Summer Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
When summer is on its way, you can practically feel it. Longer days, warmer nights, and the allure of spending more time outdoors all get us excited for this time of year. To really take advantage of the summer, however, you should consider bringing the cooking outside with some of these exciting outdoor kitchen ideas.
Who said you have to be cooped up indoors when you’re cooking? More and more homeowners are turning to the great outdoors for their culinary needs and designing their own outdoor kitchens. As Dodson Property Management says, there’s no better way to spark your creativity and make memories with friends and families than with your uniquely designed outdoor kitchen—especially in the summer. Here, we’re looking at some of the innovative ways that you can create your very own outdoor kitchen for the summer.
TIPS FOR DESIGNING THE PERFECT OUTDOOR KITCHEN
Before jumping into some of the latest outdoor kitchen ideas and trends, it’s helpful to offer some tips for designing your new outdoor space. Even with summer right around the corner, you can’t immediately sit back and enjoy those cocktails and your new patio furniture. The best outdoor kitchens require extensive planning in the initial stages.
Selecting the right outdoor appliances, countertop materials, and cooking implements are all important, of course, but you also want to have a good understanding of the space you’re working with and the weather. An outdoor kitchen in California will look radically different from one in, let’s say, Alaska.
So, how do you lay the right groundwork before starting to lay the groundwork for your new outdoor kitchen? Consider the answers to these questions:
- How much space do you have to devote to your outdoor kitchen?
- How close to your house will it be?
- Will you be building off an existing patio or deck?
- What’s the weather like in your city? (including factors like rain, snow, humidity, and temperature extremes).
- What kind of cooking will you be doing (just a grill or full kitchen prep?).
- Will you be entertaining as well? (If so, patio furniture is a must).
- Will you have room for storage?
After answering these questions, you should have a better idea of what your outdoor kitchen will look like. Most importantly, of course, is knowing what you want out of an outdoor kitchen and designing one that fits your needs, taste (and, of course, budget).
You may also like: Trueline outdoor patio.
OUTDOOR GRILL
Even if you don’t have a complete outdoor kitchen, a grill is an excellent way to bring some of the heat to your backyard. Often serving as the focal point for your outdoor dining experience, grills come in a variety of sizes to fit your cooking needs.
However, if a grill isn’t your style, there are several other options to help you heat up your outdoor kitchen. A slow cooker is an excellent way to still enjoy your favorite meats without having to stand over a grill for hours. Simply toss in your favorite protein, and in a matter of hours, you’ll have a delicious feast. Other modern outdoor kitchens are even featuring outdoor pizza ovens as cooking centerpieces.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS FOR MEAL PREP
A grill is great in your backyard, but to truly transform your outdoor space into a functional kitchen, you need room for meal prep. Not that you necessarily need a huge backyard to make it work, but some countertop space is essential for crafting your meals outside. Just think—would you ever want an indoor kitchen without counter space?
OUTDOOR KITCHEN APPLIANCES
A kitchen is only as useful as your array of appliances, which remains true when designing your outdoor kitchen. There’s an outdoor option available for practically any kitchen appliance you’d use inside. Before making a purchase, however, make sure you choose appliances made from tough materials that can withstand the elements outdoors.
PATIO AND ENTERTAINMENT
Sure, an outdoor kitchen is designed to allow you to cook outside—but don’t you also want to enjoy this space as well? When designing your outdoor kitchen, don’t forget to include enough space for a patio that will allow your friends, family, and guests to enjoy those delicious meals you’re creating.
A patio, of course, wouldn’t be complete without a set of patio furniture. Including a table and a set of patio chairs is a good starting place. However, to really open up your entertainment options, you can incorporate couches and even hook up a flatscreen TV so you don’t miss any of your favorite summer shows or sports. Many homeowners also incorporate a bar area for mixing up delicious summer cocktails. If you don’t have the room for a whole wet bar, you can always opt for a mobile bar cart that gives you more options.
OUTDOOR FIRE PIT
To top it all off, consider adding an outdoor fire pit to your outdoor kitchen. These versatile firepits, often made from steel or concrete, can function as the perfect centerpiece for your backyard entertainment. Break out the graham crackers and marshmallows and roast up some s’mores or simply pull up a few fire pit chairs and relax around the fire. Either way, you’re sure to relax and enjoy the long, summer evenings.
CONCLUSION – SUMMER OUTDOOR KITCHEN IDEAS
Nothing says summer like bringing the creativity, flavors, and excitement of cooking to your backyard landscape. Take advantage of the longer days and warmer nights by implementing your very own outdoor kitchen. No matter the size of your yard, there are innovative ways to craft a backyard kitchen that’s both functional and impressive to look at.
But when it comes down to it, an outdoor kitchen is really about spending time with those you care about (friends, family, maybe even neighbors) as you share time and meals and enjoy it all in the fresh air. An outdoor kitchen can reinvigorate the culinary master inside of you or simply spark a new love of cooking. Whatever your goal is for your outdoor kitchen, hopefully this guide provided a few useful ideas for getting started. Summer, here we come.