Choosing to build an outdoor kitchen that is accessible all year round, regardless of the temperature, is a very exciting project. Even if the difference may seem small between an uncovered outdoor kitchen and a more enclosed one, there are several aspects and technicalities that must be mastered.
Most people who come into the store already know whether they will cover their outdoor kitchen or not. You really have to take the time to think about this question in a long-term perspective because if you decide to build without a roof and in 3 years you come back to us saying that you would like to cover it now, unfortunately this could be impossible. Indeed, the manufacturing is not at all the same in one case or the other.
To make your outdoor kitchen more accessible year-round, you don't necessarily have to completely enclose it with walls and a few windows. If you're comfortable enjoying it in the spring, fall, and winter with a coat on in cold weather, building your outdoor kitchen in a strategic location that's sheltered from the wind and adding a roof to provide protection from the elements will be more than enough.
However, if you want to enjoy it more comfortably, you will need to be aware of the regulations in force.
Here is the main information to know for a covered outdoor kitchen and a more closed one:
Covered outdoor kitchen:
Perhaps the biggest difference between a covered outdoor kitchen and a more enclosed one is the location. Putting a roof on it will certainly protect you from the elements such as snow, rain, leaves or debris from nearby trees, but it will not protect you from the cold. That is why you need to think about where you will build your outdoor kitchen with the help of your expert. You need to think about the ideal location to avoid being exposed to the wind directly.
In addition, according to most municipal regulations, you must have a hood included in your outdoor kitchen if you decide to put a roof. There are several models available, you can choose from the options offered by your expert in store. In addition to being compliant with regulations, having a hood will be very interesting in terms of odor management, ventilation and the general appearance of your roof. Indeed, without a hood, your roof will be coated with odors and grease from cooking.
When checking municipal regulations, you will see that there is often talk of heat releases from appliances, the distance between the grill and the roof, the covering of walls or fences, etc. Our team of experts will provide you with all the information necessary for compliance.
Depending on your choice of barbecue, you will have access to the complete technical sheet provided by the manufacturer. Note that this differs from one brand to another, so the choice of your barbecue can have a big impact on the positioning of your equipment in your outdoor kitchen.
By following city regulations in addition to barbecue regulations, you will have all the elements in hand to build the safest kitchen possible.
Mostly closed outdoor kitchen:
Building a more enclosed outdoor kitchen is a process that requires a lot of thought. In fact, you should treat this construction as if the kitchen were part of your home.
You must comply with several regulations to ensure your insurability. Please note that under no circumstances can this room be closed and isolated completely.
When it comes to adding a barbecue to a covered room with walls and windows, you absolutely must have a high-quality hood. The size and strength of your hood must be consistent with the needs of the barbecue equipment. For this purpose, our team of experts will be able to provide you with the right technical data sheets according to the barbecues chosen. This sheet and these measurements will differ depending on the brand of the barbecue.
Our biggest recommendation is to start the whole process of creating your outdoor kitchen by calling your insurance company and checking the feasibility of the project.
Over the years, some clients have decided to completely cover their outdoor kitchen that had been built with only a roof or nothing at all without checking if it was possible with our team of experts and their insurance. This decision can be costly and very dangerous.
Choosing to have a covered outdoor kitchen is very interesting in order to enjoy it at all times, regardless of the temperature, but can also be fraught with multiple problems if all the regulations have not been followed.
Do you have any questions after reading this article? We will be happy to answer them as soon as possible. We have been contributing to the realization of our clients' projects for several years now and it is with our expertise that we will be able to discuss your project with you.
By email: sebastien@bbqquebec.com