment Center

Last but not least… Let’s wrap up the list with an all-inclusive covered outdoor kitchen idea.

If you need every excuse possible to stay outside all day long… This design will give you an out, every time.

This extended patio is covered on most sides… Offering you near-complete protection from the elements. This also leaves room for more entertainment features, such as the fireplace and outdoor TV.

But let’s not forget about that outdoor kitchen! It’s the main event, after all.

This linear summer kitchen is neatly tucked into the back wall of the space… Blending into its surroundings, yet enhancing them at the same time.

And whether you grill up a full meal or just need to grab a drink from the fridge… Every night is movie night in this backyard space.

Hopefully, by this point, you’re starting to feel the inspiration kick in. And if you are…

Take the First Step Toward Your Outdoor Living Dreams

With all these covered outdoor kitchen ideas fluttering around in your mind… Let’s start with honing your focus on one aspect of this project — the outdoor kitchen part.

This might be a bit surprising to you.

If you want a covered outdoor kitchen… Shouldn’t you focus on the cover first?

It’s actually the other way around!

Whether it’s a pergola, gazebo, or extended patio… Your cover needs to be planned around the particulars of your outdoor kitchen design.

Additionally, you’ll need plans for utilities ready to go as well.

Point is, start with your outdoor kitchen… And planning for the cover will fall right into place.

Which leads us to your next action step.

To get the ball rolling on your outdoor kitchen project… The best place to start is with our free online design tool.

You can play around with all your wildest design ideas… And narrow it down to a great starting point.

From there, our Design Experts will work one-on-one with you to refine that design to utter perfection.

But let’s just start with creating the design… Shall we?

Have fun, and we’ll be in touch soon.

FAQ

Should an Outdoor Kitchen be Covered?

Covering your outdoor kitchen is a good idea, but it ultimately comes down to budget and personal preference. Overhead covers provide much in the way of beautifying your space, as well as providing shade while cooking. But it’s not necessary in order to enjoy your outdoor kitchen area!

What Can I Use to Cover my Outdoor Kitchen?

There are several options at your disposal for covering your outdoor kitchen. Pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions are the most common structures used.

Can You Enclose an Outdoor Kitchen?

Yes, you can enclose an outdoor kitchen. However, it is imperative that you accommodate for extra ventilation for airflow. This includes extra ventilation on the island itself… As well as overhead ventilation for each cooking appliance.

Pizza Oven Wood: 3 Best Brands Tested & Reviewed, with FAQs

Jordan Marie Diggs — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 16:14:39 +0000

Whether you’ve just purchased a wood fired pizza oven, or you’ve owned one for a while… At some point, you’ll start to wonder:

“What kind of pizza oven wood should I be using?”

It’s a fair question.

There’s lively debate all over the internet about the best wood to use for an offset smoker or pellet grill… So why wouldn’t it be the same for your pizza oven?

It’s true, there are some similarities.

But actually… The world of pizza oven wood is actually more cut and dry than you might anticipate. We even tested it for ourselves.

So hop in to get all your pizza oven wood-related questions answered… And see the test results of 3 top brands.

Let’s fire it up.

Quick Links:

We Answer Your Burning Questions about Wood for Wood Fired Pizza Oven
The Best Wood to Burn in Pizza Oven — Our Detailed Review
The 6 Testing Parameters We Honed in On
The 3rd Best Pizza Oven Wood Brand
The 2nd Best Pizza Oven Wood Brand
…And Our 1st Place Winner
You’ve Got the Wood & the Pizza Oven, What’s Next?

Pizza Oven Wood FAQ’s

We know… You’ve got lots of questions on your mind.

Before we proceed to the test, let’s clear the air a bit.

What Wood is Best for Pizza Oven?

Let’s start things off simple.

What type of wood should you be using in your pizza oven?

Hardwood? Softwood? Specific species?

First of all, you should always be using hardwood in your pizza oven.

Why? It burns hot and clean.

Softwoods like pine or spruce are full of sticky, strong resin. This can accumulate in your oven, but it can also give your pizza a yucky, resinous flavor.

Ick.

So the answer’s clear. There’s nothing better to use than 100% pure hardwood in your pizza oven.

need a place to put your oven?

An outdoor kitchen is a stunning way to show off your pizza oven... And store stacks of wood at the same time.

DESIGN NOW

Does the Wood Flavor Your Pizza?

Now you know to always use hardwood in your outdoor pizza oven. Check.

Does the type of hardwood you use matter? Will cherry, hickory, or red oak flavor your pizzas differently?

Nope. Shocking, we know… But there’s a clear reason for this.

When you smoke a rack of ribs, you’re holding the smoker at a low temperature ranging from 180°- 250°F. This long, low smoke lets the ribs absorb as much smoke flavor as possible over the course of several hours.

With a pizza, it couldn’t be more different.

A true Neapolitan pizza gets fired at a searing hot 950°F and cooks in about 60-90 seconds… Which really doesn’t leave any time for flavors to develop.

Plus, the volatile oils in hardwood that provide flavor are getting vaporized at such a high temperature anyway. So when it comes to wood-fired flavor in a pizza… It’s actually kind of a myth! Point is, use whatever hardwood you like. It will all work beautifully in your oven.

How Much Wood do I Need for a Pizza Oven?

We’ve got the what and why… But what about how much?

If you’re in the middle of churning out pies for a bumping pizza party… Running out of wood in the middle of your cook would be a total disaster.

The quantity of wood you need for cooking pizza depends on the size of your oven… And how long you’ll be cooking for.

The larger the oven, the more wood you’ll need to use. (Of course!)

A small, portable pizza oven might need 5” wood pieces… Whereas a large pizza oven could need pieces up to 18” long.

To get a fire started, you’ll generally need 5-10 mini logs to get things going. Every so often, you’ll need to add a chunk or two to keep the temperature up.

So how much?

It depends! Most premade pizza oven wood boxes will include 15 lbs – 25 lbs of wood… So this is a good stock to keep on hand just in case.

And now that you know all about the wood you need for the best pizza cooking experience… Let’s review a few of the top pizza oven wood brands.

Pizza Oven Wood Review: Who Burns the Brightest?

Alright, enough questions… Time to get some answers.

What brand of outdoor pizza oven wood should you be buying?

Onto our review of the best sellers.

The 3 Brands We Tested

OOFT

Smoak

Cutting edge firewood

Our (Super Scientific) Testing Parameters

Before we get to the cooking results of each wood brand… It’s important to note what exactly we were looking for. So without further ado, let’s check out the categories in question.

Packaging Quality & Extras

It may seem like a small quibble… But packaging matters!

You don’t want a haphazardly packed box of loose wood pieces to show up at your doorstep, after all.

It may not be the end all be all… But we will admit, we do like to see a nice presentation from these brands.

And if we got a couple extra goodies in our box of wood for pizza oven… Well, we’ve got to give out bonus points, don’t we?

Size & Consistency

Another quality we looked for is size and consistency between the pieces.

A large reason why you’re buying pizza oven wood specifically is that all the work is done for you.

You’re expecting consistently-cut pieces that are all the same length… And roughly the same size.

This is particularly important if you have a small, countertop pizza oven. If the box you buy has pieces that are inconsistent and too long… They won’t even fit in your oven!

That’s annoying.

So when we see lots of pieces that are neat and orderly… The brand gets a “kudos” from us.

Ease of Lighting

Another possible wrench in your plan of obtaining a perfect pizza is how long it takes your oven to get started!

If the wood is a challenge to light… That’s a frustrating experience. Especially if you’ve got a lot of hungry mouths waiting to be fed!

Of course, if you don’t properly store your wood, it won’t remain dry. We tested all these brands straight out of the box, so we’ve got a good baseline on how well each one will light.

Time to Coal Stage

We also wanted to know… How long does it take to get everything going?

The best wood for pizza oven should come up to a high heat quickly… And stay there for a while.

That’s what we’re looking for when we reference the “coal stage”. The wood is starting to form nice, hot coals… And at that point, a stunning Neapolitan style pizza is mere minutes away.

The sooner you can enjoy your pizza… The happier you’ll be.

Longevity of the Wood Burn

And as much as we love to see a quick ramp-up time from a box of pizza oven wood… We also don’t want it to be a flash in the pan and burn out quickly.

So if we can achieve a good balance between a speedy heat-up, and a long-lasting burn… That’s the ideal scenario.

But of course, hardwood is hardwood. There’s only so much variance between types and brands… So we’re looking at small differences between them.

Our Equipment

Wrapping things up… What were our tools for the trade? Did we use an Ooni oven? A brick oven?

Neither one.

We used a brand-spanking-new Coyote pizza oven for our test… Which served a couple purposes.

We got to test out all those lovely pizza oven wood brands we’ve been alluding to… But we also got to test the mettle of Coyote’s pizza oven. (Which we will say, performed swimmingly!)

This pizza oven includes an insulated chimney (the only one of its kind), which ensured our heat retention was off the charts… But we’re getting off track.

For now, it’s time to see how each brand of pizza oven wood performed.

get your pizza station up and running

Crank out pies like never before with the help of a custom designed outdoor kitchen with pizza oven.

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3rd Place: More Smoke, Less Fire

Coming in at the bottom of our list, we have SMOAK firewood.

It’s not a bad box of wood, by any means… But it just slightly underperformed compared to the other brands we tested.

The package itself was nothing to write home about… But there’s nothing to count against it, either!

It came in a good cardboard box, and that’s about it.

