Amazing Ideas to Consider When Building an Outdoor Kitchen
Create the back yard entertainment you've been dreaming of with an amazing outdoor kitchen! See the 8 ideas to consider when building an outdoor kitchen below!
Building The perfect backyard
This often ranks pretty high on most people's wish lists. It's hard to beat a day spent outdoors with cold drinks on tap and the smell of steaks sizzling away. Who wants to be stuck inside the whole time anyway?
It's no secret that the best back yards go the extra mile by having amazing outdoor kitchens. More and more homeowners are investing in having one of these modern setups built in their garden.
Whether you want to master a pizza oven, become an expert on the power burners or a maestro at the searing stations, it's not too late to make your dream backyard dining setup a reality.
In fact, 3 out of 4 households in the US already own a grill and use it on average at least 5 times a month. So why not take your alfresco eating and entertaining to the next level?
Here is 8 ideas to consider when building your outdoor kitchen:
1. How will you use it?
As with any major home improvement project, you need to sit down and work out what you want to achieve at the end. There's a big difference between cooking basic barbecues and producing a range of foods in a variety of styles using state of the art equipment.
Are you cooking for your family, small gatherings of friends or large groups? Deciding these things early on will help you pick the size and extent of your equipment. Do you just need a barbecue and fridge? Or, do you want outdoor preparation surfaces, an oven and storage space? Do you want a fire pit surrounded by lots of seating, comfy outdoor sofas for drinks or a chic outdoor dining table?
Top tip! Whatever you decide, do try to install a sink. It makes food prep and cleaning up a whole lot easier.
2. What do you want to cook?
Next up, what food do you want to cook in your outdoor kitchen? The meals you want to prepare and eat will determine the equipment you need to buy. Lots of you will want to grill the usual barbecue favorites and therefore should check out:
Choose your appliances wisely. We recommend Grills that are Made in the USA, such as Lynx, Alfrescoand Artisan as the two best choices in gas grills.
If you do not need a new grill, you may also want to repair your current bbq and stock up on state-of-the-art barbecue parts which range from heat plates and warming racks to repair parts and cooking grids.
For those of you looking for something a bit special, outdoor ovens for pizza, bread, meat – even cakes – as well as rotisseries, smokers, wok burners and teppanyaki plates are fantastic choices.
3. Where do you want it to go?
Pinpoint an area where you want to entertain and build you space from there. It's worth having it relatively close to your inside kitchen area if your outdoor kitchen will be used in conjunction with your everyday one. However, if your outside space is stand-alone and you plan for it to have everything you need, you can be more flexible with location.
Work out the logistics of lighting, music systems, and heating in advance. If you have a pool, build your space nearby - perfect for throwing a killer party!
4. Do you want to use it 365 days a year?
To make the most of your outdoor kitchen, make it usable all year round. Create the ability to shelter from the wind, sun, and rain if necessary. Be careful to choose screens or canopies that are non-combustible.
Top tip! Make half of the outdoor space covered and the other half exposed, meaning you can host events regardless of the weather. Choose a relatively sheltered area and make use of patio heaters in the cooler months.
5. What design do you want to go for?
There are so many outdoor kitchen designs from which to choose. From rustic and low-key, to modern and bright, you can tailor your space to suit your tastes and needs.
Do you want to match it to your interior decor or do you want it to have its own vibe?
Try red brick for a classic look or wood for a cozy, natural feel.
You could also incorporate sleek granite worktops and attractive lighting. Another great idea is to build an outdoor living room connected to the cooking area.
Ventilation is important, so pay attention to the space above and below your grill. You want the smoke to blow away from your cooking area at all times.
Read next: Top 3 Luxury Grill Brand Comparison - Alfresco vs Lynx vs Twin Eagles
6. Plan, plan, plan
Once you've considered the above points, you can start designing a layout. (See our infographic above)
Ensure the size, position and proximity of refrigerators, hot areas (barbecues, ovens, cook stations), sinks, prep benches, and storage are all placed with ease of use in mind.
The key is to make everything flow.
7. Do you want it to connect to your current kitchen?
If the answer if yes, consider a design that allows the two to merge seamlessly to create one large, awesome entertaining space when you open the doors. This is a great way to make your house seem bigger too.
You could create clean lines by having your counter-top and work surfaces continue from inside.
Read next: Why The BBQ Depot is the Outdoor Kitchen Experts
8. Consider the benefits of having an outdoor kitchen
- Good for entertaining
- Increases value of your home
- Saves on utility bills
- Keeps smells outside
- Expands your living space
- Improve the taste of healthier food
- Save money on restaurant meals
Conclusion
So why are alfresco outdoor kitchens becoming so popular? President and CEO of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association says there are 3 reasons.
"Consumer confidence is strong enough to encourage people to upgrade their grills. Our nation's passion for culinary adventure continues to expand. And more consumers are reinvesting in their homes."
Whether you want to spruce up an existing outside area, start designing one from scratch, repair your grill or shop for new equipment, The BBQ depot is here to help. With over 20 years of experience in designing and building outdoor dining solutions, we know how important it is to make your vision a reality.
A quality outdoor kitchen can change the whole feel of your home. From sinks and refrigerators to islands and other outdoor cooking needs, we have it all.
Once you have your outdoor kitchen up and running, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it! What are you waiting for?
Selecting Your Outdoor Kitchen Components
1. Let us know your dream appliances and components. The BBQ Depot Design Solutions will transform your vision of a dream backyard kitchen and entertainment area, and make it a reality!
2. We Will Design It - Once you have chosen your perfect Grilling package, The BBQ Depot's complementary design service will take your ideas and turn it into a functioning layout that will create your vision of the ultimate outdoor kitchen.
3. The BBQ Depot has, without question, the most complete, extensive knowledge on the highest quality and most versatile outdoor kitchen equipment components around . Make your patio the centerpiece of your home!
