The fast-growing trend of having a modern outdoor kitchen isn’t going away any time soon and that’s for many good reasons. When it comes to enjoying your outdoor area, it’s important to think about how you will use the space and what features you want and need. With a fully functional modular outdoor kitchen, you can spend more time outside with family and friends and cook great meals in your own backyard.
Having said that, here are the top 6 essentials for a functional outdoor kitchen.
1. Cooking Area
The cooking area is the heart of any outdoor kitchen, so make sure to include a BBQ grill or stovetop that fits your wants and way of life. There are many choices out there that will fit your budget, whether you want something simple or fancy. Just make sure you have all of the cooking accessories, like a hood and a fan, to deal with smoke and heat properly. You should also consider bringing an outdoor fridge to keep all of the food and drinks cool. Some models of BBQs let you cook with both gas and wood, so you can choose which fuel to use based on what you want to make.
2. Prep Area
For an outdoor kitchen to work well, it needs a place to prepare food. Make sure you have enough workroom to chop, slice, and dice everything you need to. Another important aspect of having an efficient prep area is having quality patio kitchen cabinets or drawers with weather-proof stainless steel fascia, doors and kick plate, with porcelain top powder-coated cabinets where you can keep your grilling tools, plates and silverware close by. To make things even easier, add a sink with running water so you don’t have to go inside every time you need to wash something. Also, consider a mini-fridge or storage unit to keep all of your refrigerated items and sauces close by.
3. Sitting Area
Any outdoor kitchen needs a comfortable area to eat and socialize with your friends and family. Whether you want a formal dining room or something more casual like a bar, make sure everyone can fit in the space so that everyone can enjoy themselves. If you plan to have a lot of people over, choose soft pieces of furniture that are easy to move, like chairs with wheels and benches with cushions that can be taken off. Don’t forget to add some light, too. Torches and candles are great for atmospheric light, but ceiling lights will make it easier and safer to cook dinner after the sun goes down.
4. Storing Space
You’ll need a lot of room to store all your food and grilling tools, as well as extra dishes and cooking tools. Look for patio kitchen cabinets and storage containers that are made of materials that don’t get damaged by the weather. You could also put up shelves or use the wall space you already have. Also, you might want to keep a kit with tongs, spatulas, and other basic grilling tools on hand at all times. This will make it a lot easier for you to start cooking.
5. Shelter
Protect your outdoor kitchen and your guests from the weather with some kind of cover or protection to keep it in good shape for a long time. Covers can protect your outdoor kitchen from the sun, rain, and snow, and they can also make it look more stylish. Pergolas are very popular because of how nice they look, but you could also put up half-walls or hang curtains if you want t to decorate in a certain style.
6. Lightning
The mood of your outdoor kitchen is a big part of making it a cosy place for you and your friends to hang out. Add features like fire pits or water features to make the space warmer and more relaxing. Don’t forget about electrical lighting as well. LED lights use less energy and can be easily added to any building to give it more charm when the sun goes down. String lights also add a sweet touch, and tiki torches give off a soft glow while keeping bugs away. You could even hang beloved artwork or photographs around the area to make it feel more personalized.
To summarize, putting together an outdoor kitchen is a great way to step up your backyard parties. With the right tools and supplies, you can turn any area into a cosy oasis that’s great for family events or small dinner parties. Think about all of these things when putting together your dream outdoor kitchen. From refrigerators and prep areas to sitting and storage spaces, there are many ways to make it both useful and stylish. Also, don’t forget about the atmosphere. With some smart lights, you can easily set the scene for any event you’re planning. By using the above-mentioned tips and must-have outdoor kitchen features, you’ll be able to build an outdoor kitchen that will entertain our family all year long!
