Outdoor kitchen ideas are growing in popularity as more people are learning how convenient and fun having an outdoor kitchen can be.
Outdoor kitchens can be affordable and a good investment for your home. All you really need is a little bit of space and a little creativity to have the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
There are several options when planning your outdoor kitchen. The most common design styles include the basic island, a “U” shaped island and an “L” shaped island.
What you put into your kitchen island is up to you. Some outdoor kitchen ideas for the basic island would be to include a grill, a sink and a little work space. This is adequate for occasional light cooking.
A “U” shaped island may have room for a grill, a sink, some storage and some work space. Because of the compact shape, it would fit in a small yard and allow you to visit with guests while you are cooking. “L” shaped islands tend to be larger, giving you a lot more room for food preparation.
A grill could be located on the short side of the “L” while the longer side may contain a sink, a refrigerator, storage and other accessories.
If you decide on an island, there are more decisions to make. You can have one custom made for you, or you can use a pre-fabricated island.
Customizing your outdoor kitchen can allow you to go more upscale with granite, slate or other unique materials. Pre-fabricated islands are less expensive and come in a variety of configurations and finishes. Be sure to choose materials that will hold up well in your climate.
Now that you’ve chosen your design, you need to choose your appliances! A grill or smoker is a necessity. You’ll need to decide if you want a gas or charcoal grill, and what type fits best in your budget.
Grills can range from very affordable to very expensive. Other kitchen ideas include sinks, refrigerators, extra burners and more. Some people opt to put in a refrigerator beneath their prep area.
Adding extra gas burners can help you prepare a well-rounded meal. Whether or not you need burners depends on how much you anticipate using your outdoor kitchen.
Don’t forget the lighting! Outdoor kitchen ideas for lighting include ambiance lighting with soft white or colored bulbs, solar lighting and LED lighting that can give you the brightness you may need to cook after the sun goes down.
Finally, when you are going through your outdoor kitchen ideas, don’t forget seating and dining room for your family and friends. It is more fun to cook if you can join in the fun when you are entertaining. Choose seating that is comfortable and positioned for dining.
Bar stools may work well if you have a high counter top. Another option is to locate an outdoor dining table nearby. If you live in an area where it gets colder in winter, you may want to include a fireplace of some sort to keep everyone warm while you enjoy your outdoor kitchen.
Likewise if you have hot summers, you may want to include either umbrellas or some other covering to shade the area. If you get a lot of rain, be sure you have a waterproof grill cover to protect your investment.
Whatever you decide on for your personal kitchen, you’re sure to enjoy many hours cooking and entertaining. Your family and friends will enjoy your efforts and you’ll be the favorite host once they discover your beautiful kitchen.
