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9 Tips To Design Your Outdoor Kitchen

Do you want to design an outdoor kitchen but aren’t sure what to do about it? We have a list of 9 tips to help you design your outdoor kitchen.

However, it is best not to host your guests in close spaces because of the pandemic. In this case, an outdoor kitchen is an excellent place to gather with friends and family.

When it comes to cooking, anything that can be done indoors can also be done outside, and sometimes a meal prepared in the great outdoors is even better.

But before anything else, plan your outdoor kitchen ahead of time so you can enjoy your barbeque party with friends and family. And to help you plan it, make sure you check out these 9 tips. Then you will indeed have an amazing outdoor kitchen!

1. Research The Types of Outdoor Kitchens

There are different outdoor kitchen types. The best type of outdoor kitchen depends on your budget, lifestyle, and available space. A grill and an outside bar that serves as a countertop are the essential features of an outdoor kitchen.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to more extravagant set-ups! You may get anything and add it to your outdoor kitchen, and you can spend as much as you like.

Decide on whether you want a fully working kitchen or something simpler. You can then decide what is essential and an amenity and whether your budget and taste allow for the luxuries. Remember that you’re outside, so don’t make things too complicated.

2. Estimate the Space Available

When it comes to planning an outdoor kitchen, the next step is to assess the available space in your home.

If you live on a large property with much space, your difficulty may be ensuring that you don’t have to walk too far from the house to the outdoor kitchen to start the grill. 

But because most homes are smaller, there are fewer options for putting a grill and an outdoor kitchen.

3. Think About If You Want A Permanent or Portable Outdoor Kitchen

You also have to consider setting up an outdoor kitchen if you want it to be permanent or portable. 

It’s a good idea to equip your outdoor kitchen with portable equipment and features if you rent or plan to move within the next few years.

However, if you don’t plan on relocating, an outdoor kitchen is a fun thing to plan and DIY. Look for designs and blueprints online or in books, and choose a convenient and safe place. Use materials that complement the exterior of your home and are locally available.

4. Know Your Budget

Know and set your budget and stick to it. Materials, appliances, and labor can quickly spiral out of control, costing far more than expected.

Extra costs include hiring a designer, obtaining permits, purchasing tools, and hiring expert help for areas like electrical and plumbing. 

However, you can save if you know how to DIY some things that don’t need hiring an expert.

5. Identify Your Preferred Cooking Methods

A gas, propane, electric, or charcoal grill, as well as different ovens and stoves, can all be found in an outdoor kitchen. 

Do you like to prepare food outside, such as fish, or are you content to prepare it inside then cook it outside? Are you a fan of grilled fish or hamburgers cooked on a charcoal grill? What about pizza cooked on a brick oven outside? Or do you need an outdoor deep fryer? Is it necessary to have a kitchen sink outside? Ask yourself these questions to identify what your outdoor kitchen should have.

Consider the maximum number of people you’ll be cooking for when designing your outdoor kitchen. Plan a few of your favorite outdoor meals and double-check that the outdoor kitchen you’ve chosen can handle the prep and cooking. And make adjustments from there.

6. Consider The Weather And The Environment

The weather and the environment have played an important factor in your outdoor kitchen. You’ll use your outdoor kitchen more frequently if you reside in the western United States, Florida, or another warm-weather zone. A larger outdoor kitchen may be appropriate.

Location within your yard is essential for other places that experience more intense weather. Windy, too hot, too gloomy, or too chilly are all considerations to keep in mind. Consider putting your grill or stove beneath a cover or a partial patio roof if you live in a rainy zone.

7. Have A Proper Maintenance

An outdoor kitchen is exposed to different elements. You must cover and maintain your appliances and surfaces because they are exposed to the weather, even if they aren’t used frequently.

Consider how much time and effort it will take to keep an outdoor kitchen you designed or installed in good condition. Will you have help, or will you be on your own as the chef and cleaner? You can make things easier on yourself by doing fewer tasks.

8. Choose The Right Materials For Your Outdoor Kitchen

If the kitchen will be permanent, materials like brick, concrete, stucco, and metal or tile features. When utilized on an outside construction, such as a kitchen, these are appealing and provide consistency in your design.

Aside from aesthetics, money, availability, and labor, the size and scope of your outdoor kitchen will have an impact on the materials you choose. Choose materials that can resist the various climates in your area.

9. Make Changes To Fit The Family’s Lifestyle

How many family members will be grilling outside, and what type of grilling do they prefer? How often do you plan to use the grill and kitchen with your friends and family? 

Be truthful to yourself. Starting small and slowly adding appliances and accessories as you gain experience is always a good idea.

people also ask

How do I Protect my outdoor kitchen From Weather?

Putting a roof, pergola, and another cover over your outdoor kitchen is one way to maintain it in good shape and protect it from the weather. A roof will maintain your kitchen safe and clean and it will also block the sun and keep the room cooler. With a roof, the area can even be used when the weather is bad.

What does an outdoor kitchen need?

For most outdoor kitchens, the built-in gas grill is the most-used item. A basic set-up also has doors for getting in and out, side burner, small refrigerator, and a trash can.

Do outdoor kitchens make your home more valuable?

Absolute Outdoor Kitchens did a study and found that homes with an outdoor kitchen have a return on investment that is between 100% and 200% higher than homes without one. So, outdoor kitchens add a lot to the value of a home.

Conclusion

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home can greatly increase your living and entertaining area. Whether you want a rustic outdoor pizza oven or a modern stainless steel line, you can have it all.

However, there are a few factors to keep in mind before you start construction. Consider the type of outdoor kitchen, space available, what outside appliances you’ll need, and how everything will hold up to the elements when designing a functional and long-lasting outdoor kitchen.

Now that you’ve read these nine tips, you’re ready to start designing your perfect outdoor kitchen. Show off your cast iron cookware and cooking skills to your family and friends.

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