Consistency between pieces is where SMOAK lost a couple points from us.

The wood pieces were fairly inconsistent… And it seemed like some of the larger pieces were only half-chopped.

Point is, you would have to do a little extra work to get these pieces to work flawlessly in your pizza oven. And since we’re looking for a plug-and-play experience, that’s something we didn’t love to see.

Our box of SMOAK took about 15 minutes to light, which was a bit of a struggle on our end. (It took us the longest to light this brand.)

That said, it took 20 minutes for this wood to get hot enough to cook with… Which was right in line with our 2nd place winner.

As for how often we had to re-fuel… We were adding in new wood chunks every 20-25 minutes or so. (Which performed smack dab in the middle of our rankings.)

Overall, SMOAK performed fairly well. But there are a couple other pizza oven wood brands that beat it out by just a hair.

2nd Place: An Impressive Runner-Up

For our standout runner-up… We’ve got to highlight OOFT firewood.

Their most popular selections are intended to be used in an Ooni Karu 12 or 16. So if you’re looking for the best wood for Ooni pizza oven… You may just have found your perfect match.

That said, there’s a couple reasons why we ranked this as #2 rather than #1. (We’ll get to that!)

As far as the packaging goes… It was good, but not mind-blowing. It was well-designed, and does what it needs to do — hold pizza oven wood.

Consistency was an A++ here. Every piece was pretty much identical in terms of dimensions.

The pieces were quite small, however. If you have a portable pizza oven like an Ooni, this will be perfect for you.

But because we’re using a larger pizza oven, it wasn’t ideal to have such small pieces. So if you have a large pizza oven… You’ll likely want to stick to a brand that offers larger chunks.

When it comes to performance, we were pretty happy with OOFT.

Lighting the pieces was super easy… And it took between 10-15 minutes to get the oven hot enough to cook pizza. (The quickest of all!)

On the flip side… That quick ramp-up time of the smaller pieces also led to a quicker burnout. We were having to refill the oven every 10 to 15 minutes to keep the fire roaring.

For a smaller oven, this is probably par for the course… But since we’re heating up a larger oven, we need a little more staying power.

And it’s for this reason that our final brand stole the #1 position…

1st Place: On the Cutting Edge of Victory

While all three pizza oven woods we tested had some standout moments… There’s one that rose high above the rest.

Cutting Edge was the brand that cut down the competition, you could say.

For us, Cutting Edge was a match made in heaven for our wood-burning pizza oven. And here’s why.

Right off the cuff, Cutting Edge makes a good impression. The packaging is sleek, attractive… And the box itself is pleasantly sturdy.

Plus, we got plenty of extras that turned a simple box of pizza oven wood… Into an all-inclusive kit for outdoor cooking.

Our box came with fire starters, matches, kindling… It was everything we needed for an outstanding pizza night. (We even got some swag!)

If there was a ding to be had… It would have to be on the consistency between pieces. The sizes were hit or miss.

Since we have a larger oven, this wasn’t a big deal. We also didn’t test the smaller pizza oven wood sizes, so those may be more consistent than what we received. (We can’t comment on what we haven’t tried, but it’s something to be aware of!)

That said, it was all up from here.

Lighting the logs was made effortless with the help of Cutting Edge’s included fire starting kit… And the fire was rolling and ready to cook within around 20-25 minutes.

Although we must admit that this was the slowest ramp-up time of the bunch… These logs were also here to stay.

We only had to add more chunks every 20-25 minutes or so. Which left us with more time to focus on finessing the pizza peel… And less time worrying about keeping the fire fed.

Because that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? You’ve invested in a pizza oven to make crispy, tantalizing pies… Not to stoke a fire!

Ultimately, any of the brands we discussed today could be an excellent choice for your pizza oven… But for us, Cutting Edge takes the cake.

No matter which brand you choose for your outdoor home oven… There’s one thing that will make your pizza-making dreams truly complete.

Get Yourself a Complete Pizza Cooking Station

Alright. You’ve got your pizza oven… You’ve got your wood… In our minds, there’s one thing missing from the equation.

An outdoor kitchen.

If you want the best wood-fired cooking experience possible… The versatility of a grill island is simply unmatched.

Not only do you have a beautiful place to rest your wood or gas fired pizza oven… You also have several quality-of-life upgrades that makes the pizza cooking experience far more enjoyable.

Take the countertop, for example. Rather than being stuck prepping your pizza inside… You can work on your pizza dough in close proximity to your pizza oven.

The benefits go far beyond keeping the mess outside… You can closely watch the pizzas you’re cooking on the pizza stone, while prepping a new pie.

It’s efficiency at its finest.

But you can think even bigger than that.

What about getting a stainless steel BBQ grill? A natural gas or propane grill is a quick and easy way to get some appetizers on the table… While your guests wait for their personal pizza pie.

An outdoor refrigerator can keep your dough proofing worry-free… And even something as simple as storage drawers can keep all your pizza-prepping tools within arm’s reach.

It’s the perfect complement to your high-quality, Italian-made pizza oven. (Or the Coyote pizza oven powerhouse!)

No matter what outdoor kitchen layout is ideal for you… We’d humbly ask you to consider RTA Outdoor Living for your future backyard project.

Our outdoor kitchens are fully customizable, come with a lifetime warranty… And will be paired with the premium outdoor appliances of your dreams from Coyote Outdoor LivingCoyote Grills: 6 Essential Considerations & In-Depth Review.

Starting to get curious?

If so… Take our free online design tool for a spin, and let’s chat about your future outdoor kitchen and pizza oven!

Need Help With Your Plans?

Talk to one of our expert designers and they will guide you from planning to installation. Schedule a call today.

BOOK A CALL

Best Charcoal for Smoking: We Put the Top 3 Brands to the Ultimate Test

Jordan Marie Diggs — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:01:58 +0000

Whether you’re a seasoned griller or getting ready to fire up your charcoal smoker for the first time… No matter what, you’re going to need some charcoal to get going.

From the outside, this seems like a simple decision.

Just buy some charcoal at Walmart, Amazon, or Home Depot and get to work. Right?

But as your eyes begin to scan the shelves for the perfect bag… You may find yourself shocked by the sheer amount of options.

How can there be so many types of charcoal?

You were just looking for the best charcoal for smoking… Can’t anyone narrow it down for you?

Well, that’s exactly what we’re about to do. We’ve put several brands of lump and briquette charcoal to the real test… And as a result, we’ll reveal which one comes out on top.

But first… Let’s discuss some of the intricacies of choosing your charcoal.

Quicklinks:

Choosing the Best Charcoal for Smoking Meat: 4 Key Considerations
What’s the Best Brand Charcoal for Smoking? What We Looked for & What We Used
The Results: Which Charcoal Brand Reigns Supreme?
This Backyard Upgrade Will Take Your Smoking Hobby to the Next Level

Choosing the Best Charcoal for Smoking

When it comes to choosing the best charcoal for smoking… There’s several factors that come into play.

So to help narrow down your focus on what to look for… Let’s get into it.

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1. Lump vs Briquettes

In the BBQ world… There are few topics more hotly debated than lump vs briquette charcoal.

But in our minds, there really doesn’t have to be so much controversy.

One isn’t inherently better than the other. There’s just some slight differences that may affect your preferences.

On the whole, lump charcoal is known for being healthier to use because it’s just pure hardwood (with no additives)… But it also tends to burn hotter and cleaner, making it a smart choice for high heat grilling and searing.

Compare this to charcoal briquettes, which essentially have the opposite qualities.

Most brands include additives to create that signature shape… But briquettes also tend to burn cooler, and for a longer period of time. (Hence, why some people prefer these for smoking.)

And that’s about it.

When put this way… There really isn’t too much to be incensed about, is there?

Through experience, you’ll learn which type of charcoal is your preference… And you’ll stick to it. (No matter what strangers on the internet say!)

2. Avoid Additives

Regardless of which side of the lump vs charcoal briquette debate you fall on… There’s one thing you’ll surely want to avoid.

Additives.

Lump charcoal fans will rejoice! Virtually all lump charcoal offerings are completely free of additives.

However, in most cases, briquettes are a different story.

Generally, briquettes will be mixed with several types of additives in order to form the final product.

Materials like limestone or calcium carbonate may be added to help the briquettes burn… Binders like corn starch or gums may be added to keep the briquettes together… And you may even see fillers like clay or cement be added for bulk.

As you might expect, these additions have several consequences.

Briquettes with additives don’t burn as cleanly, can slightly reduce the smoke flavor… And are possibly even unhealthy, depending on exactly what ingredients are used.

Yuck.

So as you shop for either briquettes or lump… Be sure to steer clear of additives. Look for labels that say “100% hardwood”, and “free of additives”.

You’ll get cleaner burning charcoal, better flavors, and healthier results. Simple as that.

3. Cleanup

Although there’s a certain level of satisfaction in cleaning… Most of us would rather not be bothered by it, if we had the choice.

So it’s no shock that if possible… You’d prefer to select a charcoal that leaves behind less of a mess.

As we mentioned previously, there are some varieties of charcoal that burn more cleanly than others.

It all comes down to fillers. Yes, we’re back to the additive debacle again!

But it’s worth reiterating this point.

Fillers will result in a less clean-burning charcoal… Thus leaving you with more waste at the end of your cook.

For you, this means more cleanup… And less time enjoying the best part of the hobby, smoking meat!

