Outdoor Kitchen Barbeque Grill Safety

by Russell
(Land O Lakes, Florida)

QUESTION:

I have outdoor kitchen plans for our Moose Lodge. I want to put it on the back pad behind the building, with a grill,oven,deep fryer stovetop and fridge. We live in Florida. Do I need a fire system hood? the area will be screened in with a couple of picnic tables.
Thanks,
Russell

ANSWER:

If the outdoor kitchen is completely enclosed with roof and screened walls, then you'll want to install some type of ventilation system if smoke could get trapped by the roof. Or fashion a chimney in the roof top to allow the smoke to vent up naturally.

However, if you mean an emergency sprinkler type system for putting out a fire, that is a question for your local outdoor kitchen code inspector.

Outdoor Kitchen Backsplash Behind Grill

QUESTION:

I am building a outdoor kitchen next to our shed the roof hangs over a foot or two. I want to protect the wall and the over hang what can I do? What do i use?

ANSWER:

Protect from heat or from food and grease? Probably both I imagine. Really there's no reason why you couldn't use any non-flammable material so long as you prepare the shed wall to support it properly.

You could use a sheet of stainless steel, squares of tin decorative tile, any kind of stone, ceramic or glass tile. Bricks and rough cut stone wall cladding will work. Or go simple, low-budget industrial chic and use corrugate metal panels... easy install and maintenance.

There are so many possibilities I can't say you should definitely do A or B. Especially without seeing your set-up or design style.

The overhang shouldn't be an issue unless it is unusually low. The grill is covered by the lid for most of the cooking and it's a controlled flame, so risk is small.

And really, unless the grill is right up against the shed wall, then the chance of accidental fire or excessive food splatter is pretty slim.

If it's a relatively large wall, then you have an opportunity to do a cool design with tile. That's probably what I'd lean toward.

I wish I could give you more definite ideas, but there isn't really a "wrong" thing to do, so I say do something that you'll be happy looking at and maintaining for the next 5-10 or more years.

Good Luck,
Ryan

Fireproofing Standing Grill for Outdoor Kitchen

by Yancy
(Oklahoma)

QUESTION:

I'm covering my patio and would like to install some counter tops and a fridge for an outdoor kitchen. I have a small freestanding propane grill that I'd like to build into the counters.

As far as fireproofing goes what would be my best options? I plan to use 2X4 wood for the frame, some kind of brick exterior and possible a concrete counter top. Thanks.

ANSWER:

In order to adequately fireproof and outdoor kitchen grill, you simply need to cover all flammable surfaces (like your wood framing) with non-flammable materials (like brick and concrete).

So, it sounds like you have the idea already figured out!

You could also use metal sheeting to line the walls, etc. directly next to where the grill will stand... like in-between two sets of outdoor kitchen cabinets.

Although I'd caution you about using colored or dyed concrete countertops for an outdoor kitchen... if you had intended to.

Most dyes used for coloring concrete will fade and/or turn yellow with excessive sun exposure.

But you don't have to color them. Just make sure to seal them well.

Best Gas Grill Insulation for Outdoor Kitchen

QUESTION:

I am planning a outdoor kitchen with an outdoor barbeque in a covered area (11 feet high). If the grill will go against a wooden wall, and on a wooden frame, what type of fireproof material (and how thick) should be used as insulation in between the wall and the grill? Can tile be used? What's most cost efficient? Thanks!

ANSWER:

You should purchase a grill that includes an insulating jacket to protect the wood outdoor kitchen framing from heat and then use tile or metal sheeting to cover any other exposed, flammable surfaces above or to the sides of the outdoor barbeque grill.

Outdoor Kitchen Grill Insulation

by Kyle
(Kentucky)

QUESTION:

I am in the process of building an outdoor kitchen. I had planned on the entire kitchen being non-combustable and purchased a grill without an insulated jacket thinking this would be the case. However, the more I look, it seems that for tile, at least part of the substrate material should be plywood of somekind.

Does this one layer of plywood make this a "combustable" kitchen so that I can no longer use the grill I have without the addition of an insulated jacket?

Some of the wording from Lynx indicates that the insulated jacket is required if the grill cabinet is composed primarily of combustable material. I just need some clarification on how to move forward with the substrate and if there are any precautions I need to consider when creating the substrate for my "non-insulated" outdoor barbeque. Not sure that it matters, but my grill is a 48" Kitchen aid.

ANSWER

The important factor is that combustible material is not exposed (is insulated) from heat and flame.

The plywood substrate should be completely covered by tile and by an attached cement backer board (needed as a moisture barrier to prevent the plywood from warping and rotting), thinset, tile, etc.

Without knowing your exact outdoor kitchen design it's hard to determine if there could be a problem, but I don't see any issue with a plywood substrate that will be completely covered if the rest of your outdoor kitchen is non-combustible.

Good Luck,
Ryan

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Outdoor Kitchen Firewall

QUESTION:

The previous owner of hour house started an outdoor kitchen. He ran all of the gas, plumbing and electrical. He built it out of cinder blocks. This is as far as he got. We want to finish it. Do we have to install any type of firewall?

ANSWER:

Well I don't know where the BBQ is going, but if the outdoor kitchen design is all cinder block, then no... no need for any additional protection.

Barbecues are pretty protected with the lid and all. Unless it was installed up against a wood or other flammable surface you should be good to go.

Have fun building your outdoor kitchen!