Outdoor Kitchen Design Basics

Cooking outdoors is a great way to entertain and serve a wide variety of meals. Grilling foods is an important food preparation method today and many people prefer to do this outside, to reduce smoke and odors indoors. We can cook outside with just a grill, but there are so many more possibilities that a designer can use to create an exciting cooking experience.

LOCATION

An outdoor kitchen is often planned next to or close to the kitchen of the house. This will increase the efficiency of extending water, gas and electrical utilities to the area. It will also be efficient for a cook who prepares part of the meal in the indoor kitchen and bring it to the outdoor eating area.

Examine the overall design of the private outdoor areas to consider how to integrate the kitchen with outdoor living areas, such as a pool or other landscape feature. Patio or deck areas will be needed for dining and conversation areas in the outdoor kitchen is part of the outdoor entertaining area.

The inclusion of shelter over an outdoor kitchen may depend on the climate and location of the house. How often does it rain? How hot does it get? Is shade needed? Will you be using the outdoor kitchen all year long or will you need to winterize it?

EQUIPMENT

The far grill is an essential element in the outdoor kitchen. The size and features of the grill are varied. Many appliance manufacturers have developed outdoor cooking grill units that have the capacity to act as an expanded cooking center. They have a grill and limited counter and warming areas.

An under-counter refrigeration unit is a possibility in an expanded outdoor kitchen. The unit should be UL-rated for outdoor use, well insulated and made of weather resistant material such as stainless steel.

While a sink might be desirable, it requires connection to water and sewer lines. Plumbing connections should be easily accessible. One option that does not require a complete plumbing installation is a sink with a connection to the outdoor hose system.

Cabinets and counters use outdoors must be weather-resistant. cabinets made of a light concrete material, stainless steel, solid surface, or teak would be good choices. Consider granite, slate, concrete, stainless steel, solid surface or tile for choices for countertops.

SPACE PLANNING

Typically, the grill is located at the center of the work flow in an outdoor kitchen. Work areas should be planned on both sides of any cooking appliances and on both sides of the sink. If the food preparation will actually occur in the outdoor kitchen, provide a 36-inch preparation space.

Because some outdoor kitchen are compact, following the guidelines for a work triangle may not be feasible. But clear floor space should be provided in front of all of the major appliances and fixtures. Often, more than one person is working in an outdoor kitchen and work centers or zones may actually be safer and more functional if they are separated. When outdoor decks and patios are planned on several levels, make sure extra wide traffic space is planned near level changes without rails.