What is an outdoor kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is a space in your yard where you can BBQ, entertain, and eat with family and friends. Extend your living space and enjoy more time outdoors dining, laughing, and just relaxing.
Outdoor kitchens can be simple, elaborate, or somewhere in between, depending on what suits your space, budget, and lifestyle. At the minimum, an outdoor kitchen needs a high quality gas barbeque, a dining table with comfortable seating, and an outdoor drinks cooler to keep chilled beverages on hand. Most outdoor kitchens will also include some prep space and storage, whether it is built in under the BBQ, a freestanding island, or built-in cabinets under a fixed workspace.
Many homeowners want an outdoor kitchen that is truly like a kitchen and living & dining space outdoors to take full advantage of beautiful sunny days and cool evenings. In that case, the outdoor kitchen will usually include a mini fridge, a sink, ample counter space, a dining set, and conversation seating with outdoor sofas and chairs.
It can be a lot of fun to design an outdoor kitchen with all of the special features that will maximise your enjoyment of the space. The only limit is your creativity!
How to choose an outdoor kitchen?
The first decision to make when choosing an outdoor kitchen is whether you want it to be built-in, portable, or modular. Built-in outdoor kitchens are bespoke kitchens where every detail can be selected. A built-in outdoor kitchen is often situated against the side of your house to take advantage of access to existing plumbing, electrical, and gas lines, or in a showcase space like poolside. A custom outdoor kitchen will usually have everything needed to prepare food and drinks, BBQ, eat, and relax, without having to run back and forth into the main house.
Portable outdoor kitchens are a good choice for small spaces like a deck or a small patio. They usually include a gas BBQ with wheels, a dining table and chairs (look for chairs that are easy to stack or fold out of the way for other activities), and a drinks cooler. If space allows, add in a freestanding outdoor kitchen island or side cart for grilling prep space, mixing drinks, and storing BBQ accessories.
Modular outdoor kitchens are somewhere in the middle. They are premade freestanding outdoor kitchen units that can be mixed and matched to fit your plans and budget. Often made of durable materials like stainless steel, they can range from a small unit with a sink, a grill, and a bar top to a large L-shaped unit with a mini fridge, wine cooler, sink, grill, griddle, and much more.
Choosing appliances for outdoor kitchens
The first thing to know when choosing appliances for outdoor kitchens is that they must be specially designed to be used outside. Outdoor appliances need to be weather resistant, rust-proof, and built to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. People often ask, “Can I use a regular indoor refrigerator in an outdoor kitchen?” The answer is no.
Expect to pay a little more for outdoor appliances because they have to be made to take more of a beating than standard kitchen appliances. If you invest in high quality appliances now, you will be able to enjoy years of entertaining in your outdoor kitchen!
Essential appliances for an outdoor kitchen
There are certain outdoor kitchen appliances that are must-haves, including:
Once you have chosen the basic appliances for your outdoor kitchen, think about the specialty appliances that you would like to have. Your list will vary, depending on what you like to cook and how you like to entertain. If you pride yourself on your bartending skills, a wine cooler, an ice maker, and a blender for daiquiris will be essential. Or maybe you like to cook pizzas for your family or even make bacon and eggs for an outdoor brunch on a griddle. The sky’s the limit!
These are some popular outdoor kitchen appliances:
- Smoker
- Wine cooler
- Wood fired pizza oven
- Teppanyaki
- Warming drawers
- Griddle
- Ice maker
- Blender
Choosing flooring and worktops for outdoor kitchens
When it comes to flooring and worktops for your outdoor kitchen, think about functionality, durability, style, and your space. They need to be weather resistant and UV-light resistant to minimise fading in sunlight. Lighter coloured worktops will not fade in direct sunlight as much as dark coloured counters and will feel less hot to the touch. In the case of built-in barbecues, the worktop needs to be able to withstand high temperatures (a heat shield around the BBQ is also important).
Flooring should be chosen with use and location in mind. For example, if your outdoor kitchen will be poolside, look for a non-slip surface that is suitable for wet, bare feet. Since you will be cooking, flammability is important; non-combustible composite decking may be a safer choice than wood decking.
Best materials for outdoor kitchens
Wondering which materials are best for outdoor kitchens? For flooring, worktops, and furniture, natural materials are usually good options, except when it comes to outdoor rugs. These are outdoor kitchen materials that work well:
- Stainless steel for appliances
- Wood decking (or composite decking near cooking appliances)
- Granite worktops
- Natural stone flagstones
- Granite countertops
- Brick
- Concrete
- Stucco
- Teak, cedar, wicker rattan, or acacia wood furniture
- Polypropylene, polyester, and nylon rugs
- Sisal and jute rugs (for covered areas only, as they are prone to mildew)
Choosing seating & dining sets for outdoor kitchens
There are nearly endless options for outdoor kitchen seating and dining sets. At the minimum, you will need an outdoor dining table with enough chairs for your family and friends. If you tend to feed big groups with limited space, consider bench seating instead of individual chairs.
