When you imagine your dream outdoor kitchen, you probably picture a sleek grill, a stylish bar, and cozy seating. Maybe you even see yourself flipping burgers while friends and family watch the game around your outdoor TV. But if you want your outdoor kitchen to be more than just a pretty setup – if you want it to be functional, comfortable, and enjoyable for years to come – you need to think beyond the basics.
The small details matter.
Overlooking a few key elements can mean frustration later on. So before you finalize your outdoor kitchen plans, take the time to consider the following details.
1. Smart Storage for Everything
Not that this would ever happen to you, but picture this: You’re in the middle of grilling the perfect steak, but you have to run inside to grab the tongs. Or you’re searching for the salt, only to realize it’s inside. So you run to get the tongs or salt and get caught up talking to someone on the way back. Before you know it, those steaks that were supposed to cook for two minutes per side have been grilling for six minutes and are now the consistency of a Nascar tire.
The solution? Built-in storage.
Outdoor kitchens need dedicated spaces for essentials like grilling utensils, seasonings, cutting boards, and serving platters. You can solve this issue by loading your cabinets up with drawers, spice racks, hooks and magnets (for hanging utensils), etc.
2. Proper Lighting for Evening Gatherings
Your outdoor kitchen probably looks great during the day. But what happens when the sun goes down? Without the right lighting, you might find yourself grilling in the dark or fumbling with a flashlight. (And who wants that?)
To avoid this, plan for multiple types of lighting:
- Task lighting: Bright, focused lights above the grill and prep areas so you can cook safely.
- Ambient lighting: Soft, warm lights for dining and seating areas to create a cozy atmosphere. String lights, lanterns, or sconces work well here.
- Pathway lighting: Low-level lights along walkways and stairs to prevent tripping hazards.
LED lights are a great option for energy efficiency, and dimmable lights allow you to adjust the mood depending on the occasion.
3. Weather-Resistant Materials That Last
An outdoor kitchen has to withstand a lot – heat, rain, sun, humidity, and sometimes snow. If you don’t choose the right materials, you’ll be dealing with rust, warping, or fading much sooner than you’d like.
For long-lasting durability, opt for stainless steel appliances, marine-grade cabinetry, stone or tile countertops, and weatherproof furniture. And for best results, you should work with a custom outdoor kitchen company that uses top-grade materials that are built to last. This will give you better results than going to your local hardware store and piecemealing stuff together.
4. Good Ventilation
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of picking out a grill or pizza oven, but don’t forget about ventilation. Without proper airflow, smoke can linger in your cooking space, making it uncomfortable – not to mention a potential fire hazard.
If your outdoor kitchen is covered or partially enclosed, be sure to:
- Install a vent hood above the grill to pull smoke away.
- Position the grill so smoke naturally flows away from seating areas.
- Allow for open-air circulation to prevent heat buildup.
Your guests (and your lungs) will thank you.
5. Shade and Shelter
A bright, sunny day seems perfect for grilling – until you’re sweating over a hot grill with no shade in sight. And when unexpected rain hits, an uncovered outdoor kitchen becomes unusable.
To keep your outdoor space comfortable year-round, think about where you can add some shade. Depending on your property and desired style, this may include perogies, retractable awnings, umbrellas, covered pavilions, or even screened-in patios. If you’re in a part of the country with extreme temperatures, you might even add an outdoor ceiling fan for airflow or an overhead heater for chilly nights.
6. Access to Utilities
Before you finalize your layout, think about how your outdoor kitchen connects to your property’s utilities. A beautiful design isn’t going to matter if you’re struggling to get gas, water, or electricity to your kitchen. Here are some details to think about:
- Water: Do you have a sink for easy cleanup, or will you be carrying dishes inside? Running a water line may be worth it.
- Gas: If your grill or burners run on gas, will you use a propane tank, or can you hook up to a natural gas line for convenience?
- Electricity: Where will outlets go for appliances, lighting, or even a mini-fridge? Weatherproof outlets with covers are a must.
Adding it All Up
If you want to separate your outdoor kitchen from all of the other ones in the neighborhood, you need to think carefully about the details. Hopefully, this article has given you a few ideas that you can implement to improve your outdoor kitchen from the bottom up!