An outdoor kitchen can completely transform meal time. Not only does having an outdoor kitchen give you the tools and space to cook outdoors, it allows you to extend your entertaining to your backyard or patio. It also creates a turn-key gourmet outdoor dining experience.

There’s a lot that goes into planning for an outdoor kitchen, including what features you want, thinking through where it will go in your outdoor space, and its functionality.

Here are a few questions you’ll want to answer during the planning process:

 

1 - How Do I Fit A Kitchen In My Outdoor Space?

This is a great question and has a number of factors to think through. The most important consideration is the size of your outdoor area. If you have a large patio or yard, you have more options when it comes to the size and location of your kitchen. If your space is more constrained, you may have fewer options, but you’d be surprised at how efficient some outdoor kitchens are at providing everything you need in a size that suits your needs.

Your actual outdoor kitchen dimensions may vary depending on the space you have, but even smaller kitchens still come equipped with the necessities.

 

2 - What Should The Layout Of My Kitchen Look Like?

Your outdoor kitchen layout and what features you’ll have is the most exciting, but perhaps also the most overwhelming part. Your layout should depend on how much space you want. If prepping and cooking comfortably is a priority, then make sure your layout allows for plenty of countertop space and a grill that’s always within a few steps. If storage is important, ensure you’re selecting a kitchen with an assortment of cabinet and shelving options.

A few other things to consider in your outdoor kitchen include a refrigerator for storing cold ingredients or drinks, electrical outlets for small appliances that aid in the prep process, and a built-in trash bin.

 

 

3 - Can I Cook In Any Weather?

Most people who want to add a kitchen to their outdoor space want the ability to cook no matter what mother nature has in store. If you’re one of them, you’ll want to make sure you have a roof over your outdoor kitchen.

When thinking about what roof is best, consider one that won’t warp or buckle when holding large snow loads. Steel is a strong, sturdy option for this. Galvanized steel is also rust-resistant, which comes in handy when there is lots of moisture falling and settling on the roof.

But a quality roof doesn’t just come in handy during rain and snow events. Those summer months are hot, and a roof also allows you to stay cool and cook in the shade.

 

4 - Do I Have To Hire A Contractor?

The process of hiring a contractor to help plan and build your kitchen can be daunting, and it will certainly be expensive. Fortunately, not all outdoor kitchens require this often painful step. If you’re looking to avoid all that, consider a kitchen that comes in a ready-to-assemble kit. These kits have all the parts pre-drilled for you, so all you have to do is put it together.

Ready-to-assemble kits allow you to have your kitchen ready the same day it’s delivered, which means you don’t have to wait for months for a contractor to plan and build it, and you don’t need a professional to install it. And yes, these kitchens come with all the parts and features you need. The best part: you’re saving a lot of money.

 

 

5 - Do I Need To Connect My Kitchen To A Gas Line?

Some outdoor kitchens require a gas hookup to the grill, which is costly and restricts where you can install your kitchen.

But not all outdoor kitchens are like this. You can find a kitchen in a ready-to-assemble kit with a grill that runs on propane. A propane grill gives you the flexibility to install the kitchen anywhere in your outdoor space and prevents unnecessary costs associated with gas line installations.

 

 

Plan The Perfect Outdoor Kitchen For Cooking Al Fresco

When it comes to planning an outdoor kitchen, an option that gives you the space you need to prep and cook comfortably, in any weather, in any part of your outdoor space, and without the hassle of a contractor is important.

Backyard Discovery’s new Fusion Flame Outdoor Kitchen is the perfect solution! Its 5-burner propane grill comes with a searing burner and built-in rotisserie. It has ample storage with adjustable shelving in cabinets, as well as two adjustable floating shelves above its stainless steel countertops. It has an outdoor-rated, 132-can capacity refrigerator and a built-in trash bin. It’s PRO-TECT™ Tested and Proven to withstand up to 100 mph winds and up to 2,100 pounds of snow load on its rust-resistant steel roof. And it also includes a PowerPort™ for charging blenders, speakers, devices or anything else you need.