Many outdoor kitchen modules have built-in bars, so remember to get some bar stools too. High backed bar stools will be the most comfortable for a range of guests.
Weather-resistant and stain-resistant cushions make wood or wicker seating more comfortable and add colour and style to your space. Look for cushions that are made from outdoor fabric like Sunbrella that will hold up better in the garden.
If you have the space, create a comfortable conversation seating area with weatherproof garden furniture like corner sofas, armchairs, and sun loungers. This will truly transform your backyard or patio into an outdoor extension of your home! Side tables for drinks and a coffee table for trays of food will complete the outdoor living room.
Choosing shade cover for outdoor kitchens
Every outdoor kitchen needs some shade to make it enjoyable in all weather. It’s no fun standing out in the blazing sun at a hot barbeque or getting sunburned while eating. There are many options for shade structures for your outdoor kitchen. For built-in outdoor kitchens, a permanent structure like a pergola or gazebo works well. Another possibility can be to create the kitchen under an existing structure like a deck for readymade shade and rain protection.
Planning a freestanding outdoor kitchen? Consider an awning or a tent for shade coverage. For smaller spaces, outdoor dining and seating sets with umbrellas that can be raised and lowered are ideal. Cabanas with drapery are a classic poolside shade option.
Choosing lighting, decorations, and landscaping for outdoor kitchens
Give your outdoor kitchen your own unique style with well-chosen lighting, decorations, and landscaping. These finishing touches will make your outdoor space more comfortable, more functional, and more attractive.
Lighting for outdoor kitchens
When planning lighting for your outdoor kitchen, you will probably want a combination of types to make your space perfect. There are several outdoor lighting types to consider:
- Hanging overhead lighting suspended from the shade structure
- Freestanding outdoor lamps
- Task lighting, which can be as simple as a clip on lamp for your gas BBQ or as sophisticated as professionally installed spotlights under overhead cabinets or even in your wine fridge
- Decorative lighting like festive strings of bulbs or tiki torches
- Solar pathway lighting
Decorations & decor for outdoor kitchens
Your outdoor kitchen is an extension of your indoor living space, so naturally you will want it to reflect the style of your home. Decorations and decor are an easy and affordable way to personalise your outdoor living and dining spaces. Think about colour, pattern, texture, and theme when shopping for decor.
Throw cushions in a durable outdoor fabric can be easily acquired at any home goods store in the summertime or online all year round. Cushions are one of the best options for adding colour and pattern to your outdoor chairs and sofa. Have fun and go a little bolder than you might inside – think tropical designs in bright shades, crisp seaside stripes and sailboats, pretty garden florals, or whimsical animal prints. If you plan to enjoy your outdoor living space all year round, you can change out the cushions seasonally for an instant refresh.
The glow of firelight creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings. Candles in glass containers are perfect for the backyard because they won’t blow out in the wind and they look great. Ideas include hurricane candles, tall pillars in glass cylinders, and low votives in your favourite colour glass. Remember the citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes away! Space permitting, fire pits are very popular as well; choose from custom fire pits made from stone or brick or buy a readymade portable metal fire pit.
In addition, remember to pick up unbreakable outdoor dishes and barware for dining al fresco. Instead of disposable paper plates, why not invest in high-quality melamine dishes that will be long-lasting and stylish? They come in such chic designs these days that they look good enough to use in your dining room.
Outdoor rugs easily dress up spaces (and can hide less-than-perfect flooring). Just be sure to choose the best material for the specific location. Durable polypropylene rugs are water, stain, and fade resistant, however they are flammable, so use them for dining and seating areas, but not near the BBQ or fire pit. Polyester outdoor rugs work well in dry climates; just note that oil stains are harder to clean from them. Nylon outdoor rugs are another very durable popular option – the one caveat is that they can get hot in the direct sunlight, so they are best for shaded areas. Everyone loves the natural look of jute and sisal rugs on the patio, however they cannot handle rain or high humidity well, so reserve them for covered areas or plan to replace them frequently.
What else might you want to complete your outdoor kitchen? Ceiling fans and space heaters are practical additions that make your space comfortable in hotter and colder weather. Then there are all of the little extras – attractive serving trays, pretty pitchers, collections of shells from your trips to the seaside – the possibilities are nearly endless.
