The perfect dimensions for your outdoor kitchen: how to choose the right sizes

The right dimensions make the difference between years of cooking enjoyment and daily frustration. Discover how to determine the perfect height and layout for your outdoor kitchen.

Why dimensions are so important

An outdoor kitchen with the wrong dimensions quickly becomes a source of annoyance rather than a place to enjoy. Worktops that are too low cause back problems during longer cooking sessions, while surfaces that are too high make preparing meals an uncomfortable experience. Additionally, the dimensions determine how well your outdoor kitchen integrates into your garden space and whether you have enough room to move around comfortably.

At Roostr, we understand that every garden and every family is unique. That is why we help you determine the right dimensions step by step, so that your outdoor kitchen fits your situation perfectly.

The ideal worktop height for your outdoor kitchen

Standard heights at Roostr

The worktop height of your outdoor kitchen is crucial for comfortable cooking without back or neck pain. At Roostr, we use the following standard heights, measured from the ground to the top of the worktop:

Rubik's nest: 90 to 92 cm
Allure: 90 to 100 cm
Wave: 90 to 96 cm

These heights are tailored to the average Dutch height and years of experience with what works best in practice. During installation, the kitchen is leveled on the subfloor, meaning the final height may vary slightly depending on whether your terrace is completely flat or has a slight slope.

How do you determine the ideal height for you?

Preferably, test the height of your indoor kitchen as a reference point. If you can work comfortably there, a similar height for your outdoor kitchen is often a safe choice.

In addition, your cooking method plays an important role. Do you cook with a Big Green Egg or other kamado? Then we advise against making the kitchen too high, as the kamado sits on top of the worktop, raising your cooking surface. For those cooking with a teppanyaki plate integrated into the worktop, we actually recommend a slightly higher setup for optimal comfort.

Space around your outdoor kitchen: minimum distances

Sufficient room to move

For comfortable and safe use of your outdoor kitchen, you need enough space to move around, open doors, and cook safely.

For the kitchen (cooking side): at least 100 cm
This ensures sufficient room to move while cooking. Even with a parallel kitchen layout where you place two kitchen units opposite each other, we recommend a minimum of 1 meter of space between them.

Next to the kitchen: at least 2 cm of clearance
Would you like the kitchen fully built into, for example, a covered garden house? Then please contact us. For Allure and Wave, we can make the worktop exactly to measure, and for Rubix, we draw up plans in advance to check if everything fits.

Why this space is essential

Sufficient space around your outdoor kitchen is important for safety, comfort, and practical use. You should be able to fully open doors, pull out drawers, and move freely without bumping into things. This makes the difference between an outdoor kitchen you enjoy spending time in and a frustrating cooking space.

The modular Roostr system

Roostr outdoor kitchens have fixed sizes that are carefully tailored for optimal use and standard garden dimensions. This modular system ensures that we almost always find a suitable solution for every customer and every outdoor space.

Bee Wave and For Allure , we can custom-make the worktop, for example with a bar overhang on one side or special dimensions. Rubix has fixed sizes and cannot be supplied as custom-made, but based on experience, we always find a suitable solution that fits your garden perfectly.

Common mistakes with dimensions (and how to avoid them)

Mistake 1: Kamado too close to the back wall

The most common mistake we see is with outdoor kitchens placed directly against a back wall containing a Big Green Egg or another brand of kamado. This is because a kamado swings backward when you open the lid. Depending on the brand, the lid therefore falls over the back of the outdoor kitchen. If you then place the kitchen directly against a wall, the kamado cannot open fully. Which is, of course, not the intention.

Solution: Keep sufficient distance between your outdoor kitchen and any walls or other obstacles behind the kitchen. Ask us for advice on the ideal distance for your specific kamado.

Error 2: Measuring too tightly during installation

In situations where the outdoor kitchen is fully built into, for example, a covered wooden garden shed, we sometimes see that measurements are taken too tightly. As a result, the outdoor kitchen ultimately doesn't quite fit, which is difficult to resolve afterwards.

Solution: Always allow some clearance during installation and have us create a 3D drawing with exact dimensions in advance. This way, we prevent surprises during installation.

Our guarantee

Furthermore, these errors rarely occur with Roostr customers, because we always go through everything thoroughly with you before installation. We ensure that everything is well thought out before your outdoor kitchen is delivered.

Practical tips for measuring your outdoor space

1. Start with the available space and walking routes

Do not just measure the spot where the outdoor kitchen will be placed, but also consider the surrounding space. Ensure there is sufficient walking space around the kitchen; at least 100 cm is pleasant for comfortable passage. Also consider the route from your house to the outdoor kitchen, and how guests move through the garden during a barbecue.

2. Take connections and the substrate into account

Check where the power and water supply is located, or where it can be installed, and note the exact distances. A stable, level surface is essential for a properly installed outdoor kitchen. Does your patio have a slope for water drainage? Please mention this so we can take it into account during installation.

3. Request a 3D sketch from Roostr

Let us draw your space with the correct dimensions. This gives you a clear idea of the proportions and allows you to easily see what works best in your garden in terms of layout and dimensions. This service prevents disappointment and ensures that you know exactly what to expect beforehand.

The Roostr 3D configurator: visualize your outdoor kitchen

Our 3D configurator allows you to place the kitchen directly in your garden using VR (virtual reality). You can try out different configurations, see how big the kitchen actually is in your space, and experiment with various layouts—all before making a final decision.

Try the configurator for your favorite model:

This tool not only helps you choose the right modules, but also provides realistic insight into the dimensions and how everything will look in your garden.

Your next step towards the perfect outdoor kitchen

Are you curious which Roostr outdoor kitchen fits perfectly in your garden? There are several ways to proceed:

Would you like to see what all the possibilities are first?

Then be sure to use our 3D configurator to try out different configurations and visualize dimensions.

Would you like to see the outdoor kitchen in real life?

Find a Roostr dealer near you. There you can feel and see the quality, and ask questions directly about dimensions and installation.

Do you want immediate advice and a 3D drawing with exact dimensions?

You can also directly a Request a quote with your specific requirements and dimensions.

Help with measuring

We always ask for the dimensions of your outdoor space and draw everything up using professional drafting software. Are you unsure or do you have any doubts about the dimensions? Then we would be happy to visit you to take measurements on site. This way, we guarantee that your outdoor kitchen fits perfectly.

In summary: determining the perfect dimensions

Determining the right dimensions for your outdoor kitchen requires a balance between practical requirements, available space, and personal preferences. Roostr's standard worktop heights (90-100 cm) are designed for comfortable use, but your cooking method plays an important role in the final choice.

Allow at least 100 cm of free space for the kitchen and carefully consider its placement relative to walls, especially if you are cooking with a kamado. Roostr’s modular system offers flexibility without the complexity of custom work, and where necessary, we can make custom worktops for a perfect fit.

By taking accurate measurements beforehand, seeking advice, and using our 3D visualization tools, you avoid mistakes and create an outdoor kitchen you will enjoy spending time at for years to come.

Because food tastes better outside, especially when everything is measured out just right.