L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchens: Layout Ideas, Dimensions & Design Tips

An outdoor kitchen should make cooking, preparation, serving, and entertaining feel connected - not crowded. An L-shaped outdoor kitchen can help achieve that by using two cabinet runs to create distinct zones while keeping the cooking area close to the rest of the space.

Chicago Brick Oven offers outdoor kitchen cabinet configurations in different layouts and sizes. When comparing these options, it is important to distinguish between the 17-foot Elmhurst L-shaped kitchen, the 20-foot Winnetka L-shaped kitchen with a 45° corner, and the 9-foot Lombard one-wall kitchen. These are different configurations designed for different spaces.

This guide explains how L-shaped outdoor kitchens work, how to choose the right layout, and how to plan your CBO outdoor kitchen around your pizza oven, appliances, storage, and available space.

What Is an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen?

An L-shaped outdoor kitchen uses two cabinet runs that meet to create an L-shaped footprint.

One run can accommodate cooking equipment such as a grill or pizza oven, while the other can provide countertop space, storage, refrigeration, or additional appliances.

The layout can help separate different activities without requiring a completely separate outdoor cooking and entertaining area.

However, not every CBO outdoor kitchen configuration is L-shaped. This is an important distinction when comparing CBO's kitchen sets.

For example:

• Elmhurst: 17-foot L-shaped outdoor kitchen
• Winnetka: 20-foot L-shaped outdoor kitchen with a 45° corner
• Lombard: 9-foot one-wall/straight outdoor kitchen

The Lombard should therefore not be described as a 17-foot L-shaped kitchen.

Why Choose an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen?

An L-shaped layout can be useful when you want more than a simple straight cooking line but do not need the footprint of a U-shaped kitchen.

Create Separate Cooking and Prep Zones

One side of the kitchen can focus on cooking, while the other provides space for preparing ingredients, serving food, and storing equipment.

Keep the Pizza Oven at the Center of the Action

A Chicago Brick Oven pizza oven can serve as a visual focal point within an outdoor kitchen.

Positioning the oven along one run can leave the other run available for preparation, storage, refrigeration, or serving.

Make Better Use of a Corner

Instead of leaving the corner of the patio unused, an L-shaped configuration can incorporate it into the kitchen layout.

Provide More Counter Space

Compared with a compact straight kitchen, an L-shaped configuration can provide more continuous workspace while still keeping the overall layout relatively open.

L-Shaped vs. Straight vs. U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchens

The best layout depends on the available space and how you plan to use the kitchen.

An L-shaped layout provides more zoning than a straight kitchen, while generally requiring less space than a U-shaped configuration.

For smaller spaces, a straight or one-wall kitchen may be more appropriate.

That's where the CBO Lombard 9' One-Wall Kitchen can be a better fit than an L-shaped layout. 

How Big Should an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Be?

The right size depends on your available patio or backyard space, the appliances you want to include, and how much room you need to move around the cooking area.

CBO's relevant kitchen configurations include:

Elmhurst: 17-Foot L-Shaped Kitchen

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The CBO Elmhurst Kitchen is a 17-foot L-shaped outdoor kitchen with two 8'5" sides. Its 29"-deep cabinets have an adjustable height of 31" to 36", giving you flexible space for cooking, storage, and entertaining. Its practical L-shaped layout makes it a great choice for creating a functional and well-organized outdoor kitchen.

This makes Elmhurst a useful option for homeowners looking for a full L-shaped layout without moving into the larger Winnetka configuration.

Winnetka: 20-Foot L-Shaped Kitchen With a 45° Corner

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The CBO Winnetka Kitchen is a 20-foot L-shaped outdoor kitchen featuring a 45° corner.
The 45° measurement refers to the angle of the corner, creating a distinctive angled layout within the 20-foot kitchen. This spacious configuration provides room for cooking, preparation, storage, and entertaining. 

Lombard: 9-Foot One-Wall Kitchen

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The CBO Lombard Kitchen is a 9-foot one-wall/straight outdoor kitchen, not an L-shaped configuration.