But this also means your coals haven’t burned as efficiently as possible. So in order to get the most bang for your buck, there’s one more category to consider…

4. Cost & Brand

Ultimately, your wallet has the final say on what type of charcoal you purchase.

And if you’ve already tried your hand at perusing the store shelves… You’ll know what we mean.

For some seemingly humdrum hunks of wood… There’s quite a bit of variance in pricing.

Depending on where you shop, a 15 lb bag of lump charcoal could cost you around $10… Or run all the way up to $30 or more.

Do you get what you pay for? Is a more expensive charcoal worth the added cost?

Let’s find out.

Which Lump Charcoal Brand is Best? Expert Test & Review

All that said… You’re here to figure out what charcoal is best for smoking, and what to buy.

For our purposes, we’ve narrowed it down to just 3 different brands.

Brands like Weber, Kingsford, Royal Oak, Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, and more currently dominate the store shelves… But none of them will appear in our tests.

Why is this?

We wanted to focus on high-quality, well respected brands you may not have heard of before… But you should.

So without further ado, let’s look at the lineup.

The Brands

Jealous Devil Charcoal

B&B Charcoal

Cowboy All Natural Charcoal

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What We Looked For & What We Used:

Now that you know the brands… It’s time to discuss what factors we’ve tested and what we’re looking for.

Total Cook Time & Burn Time

In this category… We’re looking for longevity of the charcoal.

Essentially, how long does it last?

Total cook time represents how long the charcoal stays hot enough to cook with… And total burn time describes how long the coals remained lit.

The longer your coals last, the more value you’re getting for your money.

Heat Up Time

With grilling and smoking, time is of the essence.

So in this area, we wanted to know… How long does it take for these coals to get up to temperature?

After lighting, we jotted down how long it took for each brand to reach the “white ash” stage.

When the coals begin to change colors… We know we’re ready to grill or smoke.

The quicker the ramp up, the quicker you’ll be enjoying some delicious BBQ.

Smoky Flavor

This one’s pretty self explanatory.

How much smoke flavor are you getting with each brand? Is there a discernible difference?

You’ll find out soon enough… And will probably be surprised by the answer.

Leftover Ash Residue

Lastly, we’ve determined the burn quality of each brand through ash residue.

Is there little ash leftover? What is the texture of it?

These questions clue us in as to how efficiently and cleanly each brand burns.

Our Equipment

To complete these tests, we used a Coyote kamado grill across the board.

For lighting, we simply used tumbleweeds to help the coals along. (No lighter fluid or charcoal chimney starter was utilized.)

And as for the “control protein”… We grilled up some chicken thighs during each test for consistent results.

Speaking of which…

The Results: What Brand Can Take the Heat?

Whether you’re a pitmaster serving up competition-grade brisket on the regular… Or just a beginner who loves grilling burgers on your charcoal grill…

It all comes down to this.

Let’s discover the best briquettes and best lump charcoal for smoking.

3rd Place: Cowboy Charcoal

Rounding up in 3rd place… We’ve roped in Cowboy charcoal.

Overall, Cowboy performed quite well… But it just barely didn’t squeak into the second place spot.

Here’s why.

Cowboy Lump Charcoal

For this test, we burned up a batch of Cowboy’s Oak & Hickory lump charcoal blend. We paid $12.97 for a 15 lb bag.

It took 20 minutes to reach the white ash stage… Which is actually among the quickest ramp up times in the lineup.

The total cook time lasted for 2 1/2 hours, and burned for a total of 3 hours.

We could say, this charcoal was a flash in the pan. It came up to temp quickly, ran hot for a couple hours… And fizzled out just about as quickly as it came.

For cleanup, we really couldn’t complain here. The ash was fine and fluffy… Indicating a clean burn and easy cleanup.

Overall, our expert charcoal testers Jordan Diggs and Daniel Cdebaca rated Cowboy’s lump charcoal a 7/10.

We dinged Cowboy’s score here simply for the cook and burn time.

This charcoal had one of the shortest cook times out of the whole bunch, and with that steep temperature drop off… You’d have to keep a much closer eye on this charcoal compared to the others we tested for smoking.

Cowboy Briquettes

Cowboy’s briquettes also came in at the low end of our ranking. We used Cowboy’s standard hardwood briquettes for this test. We paid $8.97 for a 14 lb bag.

These coals hit the white ash stage at 35 minutes, which was right in the middle compared to Jealous Devil and B&B.

Cook time was even more brief than Cowboy’s lump charcoal offering… Ringing in at a measly 2 hours.

However, the overall longevity of the briquettes was slightly longer, extinguishing at the 3 1/2 hour mark.

Although Cowboy doesn’t use additives in their briquettes… We found the ash consistency to be grainy and dense, which is not preferred.

Like the lump charcoal, we also rated Cowboy’s briquettes at a 7/10.

2nd Place: Jealous Devil Charcoal

Next up, Jealous Devil takes the 2nd place spot.

Overall, we felt this brand performed slightly better than Cowboy… But still fell just short of the first place prize.

Let’s take a closer look.

Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal

For this test, we used Jealous Devil’s Chunx XL hardwood lump charcoal. This bag was $23.97 for the list price… But we got it on sale for $18.97.

This batch reached the white ash stage in 30 minutes, slightly lagging behind the Cowboy briquettes. (But still remained in line with our other tests.)

Optimal cooking temperatures held steady for 3 hours, with a total burn time of 4 hours.

As for the ash consistency, we got a pile of fine and fluffy ash… Indicating a nice, clean burn.

We liked the longer cook time and slower cooldown of the Jealous Devil lump… Resulting in an 8/10 score, just barely beating out Cowboy.

Jealous Devil Briquettes

On the briquette side… We used Jealous Devil’s Max XL pillow briquettes. We shelled out $14.97 for a 20 lb bag.

Jealous Devil boasts that their briquettes are 50% larger than other brands and is completely free of additives or fillers.

And we must say, we were quite happy with how these briquettes performed!

The only ding we had was the ramp up time on temperature. These briquettes took 45 minutes to come up to temperature… The longest time on the list.

Otherwise, things were well worth the wait.

We got a solid 3 hour cook time, and 5 hour total burn time. These briquettes have some good staying power and don’t require as quick of a reaction time.

Ash consistency was clean and fine… Which is especially impressive to see for briquettes.

For score, Jordan and Daniel gave these briquettes a stellar 9/10 score.

But even still… They didn’t take the crown.

1st Place: B&B Charcoal

Coming into the top slot… B&B charcoal wins it all.

So let’s explore why this brand is the best hardwood charcoal for smoking.

Best Hardwood Lump Charcoal for Smoking: B&B Lump Charcoal

On this test, we utilized B&B’s regular oak lump charcoal. This item had a $31.70 list price, the highest of the bunch… But we locked in a good sale, paying only $14.97 for a 20 lb bag.

B&B’s lump charcoal hit the white ash stage in just 20 minutes… Tied with Cowboy lump for the quickest ramp up time.

Additionally, this charcoal had the longest viable cook time, clocking in at 4 full hours… And burning for a total of 4 1/2 hours.

And to top it all off, we’ve got no reason to complain about ash consistency. With a fine and fluffy result… This charcoal is clean to burn.

B&B’s lump charcoal will cool off quickly, but aside from that… We’re giving this brand a perfect 10/10 score. Without a doubt, it’s the best lump charcoal we’ve tested.

Best Charcoal Briquettes for Smoking: B&B Briquettes

For our final test of the day… We’ve opted to use B&B’s standard oak charcoal briquettes. A 17 lb bag cost us $9.97.

These briquettes made it to the white ash stage in around 30 minutes… Which is right in line with most of the other brands we’ve tested.

Cook time was a healthy 3 hours long… With the total burn time lasting 4 1/2 hours. (Nearly the longest in this category!)

Ash consistency was nice and fluffy… Revealing a high quality, clean briquette.

Solid performance all around led us to give B&B’s charcoal briquettes a 10/10 rating.

We Didn’t Talk about This... What Gives?

While we have some clear winners out of the bunch… You’re likely to notice the omission of commentary on one important category.

Smoky flavor.

Did any brand really stand out in the area of flavor?

Well, shockingly… Not at all.

Our charcoal testers Jordan and Daniel tasted every batch of chicken… And to be honest, they couldn’t really tell much of a difference in flavor across the board.

At the end of the day, charcoal is charcoal.

As long as you’re getting high-quality, additive-free options… The final product will be loaded with a beautiful bouquet of smoke flavor.

But aside from that, you’re not going to get a significant bump in flavor from any particular brand. (It’s all in the wood chunks or wood chips.)

So really, what you’re looking for here is a long-lasting, clean burning charcoal.

And for us, B&B came out on top.

We’d encourage you to experiment with both the briquettes and lump versions to determine your preference.

And once you’ve found your perfect match for outdoor cooking… Let’s discuss a way to optimize your smoking setup.

A Perfect Place for Your Smoker... And Charcoal, Too

Now that you’ve determined the best charcoal for smoking (and grilling!)… Allow us to put a vision into your minds.

You’re outside, smoking up an incredible brisket on your kamado or offset smoker.

But instead of your smoker standing solo… It’s incorporated into an outdoor kitchen setup.

You’ve got a storage pantry for stowing away your charcoal…

You’ve got counter space for trimming, seasoning, and slicing your brisket…

And you may even have other appliances to enhance your BBQ game. (What about a gas grill for burgers and dogs? Or perhaps a flat top griddle for breakfast al fresco?)

Really, let your imagination go wild here.

