Outdoor Kitchen Size: Guide to Standard Dimensions

An outdoor kitchen makes a great al fresco entertainment space that allows you to enjoy dinner outside on warm evenings and host summer cookouts. Knowing the right dimensions for your outdoor kitchen ensures you have enough room for everything you need and can use the space exactly how you want. We look at some common outdoor kitchen dimensions and which factors can affect outdoor kitchen size, so you can start to plan the outdoor kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.

What Are Standard Outdoor Kitchen Dimensions?

Outdoor kitchens range in size from 100 square feet to 400 square feet or more. There isn’t a standard outdoor kitchen size, since size will depend on how much space you have available, what your outdoor kitchen will contain, and how you want to use the space. 

Outdoor Kitchen Dimensions by Size Category

There are so many benefits to an outdoor kitchen—easy entertaining space, keeping your indoor kitchen free of mess and cooking smells, enjoying outdoor dining, and more. Outdoor kitchens can range from the size of a small patio to a large and elaborate, fully outfitted kitchen and everything in between.

Small

A small outdoor kitchen, which may contain just a grill and some counter and storage space, can be as small as 100 square feet or less. Small outdoor kitchens may have sink fixtures or other amenities, but they’re typically less well-appointed than their larger counterparts. Even if you’re working with limited space, there are plenty of small outdoor kitchen ideas to help you make the most of limited square footage.

Medium

A medium outdoor kitchen of up to 250 square feet may also include a cooktop, a small refrigerator, other appliances, more counter and storage spaces, and maybe some built-in seating. A medium-sized outdoor kitchen fits well into an average-sized backyard without taking over the full yard.

Large

For those who are more serious about al fresco entertaining, a large outdoor kitchen of up to 400 square feet can accommodate a full kitchen setup with multiple appliances, seating space, and more. Large outdoor kitchens may include pizza ovens, full-sized refrigerators, cooktops, and even a dishwasher and dish storage. A large outdoor kitchen is a good choice for those who use this space as their primary kitchen during the warmer months.

Extra-Large

If you want all the bells and whistles in your outdoor kitchen, an extra-large space measuring more than 400 square feet can fit almost anything you can think of. These deluxe spaces not only act as a fully functional kitchen, but make an elegant entertainment space for larger parties.

How to Calculate the Size of an Outdoor Kitchen

To determine the nest size for your outdoor kitchen, look at your available space, what appliances and features you want, where the available utility hookups can be placed, and what your budget looks like. You can customize this space exactly how you want, and determining the length, width, and layout should be your first step.

Factors That Influence Outdoor Kitchen Size

Various factors can affect the size of your outdoor kitchen. Here are a few things to consider.

Available Space

Are you planning to convert an existing patio or build a new hardscaping feature for your kitchen? How much space you have to dedicate to this area will help you narrow down what size it should be. Keep in mind that the space will need to be leveled, have appropriate drainage, and be reachable for utility hookups.

Fixtures and Features

What you want in your outdoor kitchen will help determine both the size and the outdoor kitchen cost. Keeping it simple with a grill and some counter space? You can get away with a small outdoor kitchen. Looking for an elaborate setup with full-sized appliances, running water, and plenty of space for seating? You’ll need to set aside a much larger space to make that a reality.

Function

Your outdoor kitchen size will also depend on whether you want a space to throw some burgers on the grill or a fully outfitted space for entertaining. Built-in hardscaping will take up more room (and a bigger budget) than a few smaller fixtures, and seating and decorative elements will also need a little more room.

What to Do if You Have the Wrong Size Outdoor Kitchen

If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor cooking and dining, hire a local outdoor kitchen pro to design and build an outdoor kitchen that’s everything you’ve dreamed of. A space that’s too small will limit both functionality and appearance, so make sure you have enough room allocated for everything you want to include.