Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen Like A Pro
Apr 19th 2024
The idea of outdoor kitchens is exciting, probably because this is how our ancestors prepared their food for centuries. However, there is a big difference between setting up a run of the mill kitchen and doing it like a pro, and below are some tips which will ensure your outdoor kitchen is professional.
Know How Much You Want To Spend
The costs for installing an outdoor kitchen can and will vary significantly, based largely on the materials, appliances and size, so it is important to know how much you want to spend. Setting up a budget in advance will reduce the likelihood of going over cost while ensuring you get everything you want.
Make Sure Your Outdoor Kitchen Is Shielded From The Elements
Depending on where you live, your property might be exposed to extreme weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow, sleet, hail and high temperatures during summer. If this is the case, installing a roof or pergola with smoke ventilation will both protect the cooking space while allowing guests to sit in shade or keep them dry when it rains.
Divide The Outdoor Kitchen Space Into Zones
Establishing zoning for your outdoor kitchen can be a challenging task, but it is definitely worth it. The reason is because once the kitchen has been split into different zones, it will be easier to decide where the appliances will go. The space can be further zoned based on serving, plating, cooking, prep and entertaining, which will guide you in establishing the flow which is most natural and which will allow the plans to materialize in the way you envisioned.
Choose The Right Appliances
There are a lot of appliances that can be added to an outdoor kitchen, including a mini fridge, charcoal grill, and oven and dining area. You’ll need to decide what you need and whether or not you have the space to make it happen. What is great for one space might not work so well for another.
Consider The Storage And Landing Area
Once you begin setting up the outdoor space, it is essential to decide what areas will be used for storage, food preparation and cooking. Many homeowners overlook kitchen outdoor cabinets, but they are just as essential as their indoor counterparts because they make it easier to access supplies. You will also need to consider counter size, because if they are too small you can quickly run out of space when you need it the most.
Although many homeowners are thrilled with the idea of setting up an outdoor kitchen, and have the resources to do it, they don’t know where to start. This is where inspiration comes in. Take a look at online pictures of outdoor kitchens which have already been built to get some ideas on how you want yours to look. While you don’t want to blindly copy what someone else has done, seeing the kitchens of other people will lay the foundation which will allow you to create something which is unique to you and your family.
