There’s a lot that comes into play when planning a new outdoor kitchen. What appliances do you need? Are there weather extremes you should account for? Do you want the outdoor kitchen to be near the house, or located farther away? How much space do you have? These are all important questions to ask yourself before starting, and finding out how to optimize the space you have is vital when taking on such a big project. HGTV says, “Ask yourself how you’ll actually use the new space and what makes the most sense in terms of your home’s architecture and its existing landscape.” Remember: layout is key. So, put your thinking cap on and head outside to start planning out the perfect ways to optimize your future outdoor kitchen.
It’s All About Location
Place your outdoor kitchen where it makes sense. You might want to build it close to the house for easy access to the appliances and supplies you need to store inside. Arranging your outdoor setup so that you have a good view of your yard from the grill is always a good idea too—that way, you get to appreciate your lush landscaping and you won’t have to leave the party behind when grilling up food for guests!
Architect Richard Landry told HuffingtonPost, “Two important things to consider are safety and layout.” When you’re picking out that perfect location, think about where you can connect lighting, gas, and water easily, so you don’t begin building in a spot that’s too far away from one of these major lines. Running cords from your house to your outdoor appliances can also create a tripping hazard if not planned correctly. Even if you’re big on DIY, you might want to consider bringing in a pro to help you avoid any safety or design flaws.
Once you’ve decided where your outdoor kitchen will go, you have to figure out how much space you’ll need. If you love to entertain and dream of grilling up a feast fit for a king, go big and don’t skimp on space. If you prefer your parties to be a more intimate affair, just a few feet of cooking and serving space should get the job done.
Go with the Flow
Don’t let a disorganized, congested layout get in the way of making the most of your outdoor kitchen. K!tchn Magazine suggests that “dividing your outdoor kitchen into zones will allow you to maximize the space, increase flow and optimize your new build to be as efficient as possible.” One way to avoid traffic jams when everyone’s trying to grab a plate at your next cookout is by placing the grill at one end and adding a long counterspace next to it for prep work and easy food access. Make sure to add a sink for dish cleanup in an easily accessible spot. There are endless ways to arrange your outdoor kitchen, so find one that works for all your hosting needs. Creating zones for food preparation, cooking, serving, and cleaning will help your parties run smoothly and let you relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Appliance Reliance
Now it’s time for the fun part—picking out your appliances! At Don’s Appliances, you’ll find everything you need from outdoor cooking appliances, refrigeration, coolers, and all sorts of extras that might come in handy while barbecuing. Outdoor kitchens are usually equipped with a grill, a small refrigerator, and a sink at the very least. Be sure to install plenty of cabinets and storage spaces as well. If you want to max out your outdoor kitchen’s ease and efficiency, upgrade your space with a cooktop, sink, and other handy appliances from Don’s. Your outdoor kitchen is only as good as the appliances you pick out!
Weather the Storm
Whether it’s summer heat waves or winter snows, your outdoor kitchen will start to see some wear and tear if you don’t take steps to protect it from the elements. Be sure to properly winterize the kitchen space when cookout season comes to an end by draining the water lines and keeping your grill vent securely closed and covered. It’s always a good idea to have some kind of shelter over your outdoor kitchen too, whether it’s a newly built section of roofing or a retractable canopy. Be warned though: a canopy might do just fine deflecting summer sun, but it may not be able to stand up against heavy winter snows.
Planning the layout for your outdoor kitchen is the hardest part of the entire project. Each step has its own levels of difficulty, but once you’ve got your plans ready and designs in mind, your biggest struggles should be behind you. Now, it's time to get started creating a functional outdoor kitchen that fits your lifestyle!