It’s not commonly discussed… but you may have heard about the possibility that an outdoor kitchen can explode.
This is a distressing realization! So it’s not surprising that you’ll wonder: “How do outdoor kitchen explosions happen? And how can I prevent them?”
As an outdoor kitchen manufacturer that has engineered an outdoor kitchen solution that specifically avoids this problem… we feel we are uniquely equipped to speak on the topic. Through years of product development and experience, we’ve learned what’s truly behind outdoor kitchen explosions. In this article, you will learn how outdoor kitchen explosions happen, how they can be prevented, and where you can learn more about safe outdoor kitchen construction.
How do Outdoor Kitchen Explosions Happen?
The reason outdoor kitchen explosions happen is simple: when the outdoor kitchen is constructed, there is either (a) inadequate or (b) no ventilation included in the island structure. In the case of Paradise Grills’ 2023 recall of 18,000 outdoor kitchens, this was the case exactly.
When there is insufficient ventilation in an outdoor kitchen, gas and heat are allowed to build up in the island structure. If the user has to relight the grill while all this gas and heat has built up, the spark can cause a fiery explosion.
How Can Outdoor Kitchen Explosions be Prevented?
Outdoor kitchen explosions can be prevented by ensuring your outdoor kitchen is built properly in the first place. You want to build an outdoor kitchen that meets or exceeds the ventilation requirements from the appliance manufacturer you choose to work with.
Another consideration is vent location. Ideally, you will have vents on at least 2 opposite sides of the island to allow for a natural crossbreeze. Additionally, consider putting vents on both the top and bottom of your island structure. Natural gas rises, and liquid propane sinks… so by having vents in both locations, you can rest assured that gasses will be allowed to escape your island regardless of the fuel type you end up using.
You might also elect to work with an outdoor kitchen company that has proper ventilation automatically factored into every design. We at RTA Outdoor Living include island ventilation in 7 unique locations, and we exceed ventilation requirements for Coyote appliances. (RTA outdoor kitchens come with Coyote appliances.)
How do I Learn More about Safe Outdoor Kitchen Construction?
Now that you understand why outdoor kitchen explosions happen and how to prevent them… you might be wondering if there’s any other information you need to know as it relates to safe outdoor kitchen construction.
So, how do you learn more about safe outdoor kitchen construction?
Lucky for you, we have an in-depth Safety Resources page dedicated to this exact purpose! This page is chock full of information to help you fully comprehend all the factors involved with safe outdoor kitchen construction. From ventilation, to vent hoods, to checklists, to a full blown safety guide… it’s all here.
Enjoy exploring our Safety Resources, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
