Cohousing-L Mailing List: Outdoor BBQ Grills

[Ann Zabaldo (zabaldo]

Hello all --

Gary Kent from Roberts Creek recently posted a query about building  
an outdoor BBQ grill.  My business partner, Meda Ling, is a landscape  
architect and design expert.  She is also a BBQ-Meister.   (What can  
be more perfect in life than when your occupational skills intersect  
w/ your favorite foods?)

Since her avocation in life is to increase BBQ'ing wherever she goes  
she offers the following advice for those of you interested in  
building your own BBQ pit.

Now, let's see ... where is that sauce? ...

Best --
Ann Zabaldo
Cohousing Collaborative
McLean, VA
703 663 3911

--begin--

Suggestions from a design pro who loves bbq:

1)	Siting the bbq -  locate so the prevailing breezes and winds carry  
any smoke AWAY from the grillmaster, dining area, and buildings.  If  
that is not possible – provide a protective surround from prevailing  
winds

2)      Include minimum of 3’ of heat tolerant counter
space on both sides of the of grill area to place
large platters – more is preferable if providing for
large group

3)	If possible, include a source of water/bar sink for hand washing &  
grill cleaning (alternatively provide space for a large portable  
container of water at or above counter height)

4)      Include space for a fire extinguisher near at hand

5)	If you are in a location that is hot & sunny –provide some shade  
relief for the grillmasters

6)	If you really want to get fancy – include  “parking space” for a  
trolley under the counter that can be used to move food/dishes to and  
from the kitchen to the bbq and from bbq to outdoor dining area and  
back to kitchen.

The preferred fuel source will largely dictate whether you use an  
insert or build custom.  Typically if you want natural gas or propane  
– you go with an insert.  If you want charcoal fired – you can custom  
build or use an insert.

If you decide on an insert – protective covering from the elements  
when the unit is not in use will increase longevity.

Consult with a bbq specialty shop/contractor – it will save you a lot  
of time and effort!  Even pro designers consult with the specialists.

--end--