And this is just a small sample of how an outdoor kitchen can make it so much easier and more enjoyable to do what you already love — smoking and grilling.

If you’re at all curious to see what an outdoor kitchen with a smoker could look like… Check out our free online design tool.

You can draft up an initial design in mere minutes, just to see.

And who knows? Maybe what started as a hunt for the best charcoal for grilling and smoking… Turns into building your dream, American-made outdoor kitchen from RTA.

Too much?

Perhaps. Either way… We’ll leave you to it.

Need Help With Your Plans?

Talk to one of our expert designers and they will guide you from planning to installation. Schedule a call today.

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FAQ

Which Brand of Charcoal is Recommended for Low and Slow Smoking?

In our tests, the best charcoal for smoking food was B&B charcoal. Their briquettes don’t last as long as their lump charcoal… But they will burn a little less hot than lump. Either way, B&B is a solid choice for low and slow smoking.

Which Type of Charcoal Gives the Best Temperature Control for Long Smoking Sessions?

When it comes to temperature control and the best type of charcoal for smoking… It really comes down to the differences between lump and charcoal. Lump charcoal burns hot, whereas briquettes tend to run a bit cooler. So for long smoking sessions at a low temperature… You’ll get less variance with briquettes.

Is it Better to Smoke with Lump or Briquette?

That’s the million dollar question, isn’t it? What is the best charcoal to use for smoking? Overall, lump tends to burn a little hotter and faster than briquettes… So many people prefer to use briquettes for that reason. That said, make sure you spring for a brand that is free of additives and fillers.

Outdoor Kitchen Bar: How to Plan & 17 Awesome BBQ Island Ideas

Jordan Marie Diggs — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:00:58 +0000

There’s no better place to cook than on an outdoor kitchen grill.

All kinds of fantastic foods… Out in the fresh air… And did we mention fantastic food?

You’re looking at perfectly-seared steaks… Juicy vegetables… The most delicious burgers you’ve ever made…

But where are you going to eat? And where will your guests sit?

While an outdoor dining table is a great idea for outdoor seating… An even better idea is right where the magic happens: at an outdoor kitchen bar.

So in this article… We’ll be doing a deep dive on how to plan an outdoor kitchen bar, and wrap up with some inspiring ideas.

Let’s get started, shall we?

Quick Links:

Why Should You Build an Outdoor Grill Bar?
4 Key Considerations for Your Outdoor BBQ Bar
The Top 17 Backyard Bar and Grill Ideas You Can’t Miss
How to Build Your Garden Kitchen and Bar with Ease

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR?

One of the best ways to improve your outdoor space is to build an outside grill island.

They look beautiful, and you can cook outside year-round.

They’re ideal for entertaining… Plus, they function as an outdoor living room for your family.

And incorporating an outdoor kitchen bar only adds to the convenience and benefits!

The possibilities are endless.

You have the perfect drink station…

Even more room for food prep and outdoor cooking…

And best of all, there’s bar seating!

Your outdoor kitchen bar is a beautiful spot that encourages community… Where people can sit and stand to socialize, eat, and drink.

If you’ve ever hosted a large gathering… You know that sometimes, you can get so caught up in cooking and preparing that you’re barely present for your own party.

You don’t want to be left out because you’re off cooking in your outdoor kitchen alone… That defeats the whole purpose of inviting people over, doesn’t it?

An outdoor kitchen bar provides a way for you to take care of your guests… While getting to truly enjoy the company of your friends and family.

Your guests can relax… And you’ll still be able to hang out while you cook! It’s a win-win.

At the end of the day, an outdoor kitchen bar is the ideal outdoor dining area… And it will help transform your BBQ island into a true outdoor living space.

The one question is… How do you build one?

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CONSIDERATIONS FOR OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR PLANNING

You might be wondering how to create your own outdoor kitchen island with bar… So let’s get started.

And no doubt, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is…

“What should the dimensions be?”

OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR DIMENSIONS

If you’re constructing your own outdoor kitchen bar… You’re going to want to make sure that your outdoor kitchen dimensions make sense.

First of all, the minimum depth for a bar top should be 12 inches.

On top of that, if you want to fit outdoor kitchen bar stools underneath it… You should have a 10 to 12-inch overhang.

This will help your guests sit comfortably.

Finally, you can plan how many bar stools your outdoor kitchen bar can fit by the width.

If you want bar stools… You should allow for about 6 inches between each stool… Or 3 feet per stool.

Bar stools that swivel might require a few extra inches each.

Overall… Your outdoor kitchen area may range anywhere from about 7 feet long… To as large as you’d like. Most projects will fall between 10×10 feet (100 square feet) and 20×20 feet (400 square feet).

Once you have your dimensions mapped out… You can really get started with your DIY outdoor bar kitchen.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO USE YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR?

How you plan to use your outdoor kitchen bar is another factor that will determine how you might build it.

For instance…

If you want to use your outdoor kitchen bar to serve drinks… It makes sense to plan your layout to facilitate drink making.

One way to do this is to add an outdoor sink and refrigerator.

A beverage center is also a good choice. For example, Coyote’s refreshment center comes with a sink, drop-in cooler, and removable condiment tray. (All in a single appliance!)

This beverage center also features a convenient bottle shelf, towel holder, and a bottle opener… All of which are helpful features to incorporate if you want to make and serve drinks.

If you’d prefer to use this space as a dining area… Also consider investing in a comfortable set of bar chairs.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that your grill island has all the appliances needed to make the right kinds of foods for your guests.

If you want an outdoor kitchen bar area that can do both… You might want to consider some combination of features to create the perfect space.

In the end, think about what you want to do with your new outdoor kitchen bar space… And how you can best achieve that goal.

Next… You’ll want to think about what it will look like, exactly!

HOW WILL YOU DESIGN YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR?

Designing your outdoor kitchen bar to be both beautiful and functional is the name of the game.

An outdoor kitchen bar is the perfect place to eat and drink… So you might want to consider keeping that countertop open.

You can install storage, an outdoor fridge, or pull-out trash can to utilize the base of the outdoor kitchen bar… While leaving the countertop wide-open for your guests.

Speaking of countertop space… If you want shade, you can have an umbrella holder in your countertop.

It will shade your space… And keep your guests comfortably cool.

The next question to ask yourself is… How will you make it? Should you DIY it?

SHOULD YOU DIY AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR?

The simple answer is… You absolutely can.

However… This is a project that requires a lot of skill, so there are a few questions to ask yourself first.

Do you have the expertise to do it well? And are you willing to spend the time and money?

If you don’t build it right, or if it doesn’t last as long as you expect, you might be very unhappy… So you should think about whether or not it’s worth the risk.

And that’s not even taking into account making sure you build your island safely. (That’s a whole ‘nother can of worms we won’t get into here!)

If you aren’t totally sold on DIYing this project… Stick around, because we’ll wrap this article up with the easiest DIY outdoor kitchen bar solution out there.

Now we’ve gotten through all the hard stuff… So let’s talk about the fun part.

17 OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR IDEAS

It’s hard to decide what kind of aesthetic you want to use for an outdoor kitchen bar.

Will you make something that stands out? Or blends in with your house?

The possibilities are endless… So here are a few outdoor kitchen ideas to help inspire you!

These outdoor kitchen bar plans will give you an abundance of inspiration for your outdoor entertaining space.

1. L-SHAPED BBQ WITH BAR

This beautiful L-shaped outdoor kitchen has a lovely bar.

The bar island is higher than the grill island… And it is also used for an outdoor kitchen refrigerator and trash bin! The umbrella is also a great touch, we must say.

It’s quite useful, and blends right in with the main outdoor kitchen island… We also couldn’t forget to mention the gorgeous patio pavers underneath!

2. OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH BAR TOP

This lovely outdoor kitchen with bar makes the entire outdoor kitchen patio look inviting.

The upscale stone finish takes this modern outdoor kitchen to a whole new level… And all that’s missing are some contemporary bar stools to finish the look.

But even with just the built in grill, refrigerator, and storage… This island is well-equipped for a backyard bash.

3. SMALL OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH BAR

This small backyard bar and kitchen is a perfect spot for drinks, dinner, and more. The grill island is separate… So you can use it entirely for drinks and seating.

The beverage center and fridge are perfect for preparing cocktails… And your guests can sit back and relax while you cook.

Separating your islands is a great way to make use of a small space… And the natural stone look of this outdoor kitchen bar blends in with the patio aesthetic perfectly.

4. L-SHAPED Built in Grill and Bar PLANS

Between the massive bar… The beautiful stainless steel gas grill and flat top grill… And the fire pit in the middle… This outdoor bar kitchen idea really stands out.

Plus, the four swivel bar stools look exceptional under the granite countertops.

5. Stunning Outdoor Bar and Grill Area

This outdoor bar station is so well-designed… We’ve even got a couple happy homeowners modeling this stunning setup!

In this example, you’ll find a massive L-shaped outside kitchen and bar with just about every amenity you could imagine.

You’ve got the large gas grill, Kamado Joe smoker, refrigerator, drop-in cooler, storage, pull out trash… Is there anything missing from this layout?

Judging by the look on these faces… We’d say not.

6. COVERED OUTDOOR KITCHEN AND BAR UNDER PERGOLA

This beautiful outdoor kitchen bar area is shaded by an impressive wooden pergola.

Not only does an outdoor shade structure make the space cooler during the summer…

It also provides the ideal backdrop for string lighting, to keep the party going all night long.

