Great Ideas for Outdoor Kitchen Design
The outdoor season is here, and with it comes summer barbecues and outdoor entertaining. If you love to grill and enjoy time with family and friends outside, then a full outdoor kitchen design may be just what you need! You know how important it is to have the right set up and tools for an efficient kitchen design and the same applies to outdoor cooking. A well-designed outdoor kitchen has everything you need from grilling weeknight dinners to hosting Saturday night barbecues for friends.
How do you get started?
Designing an outdoor kitchen design is quite similar to your indoor kitchen, but with a few key differences. Like an indoor remodeling project, you start by discussing your requirements with a kitchen design professional who can help you find the ideal layout, appliances, and storage solutions to fit your lifestyle, functional requirements, and budget.
Is an outdoor kitchen design worth it?
There are several benefits to creating a kitchen space to enhance your outdoor cooking and dining experience:
Having your supplies available where you cook means you don’t have to run back inside for your favorite spatula in the middle of cooking.
Customized cabinetry and storage allow you to organize your tools and ingredients just like you would in your indoor kitchen, so everything you need is at your fingertips.
The right cooking appliances allow you to channel your inner Aaron Franklin and create the barbecue treats your family and friends love. This typically includes a grill but could also incorporate a smoker or pizza oven.
Creating the perfect set up with everything you need means you can relax and enjoy outdoor cooking and dining. Everyone else can relax too when you have the right seating and lighting.
What next?
First, identify your requirements.
Think about what type of cooking you like to do, how often you cook outside, and who does the cooking. What beverages do you typically enjoy when dining and entertaining outside? What is your available space to set up an outdoor kitchen, and are you starting from scratch or do you have an existing set up? Will your outdoor kitchen design be located next the house or further away, and is it fully exposed or partially enclosed by a porch, pergola, or awning? The answers to these questions will inform your layout and the scope of your project.
Then decide what you need.
Outdoor appliances start with cooking up your favorite barbecue delights. The heart of this is a grill, which could include a standard gas grill, charcoal grill (if you like to go old school), or perhaps a larger, double sided grill if you tend to cook for larger groups. If your tastes go beyond standard barbecuing you may want to include other cooking appliances like a rotisserie, smoker, or pizza oven. Side burners expand your cooking horizons further, allowing you to prepare an entire meal in one place without having to run in and out of the house. A warming drawer is another useful addition.
Refrigeration is also essential for a full outdoor kitchen design. An undercounter refrigerator allows you to keep condiments, salads, and other perishable items cool and ready to go. Consider adding a separate beverage or wine refrigerator (or both!) away from the cooking area so guests can self-serve drinks while you cook. If space allows, install a bar with all your drink essentials. A fridge drawer, built-in kegerator, or ice maker are other specialized appliances that can up your outdoor entertaining game. Small appliances like a blender can be added if you enjoy summery cocktails, but make sure you include electrical outlets in key locations.
Customized storage is not just for your indoor spaces! Drawers and cabinets with specialized storage to hold all your cooking tools, small appliances, and even a separate set of dishware intended for outdoor use is also key to a well-organized outdoor kitchen design. Include enough countertop space to do all your food prep and to serve food and drinks. Make sure the materials you choose can withstand the elements, which is why stainless steel is often a top choice for outdoor kitchens. Other materials recognized as durable and low maintenance for outdoor surfaces are granite, concrete, and tile.
A lighting scheme and entertainment are also key to a well-designed outdoor kitchen space. Just like in your indoor spaces, you need ample task lighting on targeted areas like cooking surfaces, as well as ambient light sources. Make sure you also light seating areas, walkways, and steps. Add a fireplace or firepit to create the perfect ambience while also offering light and heat to your evening’s entertainment. A sound system or possibly a television in a covered outdoor space completes the setting, allowing you to play music or put on a favorite program while you cook.
If outdoor cooking and entertaining are what you look forward to all year long, a full outdoor kitchen design may be just what you need. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and to find out more about creating your dream outdoor kitchen space. We are available by appointment in our showroom or for online design meetings.