6 Things To Consider For An Outdoor Kitchen

Creating an outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy your backyard all year round. Not only does an outdoor kitchen provide a great place to cook all kinds of delicious food, it can become a central gathering place in your backyard.

The thought of creating an outdoor kitchen might seem daunting, but it’s really pretty simple. But before you start cooking, there are some things you’ll want to consider.

 The Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple outdoor kitchen includes a grill and a countertop where you can prepare food.  From there, the sky is the limit.

Everything that is in your indoor kitchen can be included in your outdoor kitchen. This may include refrigerator, storage, dishwasher, heating pad, electrical outlets, usb charging outlets and lighting, among others. Today’s outdoor living manufacturers have made sure that not only is your home your castle, so is your backyard.

Fuel Your Passion

Cooking outdoors requires fuel to burn. If your home already has natural gas, it is not difficult to run a supply line to your new outdoor kitchen. It does, however, require a permit, a trench to be dug, and a plumber to make the connections, but it is the most reliable and easiest way to supply the necessary fuel.

If your home does not have natural gas, fear not,  propane tanks are the answer. Although it may be a little inconvenient to get refill tanks from time to time, it is worth it be able to cook outdoors. Two solutions are to always have an extra propane tank filled and ready to go, or subscribe to a propane tank delivery service.

 Location, Location, Location

The location of your outdoor kitchen is very important. If it is only to be used for cooking, then it can be placed just about anywhere on your patio. If, however, you intend to hold court around it as you cook, it should in a more prominent space to allow guests to easily move around it and to other areas of the patio.

It is also nice to place your outdoor kitchen in a little shade to provide a break from the hot afternoon or evening sun. Shade can be provided by a nice wooden pergola or a well placed tree.

 Create a Great Atmosphere

An outdoor kitchen is not just about the food. The ambiance is key to making it a truly great experience. If you’re cooking, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary supplies. This includes lighting, furniture, and plants for a more naturally appealing space. You can also make your outdoor kitchen as open or as enclosed as you see fit.

Get Creative with the Lighting

One of the most important things to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen is how it will be lit. While you may think that this doesn’t matter much because it is outside, cooking in the dark is not much fun.

LED lights can be set just under the counter for an amazing glow around the kitchen. Additionally, if a pergola has been installed, string lights can be hung from it or bullet lights can be positioned to shine down strategically.

Material Considerations

There are as many material options available as there are tastes.

Let’s start with the surround. The surround is the vertical part, or structure, of the outdoor kitchen.

The most traditional building materials are natural stone or brick. These are classic, always look great, and add beauty to any surrounding. In addition, every stackable block manufacturer has styles that range from traditional to very contemporary. All are available in a multitude of colors and shades to suit any taste.

When it comes to counter tops, there are also many options. Granite is available in a huge assortment of colors with all kinds of interesting variations. Flagstone makes for an elegantly simple counter. Just as there are many colors and styles of manufactured materials available for the surround, the same is true for the countertop.

 Conclusion

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider. When you’re ready to start designing your outdoor kitchen, take into account these consideration to make sure you make the most of your space and create the perfect outdoor kitchen for your family.

Additional Outdoor Kitchen Designs