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Are you planning an outdoor kitchen and wondering if it’s actually safe to build? Have you thought about things like gas, ventilation, appliance clearances, or whether it can handle the heat and the weather? >> [music] >> Well, you’re in the right place. In this video, we’ll talk you through the simple outdoor safety checklist, so you know
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what to look for before you buy, >> [music] >> build, or install anything. Hi, I’m Martha with RTA Outdoor Living, and today we’re talking about outdoor kitchen safety. This is one of those topics that can feel a little intimidating because most homeowners are thinking about the layout, grill size,
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countertops, and how the finished space will look. And those things matter, but before you go too far into the design, you want to make sure the kitchen is being planned around safety from the start.
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First thing to look at is materials. Outdoor kitchens live outside year-round, so the structure has to deal with heat, rain, humidity, [music] freeze-thaw cycles, sun exposure, and everyday use. You also want to understand whether the materials around
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heat-producing appliances are appropriate for that application. A good question to ask is, “What is this island actually made from, and how long will those materials perform long-term?” At RTA, [music] our system is built around structural concrete panels, so we do not
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use cement board or steel framing in the island structure. [music] The point here is not just durability, but also confidence that the kitchen is made from materials intended for an outdoor, heat-adjacent [music] environment. The second part of the checklist is
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appliances. Not every grill or appliance is designed to be built into an outdoor kitchen island. You want true built-in appliances, proper cutout dimensions, and manufacturing guidance [music] for clearances, ventilation, gas, and
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electrical requirements. This is especially important with grills, side burners, refrigerators, [music] and anything that uses gas or electricity. If you’re using Coyote appliances, review their current manual and make sure the installation follows those
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instructions. If you’re using another appliance brand, the same rules apply. Follow that manufacturer’s requirements and confirm the island is designed around them. Third safety area is ventilation. This is a big one,
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especially with gas appliances. >> [music] >> Outdoor kitchen islands need a way to move the air through the cabinet or island structure, so heat and any potential gas build-up can escape. When you’re evaluating a contractor, a DIY build, or a prefab outdoor kitchen, ask,
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“How is the island vented and does that ventilation meet or exceed the appliance manufacturer’s requirements?” >> [music] >> You don’t want ventilation treated as an afterthought. It should be a part of the design from the beginning.
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The fourth part is location. Where the kitchen sits matters. You want to think about the airflow, nearby walls, overhead structures, combustible materials, utility access, walkways, and how people will move
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around the space while someone is cooking. For example, [music] you don’t want to grill a place too close to a wall or under a structure without confirming the required clearance and ventilation needs. You also want enough room for safe movement around the island, especially if you have bar seating, a galley layout, or an
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L-shape or a U-shape design. This is where working with a design expert can [music] help. Because they can look at the space, layout, appliances, and safety requirements together. [music] So, the simple version is this: before you fall in love with the layout, check
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the [music] materials, appliances, the ventilation, and the location. If those four areas are planned correctly, you’re going to feel much more confident that your outdoor kitchen is not only beautiful, but safe for your family to enjoy. If you’re still figuring out what
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layout makes sense in your space, try our free outdoor kitchen design tool. And if you want help reviewing your project, book a free consultation with one of our design experts.