7. OUTDOOR BAR AND KITCHEN IDEAS

This outdoor grill station is right up near the house… So it’s almost a part of the porch.

Imagine walking out your door, and your patio island bar is mere steps away.

This is an excellent setup for homeowners who really love to grill… And the L-shaped bar provides a lot of space where guests can sit.

CREATE THE PERFECT BAR ISLAND

Use our free 3D design tool to create the perfect backyard hangout spot for every get together!

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8. OUTDOOR PATIO KITCHEN AND BAR IDEAS BY A POOL

What’s better than an outdoor kitchen bar? An outdoor kitchen bar with a pool!

This sprawling backyard has a gorgeous pool… Nice sitting area, a fire pit… And a massive U-shaped outdoor kitchen.

If you get hot… Just dip your feet in the pool, and come right back to the bar.

9. Crazy Outdoor BBQ and Bar Idea

We can confidently say… You’ve never seen an outdoor barbeque bar idea quite like this before.

Every square inch is packed with formidable cooking appliances… Yet still has a focus on the “outdoor bar” side of the equation.

The bar island has room for four full-sized chairs… With an abundance of counter space, to boot.

10. OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR WITH PIZZA OVEN AND BAR STOOLS

The perfect addition to an outdoor kitchen bar is a few beautiful bar stools.

Not only does it give your guests a place to sit…

This is a great way to spruce up your backyard island bar and incorporate your own style.

11. OUTDOOR KITCHEN AND BAR IDEAS WITH SEATING

As much fun as it is to sit at the bar… Maybe your guests would be more comfortable sitting elsewhere while you prepare dinner.

If you want to reserve your bar seating for food and drinks…

Having an additional seating area under an outdoor kitchen roof nearby helps keep the party going… And keep your guests blissfully comfortable!

12. COVERED OUTDOOR KITCHEN/BAR IDEA WITH STRING LIGHTS

What’s better than enjoying your summer kitchen during the day? Getting to use it at night, too!

The string lights will make this a great place to grill, well into the evening.

On top of that… This outdoor kitchen gazebo offers great coverage from the rain, snow, and sun.

You even get side coverage, with a pull-down shade across the front of the structure.

13. OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR UNDER PERGOLA

In our minds… This outdoor bar grill idea is one to remember.

With a roof structure overhead, this space has a private and secluded feel.

Whether you want to eat great food… Or even just come to read a book… This outdoor kitchen is the place to be.

14. COVERED PERGOLA OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH ADJUSTABLE BAR STOOLS

This bar is a great spot to enjoy a meal al fresco.

The raised bar is a nice touch… And the adjustable bar stools make it comfortable for everyone.

Anyone who sits here can gaze up and enjoy the sunny weather through the outdoor kitchen pergola… While also being protected from the elements if the weather takes a sudden turn.

15. LARGE U-SHAPED OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR

This modern BBQ kitchen is the perfect example of how to fill out a large area… With elegance and style.

This U-shaped island is excellent for packing in a ton of cooking appliances… While also leaving a full countertop open for guests to be seated at the bar.

Plus, anyone cooking can easily talk to the guests seated at the bar at the same time.

16. OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR WITH EXTRA UTILITY

This outdoor kitchen bar is both great for serving guests… While also doubling as a fully-functional kitchen area.

While the countertop is open for guests to eat or drink at…

The bar island itself is used for refrigeration and a pull-out trash can.

The outdoor kitchen sink right beside will also be great when you’re serving drinks to guests. (Or just need to quickly rinse your hands.)

17. OUTDOOR BAR KITCHEN WITH UMBRELLA

An outdoor roof isn’t for everyone… But it’s still great to get some shade over your outdoor kitchen cabinets and bar.

This outdoor bar kitchen design has a hole in it specifically for holding an umbrella… Which is a smart way to keep the brilliant sun or pouring rain from dampening your day.

Now you’ve got a good idea of the different ways you can make an outdoor bar shine.

But how will you get one?

THE SIMPLEST WAY TO DIY YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR

There’s something special about building something with your own hands… Especially an outdoor kitchen.

It’s rewarding to know that you brought your vision to life.

…But your time is also limited, and building an outdoor kitchen bar from scratch can be complicated.

If you enjoy the idea of DIYing your outdoor kitchen… But you just aren’t sold on starting from scratch…

Consider an RTA outdoor kitchen bar!

It’s the best of both worlds.

You get all the fun of building your own outdoor kitchen bar… But without all the parts that can make it difficult and frustrating.

CUSTOM Backyard Kitchen and Bars MADE EASY

For starters… One of the best parts of creating your own outdoor kitchen and bar design is that you can fully customize it.

With RTA, you still have the option to create a custom outdoor kitchen… Just without all the blueprints and math.

You can use our free and easy-to-use Design Tool to choose your size, layout, configuration, appliances, finish, and countertops!

Not an expert in outdoor kitchen design? Not to worry, friends.

After you submit your design… You’ll get one-on-one advice from someone on our team of Design Experts.

They’ll listen to your needs… And help create the perfect outdoor kitchen bar for your backyard.

No stress!

BUILDING IS A BREEZE WITH AN RTA OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR

On top of that…

You won’t have to spend weeks (or months) constructing your island.

…And your backyard won’t be turned into a construction zone by an outdoor kitchen contractor!

Instead, we’ll ship the panels, countertops, and appliances right to your door… And you can assemble it in only a few hours.

Just grab a friend or two… And you’ve built your very own outdoor kitchen bar from design, all the way to the final screw.

You don’t have to be an expert in outdoor kitchen building or design to get the perfect outdoor kitchen bar here.

It’s the easiest home improvement project you’ll ever complete… And the end result is a gorgeous outdoor kitchen with bar seating, made by you.

To learn more about starting your project… Or even just outdoor kitchens in general… Visit our Learning Hub!

We’d be happy to have you.

Need Help With Your Plans?

Talk to one of our expert designers and they will guide you from planning to installation. Schedule a call today.

BOOK A CALL

U Shaped Outdoor Kitchen: How to Design & 3 Unbelievable Ideas – RTA Outdoor Living

Jordan Marie Diggs — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 21:13:27 +0000

If you’re reading this, you’re probably researching u shaped outdoor kitchen ideas.

Before we dive into the details, let’s imagine your outdoor living space.

What does it look like now?

Probably pretty bare, right?

There’s a lot of potential to be had.

Now, imagine your backyard fitted with an outdoor kitchen.

Really picture it.

The sun is shining and there’s a warm breeze permeating the atmosphere.

Mingled with the genial chatter of your friends and family is the sound of burgers sizzling on your new BBQ island.

Glassware clinks together with a resounding ‘cheers!’ from your guests gathered around the outdoor kitchen. Chiming laughter echoes through the yard.

You take a moment to soak it all in.

It’s a perfect day, all brought to you by an outdoor kitchen island.

This is what the height of outdoor entertaining looks like.

Now the problem arises…

How do you actually go about this project?

What layout of outdoor kitchen do you want?

Is a U shaped outdoor kitchen right for me?

And so on, and so forth.

All of these questions are important and deserve a well-researched answer.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll be honing in on the U-shaped layout.

We’ll discuss four ways to know a U-shaped outdoor kitchen is right for you… And wrap up with plenty of examples for inspiration.

Whether you’re considering this layout or not, we believe it’s the ultimate in outdoor cooking.

Here’s why.

Quick Links:

Is a U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Right for You? 4 Foolproof Ways to Know
3 Jaw-Dropping U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas
A Shocking Backyard Transformation Story
Next Steps for Your U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Project

4 Ways to Know a U-Shape is Right for You

You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t interested in a U-shaped outdoor kitchen… But you’re also here to make sure that’s the right choice!

And so… We’ve summarized the most important benefits into 4 simple sections.

Once you’re through… You’ll know in your heart if a U-shaped BBQ island is the best layout for you (or not!).

1. A U-Shape for Function & Efficiency

Whether it’s a passion or not, cooking is a practical skill. We all need to eat!

Therefore, it is important to make your cooking area functional and efficient. Food preparation and grilling should be a breeze.

So, what makes a U-shape functional and efficient?

For starters, it aligns with the concept of a working triangle.

If you’re familiar with the world of kitchen design, you probably already know this concept.

For the uninitiated, a kitchen working triangle is: “a theory that states a kitchen’s three main work areas should form, you guessed it, a triangle. Specifically, the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove.”

The reason a working triangle is efficient is that it creates flow. There’s a rotational movement going from the refrigerator, to the sink, to the stove, etc. Ideally, you should be able to reach everything you need easily without being too crowded together.

The triangle also makes it functional for multiple cooks in the kitchen. Everyone has their own space for food prep and cooking without stepping on one another’s toes. Anything to make the process smoother is a great idea!

So, how does the concept of a working triangle fit into a U-Shape outdoor kitchen layout?

It’s easy.

As stated earlier, the three vertices of the triangle will comprise of the fridge, grill, and sink.

You have three islands with a U Shaped outdoor kitchen. By placing one appliance on each island, you will create a working triangle. Whether you place the outdoor appliances in the center or edges is up to you, there will still be a triangle formed.

You should be able to reach the grill, use the sink, and access the cabinets with ease.

This layout keeps everything you need within arm’s reach.

Doesn’t get more efficient than that!

Efficiency and function are not the only considerations, however.

Let’s talk about space.

2. Maximize your Outdoor Living Space

When it comes to cooking, adequate space is essential.

