Everything to Confirm Before You Build (or Buy the Wrong Stuff)
A great outdoor kitchen doesn’t start with shopping, it starts with a plan. Before you order a grill, cut stone, or run gas lines, there are a few non-negotiables you should lock in so that you avoid expensive changes later.
Use this practical checklist from ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living to design an outdoor kitchen that actually works in real life: safe, functional, and built to last.
1. Space & Layout
Before you fall in love with appliances, look at your space.
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Measure total width and depth of the area.
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Note traffic flow: doors, sliders, pool paths, dining area.
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Decide if you want a straight run, L-shape, U-shape, or island.
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Keep the “hot zone” (grill) away from seating edges and kid pathways.
Checkpoint: Do you have a clear layout sketched with approximate appliance positions?
2. Built-In Grill Selection
Your grill is the anchor.
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Choose fuel type: Natural gas or propane.
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Confirm size (usually 30"–42"+ based on how you cook).
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Check cutout dimensions and required clearances.
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Look for durable materials (304 stainless), solid burners, and strong warranty.
Checkpoint: Do you have a specific built-in grill model selected with specs in hand before framing?
3. Ventilation & Safety
Must-have, not optional.
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Vent panels installed low on LP enclosures and throughout island.
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Access door for shutoff valves and service.
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Insulating jacket if framing with combustible materials.
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Proper clearances from walls, overhangs, screens, or railings.
Checkpoint: Is your design compliant with manufacturer instructions—not just “looks good”?
4. Storage & Access
Plan where everything lives.
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Access doors beneath grill for gas/electrical and service.
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Drawers for tools, utensils, and accessories.
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Trash / recycle pull-out.
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Paper towel or cleaning supply storage (optional, but handy).
Checkpoint: Do you have at least one access door and functional storage, not just solid block under the grill?
5. Refrigeration & Cooling
If you entertain, cold storage is a game changer.
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Outdoor-rated refrigerator (don’t use indoor units outdoors).
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Optional ice maker or beverage center.
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Proper ventilation space per cutout specs.
Checkpoint: Is your refrigeration outdoor-rated and placed away from extreme heat zones?
6. Countertop & Work Zones
Looks nice is not enough, you need prep space for serious cookouts.
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Allow prep space on at least one side of the grill.
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Heat-resistant, outdoor rated countertop materials only.
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Landing zones near sink, fridge, or serving area.
Checkpoint: Do you have usable counter space, not just appliances edge-to-edge?
7. Electrical & Gas Planning
Run utilities now, not later.
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Dedicated electrical circuits for fridge, lights, outlets, ignitions.
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Properly installed gas line (licensed professional).
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Conduit paths planned before concrete, pavers, or stone go in.
Checkpoint: Have gas, electric, and water all been planned on paper before construction?
8. Sink & Water (Optional but Powerful)
Not required but very convenient.
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Cold water or hot/cold, based on needs.
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Proper drainage (not just “let it drip under the island”).
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Positioned away from high heat and splatter.
Checkpoint: If including a sink, is plumbing layout confirmed and code-compliant?
9. Shade, Shelter & Placement
Comfort = more use.
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Consider pergola, roof extension, or umbrella.
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Keep smoke from blowing straight into seating or house doors.
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Avoid blocking views or creating tight corners.
Checkpoint: Can you comfortably cook and gather here in real weather, not just in a rendering?
10. Lighting
If you can’t see, you won’t use it at night.
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Task lighting over grill and prep zones.
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Ambient lighting for bar and seating areas.
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Switch locations planned with electrical layout.
Checkpoint: Is nighttime use actually planned for, not an afterthought?
11. Materials & Durability
Outdoor kitchens live outside 24/7 so make sure you build accordingly.
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Use outdoor rated cabinets, appliances, and finishes.
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Prioritize corrosion resistant materials in coastal or humid regions.
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Choose products with reliable warranties and parts support.
Checkpoint: Are all components specifically rated for outdoor use?
12. Budget, Phasing & Future Upgrades
Plan smart, not rushed.
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Decide what’s essential now (grill, storage, fridge).
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Leave room for future add-ons: side burner, pizza oven, fire feature.
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Choose quality where it matters most: grill, structure, utilities.
Checkpoint: Is your plan realistic for your budget without sacrificing core quality?
How ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living Fits In
At ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living, we help you:
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Match the right grill, refrigeration, and storage to your layout.
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Verify cutout dimensions, venting, and installation requirements.
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Choose durable, outdoor-rated equipment that fits your climate and lifestyle.
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Avoid costly “wish we’d known that” mistakes before construction starts.
Ready to build your outdoor kitchen?
Use this checklist as your blueprint, then reach out to ANJ Appliances & Outdoor Living for product recommendations and planning support tailored to your space.
