Tips for Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor cookouts offer a primal and intimate setting to bond with those we love and care about. If you have timeless memories of outdoor cookouts with family and friends, an outdoor kitchen may be the way to go for your next home improvement project. Whether you want an intimate space just for close family or an expansive spot to host neighborhood events, outdoor kitchens expand your living space and may boost the value of your home. Additionally, these handy spaces keep smells in the great outdoors and allow quick cleanup, even when you’re short on time. Before you finalize plans for creating your perfect outdoor kitchen, however, you should keep a few tips in mind.

Consider Outdoor Kitchen Necessities

Outdoor kitchens require home connectivity for things like water and electricity, and if you want a gas cooktop installation in the Cayman Islands, you need a natural gas hookup as well. 

Develop an Outdoor Kitchen Layout

When you know where to locate your outdoor kitchen, start sketching layouts suitable for the amount of space you have. For example, if you have a small space, U-shaped arrangements that put your work area within seating spaces help utilize the limited space most efficiently, this also puts the grilling action front and center. Larger L-shaped layouts put some room between you and your guests if you’d rather a more open concept with more guests.

Decide on Appliances

While adding a grill to your outdoor kitchen is a no-brainer, other appliances might not be so obvious. For instance, since you’re outside, you may want a smoker to help you make your famous barbeque. Refrigerator installation in George Town for your outdoor kitchen also makes a great choice for busy gatherings, so you don’t have to trek inside for ice and drinks. Pizza ovens that bake pies to perfection expand outdoor kitchen functionality far beyond the typical cookout.

Select Appropriate Furnishings

When shopping for appliances, fixtures, and furniture to add to your outdoor kitchen, be sure they’re rated for outdoor use. Even if you have space that’s partially sheltered from inclement weather with eaves and overhangs, you still need grills, smokers, refrigerators, and cabinetry designed specifically for use in outdoor kitchens. Patio and deck furniture fit seamlessly with outdoor kitchens, so you can easily coordinate your decor to match the look of your home.

Remember Outdoor Kitchen Lighting

Outdoor kitchens bring everyday life outside, and that means if you want to entertain at night, you need lighting. Soft track lighting around the edge of your perimeter makes a great choice for ambient illumination, while portable LED lanterns offer a versatile, budget-friendly alternative to permanent fixtures. If you plan on cooking at night, remember to choose brighter lighting for your work area so you can better focus on the task at hand.

If you require any assistance with your outdoor kitchen appliances, let Appliance Doctors help with reliable service and maintenance of gas grills, built-in refrigerators and so much more!