With appliances, utensils, ingredients, etcetera… Space runs out quickly. Especially if you have guests seated at the bar top.

If you’re serious about grilling and outdoor entertaining… You’ll want to strongly consider a U-Shape outdoor kitchen layout.

Why?

There’s more space! A U-Shaped outdoor kitchen consists of three islands put together. This maximizes the amount of space you can gain with a kitchen island.

Think about it.

With a straight island, you’re only able to fit a grill, a fridge, and maybe some storage. You’ll get a bit of countertop space on each side… But not enough for a bar top or seating area.

With an L-shaped outdoor kitchen, you have some more flexibility. You get double the space of a straight kitchen island. More room for appliances, cabinets, sinks, even a bar top.

But with a U-Shape… You get it all. Especially if you are a seasoned chef that requires many specific tools and appliances. This design is also a dream for outdoor entertaining.

Grill, smoker, fridge, sink, storage cabinets, counter space, seating area… You name it. A U Shaped outdoor kitchen has got you covered.

Even better, there’s plenty of space for others to lend a helping hand when it comes to food prep. You can have someone stationed at each island assisting with the cooking process.

When you have many guests, it’s especially useful to have the extra space for help. Many hands make light work. (As they say!)

A U Shaped outdoor kitchen is the ultimate in outdoor cooking.

Not just in outdoor cooking, either.

Cooking outdoors is very much a social experience, and the layout plays a role in this as well.

Make Your U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Daydreams Reality

Your outdoor kitchen dreams can only be trapped in your mind for so long. Start the process of bringing your vision to life.

Design Now

3. The Ultimate in Outdoor Entertaining

Socialization is at the heart of an outdoor kitchen.

In fact, it’s nearly the sole reason cooking outdoors has so much draw.

When you spend the day grilling, what do you do?

Invite your friends and family over.

Outdoor cooking is an event – a reason to invite your loved ones over. To break bread, make moments, and just have a great time.

There’s something about an outdoor kitchen that pulls your community together with ease. Therefore, layout design is a crucial consideration when assessing your needs in a BBQ island.

You want to ensure you have enough living space to entertain your family and friends.

If you have a smaller family or don’t plan to entertain, a straight or L-Shaped island is likely enough capacity for your needs. Especially if you don’t want a bar top or have a seating area already.

For larger gatherings, the increased capacity of a U-Shape layout comes especially in handy. In most cases, you can easily seat 6-8 people if you have a bar island on each side.

Even if you plan to have more than 6-8 people over, the extra entertaining space is a useful addition to make sure everyone is accommodated.

Allow us to make one more plug for a bar top.

While it is absolutely not necessary for your outdoor kitchen design, there are strong reasons to consider it.

There’s something special about everyone being seated at the bar and watching their food being cooked right before them.

It’s like the hibachi experience.

We don’t know about you, but going to a hibachi restaurant vs a regular eatery adds another level to the experience for us.

You actually get to become fully engaged with the experience… You interact with the chef and the food as it’s being cooked. It’s so much more connected than being seated or standing away from the action.

The same applies to bar seating in your kitchen. Your guests will be fully engaged with you and the food in real time. It’s much more rewarding and memorable.

Starting to see the picture?

Let’s wrap this section up with some U-shaped outdoor kitchen dimensions… And other considerations.

4. Considerations for the Kitchen Design

Although we’ve talked a lot about space… It is so important for your U-shaped outdoor kitchen island design.

We’ve already elaborated on the physical counter space and bar top seating you gain with a U-Shape. What we haven’t discussed is how much yard space you’ll actually need.

Unfortunately, we can’t tell you the exact amount of space you’ll want to block off for your U-shaped outdoor kitchen. Everyone’s outdoor living space is a bit different.

What we can do, however, is give you a ballpark estimate. If you want a U-Shape outdoor kitchen with bar seating, you’ll want to block off at least 10’ x 16’ of space.

You may be thinking…

Oh, we have plenty of space!

But you might want to grab some measuring tape, go into your backyard and actually measure first!

While your yard may appear to be an endless expanse of space, reality may dictate otherwise. It’s an unfortunate truth.

Yet, no need to despair! Even if you don’t have the space for all your ideas, your hopes don’t have to be dashed.

If you have an area either attached to your house or another structure, you may be able to fit a U-Shape that hugs 2-3 sides of the surface perimeter.

You could cozily fit a U-Shape into the corner of your home or a pergola, which may leave space for a bar island on one side.

But that’s enough talk. Let’s see some real life examples!

U Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Layouts from Our Customers

By this point… Hopefully, you’ll have a solid idea of whether a U-shaped kitchen is right for you or not!

So if a U-shaped custom outdoor kitchen is speaking to you… Let’s walk through some show-stopping designs.

1. High Class U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen

Does it get any classier than this, folks?

We think not.

Even just glancing at this outdoor kitchen design makes you feel like you’re in the upper echelons of society… Doesn’t it?

And yet, there’s nothing snooty about this setup.

It’s got everything but the kitchen sink! (Literally.)

But what this U-shaped BBQ island may lack in a hand washing station… It makes up for that tenfold with an impressive array of kitchen appliances.

This island gleams with a stainless steel flat top griddle, gas grill, pellet grill… And even a pizza oven.

While most layouts would be packed to the gills with all these appliances… This U-shaped design still has plenty to give.

The bulky granite countertops afford you no shortage of prep space. And in fact, there’s an entire bar island free to use as an outdoor dining area!

We’ll also mention the smart sprinkling of storage space throughout… So your tools of the trade are never more than a few steps away.

But perhaps… There’s another design that may catch your eye.

2. Outdoor Kitchen U-Shaped by the Pool

While the beach may offer sun and sand… This beautiful backyard offers sun, a refreshing dip in the pool, and an outdoor kitchen to satisfy every BBQ craving.

Check, check, check!

Taking a closer look at this U-shaped outdoor kitchen idea… You’ll see a lot of similarities with our previous example. (But there are some differences, too.)

This island is also outfitted with an outdoor grill, refrigerator, pizza oven, and some storage… But that’s where the crossover begins and ends.

This homeowner didn’t have the need for as many appliances… But we’re still counting three
.
We’ve already mentioned the propane grill and pizza oven… Where’s the third?

Nestled between the pizza oven and grill, you’ll spot the ever-coveted power burner.

It may not seem like much, but this turbo-powered outdoor burner is one of our most popular appliance choices.

From slow simmers… To rolling lobster boils… To high heat wok cooking… This versatile burner can do it all.

It’s all quite exciting, but let’s get back to the cabinetry… Shall we?

Appliances aside, this outdoor kitchen makes clever use of the central island. It can easily be used as a prep area for burgers and kabobs… Then wiped down, cleaned off, and used as an outdoor bar for serving.

We’ll also note that stacked stone graphite finish. Not only does it accentuate the matching pavers… It’s a natural choice for anyone seeking a rustic outdoor kitchen finish.

And speaking of rustic… Let’s turn our attention to another farmhouse-style outdoor kitchen, with a twist.

3. Farmhouse Rustic Outdoor Kitchen Idea

Could you imagine yourself sitting out here, on a bar stool… Sipping on a chilled glass of sweet tea… Enjoying the feel of warm, summertime air on your skin?

We certainly could.

This laid-back U-shaped outdoor kitchen will have you feeling like you’re on mañana time… And you’ll love every second of it!

The stacked stone terra finish enhances the relaxed, rustic vibe… But it’s not just the finish that’s doing all the heavy lifting.

This homeowner opted for a different pizza oven, with a slightly less modern look… But the big factor is the appearance of the Big Green Egg kamado smoker.

This emerald green jewel of a smoker is responsible for churning out all manner of homespun favorites.

Smoked cornbread… Brisket… Ribs… Grilled peaches… The list goes on.

But if you’re hungry now and want to whip up something quick… The gas grill and power burner are waiting in the wings. (Actually… Wings sound pretty good!)

Jokes aside, this U-shaped outdoor kitchen cabinet design is one to remember.

Now, before we send you off to design your very own U-shaped outdoor kitchen… We have a story to share with you.

Why Homeowner Kevin Chon Chose RTA for his U Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Makeover

Everyone loves a good makeover story… And we can assure you, you’ve never seen one quite like this!

Homeowner Kevin Chon had recently purchased a new home… And you know what part of his new property he was most excited about?

You got it. The outdoor kitchen.

Problem is…

The outdoor kitchen that came with the home was in utter disrepair.

Once Kevin got in to take a closer look… All the cracks began to show (literally).

The appliances didn’t work… The refrigerator made an unsettling buzzing noise when opened… Tiles were flaking off the countertop with a ginger touch… And that’s just scratching the surface.

Through the grapevine, Kevin heard that we were looking for a candidate for our first outdoor kitchen makeover.

He submitted a quick tape (digital, of course)… And the rest was history.

We took one look at that dilapidated, shabby outdoor kitchen… And we knew we had to save Kevin from his backyard nightmare.

Not to toot our own horn or anything, but we came to the rescue in a big way.

Chipped, peeling stucco was replaced with an uplifting modern concrete finish… The crumbling tile countertops were replaced with solid, luxurious granite… And all the dysfunctional appliances were swapped with high-grade, premium appliances from Coyote Outdoor Living.

To say this is an upgrade is a huge understatement. This U-shaped outdoor kitchen has utterly transformed Kevin’s backyard space!

Between the built-in grill, power burner, pizza oven, and kamado smoker… Kevin is well-equipped for even the largest BBQ or pizza parties. (We have the footage to prove it!)

