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5 Outdoor Kitchen Must-Haves

Must Have Outdoor Kitchen

Between lunch by the pool to 4th of July cookouts, summer is the perfect time to put your outdoor kitchen to use. If you’re looking for outdoor kitchen space ideas, we have put together a list of some of our favorite additions to give you inspiration.

Adaptable Seating

You want to make sure your guests are comfortable, so having enough seating is a must-have. Depending on the size of your outdoor kitchen, it would be best if you have a variety of seating options. You could have a large dining table for family dinners plus a lounge space to accommodate laid-back neighborhood parties.

Screen Room for eating

Storage

It’s better to have too much storage than not enough, which is why we recommend installing all-weather cabinets. Cabinets will keep your tools, supplies, and designated outdoor dishes organized and within reach. 

There are dozens of styles to choose from when it comes to all-weather cabinets for your outdoor kitchen. If you’re looking for long-lasting, fade-resistant cabinets, we would suggest looking at stainless steel since it’s easy to clean and has a wide range of design choices. It is also extremely durable. Whether you live in a coastal area with salty ocean air or in a place that gets freezing cold, stainless steel will hold up to the elements.

Another great option is polymer. Polymer is fade-resistant and waterproof. You won’t have to worry about the cabinets rusting or cracking due to exposure to the elements.

Flexible Cooking Appliances

Part of the fun of having an outdoor kitchen is the ability to install appliances that may not make sense inside your house. Most people install at least a grill and a cooktop, but why not think out of the box as well?

Smokers are incredibly popular and can be built into the countertop. It might also be a fun touch to install a wood-fired pizza oven next to a large counter space where everyone can help prepare their favorite pie. Flat-top griddles are also versatile and easy to use.

Outdoor kitchen with a view

Lighting

Cooking in the dark is no fun. You will need to include task lighting in your outdoor kitchen so you can see what you’re doing, but don’t forget the accent lighting to create an inviting ambiance. There are so many lighting options for your space. We can install lights above the grill or, for a more aesthetically pleasing option, you can do under counter lighting.

Trendy string lights are another great option and create an enchanting atmosphere for your al fresco dining. Overhead lights can be installed to offer enough illumination so your guests can enjoy their meals, without being too bright.

Cold Drink Serving

Cold drinks are non-negotiable during the hot summer months. Your outdoor kitchen needs to include a way to keep your drinks cool so you don’t have to run in and out of the house to get refills.

When we design your outdoor kitchen, we can incorporate a small refrigerator into the space. Under-counter refrigerators are more practical for outdoor kitchens because they take up less room and are easier to protect from the elements.

Another nice touch is a dedicated sink for icing down bottles of beer or soda. Long, narrow configurations can be set into a countertop, allowing guests to simply grab a cold one whenever they like.

Let’s Get Started

If you’re ready to put together an outdoor kitchen, give us a call or drop us a message. We have so many other ideas to share to make your outdoor kitchen more functional and inviting. We can work with any budget and solve any problem you may have.

Also See Backyard Patio for Entertaining

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