Landscaping for outdoor kitchens
Landscaping for outdoor kitchens naturally needs to fit in with the rest of the landscaping around your home. Of course, there are a few special features that can make your oasis extra enjoyable, such as a water feature like a fountain, flagstone paths leading from the back door to the outdoor kitchen if it is separated from the house, and soft grass underfoot for children.
Larger plantings like tall shrubs or a privacy hedgerow are important if your neighbours are nearby and they can also provide shade, structure, and wind breaks. A kitchen garden can be planted nearby or in pots on the patio so fresh herbs are always close at hand to dress up your favourite recipes..
Consider the scents of flowers carefully when planting them close to where you will be eating. Perhaps the romantic scent of gardenias or lilacs wafting on the breeze is like a dream to you or maybe it will make the food taste “off.” You also don’t want to plant flowers that attract bees close to the dining table.
How to build & design an outdoor kitchen
The first step in designing your outdoor kitchen is to select the location. It can be on your patio, deck, backyard, garden, terrace, or even below an overhanging porch. Do you want it to be freestanding or attached to the side of your house? A typical size for an outdoor kitchen is about 10 – 40 square metres, allowing for at least 3 linear metres of worktop.
Another initial decision is which utilities you will use in your outdoor kitchen – natural gas, propane, plumbing (freeze-proofed with a separate shut off), or electricity?
How to choose the location for an outdoor kitchen
Many people like to have their outdoor kitchen near the house for easy access to supplies and to the loo. Poolside is another great location, or if you have a picturesque garden, perhaps that is the perfect spot. Look for a location that is not too windy nor in blazing direct sunlight. When you are deciding between a couple of suitable spots, assess them at different times of the day and at different temperatures to get the best overall picture of which space will be the most pleasant. Be sure the location for your outdoor kitchen is flat and level, unless you intend to invest in re-grading.
If the plan is to run plumbing, electrical, and gas lines from the main house, obviously, the closer the outdoor kitchen can be to your house, the better. Also be sure to check local codes and insurance regulations – most require that BBQs, fire pits, wood fired pizza ovens, and the like be at least 3 metres away from the house or any other structure for safety.
Do I need a contractor to build an outdoor kitchen?
Whether or not you will need a contractor to build an outdoor kitchen depends on the scope of the project. For simple set ups with a portable gas BBQ, a freestanding worktop module, and a dining set, homeowners can easily manage the planning. Just measure the space well to be sure everything will fit before you start making purchases.
However, if you are looking for a bespoke outdoor kitchen with built-in amenities, you will definitely want professional planning and installation. Keep in mind that a big building project may require obtaining permits and meeting local building codes, for which a contractor’s help will be essential. If your outdoor kitchen will have running water, electricity, and/or gas lines, a contractor is a must.
Planning the layout for an outdoor kitchen
In some ways, planning the layout for an outdoor kitchen is not so different than planning the footprint of an indoor kitchen. Think about traffic patterns and how the space will be used. For example, place the drinks cooler or mini fridge away from the barbeque so guests won’t be underfoot when they grab a cool drink while you are cooking. Situate the wine fridge near the bar counter and storage cabinets for barware. A conveniently located sink is helpful for washing hands before dinner, prepping vegetables, and just getting a sip of water.
Naturally shared walls with the home are helpful for running new water lines to sinks, whereas the BBQ or smoker must be at least 3 metres away from the building, as previously mentioned.
How to maintain an outdoor kitchen
A well maintained outdoor kitchen will give you and your family years of enjoyment outside. Plan on regular basic maintenance as for any kitchen – wiping down worktops, washing floors – as well as ongoing and seasonal maintenance that are specific to outdoor kitchens.
Basic maintenance for an outdoor kitchen
Basic maintenance for your outdoor kitchen includes both daily and periodic tasks, such as:
- Daily wiping surfaces
- Cleaning the BBQ grill
- Restocking wood for a wood-fired pizza oven and patio gas for the gas BBQ
- Covering the barbeque and furniture to keep off dirt and pollen and to prevent rust
- Checking the temperature of your outdoor fridge to make sure it is remaining cold enough on hot days
- Storing cushions when raining or between use
- Periodic resealing of granite worktops
- Wiping appliances with stainless steel polish
- Refinishing wood decking and furniture
How to winterize an outdoor kitchen
One of the most important ways to maintain your outdoor kitchen is to winterize it. A critical concern for winterizing an outdoor kitchen is to remove all traces of water and moisture that can freeze and crack. Here are the steps to prepare your outdoor kitchen for winter:
- Shut off the water lines. It’s best if the shutoff valve is inside the house to prevent freezing. Be sure to drain all remaining water from the pipes (including to ice makers and refrigerators) because if water freezes in the pipes, it will expand and cause cracks.
