You’re cooking now with the right size outdoor kitchen
Your outdoor kitchen dimensions depend on your available space, which ranges from 100 square feet for a simple grill setup to 400 square feet or more.
Medium outdoor kitchens measure 100 to 250 square feet and give you enough room for a cooktop, small refrigerator, counter space, and built-in seating.
Your outdoor kitchen size depends on available space, desired fixtures and features, utility hookup locations, and how you plan to use the area for entertaining.
Hiring a local outdoor kitchen professional takes the guesswork out of planning your space, helping you design a layout that fits your yard and entertaining needs perfectly.
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.
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.
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.
| Size | Average Square Footage |
|---|---|
| Small | Up to 100 |
| Medium | 100–250 |
| Large | 250–400 |
| Extra-large | 400 or more |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Various factors can affect the size of your outdoor kitchen. Here are a few things to consider.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My kitchen cabinets look brand new thanks to Custom Paint Jobs LLC. Their refinishing is exceptional.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCIf I could give 10 stars for Kitchen Tune Up, I would. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Kitchen Tune Up and the entire team involved in the process of my kitchen project. They went above and beyond as far as service and quality with my cabinets, paint, countertops, and...
They work that 360 did on my kitchen cabinets is nothing short of amazing. I still cannot believe the difference from before and after. Jon and Jeff were both so incredibly professional throughout the whole process and their communications with me were constant and consistent. These guys...
360 Painting ColumbusThis was our second experience with The Waterworks and both times have been Exceptional! This time, Michael P. was our technician. He arrived on time, was super professional and respectful of our home and he even wore booties, a face mask, gloves and protected out kitchen floors with drop...
The WaterworksPhil understood the style I wanted and suggested options for materials (unlike the standard kitchen folks who kept pushing the same cabinets everyone buys). He stepped through all the decisions about the details with me, using his computer program to show the differences between the choices....
Baker Group RemodelingI had a great experience with this company. They installed a small TV on the wall of my kitchen between two cabinets. Team came out and did a very thorough inspection and quote. The rep who installed the TV had to do some extra work to snake the cords behind the wall from the top cabinets...
The Theater PeopleWe hired Andrew and the team from Midwest Lightscapes for a custom lighting design and installation on a Victorian Village home. The house had outdated low-voltage halogen outdoor lights and many of them were not working. Andrew designed and installed a new system including uplighting on the...
Midwest LightscapesScott Hall Remodeling remodeled my bathroom about 8 years ago. I was amazed at the quality of workmanship, cleanliness, price, punctuality, flow of information, and progress updates. Eight years later and they are still a model company for other remodelers. The remodel of my kitchen is...
Scott Hall RemodelingI was pleasantly surprised at how thorough they were. Especially my balcony which being outdoors is subject to a lot of dust and grime. It's so clean now that I get out more often to enjoy it.
House Cleaning OhioI couldn't be more pleased with the job Ryan and his team did! My old oak kitchen cabinets now look like brand new white ones. They were able to provide an estimate based on my photos that was far below other companies I checked with, and that was the final price too. They were able to come...
Rhino Painting & Color Consulting LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the cost to build an outdoor kitchen, including average prices, cost factors, and tips to help you plan your project and maximize your investment.
The best outdoor kitchen design ideas are ones that suit your needs. Check out these layouts and design concepts to help you assemble your perfect outdoor kitchen.
Looking for some outdoor kitchen bar ideas that will elevate your entertaining space? We’ve put together a list of our favorites to get you inspired.
Looking to take your outdoor kitchen to the next level? Here are the best flooring options for exterior cooking spaces, based on climate, functionality, and aesthetics.
Winterizing an outdoor kitchen is surprisingly easy thanks to this guide. Learn how to protect your grill, sink, and countertops come rain or snow.
Considering an outdoor kitchen? If you enjoy entertaining loved ones or prefer your meals alfresco, here's how to evaluate if an outdoor kitchen may add value to your home.
