Outdoor Kitchens in Los Angeles: How to Plan One That Gets Used

In Los Angeles, the kitchen doesn’t have to stop at the back door. With mild weather most of the year, an outdoor kitchen gets used far more here than almost anywhere else in the country, and it can become the busiest room in the house. This guide covers what to plan before you buy: layout, materials, appliances and the furniture that turns a grill into a place people want to gather.

Browse our outdoor kitchen collection as you read.

Built-in or modular?

There are two ways to build an outdoor kitchen.

A built-in kitchen is constructed on site from masonry or concrete, with appliances set into it. It can be any shape, but it takes weeks of construction, usually needs permits and a contractor, and can’t move with you.

A modular kitchen is made of freestanding units (cooking, sink, fridge, storage) that are made in a factory and placed on your patio. They look like furniture, arrive finished, and can be reconfigured or moved later. For most LA homes, especially terraces, rooftops and rentals, modular is the faster and more flexible option.

We carry three modular systems:

• Gandia Blasco Nedra. Designed by Fran Silvestre, the Nedra outdoor kitchen is a system of cube modules: drawer, sink base, induction cooktop, BBQ, integrated refrigerator and table. It’s built from aluminum honeycomb panel with ultra-compact porcelain surfaces from Porcelanosa. It’s designed to blend into the garden and read as furniture rather than a kitchen.
• Ethimo Phil. Designed with Gordon Guillaumier, the Phil kitchen includes a brazier grill module, an induction cooktop module and a kitchen sink module. It’s warm and natural in feel and pairs well with Ethimo’s teak furniture.
• Roda Norma. Roda’s Norma system includes a cooking module with a triple crown burner and five gas burners, a sink module, a barbecue module, a refrigerator and an extension module for extra counter space. Units can sit on fixed feet or wheels.

Plan the layout in zones

A good outdoor kitchen, like an indoor one, is organized into zones.

• Hot zone. Grill, cooktop, pizza oven or brazier. Keep it downwind of seating and away from the house.
• Wet zone. Sink and prep area. Place it between the hot and cold zones, so you can rinse, prep and cook in a line.
• Cold zone. Refrigerator, ice maker or wine fridge. Keep it close to where guests sit so they don’t walk through the cooking area.
• Dry zone. Counter space for prep and serving. Aim for at least 24 inches of clear counter on each side of the grill.
• Serving zone. A bar counter or dining table, where guests gather while you cook.

For a small terrace, a straight line with a grill, a sink and one counter module is enough. For a larger yard, an L-shape or island separates the cook from the guests while keeping everyone talking.

Gas, induction or charcoal?

• Gas is the classic choice and heats up fastest. It needs a gas line or a propane tank.
• Induction needs only an electrical connection, gives precise control and keeps the cooktop surface cool around the pan. Many new Los Angeles homes are built all-electric, which makes induction modules like those in the Nedra and Phil systems worth considering.
• Charcoal and wood give the best flavor and the most theater. A brazier such as Ethimo’s Phil module doubles as a fire feature once cooking is done.

Whatever you choose, check the local code for gas and electrical connections and for clearances from the house and any overhead cover.

Materials that survive Southern California

• Stainless steel. Choose 316 marine-grade steel near the coast. The cheaper 304 grade can spot and pit in salt air.
• Porcelain and sintered stone. Very hard, stain-resistant, UV-stable and heat-resistant. Ideal for countertops.
• Aluminum. Light and rust-free, with a powder-coated finish.
• Teak. Warm and beautiful, but keep it away from the hottest zones.

Seating: bar or dining?

The furniture decides how the kitchen is used.

• Bar and counter seating lets guests sit with the cook. Pair a bar table or counter height table with outdoor bar stools. Good options include Ethimo’s Laren rectangular bar table with Laren high stools, and Roda’s Network 150 barstool. Choose stools with a seat height of 24 to 26 inches for a 36 inch counter and 28 to 30 inches for a 42 inch bar.
• A dining table nearby turns cooking into a full meal. See our outdoor dining tables and outdoor dining chairs. Our dining table size guide explains how big a table your space can take.
• A lounge area a few steps away, with an outdoor sofa or sectional, gives guests somewhere to relax before and after dinner.

Shade, light and storage

• Shade. Cooking in full sun is no fun. A pergola over the kitchen makes it usable all day. Our Renson pergola guide compares the options, and a fixed-roof model is best over a grill. Otherwise, a cantilever umbrella over the seating works well. See our patio umbrella guide. Keep open flames clear of fabric.
• Lighting. Bright task lighting over the cooking area and softer outdoor lighting over the table.
• Storage. Drawer modules keep tools close. An outdoor storage trunk holds cushions, covers and serving pieces.
• Greenery. A few planters with herbs by the prep area are both useful and decorative.

Frequently asked questions

What is a modular outdoor kitchen?

A kitchen made of freestanding factory-made units, such as a cooking module, sink, fridge and storage, that are placed on the patio rather than built in place. They can be rearranged or moved later.

Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen in Los Angeles?

Gas lines, plumbing and new electrical circuits usually require permits. A modular kitchen with plug-in appliances may need less, but check with your local building department or contractor.

What is the best material for an outdoor kitchen countertop?

Porcelain or sintered stone. It resists heat, stains, scratches and UV, and doesn’t need sealing.

How much space do I need for an outdoor kitchen?

A compact line of three modules (grill, prep counter and sink) fits in about 8 to 10 feet. Allow at least 36 inches of clearance in front of the counter for the cook.

Where can I see outdoor kitchens in Los Angeles?

Visit our Los Angeles showroom to see modular outdoor kitchens from Gandia Blasco, Ethimo and Roda, or browse our outdoor kitchen collection online. Contact us to plan a layout for your space.