9 Tips for designing the ideal outdoor kitchen

At Innodez, we believe in designing the perfect outdoor structures. Indeed, an outdoor structure should be an extension of your home’s style as well as aesthetic choices. A kitchen is an essential component in any home. Well, that’s because it is a place where families and friends come together to share fun times.

So, how do you make your outdoor space appear more cohesive? Simple! Try to set up an outdoor kitchen(exterior kitchen)! This outdoor project involves combining the kitchen’s familiarity and warmth with calm outdoors. Thus creating the perfect space for entertaining guests or relaxing.

If you’re planning to undertake such a project, there are some design tips you should consider. They will help you create the perfect outdoor kitchen to suit your needs and preferences. Here are some of those design tips:

1. Type of outdoor kitchen

Choosing the best kind of outdoor kitchen depends on various factors. Some of these factors include; lifestyle, space, and budget. A basic outdoor kitchen may include a store-bought outdoor counter bar and a grill. On extravagant, you can use as much money as you want.

But first, determine whether you want a simple or an operational outdoor kitchen. You can then proceed to decide what is luxurious and what is fundamental. Moreover, you can consider whether your taste and budget allow you to include extras. Remember, since we are talking about outdoors, don’t complicate nature!

2. Portable or Permanent?

Are renting or planning to move in a few years? Either way. It would be a grid idea to design an outdoor kitchen with moveable features and appliances. However, if you do not intend to move, determine a safe and convenient location.

Besides, use local materials that blend well with the exterior of your home. You can find blueprints and plans in books or online.

3. Available Space

How expansive is your property lot? Does it cover lots of acreages? If so, determining how far the outdoor kitchen should be from your house can be a challenge. All in all, ensure that it is not too far to power up your grill. For smaller lots, you have fewer options for positioning an outdoor kitchen and grill.

4. Cooking Styles

What is your favorite outdoor cooking method and style? Do you enjoy cooking a hamburger or grilled fish over a charcoal BBQ? What about cooking pizza in a brick oven? A smoker or tandoor?

Outdoor cooking involves various kitchen appliances. Some of them include; stoves, ovens, and an electric/ charcoal/ propane/ gas grill.

You should also consider whether you love preparing food outdoor or indoors. This will help you to determine whether you need something like a sink in your outdoor kitchen.

Also, consider the number of people you intend to cook for. Plan many of your preferred meals. Also, ensure that your kitchen can handle food preparation and cooking.

5. Budget

Create a budget for your outdoor kitchen project and stick to it. Yet, the cost of things like labor, and materials might end up increasing than projected. Also, expect extra costs for obtaining permits, hiring design, and other professional services.

6. Proper maintenance

Your outdoor kitchen will need regular maintenance. This is because it’s vulnerable to various elements. If you do not use it on a regular basis, make sure you maintain and cover its surfaces and appliances. This will make it easy for you to clean and maintain it.

7. Environment and climate

Do you live in Florida, California, or regions with mild climates? If that is the case you are likely to spend more time in your outdoor kitchen. Perhaps even more time than you spend on the indoor kitchen! So, it’s good to build a bigger exterior kitchen.

For areas with extreme weather conditions, build your outdoor kitchen within the yard. Also, look out for microclimates. This will help you to avoid spots that are too cold, hot, shady, or windy. If the area is rainy, plan the kitchen or grill under a patio roof or cover.

8. Household lifestyle

How many members of your household will be cooking in the outdoor kitchen? What’s their favorite cooking style? How often do they intend to use the kitchen and grill? While answering those questions, try to be as realistic as possible. You can even start simple and add extras and cooking appliances over time.

9. Materials

If you’re building a permanent kitchen, use the same materials as your home’s exterior. This can be materials like concrete, stucco, or brick. Using such materials on an outdoor kitchen creates continuity and makes it attractive.

There are also other factors that affect the selection of materials. This includes things like labor, budget, availability, scope, and size of the project.