- Remember to disconnect the water supply lines to the outdoor sink, fridge, and ice maker. If possible, it’s recommended to remove the sink’s faucet to store inside over the winter.
- Shut off the electricity and unplug all appliances.
- Empty the fridge completely and clean it thoroughly. Be sure it is wiped absolutely dry.
- Thoroughly clean the BBQ, including side burners and drip pan. If you have a barbecue grill on wheels, store it in your garage over the winter if you won’t be using it.
- Reseal your granite worktops so no moisture can get inside them; frozen water can crack the granite.
- Empty and wipe out all cabinets and storage. Bring inside the contents of the bar, the glasses, dishes, etc.
- Sweep and mop, removing all leaves, dirt, sticks, etc. Roll up and store outdoor rugs
How to prepare an outdoor kitchen for summer
As the weather warms up, it’s time to get your outdoor kitchen ready for summer fun! Take the time to thoroughly inspect key components, clean, and refresh so your space is ready to enjoy when the weather gets nice.
- Remove all covers and carefully check your BBQ, appliances, and worktops for any winter damage like cracks or deterioration.
- Inspect water, electrical, and gas lines. Make sure all connections are secure, then turn on the utilities.
- If you use patio gas for your gas BBQ, be sure you have a full tank and a spare on hand. Replenish the wood pile for a wood-fired pizza oven and fire pit, if necessary.
- Uncover the furniture and check it for mildew, dust, dirt, etc. Clean it well and replace anything that is worn out. It is also a great time to give your outdoor living space a fresh new style with new cushions and decor.
- Test all appliances, including the barbeque, sink, fridge, ice maker, and whatever else you have.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
The cost of an outdoor kitchen can vary widely depending on a number of factors. It depends if you want a bespoke outdoor kitchen with every possible amenity, a simple DIY outdoor kitchen, or something in between.
Outdoor kitchen costs to budget for can include:
- Worktops and storage cabinets
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Contractor
- Installation labour
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Permits
- Landscaping
- Lighting
- Decor
- Miscellaneous needs like BBQ and furniture covers
With that in mind, here are some estimates on what an outdoor kitchen costs:
- A basic outdoor kitchen with BBQ, work surface, storage, small dining table – £4,000 and up
- A more complete outdoor kitchen – £8,000 to £12,000+
- A good outdoor kitchen set up with all of the appliances and a nice seating & dining area – around £20,000
- A fully custom outdoor kitchen with appliances, fridge, lighting – from £15,000 to £25,000+ up to £50,000
Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
Other than actually using your outdoor kitchen, planning the design and style is probably the most fun part. This is where you can let your imagination take over to come up with the perfect look & functionality for how you like to entertain. A great way to begin brainstorming ideas for your outdoor kitchen is to make design boards on Pinterest or Houzz. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Mediterranean style outdoor kitchen: Choose decorative tile, red terracotta, sunwashed wood washes, and of course, a wood-fired pizza oven.
- Miami style outdoor kitchen: Plan a sleek style with bright white, sophisticated grey, and pops of turquoise. A modern outdoor L-shaped sofa and a great sound system will keep the party going long after dinner.
- Tropical style outdoor kitchen: Bring in potted palm trees, rattan furniture, cushions with prints of large tropical leaves, hibiscus flowers, and birds. Add ceiling fans to your shade structure.
- Garden style outdoor kitchen: A garden style outdoor kitchen will naturally incorporate natural materials like stone and teak. For a more formal look, decorative wrought iron dining sets work well or go for more of a relaxed country garden style with rustic wood furniture. Potted flowers are a quick way to dress up your space.
- Nautical or seaside style outdoor kitchen: Seaside style and summertime go together perfectly. Look for crisp navy and white stripes, cushions with sailboats, seashells, or nautical knot prints. Complete the nautical outdoor kitchen theme with a durable synthetic outdoor rug that looks like sisal (real sisal rugs are not suitable for damp conditions).
- Family friendly outdoor kitchen: Family time is more fun outdoors! A family-friendly outdoor kitchen will have plenty of comfy chairs, cheerful colours and patterns that hide spills and stains, unbreakable dishes, and a great barbeque for grilling up loads of hot dogs and hamburgers. A retro style outdoor drinks cooler will keep plenty of cold juice and water at your fingertips on hot summer days.
Ready to get started planning your outdoor kitchen? Let us help you find the perfect gas barbeque, outdoor drinks cooler, and barbeque accessories to fit your lifestyle and budget
