Enjoying your new outdoor kitchen is a family affair. Children and adults of all ages will flock to your future outdoor kitchen, so it’s important to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience!
So if you’re a parent, and you know your kids will be around your outdoor kitchen a lot, you’re likely asking: “What safety precautions should I keep in mind?”
It’s a great instinct, and a good question to answer. As an outdoor kitchen manufacturer that has put a significant emphasis on safety… we feel well-equipped to answer this question for you. In this article, you will learn how to plan for outdoor kitchen safety with kids, and how to understand all facets of outdoor kitchen safety.
How Do You Plan for Outdoor Kitchen Safety with Kids?
Ultimately, the question of outdoor kitchen safety with kids all boils down to how your outdoor kitchen is built in the first place. If your outdoor kitchen is constructed safely, your new backyard upgrade will be safe for all ages to be around.
Below are the most important points when it comes to outdoor kitchen safety with kids:
- Keep your island away from combustible materials: This is important because in the event that a grill fire breaks out, you don’t want this fire spreading to other nearby structures, such as your house or a pergola. The bigger the flame, the more danger your family will be in. Every outdoor appliance manufacturer will have slightly different ventilation requirements, so make sure to factor this into your plans. For example, Coyote Outdoor Living requires a 15” setback from all combustible structures.
- Use non-combustible materials for your outdoor kitchen: To reduce the risk of a fire that could get out of control, we strongly recommend using non-combustible materials in your outdoor kitchen. Again, in the case of a grill fire, this will help keep the blaze contained to the grill and reduce the risk of injury. Non-combustible materials to consider include concrete and high grade 304 or 316 stainless steel.
- Make sure your outdoor kitchen has adequate ventilation: Without proper ventilation, outdoor kitchens are at risk of exploding due to heat and gas buildup. Make sure your outdoor kitchen meets at least the minimum requirements as set by your appliance manufacturer.
- Consider using appliances with safety features: Some outdoor appliance brands are beginning to incorporate safety features into their products. For example, Coyote’s appliance line now includes a thermocouple in all their grills. The thermocouple is able to detect whether or not your burner is lit, and if it is not lit, it will not continue to flow gas through the burners. Especially with children around who could twist a burner knob without you looking, this is a helpful feature!
Understanding All Facets of Outdoor Kitchen Safety
Now that you know how to plan for outdoor kitchen safety with kids… is there anything else about outdoor kitchen safety you need to know? What if you want more details about everything you just learned?
Well, no need to fret! Our Outdoor Kitchen Safety Resources page has everything you need to further your education about the topic at hand. There’s even a project safety checklist to help you make sure you’ve got all your t’s crossed and i’s dotted.
Enjoy browsing through the safety resources, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