The outdoor sink helps Kevin with a quick and tidy cleanup… And the outdoor refrigerator ensures refreshing beverages are always available.

So there’s your proof. A U-shaped grill island is the ultimate in outdoor kitchen design.

No one’s topped it yet. But if that happens… We’ll be the first to let you know.

Your DIY U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen is Within Reach

When pursuing a u shaped outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to play around with design ideas.

Lucky for you, we have just the thing.

RTA has created a free online design tool that allows you to try out all your outdoor kitchen ideas. You’ll have a fully designed u-shaped outdoor kitchen in just a few clicks.

Once your beautiful design is finished, our Design Experts take a look. You’ll receive a free quote and be prompted to set up a call with your personal Design Expert. They’ll work with you to ensure your design ideas can be made reality. Whatever your dream for an outdoor kitchen, we can make it happen.

Like you, compromise makes us cringe! And with RTA… You don’t have to.

Once your design ideas are confirmed, blueprints are made.

Your u-shaped outdoor kitchen blueprint is sent off to our manufacturing facility. All our outdoor kitchens are handmade in Indiana.

Then, your outdoor kitchen is packaged into crates and shipped to your door in pallets. Appliances from Coyote are also direct-shipped to you.

All you have left to do is open and assemble!

If you’re handy, you and a friend can assemble the outdoor kitchen in a couple hours. If you’re not comfortable with assembling yourself, don’t worry. We have a nation-wide network of certified contractors who can assemble for you.

From start to finish, this process takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks (more for custom or during peak season).

Considering most other options disturb your backyard for weeks or even months, this is a huge benefit!

And what about quality?

Like we said, no compromises here.

Our outdoor kitchens are incredibly durable. They have no issues with harsh climates. Be it snow, ice, saltwater, or otherwise… Our outdoor kitchens won’t degrade.

In fact, we are so confident in quality… We offer a limited lifetime warranty on every island.

We use a special type of concrete for our countertops and surrounds that will last you for decades.

But forgive us, we’re starting to ramble…

We’re just so passionate about outdoor kitchens and outdoor living. It is difficult not to write a novel!

Point is, we saw there was a need to improve the process of acquiring an outdoor kitchen.

The traditional method is frustrating. It also requires a huge investment of both time and money.

Getting an outdoor kitchen shouldn’t be frustrating. It should be exciting!

That’s why we created this system.

It’s no sweat.

So let’s work together to create your dream U-shaped outdoor kitchen.

We can’t wait to work with you!

Get Your U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Compromise-Free

Get what you want, exactly the way you want it... No questions asked.

Design Your Kitchen

L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Ideas: 9 Stunning Examples & Expert Advice – RTA Outdoor Living

Jordan Marie Diggs — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 04:05:22 +0000

Humor us for a moment.

It has been a long week. You arrive home on a Friday late afternoon from work.

Normally, what would you be doing?

We imagine it’s usually one of two things…

One, order a pizza for the family. The kids may be happy but you’re really regretting those garlic knots. The carb load hits you and all you have the energy left for is putting the kids to bed and falling asleep in front of the TV with your spouse.

Or…

Take the family to Applebee’s or another chain restaurant. You wait for a table, eat food you really wish you didn’t, then decide to get dessert anyway. You come home smelling like greasy food… And just like last weekend, that carb load sends you straight to bed.

Unfortunately, this sleep isn’t very restful considering your kids are bouncing off the walls from that ice cream sundae sugar rush.

Sound familiar?

There’s a way to get out of the weekly carb load to sleeping on the couch routine.

We’d like to posit the solution — an L shaped outdoor kitchen. It’s by far the most popular layout we design… And for good reason.

Let’s start with why it’s a great idea.

Quick Links:

Is an L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Right for You? 4 Ways to Know
9 Aspirational Outdoor Kitchen Ideas L Shaped for Your Backyard
What’s the Best Way to Get an L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen?
Take the First Step Toward Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen

4 Ways to Know an L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen is Right for You

L shaped outdoor kitchens may be the most popular layout option… But that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone.

Here’s a few ways to tell if an L shape is the layout of your dreams.

1. You Want to Double Your Entertaining Capacity

Compared to a regular old straight island… The possibilities are nearly endless with an L shape!

Normally, you would just have a grill island to work with.

Now… There’s nothing wrong with this! You’ll have a complete outdoor cooking station.

But it’s a bit of an isolated experience.

Most of the time, guests will want to hover around the island when you’re cooking.

This is much easier to do when you have an L shaped outdoor bar!

There’s seating available right at the bar top for loved ones to be right there with you.

Plus, an L shape layout gives you room for more appliances! (Who doesn’t love that?)

But what if you live in a small space?

2. You Have the Space to Make it Work

Space, of course, is an essential step in planning your outdoor kitchen. If you don’t have the space for a certain layout, obviously you’ll have to seek other options.

If you’re limited on backyard space, an L shaped outdoor kitchen can work.

However, you will likely have to sacrifice L shaped outdoor bar seating and have the kitchen located on the perimeter of your deck or patio. This way, your L shaped outdoor kitchen does not really intrude on your exterior living space at all if you have less to work with.

You can see an example of how this would look below:

As you can see, the L shaped outdoor kitchen fits perfectly into that corner and allows for open space. This placement is best for functional use, rather than entertainment.

Of course… If you have a larger backyard you can realize all the benefits of L shaped bar seating and entertainment space. There is no need to limit yourself to a corner.

For full utilization of your L shaped BBQ island, you’ll want at least 3 feet of free flowing space at the front and 4 feet at the back of the island. This will ensure full ease of movement for guests and allow them to sit at the outdoor bar counter comfortably.

Set up this way, the L shaped outdoor kitchen design can become a premium entertaining space with the added utility of an ultimate party bar.

Speaking of parties…

3. You Want Your Island to Encourage Socialization

It’s not just about the amount of exterior living space you have.

It’s also about the potential entertaining space your L shaped outdoor kitchen can provide.

Layout for entertaining and socializing has to be a consideration.

When you have a house party, the kitchen is the focal point where people gather. This is the same when you are having a backyard barbecue.

You want adequate bar counter space for everyone at the party to gather and mingle around your outdoor kitchen.

The great news is… An L shaped outdoor bar is perfect for family and friends to socialize and gather around!

There’s plenty of space for bar counter seating. Everyone at the party has a place to sit, and the chef doesn’t have to feel left out.

With an L-shaped design layout, you can be both the host and cook with ease. Guests are right in view as you’re grilling an incredible meal for all to enjoy. Plus, having guests seated at the bar counter reduces foot traffic and helps keep you focused on the task at hand.

An L shaped outdoor kitchen creates that “family style” setting where everyone is together, and truly connected.

Another wonderful benefit of an L shape?

You get efficiency in functionality.

4. You’ve Got an Appreciation for Efficiency

Of course, we have to consider efficiency and utility when deciding on an L shaped outdoor kitchen layout.

You’re purchasing an outdoor kitchen to grill amazing food, after all! The layout should make prepping, cooking, and grilling as easy and enjoyable as possible.

L shaped grill islands are a wonderful and efficient option to consider.

When you’re cooking outside, you want everything you need right where you need it. Wasted time futzing around for something can be the difference between a perfectly seared steak and an irreparable hockey puck.

The nice thing is, the very nature of an L shaped BBQ island is efficient.

Everything you need can be designed to be within arm’s reach. If you opt for a sink and/or refrigerator, they can easily be placed in a convenient location for use. There’s also ample opportunity to add storage space.

Another benefit of this layout?

You don’t have to cook alone!

Because this layout is two adjacent islands, you have two distinct cooking/prepping zones.

While a friend is prepping on the l shaped bar, you can be grilling burgers to your heart’s content. You don’t have to worry about all the other tasks that need doing, you’ve got the exterior living space for a helping hand.

With an L shaped outdoor kitchen island, cooking and prepping outdoors doesn’t feel like work at all… It’s play.

It’s for the above reasons that L shaped outdoor kitchens are such a popular choice!

So let’s see some examples of this excellent layout.

Feeling Inspired?

Design your dream L shaped outdoor kitchen for free in just minutes.

DESIGN NOW

9 Inspirational L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Alright, at this point… You’re sold on L shaped outdoor kitchen cabinetry.

Now, it’s time to get the creative juices flowing with some impressive examples!

1. L Shape Outdoor Kitchen Idea on Flagstone Patio

This picturesque scene has quite a lot going for it.

The brilliant blue sky… The lush, verdant greenery… And of course, the star of the show, the outdoor kitchen.

This stacked stone island is perfectly optimized for cooking and socializing.

Starting with the grill island… This homeowner opted to include a built-in natural gas grill and a set of dual side burners (also with a gas fuel type).

There’s also a sink tucked away in the corner for quick hand rinses and dishwashing.

Over to the bar island… The countertop’s fully cleared for prepping and serving! Also note the large outdoor refrigerator and pull out trash bin to keep the space tidy.

With a distinct cooking zone and serving zone… The efficiency of an L-shaped layout is on full display here.

2. Outdoor L Shaped Kitchen Idea on Deck

Let’s brighten up the mood a little with this cheery L shaped island.

The modern stone finish is pleasing to the eye… Beautifully toeing the line between a modern and rustic aesthetic.

But let’s hone in on the layout itself a little more.

Compared to the previous example… This outdoor kitchen doesn’t form a perfect 90° angle.

There’s a corner island in the middle that softens this effect… And extends the entire kitchen.

