Keep in Mind Basic Design and Safety Rules

When planning an outdoor cooking area, some basic design and safety rules apply whether it uses an inexpensive hibachi or a sophisticated, restaurant-style grill.

Remember to treat the outdoor cooking area as a second kitchen and plan accordingly. The cooking element should be convenient to the house and the primary kitchen.

Try to locate it where smoke doesn’t pour into the house (or someone else’s) and where there isn’t a heavy traffic pattern.

If the barbecue is portable, it’s a good idea to have a fireproof base, preferably brick, concrete or stone.

Beware of trees and bushes; trim any that are too close to the fire and could catch a flying spark.

After deciding where to locate the cooking space, consider: What kind of cooking will be done? How often will the kitchen be used? Will small children be around the barbecue? Is there space for hot plates and pans? Is the structure to be temporary or a permanent part of the architecture of the house?

The final plan should take these and any special concerns into account.