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.
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
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!