Its cabinet depth is 29", with adjustable cabinet height from 31" to 36".

For a narrow patio or a space where two cabinet runs are not practical, Lombard provides a more compact alternative.

Designing an Outdoor Kitchen Around a Pizza Oven

If a pizza oven is going to be the centerpiece of your outdoor kitchen, consider its placement before deciding where the other appliances and cabinets will go.

Start With the Oven

Determine:

• Which CBO oven you want
• The oven's dimensions
• Required support or cabinet configuration
• Chimney location
• Fuel requirements
• How much counter space you want next to the oven

Once the oven location is established, the rest of the kitchen can be planned around it.

Create a Prep Area Nearby

Pizza preparation works best when your dough, toppings, tools, and serving area are within easy reach of the oven.

A countertop run beside or opposite the oven can provide space for:

• Dough preparation
• Toppings
• Pizza peels
• Cutting and serving
• Plates and cookware

Keep Heat-Producing Appliances Organized

If the kitchen includes a grill, rangetop, or other cooking equipment, think about how each appliance will be used in relation to the oven.

The goal is to avoid creating a layout where multiple cooking appliances compete for the same workspace.

Cabinet and Storage Considerations

Outdoor kitchen cabinets need to provide more than a place to hide equipment.

A well-planned layout should account for:

• Cooking equipment
• Refrigeration
• Dry storage
• Cookware
• Serving supplies
• Pizza-making accessories
• Cleaning supplies

CBO offers different cabinet configurations and accessories that can be incorporated into an outdoor kitchen design.

Corner Cabinet

An L-shaped kitchen naturally creates a corner transition between the two runs.

A dedicated corner cabinet can make better use of this area while maintaining a continuous kitchen layout.

Refrigeration Cabinet

A refrigeration cabinet can place cold ingredients and beverages within easy reach of the prep and serving areas.

Appliance Cabinet

An appliance cabinet can help integrate additional equipment without allowing the countertop to become overcrowded.

Best CBO Kitchen Sets for Different Outdoor Spaces

When choosing between CBO's kitchen configurations, start with the layout, not just the kitchen's name.

The distinction between these products is important.

Elmhurst and Winnetka are L-shaped kitchens. Lombard is a straight one-wall kitchen.

Step-by-Step: How to Plan an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen

1. Measure Your Available Space

Start by measuring the patio or outdoor area where the kitchen will be installed.

Record:

• Available width
• Available depth
• Existing walls
• Doors and walkways
• Utility connections
• Overhead structures
• Seating areas

2. Decide Which Layout Fits

Determine whether you have enough room for two cabinet runs.

Choose:

• L-shaped for a two-run kitchen
• Straight/one-wall for narrower spaces
• U-shaped when you have substantially more space and want additional workspace

3. Choose Your CBO Kitchen Configuration

For an L-shaped configuration, compare the 17-foot Elmhurst and 20-foot Winnetka.

If you need a more compact straight layout, consider the 9-foot Lombard.

4. Plan the Pizza Oven Location

Decide where the pizza oven will sit before finalizing the rest of the kitchen.

Consider chimney clearance, access, preparation space, and how people will move around the oven.

5. Add Appliances

Once the oven is positioned, determine where the grill, refrigerator, storage, or other appliances will go.

6. Plan Counter Space

Leave enough workspace for food preparation and serving.

Avoid filling every available cabinet section with appliances.

7. Consider Traffic Flow

The kitchen should allow people to move between the cooking area, preparation area, seating area, and serving area without creating unnecessary congestion.

As a general planning consideration, allow adequate walkway space for the number of people expected to cook simultaneously. Exact spacing should be confirmed for your specific layout, appliances, and local requirements.

8. Confirm Appliance Dimensions

Appliance specifications should be checked before ordering the cabinet configuration.

Pros and Cons of an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen

Expert Tips for Designing an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen

Plan the Oven First

If your outdoor kitchen will include a Chicago Brick Oven pizza oven, establish its location before designing the rest of the kitchen.

Don't Confuse Kitchen Names With Layouts

This is particularly important when comparing CBO's products.

