Follow these 5 Tips to Designing Your Perfect Outdoor Kitchen
Designing the perfect outdoor kitchen layout involves carefully planning and considering various elements to ensure maximum functionality and aesthetics. With nearly 16 years of experience designing outdoor patios and living spaces, I’ve learned what works best and what to avoid. Here are five practical tips to help you create a beautiful and highly functional outdoor kitchen.
Keep Your Outdoor Kitchen Simple and Functional
It is easy to get carried away with your outdoor kitchen plans. This is definitely the case indoors, where the kitchen is often the heart of the home. You watch remodeling shows, and it’s all about the kitchen, the kitchen, the kitchen. You can spend tons of money on a kitchen, and while it is a good return on investment, remember you already have a nice kitchen in your home. A large outdoor kitchen might be great, or it might be another maintenance headache. And unless the entire outdoor kitchen is under roof, you will be better served using your house kitchen as the support for your outdoor one.
For your outdoor kitchen, keep in mind that the larger the event, the more you’ll be using your indoor kitchen to prep and plan. For instance, you’re probably not going to store all the meat you buy in an outdoor fridge—it’s going to be inside, where you can prep and marinate it. So, you don’t have to go overboard on the outdoor kitchen. Moreover, if you were to store dishes outside in some cabinet, will you trust their cleanliness enough to serve food to your guests on them?
As discussed in the article about the Big 3, a kitchen on a patio can be as simple as a small grill. At its core, an outdoor kitchen needs a fire to cook on, a place to prep, and a place to serve. Focus on a smart, functional kitchen made of low-maintenance, durable materials with a good open layout. This is the ultimate goal. There are plenty of ways to make it unique and reflect your personal style. In an outdoor kitchen, the backsplash isn’t one of them.
1. Decide on The General Placement of Your Kitchen First
Choose the Right Spot on Your Patio
Side / Corner Placement: Positioning your kitchen on the side of your patio allows for easy access from one or two directions. This setup works well for creating a linear flow. This is usually great for small patios or a large patio with a smaller section off the main patio.
Edge / Central Placement: Placing your kitchen on the edge of the patio, close to the middle, allows access from multiple directions, enhancing social interaction. This is a more centralized kitchen. This is used in very large , open patios, or longer patios where the linear nature of the patio has the “Big Three” elements in a row.
45° Corner Placement: A 45-degree angle placement in a corner can help with the flow of your patio, although it doesn’t necessarily save space. This is great where you have a corner placement but want the guest to enter from one main direction instead of two (which is often typical of corner outdoor kitchens).
Side Corner kitchen allows access from two sides.
The centrally located kitchen allows access from all sides
45° Corner kitchen has one major access route
Deciding on the placement is crucial as it determines how your entire kitchen will function and integrate with the rest of your outdoor space. Once you have where on your patio you want or need to place your kitchen, you can start to refine its layout.
2. Plan for Accessibility and Flow
Ensure Easy Access and Open Layout
Direct Path to Indoor Kitchen: Ensure your outdoor kitchen has a straight, unobstructed path to your indoor kitchen. This makes it easier to transport trays, utensils, and other items without disrupting your gathering.
Open Layout: Design your kitchen with open ends or pathways to avoid trapping anyone inside the cooking area. Even in a wrap-around kitchen, ensure there are clear entry and exit points. Keeping two points of entry/exit in your kitchen is safer and prevents a feeling of claustrophobia.
Guest Interaction: Consider whether you want your cooking area to be accessible to guests or more closed off for safety. You may want to position your cooking area so the chef can interact with guests while cooking. You may want to have a more communal space around a pizza oven or smoker. Perhaps you don’t want backseat grillers when you cook. You can opt for a more restricted and private cooking space. Be sure to consider the type of function YOU want YOUR kitchen to have.
By planning for accessibility and flow, you can create a functional and welcoming space that enhances your outdoor entertaining experience.
3. Consider Electrical and Plumbing Needs
Run Electricity for Convenience
Essential Appliances: Running electricity to your outdoor kitchen is relatively inexpensive and highly beneficial. It allows you to add appliances like a fridge, lighting, and outlets for blenders or other gadgets.
Lighting: Proper lighting ensures your kitchen is functional during evening gatherings. Many times this can be achieved by modifying existing porch lights connected to your house. Also, low-voltage lighting is a good option whether you decide for supplemental electrical service or not.
Follow Codes: When installing electrical outlets and fixtures, follow all local codes and regulations. Calling a professional is the fastest and safest way. In the end, the money is well spent and usually quite affordable.
You must widen the open space in your kitchen if you don’t have an open path through it.
Our Pizza Parlor Hangout kitchen has a large open area for communal baking.
Keep it simple. This is a highly functioning outdoor kitchen.
