With 70-degree weather like we’re having right now, the last thing I want to do is cook inside. Or do anything inside, for that matter. That’s what makes the thought of an outdoor kitchen so appealing. Although an outdoor kitchen might be as simple as a grill, there are plenty of options for creating an alfresco cooking space that functions just like your indoor kitchen.
Include these components, which are pivotal for kitchen design indoors or out, and you’ll be enjoying your new outdoor cooking space in no time.
Storage. Just like an indoor kitchen has myriad cabinets to corral dishes, food items, and the like, your outdoor kitchen should feature storage too. Of course, if your outdoor cooking space is located near your indoor kitchen, you can haul things back and forth. But having a few cabinets or a rolling cart allows you to stash frequently used items like grilling utensils and cleaning supplies right where they’re needed. And with an undercounter fridge, you can even store beverages for entertaining and foodstuffs for grilling right where you need them too.
Food prep. Whether it’s a rolling cart or a stretch of countertop, an easy-clean work surface is key for preparing and placing food as it goes on and off the grill. For even more food prep functionality, include a prep sink with a faucet so you have access to water for filling pots, cleaning veggies, and rinsing plates. Design note: Keep in mind that positioning your outdoor kitchen next to your house may make it possible to connect to your indoor plumbing, which can save on construction costs.
Cooking. The heart of the outdoor kitchen is, of course, the grill. But there are plenty of other grill features and additional cooking option worth considering too depending on how gourmet you want your outdoor cooking space to be. Many grills come with burners, which makes preparing side dishes outside a cinch (I used ours for making baked beans to accompany brats this weekend). Or how about a wood-burning oven, open fire pit, or smoker? Design note: Just as ventilation is important indoors, be sure to position your cooking area away from the house and facing such that the smoke moves away from your house and your guests.
Dining. Don’t forget to include a dining set or picnic table on the patio or deck. In fact, you may want to offer a couple of seating arrangements if there’s room, because once your outdoor kitchen is complete you’ll likely want to entertain quite a lot!
Cleanup. After the party’s over, make cleaning up a breeze by tossing food scraps in a garbage stashed under the countertop. Include a container for recycling bottles and cans as well. I’ve seen exceptionally high-end outdoor kitchens that include dishwashers, but if that’s out of your price range at the very least you can use your prep sink to rinse dishes before carrying them indoors.
So there you have it. The basics to creating the perfect outdoor kitchen. Of course, to increase functionality even more 
you’ll likely want to think about landscape lighting and additional amenities like speakers for listening to music. I’ll try to post on more outdoor kitchen-related topics soon. In the meantime, here are a few sources of outdoor kitchen planning information to take your ideas even further:
HGTV Outdoor Kitchen Design Guide
Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen courtesy of Lowe’s
Outdoor Kitchens Planning and Ideas from This Old House
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
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