You also can’t help but notice that striking wood fired pizza oven on top! It’s undoubtedly the focal point of the island… And the black oven forms a nice contrast with the brightness of the grill island finish.

And we’ve got to say… This L shaped outdoor kitchen idea is all about cooking capacity.

There’s 3 (count ‘em, 3!) cooking appliances spread out in this design. A pellet grill, outdoor pizza oven, and flat top propane grill.

This outdoor kitchen can run the gamut of any cuisine you’re craving. Is there much else you could ask for?

3. Charming Small L Shaped Island Off the Back Porch

Stuck working with a small space?

You don’t have to forego your dream of an L shaped outdoor kitchen. It just means you have to maximize the space you do have.

Just like this homeowner did.

This homeowner didn’t have much space to work with… Just a modest patio to put an outdoor kitchen on.

In order to get an L shape to fit here, all we had to do was truncate each island a foot or two. This retained the lovely L shape the homeowner was looking for… Whilst allowing a comfortable fit in the space.

A 2-burner BBQ grill and mini kamado grill still provide plenty of cooking versatility… Just in a smaller package!

Best of all?

Apart from the umbrella, the bar island’s wide open for a built-in dining area. This small outdoor kitchen design is surely one to take notes on!

4. L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Plans with Dining Table

Need more than just a bar island for dining? If you’ve got the space… The world is your oyster.

This L shaped outdoor kitchen idea is all about optimizing your serving area.

The grill island has just a gas grill, fridge, and double access doors. Nice and simple!

Connected to the grill island is a wide-open bar island… Featuring plenty of cooking area or serving space.

We also have to mention how aesthetics make it to the forefront in this design.

Instead of dedicating the entire outdoor kitchen to cooking and serving… This homeowner included a matching pedestal for displaying a tasteful potted plant (rather than adding another appliance).

It’s outdoor entertaining at its finest.

5. Rustic L Shaped Island on Paver Patio

If your outdoor BBQ area follows a more rustic theme… You’ll appreciate the farmhouse vibe of this weathered wood outdoor BBQ kitchen (matching backsplash and all!).

This layout is a great option if you don’t have a particularly large outdoor living space.

If you don’t have room for walkaround space all around the island… Placing your grill island near a wall (not directly touching!) will be a smart move.

You can maximize the space you do have… Without sacrificing your L shape design!

It’s a win-win.

The cooking space in this island is refreshingly straightforward… Featuring a power burner and gas grill. Between these two appliances, you can cook up just about anything you set your mind to!

So cook to your heart’s content… Pull up a bar stool… And enjoy.

6. Covered Outdoor Kitchen Space with Stone Finish

There’s something alluring about a backyard that’s dominated by shades of cool gray. What may ordinarily seem boring or one-note… Actually holds your interest and soothes the senses.

And that’s exactly what we’ve got here, folks.

A slate gray paver patio forms the foundation of this design… beautifully complimented by a stacked stone island, mottled with various shades of graphite.

Even the deluxe stainless steel appliances add to the aesthetic!

But aside from just looks… This L shaped island also has it going on in terms of pure layout design.

It’s packed to the hilt with cooking appliances and accessories for optimized hosting potential.

The flat top griddle, gas grill with rotisserie kit, and dual side burner will put in some serious work for your backyard BBQ spread… while the refrigerator, sink with faucet, and storage combos melt away the stress of entertaining. (You have everything you need, where you need it!)

And the cherry on top? This outdoor kitchen is topped off with a huge pavilion… Allowing you to grill and entertain no matter the weather.

7. Grilling & Chilling at Your L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen

There’s one thing your outdoor kitchen cabinets are made to do… To help you enjoy grilling and relaxing with your loved ones, of course!

And as you’ll see… That’s just what we have here.

The extra long linear island hosts a gas outdoor grill and charcoal kamado grill for the ultimate in cooking versatility… And you have two guys demonstrating how to chill at the bar!

Looks relaxing, right?

It sure is. And with some smart landscape design behind the L shape… This space feels like your own private enclave.

8. L Shaped Island & Dining Space Under the Lights

This DIY outdoor kitchen is all about ambiance… Which it’s got in spades.

Under the cover of a pergola and twinkling string lights… This L shaped island is a beauty to behold!

The stacked stone finish adds to the rustic, cozy flair as well. The only thing that’s missing is a fire crackling in the Italian-made pizza oven! (And a fresh, cheesy pie, of course.)

You even get a little extra “space value” with this layout. An added pizza oven stand extends your island… Without taking away from the counter space on your grill island.

There’s a sink on the bar island for hand washing after working with sticky pizza dough… Plus a 4-burner grill and side burner when you’ve got a hankering for classic BBQ fare.

9. Fully Decked-Out L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen

Need an L shaped island with all the fixings? You’ll be over the moon with this outdoor kitchen design!

Every cooking appliance you could think of is all right here… With room to spare.

You’ve got the wood fired pizza oven (fully stocked with fuel)… A gas grill… Flat top grill… And even a charcoal kamado smoker.

Whether it’s Italian, Texas BBQ, or Mexican… Whatever cuisine you’re after, this outdoor kitchen is your canvas for top-notch dishes.

There’s even a little room for seating behind the fridge!

This L shaped outdoor kitchen may just be more functional than your indoor kitchen.

After reviewing all these impressive ideas… Are you starting to feel inspired?

Let’s channel that inspiration into your new outdoor kitchen.

Your Streamlined Outdoor Kitchen Solution

There’s no doubt about it… Building an outdoor kitchen is a large undertaking.

But it doesn’t have to be.

At RTA Outdoor Living… We’ve spent many sleepless nights figuring out how to make getting an outdoor kitchen more accessible.

Lucky for you, we’ve figured out the formula.

Assemble Your L Shape with Ease

While some of us may be avid DIYers and love the thrill of making something from scratch… Most of us wouldn’t want to be bothered with that much labor!

Understandably so.

The traditional outdoor kitchen project is highly invasive and time consuming. It takes months… Your backyard is disturbed… And you have to work with multiple vendors to source all the outdoor kitchen materials required. It’s a lot to manage!

Which is why we went through great pains to create the easiest DIY outdoor kitchen solution on the market.

From the island, to the countertops, to the appliances… RTA is your single-source for all your outdoor kitchen needs.

We deliver the complete package right to your backyard… And in a few hours, you’ll have the whole thing assembled and ready to entertain.

How is this possible?

It’s all in our monolithic, single-layered concrete panels. These panels are structural and also have the finish fully integrated into them.

All you need to do is bolt the panels together… Place the countertop… Slide in the appliances… And you’re done. That’s really all there is to it!

You may be thinking: “Ok, that’s great. I can install my L shaped island in one day. Is it good quality?”

Great question.

The Long-Lasting Solution

Let’s face it. An outdoor kitchen is a huge investment! Naturally, you want to ensure your new outdoor kitchen will provide many years of faithful service.

A high quality outdoor kitchen needs to be able to withstand the elements, no matter where you live.

Whether it’s the windy city of Chicago… The frigid cold northern Minnesota… Or the salty, coastal air of Florida… An RTA outdoor kitchen handles every climate with ease.

Our 100 year rated concrete is impervious to rust, corrosion, freeze thaw damage, termites, rot, and warping. (We also offer a limited lifetime structural warranty.)

In short… RTA kitchens will look the same in year 5 as they do in year 1. (Talk about aging gracefully!)

Coyote Outdoor Living (our appliance partner) takes the same approach with their heavy-duty outdoor appliances. All of their built in grills and other products are manufactured from complete 304 stainless steel.

A more durable outdoor kitchen = a more secure investment.

But most importantly… You need to be able to customize your dream L shaped island to your heart’s content.

An L Shape Design Your Way

As you’ve seen in all the L shaped designs we’ve shared… There’s no one way to design an outdoor kitchen!

Everyone has their own unique tastes and preferences… And that should be reflected in your outdoor kitchen design!

For this reason, we put customization at the forefront of every RTA outdoor kitchen.

We’ve invested heavily in technology and resources to help you personalize your outdoor kitchen… Without compromise.

In fact, every L shaped outdoor kitchen you saw today was an RTA outdoor kitchen!

You’ll have access to Coyote’s full suite of premium appliances… Including gas grills, charcoal grills, pellet grills, kamado grills, power burners, refrigerators, sinks, and a plethora of storage options.

No matter your cooking style, we’ve got something in store for you.

RTA can also accommodate a wide range of aesthetic options.

We offer an array of 12 unique island finishes... Plus 6 concrete and 6 granite countertop variants for even more personalization potential.

Unless you’re buying one of our Quick Ship kitchens… No two RTA outdoor kitchens are alike.

So with that said… How can you get started with your dream L shaped outdoor kitchen?

GET STARTED ON YOUR L SHAPED OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN FOR FREE

If you couldn’t tell, we at RTA are passionate about outdoor kitchens and their design.

That’s why we created a free online outdoor kitchen design tool.

This tool allows you to design your kitchen in just a few clicks and even get a free quote on the way.

You can see exactly how each layout will look, from straight, L Shaped, U Shaped, to Galley outdoor kitchens.

It’s the perfect opportunity to see how that L shaped outdoor kitchen will look, and the appliances you choose to fit it with.

No risk, only reward.

So what are you waiting for?

Start your design, and have fun!

Need Help Refining Your L-Shaped Layout?

Schedule a free call with a Design Expert to work out the kinks.

BOOK A CALL