One of the most oft-forgotten aspects of an outdoor kitchen lies not in the appliances, the storage, nor the protection from rain, but the direction of the wind!
Nothing spoils a lovely evening more than being forced to leave the area due to too much smoke! Even worse is when an innocent trip inside to fetch a drink causes a big waft of BBQ smoke to enter the house and set off the smoke detectors! I have personal knowledge of this design flaw and it not only disrupts entertaining but can in fact take too much attention away from a hot grill when you are trying to get those perfectly done steaks you so closely monitor.
Most patio and backyard areas have a definite pattern to their wind currents. Of course, there will always be days with exceptions to your particular likely breezes, but taking airflow into consideration is a must when designing anything that could produce smoke or even odors. Smoking or grilling fish, anyone?
No, you don’t have to install a windsock and take notes forever, but you will have to spend time looking for the most common currents. Easy, and free ways to determine wind direction are:
The simplest is the wet finger approach. Which side feels cool from the wind hitting it?
There is finally a use for dryer lint! Take a small piece and let it go over your head, watching the direction it takes to the ground.
The same can be done with blades of grass (as you see pro golfers do on TV) or tiny shred of tissue paper, or even pocket lint from your jeans.
Lastly, try lighting a match or lighter and watch the flame. The wind will cause it to flutter away from the source of the breeze even if it is slight.
Do this as often and for as long as you can before determining the location and placement of smoke and odor-causing outdoor cookers and fireplaces.
You will be so glad you did. Don’t spend a ton of money on an expensive outdoor kitchen that is rendered unusable by smoke or smells!