Understand Plumbing Challenges in Outdoor Kitchens
Water Supply vs. Drainage: Getting water to your outdoor kitchen is relatively easy, but drainage is a different story. Properly draining water away from your kitchen and tying it into your home’s drainage system can be complex and costly.
Professional Installation: Given the complexity of drainage systems, it’s often best to hire a professional for plumbing work. The cost, maintenance, and access to your drainage may be the determining factor in an outdoor sink installation.
Grills and Smokers: Decide whether you prefer gas, charcoal, or wood-fired options. Each has its benefits and drawbacks depending on your cooking style.
Pizza Ovens: If you love making pizzas and want to add a unique element to your kitchen, consider a wood-fired pizza oven.
Griddles and Side Burners: These can enhance your cooking versatility, allowing you to prepare a wider variety of dishes outdoors. You can often get griddle inserts that replace the grates of your professional outdoor grill. This can save you time and space. You won’t need to buy and house another outdoor cooking appliance. But, you won’t loose the versatility or functionality, either. Also, options like rotisserie can also expand your culinary abilities without breaking your budget.
A premium grill island may be all the kitchen you want or need.
Choosing the right cooking elements is essential for creating an outdoor kitchen that meets your culinary needs and preferences.
5. Think Low Maintenance
Choose Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
Countertops: Opt for durable materials like natural stone or concrete. Be aware that polished stones show scratches more easily, and granite is porous, requiring regular resealing. Avoid man-made materials that don’t hold up well under UV exposure. We opt for honed limestone in our kitchen kits. Consider alternative finishing methods other than polishing for a durable surface.
Minimal Cabinetry: Extensive cabinetry is not advisable unless your kitchen is under a roof. Even then, outdoor cabinetry is rarely advisable. There is little to store outside that will stay clean or not invite pests and critters. Stainless steel drawers can be useful, but avoid cabinets that can invite critters and are prone to weather damage. Store food and dishes indoors to maintain cleanliness and safety.
Key Features of the Unity-K Grill Station with Fireplace
The Unity-G Grill Station with Fireplace is designed to elevate your outdoor living experience, combining the functionality of a high-performance gas grill with the inviting warmth of a cozy fireplace. Perfect for small patios, this versatile setup offers efficient cooking and year-round enjoyment. Explore the key features that make this product a must-have for any outdoor space.
Integrated Fireplace – Choose from Our Range of Stylish Options
Our integrated fireplace options allow you to customize your outdoor space to match your aesthetic preferences. Choose from various styles and finishes to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
Natural Stone Countertops – Durable and Elegant
Enjoy the elegance and durability of 2″ thick honed limestone countertops. These natural stone surfaces are incredibly resilient and do not show scratches easily, ensuring your outdoor kitchen remains pristine and beautiful over time.
Seamless Integration – Cohesive Outdoor Living
The Unity Grill Station modules seamlessly integrate with our standard outdoor fireplaces, creating a unified and stylish look. Moreover, our modular outdoor kitchen components can be combined for a custom and cohesive backyard patio.
Easy to Build – Hassle-Free Assembly
The Unity Fireplace with Grill Stations are designed for straightforward assembly, making it easy to build without professional help. Clear instructions and all necessary hardware are included, allowing you to enjoy your new outdoor setup with minimal effort.
Expertly Curated for Premium Value and Peace of Mind
All our outdoor kitchen appliances are selected for their superior performance and value. The Unity-G Grill Station includes top-of-the-line cooking features that ensure ease, speed, and quality. We choose the best-performing appliances, so you don’t have to worry about what fits and what doesn’t.
With decades of experience, we’ve meticulously selected only the finest products that deliver exceptional value and peace of mind. Our offerings are low-maintenance, best-in-class, and come with outstanding warranties. Whenever possible, we choose products made in the USA, ensuring quality and supporting local businesses.
Why spend weeks searching online or paying someone thousands of dollars to put together a plan? Avoid the hassles, unknowns, wasted time, and added expenses. Cornerstone Rocks provides the best value in premium brands, coupled with the most efficient building system in the industry. Transform your outdoor space with confidence and ease.
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance, like sealing countertops and protecting exposed materials, can help prolong the life of your outdoor kitchen. Be sure to use covers for your appliances and take proper wintering measures for your location. If you live by the ocean and deal with salt spray- you probably are all too familiar with the damaging effects of mother nature.
Designing the perfect outdoor kitchen layout requires thoughtful planning and attention to detail. By starting with major decisions like placement and flow, then moving to more detailed decisions like electrical needs, cooking elements, zones, and materials, you can create a functional and beautiful space. Whether you’re cooking a family meal or hosting a large gathering, these tips will help you make the most of your outdoor kitchen. Happy designing!
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