An outdoor kitchen is the perfect place for you to gather with friends and family to enjoy great food and company under the sun. The outdoor kitchen is the centrepiece of an outdoor setting where you can cook, prepare and entertain. There are many things to keep in mind when it comes to planning your outdoor kitchen, to ensure that you have everything you need to have your dream outdoor kitchen, your first step is to start here.
Evaluate Your Space
Your outdoor kitchen will be tailored to your space. If you have lots of land, you have more flexibility in terms of where you want to position your kitchen. If this is the case, consider plotting your outdoor kitchen in closer proximity to your house to prevent you from walking a larger distance between your house and outdoor kitchen. To ensure that you are maximizing your space and picking the right appliances, measure the approximate size of the space that you are designating for your desired outdoor kitchen.
Define Your Budget
Setting your budget at the beginning of your project will help you plan your dream kitchen within your means. With a budget, you can measure your costs to ensure you are accomplishing everything you need. To build your budget, the first thing you’ll want to do is create a list of everything you are certain you want in your outdoor kitchen. The next thing you’ll want to do is factor in the expected costs associated with the items on your list. For example, you are certain you want a Crown Verity Built-In Grill, you should include delivery and install costs in your calculations of expected costs. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have an idea of how much your outdoor kitchen will cost, and you can adjust according to your budget. A rule of thumb is to leave space between your expected costs and your budget to leave room for those unexpected costs that may occur.
Layout
There are a few details to consider when it comes to planning the layout and functionality of your outdoor kitchen. Generally, there are four common layouts for your outdoor kitchen.
The Linear BBQ Island is an amazing option if your budget and space is smaller. The Linear BBQ Island has the space for your grill, a side burner, a mini fridge and counter space. Depending on your needs, a Linear BBQ has enough room for you to keep your prepped food on the countertop and plate-and-serve your food on the other side. This style is great if you have a smaller space and want to create an open-concept in a dining or fire-pit setting.
The Galley Island Style is two linear islands parallel to each other. This is useful if you have a bigger space dedicated to your outdoor kitchen. With this style, you have more space to prep your food, and entertain. You can also turn one side of your countertop into your bar area and add bar stools to give your outdoor kitchen a cozier vibe. With this style, your storage area is increased, which helps reduce the amount of times you need to walk from your house to your outdoor kitchen.
The L-Shaped BBQ Island is perfect for corner spaces in your outdoor kitchen. This style can allow you to have more space to cook and prep since it gives you the perfect “Working Triangle.” The L-Shaped BBQ Island is also great if you plan on having an open-concept outdoor kitchen. When it comes to entertaining, you will feel closer to your guests.
The U-Shape creates an enclosed, cozy space in your outdoor kitchen. This option is great if you plan on having multiple cooks in the kitchen at once. With this shape, you can define stations in your outdoor kitchen for prepping, cooking and plating, and have one person comfortably working at each station. This shape is ideal if you want a larger outdoor kitchen, giving you various options for configuration and functionality.
Appliances
Now that you have an idea of the layout and style of your outdoor kitchen, it’s time to explore your options for which appliances you need equipped in your kitchen. The standard appliances in your outdoor kitchen would generally include a BBQ, under-the-counter Fridge, and sink. You can take your outdoor kitchen a step further and add an Outdoor Wine Cellar, Warming Drawers, or Pizza Oven. Your appliance options are endless depending on the size and functionality you want for your outdoor kitchen. If you’re an avid wine drinker, and would love to entertain, opting for the outdoor wine cellar would allow you to store your wine bottles right where you need them. Understanding your outdoor kitchen’s purpose will allow you to understand which appliances are right for you in your outdoor kitchen.
You now have a great starting point to build your perfect outdoor kitchen. Building your outdoor kitchen is a fun and satisfying home project to take on. The outdoor kitchen adds value to your home and gives you extended space in your home to entertain and cook. Your outdoor kitchen is customizable to you and you the possibilities of how to make it unique are endless!