If you’re in the middle of researching the ins and outs of outdoor kitchen ventilation… somewhere in your research, you may have encountered the notion of a “grill gap”.
What is a grill gap, exactly, and why does it matter for your outdoor kitchen project?
In this article, that is precisely what you will discover. As an outdoor kitchen manufacturer that has spent years researching and developing a properly ventilated outdoor kitchen solution… we’re highly familiar with the “grill gap” and why it matters for your outdoor kitchen.
What is the ¼” Grill Gap?
The ¼” grill gap describes the open space below a built-in grill when installed into an outdoor kitchen. It’s a small air gap between the grill and the actual outdoor kitchen structure. Not all grills will have this gap when installed in an outdoor kitchen, but many do. For example, RTA outdoor kitchens have this ¼” grill gap under all cooking appliances. Some outdoor kitchens may have more or less than a ¼” gap as well.
Why does the ¼” Grill Gap Matter?
The ¼” grill gap matters because it is another point of ventilation in your outdoor kitchen structure. In addition to the standard vents (which all outdoor kitchens should have)… the grill gap creates another open space for heat and gas to flush out of the island structure. And because this gap is directly where the grill is, this location can be particularly helpful.
Does my Outdoor Kitchen Need a ¼” Grill Gap?
As long as the rest of your outdoor kitchen is properly ventilated according to your appliance manufacturer’s guidelines… a grill gap is not necessary. However, as mentioned previously, it is helpful to have.
What Outdoor Kitchen Has Good Safety Features?
Now that you’ve learned what the ¼” grill gap is and why it matters… you may have some additional questions regarding outdoor kitchen safety. What outdoor kitchen solution has good safety features? How can you tell?
If you want to gain a discerning eye when it comes to outdoor kitchen safety… our dedicated safety page is exactly what you’re looking for. The resources contained on this page will help you understand the fundamentals of outdoor kitchen safety, and how to tell if an outdoor kitchen is safely built or not. Enjoy the read, and we’ll see you in the next one!
