Nothing screams summer like dining al fresco! But who wants to spend hours inside, shut away in the kitchen, to prepare the feast? Outdoor kitchens are a game-changer, letting you enjoy the fresh air (and your guests) while whipping up some tasty treats.
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of having an outdoor kitchen, but think they’re just for the rich and industrious? Well, think again! These days, there are outdoor kitchen options for every budget—all shapes and sizes, and for any skill level.
Whether you want a nice, covered spot for grilling or a full-fledged outdoor cooking and entertaining space, there is a solution available for you—if you can find it in an indoor kitchen, you can likely have it in an outdoor kitchen too!
Start with the must-haves: a grill or smoker, utensils, prep space and a waste receptacle. From there, the options and add-ons are endless. Covered or open? Attached or detached? Gas, charcoal or wood? Rustic or opulent? Temporary or permanent? Add water and power, or no?
For one of the most comprehensive lists of outdoor kitchen components available, download this checklist from BBQ Guys. As you can see, the sky is the limit! Whether you up for a DIY project or need to hire a home exterior contractor, feed your design desires as you check out these fun outdoor kitchen ideas for every style and budget.
Basic BBQ Buildout
If you want the feel of an outdoor kitchen, but lack the budget for a custom-built space, a grill island may be the perfect solution for you. Just add an off-the-shelf grill and flank it with an island counter (or two). The island can be just about any style, and can be assembled from a box or built from basic supplies.
If you want to split the difference between pre-fab and made-from-scratch, consider this steel island frame kit from The Home Depot and finish it however you want. To save money and get a more rustic look and feel, use wood remnants left over from past projects for the island surround. You can also shop granite warehouses for slab remnants to save money on the countertops.
Portable Party
You can also purchase a grill that’s already set with a countertop and outdoor kitchen surround, for a more “built-in” look without the custom price tag. Most come on wheels, so you can move your “kitchen” to a new space each time you entertain, or pull it out to a more convenient location, then push it against a wall when finished. The one above is a great option, with faux stone siding and countertops that instantly provides an upscale, full-kitchen look. Dress it up a bit more by placing high-end outdoor furniture nearby, such as a beverage cart for storage and serving or a dining table for entertaining.
Grill Gazebo
For a more defined outdoor kitchen space, a gazebo like this one is the way to go. It not only provides ample storage and prep space, but it also provides cover from the elements and a cordoned off area to keep little ones away from the hot grill. A similar gazebo to this is available from The Home Depot, and the shelves can be added as desired. Of course, to perfectly fit your space and style, you can hire a contractor to build a gazebo around your new or existing grill.
Smokin’ Man Cave
Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be over-the-top fancy to be functional, and what space says that better than an outdoor man cave? The outdoor kitchen above is the perfect feature for a “he-shed.” Its basic style gets the job done, and it has cleverly made a smoker the star of the show. There’s even a roller shade to keep the smoke from choking up the yard. The space is completed with a simple but durable floor (stick with fire-resistant materials such as pavers or concrete). Even the cabinets can be budget-friendly if you hit the Habitat Restore or local scratch-and-dent sales.
Pergola Patio
Pergolas make a beautiful and functional cover for your outdoor kitchen area. They provide ample shade, as well as a stable place to hang light fixtures or string lights. Pergolas are also the perfect place to grow edible vines, such as kiwi, grapes, or magnolia fruit, over your eating area. This example is definitely a big-budget addition, with its expansive bar seating and paver construction, but the wow factor and entertainment potential are undeniable. (Quality Built Exteriors has both economy and premium paver options!)
Wood-Fired Wonderland
What pizza-lover hasn’t dreamed of having their very own wood-fired pizza oven in the backyard? With these surprisingly affordable outdoor ovens by Delivita, you can go from wood to should! (Bonus, they look cool.)
Gourmet Grille
If you have the room and the budget, then why not go all out and create a complete kitchen outside? Nearly every appliance, surface, convenience and piece of equipment you have in your indoor kitchen can also be put in an outdoor kitchen. Of course, some finishes do last longer and wear better outdoors, such as stone, treated wood, concrete and stainless steel. To keep from having to lug condiments and cutlery back and forth from your main kitchen, splurge on a full-size refrigerator and even a dishwasher for your outdoor space. A built-in bar makes it not only a prep space, but a living space.
Storage Solutions
A place for everything and everything in its place. You can never have too much storage, especially for a kitchen. And you know how it goes… The minute you start the grill, you realize that you left five things in the house that you needed! With the right storage solutions in your outdoor kitchen, this will be a thing of the past. Everything you need to create your gourmet grilled creations will be right at your fingertips. This example has cabinetry galore—more than many people’s indoor kitchens! Just be sure to pick cabinets and countertops in outdoor-friendly materials… laminate and Formica will perish in moist conditions.
Spirited Selections
If you do a lot of backyard entertaining or just don’t want to have to go inside for your brew on a beautiful summer day, then your outdoor kitchen absolutely needs a beverage bar. Whether you prefer a mini fridge, wine cooler or a kegerator, with the right budget, there are endless options available to meet your needs. And don’t forget the built-in water purification system and ice maker!
The sky is the limit when it comes to designing your ultimate outdoor kitchen. While the basic components of an outdoor kitchen are doable by most DIY-ers, many larger, more in-depth projects require the help of a professional contractor. If you’re ready to have the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, Quality Built Exteriors can help! Call today for a free estimate.