25 GENIUS OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN TIPS

A kitchen is one of the most trafficked areas of any property, so it makes sense to position it next to your backyard’s “wow” factor. For ultimate convenience, Ten Plus Three placed this simple setup right next to their client’s pool. Dinner entertainment has never been so fun!

Make meal prepping alfresco as simple as possible with a long countertop, just as L’Atelier Paris did here. With a sink and stovetop flanking each side, it’s possible to go from washing produce to grilling in a snap.

A built-in fireplace lends to the ambience and keeps guests comfortable on cool nights. While a traditional hearth will warm up a kitchen, Andrew Mann Architects put foodies first with this sleek pizza oven.

To bridge the gap between form and function, consider thinking beyond the kitchen appliances. Traci Connell compartmentalized this outdoor kitchen in style with zones for meal prepping, cooking, eating, and socializing. That way, there’s ample room for hosts and guests alike.

If a culinary corner is a new addition to your backyard, consider building it off your existing structures. In this place from Artepatio, a sunken kitchen is nestled nicely between a pool and deck. Danver appliances complete the space, striking the perfect balance between practical and picturesque.

Just because an outdoor kitchen serves a practical purpose—and must be able to withstand the elements—doesn’t mean that it can’t look good, too. For an Insta-statement, go for a fresh pop of color, like Heather Hilliard did with these bright blue cabinets.

Looking for dinner and a show? Hang a flat-screen television in your outdoor kitchen, as Mary Patton did here. That way, you can kick back and relax long after the last course is served.

Outdoor kitchens (like most indoor ones) are as much about socializing as food prep, so you’ll need to allow for both activities. L-shaped configurations are a common choice, with the chef at one end and the guests at the other.

For just about every indoor kitchen appliance, there’s a weatherproof counterpart—and it’s absolutely worth investing in them, even for relatively covered outdoor kitchens. Bear in mind, though, that you may need to pay to run additional gas, electric, and water lines outside before installing such items.

Nature is unpredictable, and it’s important to be prepared for everything from pollen on counters to spider webs in burners and wildlife visits, says Krasner. Beyond sponging down pre-cooking and scrupulous clean-ups post-meal, don’t forget to designate an easy-to-reach spot in the outdoor kitchen for a trash can.

Use a portable grill, table, and chairs to create a temporary set-up that lets you see what it’s like to cook and eat in your space, Krasner says. Mark your path to the site, noting how it feels to carry things there. Assess the site for its ease and enjoyment, and repeat until you find the best arrangement.

Cabinetry, countertops, and floors should be weatherproof and coordinate with their surroundings. Stainless steel storage resists rust — plus, it’s likely to match the appliances. Stone countertop options, such as granite, wear well and play up the natural setting.

Think beyond the perimeters of the kitchen: An up-light in a tree extends the entertaining area, but keep the wattage low so as not to detract from the night sky.

Krasner recommends checking with your insurer to see if your kitchen will be covered. Typically, if it’s connected to the back or side of a house on a deck or patio, you’re more likely to be covered than if the kitchen is off a deck (even it it’s only five feet away from the house).

Incorporating both sunny and shady areas is handy for when the temperature swings. Be sure to shelter the dining area completely (umbrellas and retractable awnings are two possibilities).