Outdoor Kitchens

Create a great outdoor kitchen design

Dining outside has evolved from having a simple picnic to entertaining with full-service outdoor kitchens. Besides getting the family outside more frequently, an outdoor kitchen is a great way to control a party crowd and reduce your cleanup when the day is done. If you hate staying inside to cook while you’re guests enjoy the great weather, consider a kitchen upgrade this summer.

Choosing an Outdoor Kitchen Design

When drafting your outdoor kitchen plans, always work with a licensed professional. Since installing sinks and electrical appliances requires experience, this is not typically a DIY project. You should begin by selecting colors and styles that complement your indoor kitchen space or coordinate with existing outdoor decor, making appropriate adjustments to suit outdoor conditions. Focus on building with durable materials — such as natural stone, brick and granite — and avoid using wood, as it is more susceptible to water damage.

The size of your outdoor kitchen is a matter of choice, but the most important element of any outdoor kitchen design is the main cooking appliance, which may be a grill, a wood-fired oven or both. You can opt for a free-standing grill or an outdoor kitchen island (also called a grill island), which incorporates additional counter space, storage and other appliances. If you choose not to encase the appliances in stone or brick, the best alternative is to purchase stainless steel appliances, which have a sleek modern look and survive well in the outdoors.

For added protection, build a pergola over the kitchen area and cover the top with canvas during rainy weather. Pergolas are multi-functional, add to the overall aesthetic and create a defined space to really make your outdoor kitchen feel like a room.

Outdoor Kitchen Fixtures

You’ve fired up the grill, but what about the other appliances? Here are some factors to consider before your outdoor kitchen plans are complete:

Outdoor Sinks

Whether outdoor sinks are incorporated into the kitchen island or installed separately, you have a choice of cold water only or cold and hot water. A cold water source can be supplied easily by connecting the sink to your existing drainage system or attaching it to a hose. Supplying hot water requires additional plumbing to set up proper drainage to a sewer line and to provide insulation for the pipes, so weigh your options carefully before making a big investment.

Outdoor Refrigerator

Just as a fridge is essential to your indoor kitchen, an outdoor refrigerator completes your outdoor kitchen and makes outdoor cooking and dining convenient. You can purchase a fridge made specifically for outdoors, or you can apply a sealant or stainless steel detail to a traditional refrigerator. Remember that a refrigerator requires an electrical source, so prepare to set up your appliance in a safe location away from water and other potential hazards.

Lighting

If you want to be able to cook after dark, there must be enough light near the grilling station. You can provide sufficient lighting by using a mounting plate or attaching lights to the house.

Additional Benefits

Ultimately, the features you add to the kitchen should reflect your taste and needs. The options are endless, including outdoor fans to control smoke, complete sitting areas and outdoor bars and a crackling outdoor fireplace to warm up cool nights.

An outdoor kitchen combines the functionality of the indoors with the convenience and beauty of the outdoors, allowing you to cook over an open flame, cook while you entertain and enjoy great weather to the fullest. It can also significantly increase the market value of your home, so you’ll be making an investment in your home, your family and your future.