The correct classifications are:

• Elmhurst — 17' L-shaped
• Winnetka — 20' L-shaped with a 45° corner
• Lombard — 9' one-wall/straight

Check Appliance Specifications Before Ordering

CBO's ready-to-finish kitchen cabinets are designed to accommodate built-in outdoor appliances, but appliance dimensions should be checked before ordering to ensure the selected configuration is appropriate.

Leave Room for People, Not Just Appliances

An outdoor kitchen should be comfortable to use.

Don't design the layout by filling every available inch with cabinets and equipment. Leave adequate circulation space around the cooking area and consider where guests will stand or sit.

Key Takeaways

• An L-shaped outdoor kitchen uses two cabinet runs to create separate cooking and preparation zones.
• The CBO Elmhurst Kitchen is a 17-foot L-shaped configuration.
• The CBO Winnetka Kitchen is a 20-foot L-shaped configuration with a 45° corner.
• The CBO Lombard Kitchen is a 9-foot one-wall/straight configuration, not an L-shaped kitchen.
• The 45° measurement on the Winnetka refers to the corner angle, not the kitchen's length.
• Choose the kitchen layout based on your available space, cooking needs, appliance requirements, and traffic flow.
• Plan the pizza oven location before finalizing the rest of the kitchen.
• Confirm appliance dimensions before ordering a ready-to-finish cabinet configuration.

Conclusion

An L-shaped outdoor kitchen can provide a practical balance between cooking space, preparation areas, storage, and entertaining.

Chicago Brick Oven's Elmhurst and Winnetka configurations provide two different L-shaped options: the 17-foot Elmhurst and the 20-foot Winnetka with its 45° corner. For homeowners working with a smaller or narrower space, the 9-foot Lombard one-wall kitchen offers a different layout rather than an L-shaped alternative.

The best starting point is to measure your available space, decide which layout fits, choose the appropriate CBO kitchen configuration, and then plan your pizza oven and other appliances around that layout.

With the right configuration, your outdoor kitchen can provide a dedicated space for cooking, preparation, serving, and entertaining without overwhelming the rest of your outdoor living area.

Ready to plan your outdoor kitchen? Explore Chicago Brick Oven's outdoor kitchen designs and choose the configuration that best fits your space and cooking plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an L-shaped outdoor kitchen?

An L-shaped outdoor kitchen uses two cabinet runs arranged in an L configuration. The layout can separate cooking, preparation, storage, and entertaining areas while keeping them connected.

What size is the CBO Elmhurst Kitchen?

The CBO Elmhurst Kitchen is a 17-foot L-shaped outdoor kitchen. CBO specifies that each side measures approximately 8'5".

What size is the CBO Winnetka Kitchen?

The CBO Winnetka Kitchen is a 20-foot L-shaped outdoor kitchen with a 45° corner. The 45° measurement refers to the corner angle, not the kitchen's length.

Is the CBO Lombard Kitchen L-shaped?

No. The CBO Lombard Kitchen is a 9-foot one-wall/straight outdoor kitchen.

Which CBO kitchen is best for a smaller outdoor space?

A straight one-wall configuration can be more appropriate when space is limited.

The CBO Lombard is a 9-foot one-wall layout designed for a more compact footprint.

Is an L-shaped outdoor kitchen better than a straight kitchen?

It depends on the space and how you plan to use the kitchen.

An L-shaped layout provides more separation between cooking and preparation zones, while a straight kitchen generally requires less space and can be easier to fit into a narrow patio.

Can I include a pizza oven in an L-shaped outdoor kitchen?

Yes. A pizza oven can be incorporated into an L-shaped outdoor kitchen, with the remaining cabinet run used for preparation, storage, refrigeration, or other appliances.

The exact oven and cabinet configuration should be planned together.

Do CBO outdoor kitchen sets include appliances?

The ready-to-finish CBO kitchen cabinet pages state that appliance images are for reference and that appliances and finishing materials are purchased separately. Always check the appliance specifications before ordering the cabinet configuration.