Think the sound of a steak sizzling on the grill, the clink of ice in a glass, and the merriment of your friends or family laughing as you grill a meal outdoors. An outdoor kitchen can transform your backyard into an amazing dining destination for entertaining or family meals outdoors.
However, how do you create an outdoor kitchen that works without blowing your budget or sacrificing style? If you’re starting from scratch and dreaming of an outdoor kitchen or if you already have an outdoor kitchen setup and want to improve on an existing space, we’ve got you covered with our essential design tips to plan your backyard dream for the perfect outdoor kitchen.
The Outdoor Kitchen Dream
Almost every homeowner can recount the dream — a beautiful outdoor kitchen, an extension to a home and a personal haven for cooking and relaxing. In reality, though, turning a fantasy into a functioning, beautiful and enjoyable space necessitates careful thought and design.
Cooking is more complicated outdoors than indoors, even if the concept of al fresco cooking is simply delightful and the ultimate ideal. Where do we start? How can we provide the facilities we need to make it work as well as it looks?
You’re probably also thinking, ‘Doesn’t a backyard kitchen take a ton of time, money and effort to design and install?’ Well, with the right assistance you can do it in a way that’s achievable and designed to your specific needs and budget.
Start with a Plan: Assess Your Space and Needs
Before delving into the details of design, asses your space, and the needs you will impose upon it. How do you plan to use your outdoor kitchen?
Entertaining: If you plan to host large gatherings, lots of preparation space, seating, perhaps a bar area — all these things are important.
Family Dinners (Small, Intimate): Formal seating here could vary, but make sure you have enough seating for everyone to be comfortably accommodated.
What cooking style is your favorite?: Do you love to grill, smoke, fry, bake, or something else altogether, or are you a lover of all?
Location, Location, Location
It is important to find the best location to position your outdoor kitchen. The area should also be relatively close to your indoor kitchen as this will make it easy to transport food and cutlery. However, it is also good to bear in mind:
Shelter: A covered area can protect against weather and provide shade.
Ventilation: Make sure your house or flat has good ventilation, particularly if you have gas appliances, so that smoke and odours don’t linger.
Utilities: Gas, water and electricity must be on. Figure out how these will come into the house and where they’re going.
Layout and Zones: The Heart of Functionality
The most important aspect of an outdoor kitchen is a good layout. Ideally, an outdoor kitchen will have zoned areas, with the same functions as an indoor kitchen.
1. Prep Area: Ample counter space for chopping and assembling dishes.
2. The Cooking Zone: The grill, the oven, the stove. It will be fine if you have ample room to cook without having to stumble all over each other.
3. Serving Area: A place to plate and serve food.
4. Cleanup Zone: A sink and trash area for easy cleanup.
And you can make sure the most frequently used items are located according to the classic kitchen work triangle (the triangle formed where your sink, stove and refrigerator meet).
Choosing Appliances: Quality Over Quantity
An outdoor kitchen often has to use special appliances that are capable of withstanding the weather. When picking appliances, concentrate not only on quantity, but also on quality. You will need the following essentials:
Grill: That big slab of metal at the center of most outdoor kitchens that cooks your coals and cleans your kebabs. Gas, charcoal or electric, depending on your tastes.
Refrigerator: An outdoor-rated fridge is essential for keeping food and drinks cold.
Sink: For easy washing and access to water.
Accessories: Other appliances such as pizza ovens, smokers and side burners let you do a bit more than you might otherwise, but you can also do without.
Durable Materials: Built to Last
Also, because outdoor kitchens stand up to the elements, it is important to select materials that are easy to maintain and can withstand the weather:
Countertops: Solid surfaces such as granite, stainless steel, or concrete are best — they’re tough, resistant to heat, stains and weather.
Cabinetry: Stainless steel or marine-grade polymer cabinets withstand the elements better than traditional wood.
Flooring: Opt-in for non-slip, weather-resistant flooring like natural stone, concrete, or tile.
Comfortable and Practical Seating
Your outdoor kitchen is partly a dining facility as well as a cooking station. Make sure there are chairs and other furniture for people to sit comfortably:
Bar Stools: Great for casual dining and socializing around a bar area.
Dining Set: If space allows, a table and chairs for more formal dining.
Lounge Furniture: Sofas and chairs for relaxation and conversation.
Lighting: Function and Ambiance
It’s important to have the correct lighting to make the kitchen safe as well as pleasant. In this case, there is task lighting in the cooking and preparing area, with ambient lighting in the dining and sitting area. This is how:
String Lights: Add a cozy, festive touch.
Under-Counter Lights: For illuminating workspaces.
Overhead Fixtures: Provide general lighting and can be stylish design elements.
“Isn’t It Expensive and Complicated?”
Another concern we routinely hear is that designing an outside kitchen is complex and costly, and while that’s true, you can end up with an impressive outdoor cooking and entertainment room without taking out a second mortgage. Try incorporating one (or all) of these coupon code ideas to make the process affordable, cost-effective and low maintenance.
Start Small: Start simple. The grill, a worktop and fridge — over time, they can be added.
DIY vs professional help: Know what you can realistically do on your own and when it needs a professional. DIY can save time and money, but you might not be able to do everything, and utility connections are often a professional’s territory.
MORE FOR LESS: If you are a bargain hunter, find out what low-cost materials are available that are durable and stylish. Concrete countertops cost less than granite but perform as well.
The Seasonal Transformation
When you start thinking about what to incorporate as you plan your outdoor kitchen space, remember that you have a dynamic space in front of you. Think about what the space will be like to use through the year. You can start to research some ideas related to seasonal change (fire pit for winter and shade for summer).
Bringing It All Together: Personal Touches
At this stage, determine what each space will look like, decide on the appliances you’d like to use, and choose the finishes — and then make it yours:
Decor: Outdoor rugs, cushions, and decorative items can add color and personality.
Plants: Integrate greenery through potted plants, herb gardens, or vertical planters.
Entertainment: Create an entertainment area — perhaps with outside speakers, a TV or a built-in bar.
Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Awaits
Creating a workable outdoor kitchen is a terrific DIY project with huge payoffs. Thoughtful planning and careful design can turn a humble outdoor cooking station into a beautiful gathering place that will enrich your outdoor living experience for years to come. If you daydream and plan, sooner than you think, you’ll be cooking outside more often.
It’s time to start planning your amazing outdoor kitchen. Follow these tips that will help you create an outdoor space that delivers more fun, functionality and style to your backyard. Bon appétit!