Anyone who has ever cooked outdoors knows that magic can happen when you have an open fire and fresh air. With the right ingredients and a thoughtful outdoor kitchen space, any monotonous dinner routine can turn into a rejuvenating experience.
On the crisp, golden evenings of autumn, roast corn and shrimp skewers or throw a homemade pizza party while the fireflies dance. No matter the occasion or the number of people, creating a special place to cook outdoors is a special addition to home life and a great way to entertain family and friends.
But where do you start when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen? Shop TODAY spoke to three experts in design, architecture, and project management to understand the ins and outs of outdoor kitchens and the products that make them shine. I spoke to him.
Expert Tips | Tableware and Tableware | Dining Tables and Decoration | Photos Pop-up storage and prep space | Grills and other cooking equipment | meet an expert
What to consider when building an outdoor kitchen, according to experts
“An outdoor kitchen should be thought of as an extension of your home, a livable area for family and guests to gather, just like an indoor kitchen or family room. For this reason, location is very important. The closer it is to your home, the better. It’s easier to use,” says Ben Massey, principal architect at Massey Group.
Katherine Carter, founder and lead designer of her eponymous interior design and architecture studio, suggests finding a flat spot to build an outdoor kitchen.
“If you live in an area where you can't display a fancy kitchen all year round, you should plan something like an easy-to-pop-up outdoor kitchen for the warmer months. Think about what's easy: a folding dining table, folding stacking chairs, and a propane wheelbase barbecue,” she suggests.
Once you've chosen your location, here are some things to keep in mind from our experts.
- Please consider your surroundings. Are there outlets for twinkling lights, a hot plate, and a small outdoor refrigerator? Is the kitchen sink important for easy cleaning?
- Choose the cabinets, shelves, and drawers that best suit your specific needs. Massey recommends purchasing permanent kitchen cabinets, which come in a variety of layout options. Brands like Pottery Barn, Ikea, Lowes, and NewAge Products (many of which are currently having end-of-summer sales) are great places to look for quality outdoor kitchens with modular options.
- Choose materials that are durable and reliable. Although cabinets and furniture made from teak wood are designed to last, it's a good idea to set aside a budget for covers for all your outdoor furniture, regardless of the material.
- Please ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained, if required. According to Vikram Reddi, owner and project manager at Advisors + Consultants, some municipalities and homeowners associations require approvals or permits for new plumbing, gas, electric, or certain heat sources. It's a good idea to check before building.
- Budget, budget, budget! Massey's biggest tip is to be realistic about how you use your space to avoid overspending.
Designing an outdoor kitchen can quickly become an investment project, but creating a beautiful space can definitely be done on a budget. Here you'll find affordable products that will take your backyard, rooftop, or porch to new heights.
tableware and tableware
Opalhouse x Jungalow Melamine Dinner Plate and Serving Bowl
Made from durable melamine, but with an organic, textured look and texture, these dinner plates complement a variety of outdoor décor and complement all that hot, saucy meat that comes off the grill. .
Opal House x Jungalow Acrylic Drinkware
These vibrant acrylic cups assure hosts that broken glass won't ruin your party. The vibrant color combination will make any table setting pop.
Hearth & Handwoven Multipurpose Compartment Caddy
Make your life easier with this beautiful caddy that blends into your tablescape while providing adequate space for condiments, napkins, wine, and more.
Derby Home Mesh Hood Dome
Keep bugs out with this set of 4 food domes to keep your fancy platters fresh and free from pesky bugs.
2 gallon beverage dispenser
Reddi suggests having a ready-to-use, appropriately sized drink dispenser in your outdoor kitchen. This airtight container holds 2 gallons of liquid to keep your guests hydrated and your entire party satisfied. It has a stainless steel spout, a wide lid for easy mixing and cleaning, and a cute chalk board with chalk to label the contents.
Colico's Olive Boat and Cherry Bowl
Remove unsightly pits with this beautiful covered conical ceramic bowl for preserving olive and cherry pits.
Solino Home Amalfi Striped Tablecloth
“Rely on folding tables with things like beautiful tablecloths,” Reddy says. Solino's Amalfi collection brings elegance to your space with its coastal look and high-quality linen materials.
Frontgate Super Chill Appetizer Tray
Just freeze the bottom half of this beautiful serving tray before serving your appetizers to keep your food colder longer.
tables, umbrellas, lighting
50ft LED Outdoor String Edison Light Bulb
“Candles or string lights are a great way to add soft, ambiance lighting to your dining or living area. They can help create the perfect cozy gathering place,” says Massey.
Sofay portable folding table
If you anticipate hosting dinner parties infrequently or don't want to invest in an outdoor dining table for everyday use, this 6-foot plastic table can easily be stored in a closet or garage when not in use. It can be stored and used comfortably. Add a nice tablecloth for a special dinner party.
Nyasia 180 inch rectangular umbrella
“Umbrellas are an essential part of being outdoors. Keep it all barbecue-based with a pop-up tent or one or two large umbrellas in case of bad weather,” Reddy suggests.
Novogratz June Dining Table
Fun, functional, and perfectly sized for small spaces, Novogratz excels at creating classic furniture at attractive price points. Tables and chairs are available in yellow, bright pink, persimmon or gray steel.
Novogratz June stacking chair
Prepare 1, 2, or 3 pairs depending on the number of guests you expect at your barbecue. Plus, they can be easily stacked during the winter.
Homhum rattan bar set
Built-in storage space makes this high-top seating arrangement convenient. Whether you need extra space for glasses and utensils or are looking for storage hacks without building a kitchen, this set has you covered.
Pop-up kitchen storage and prep space
W Home Tile Top Steel Patio Bar Cart
This stylish bar cart is designed to complement any outdoor space and is weather resistant, making it perfect for storing bar items as well as utensils.
GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station
This cooking station can be folded up when not in use and features features include an aluminum countertop, soft-shell sink, and a place to store cookware and utensils.
RTIC 52 quart cooler
Keep your guests coming back for cold, refreshing drinks with this ultralight, airtight cooler that holds ice for days without the need for a refrigerator.
yeti tank ice bucket
Perfect for serving beer, sparkling water, and soda, hosting a backyard BBQ is easy with this giant Yeti Ice Bucket.
Galanz retro compact refrigerator
Available in a variety of compact sizes and colors, retro mini-fridges are the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen area, whether pop-up or permanent.
Grills and other cooking equipment
Oyaki portable grill set
Tongs, carving knife, basting brush and other grilling tools are included in this portable set.
SearBQ griddle and press
This cast iron press and griddle reduces cooking time by over 50% by perfectly distributing weight and giving perfect sear marks on the meal you're cooking.
stanley hot clock
Reddy says one of her favorite ways to utilize her burner and grill combo is to have a fall barbecue with pressed sandwiches and soups. If you don't have a gas burner in your kitchen, this pot from Stanley will keep you warm for 12 hours. It also acts as a medium for cold dips and beverages and stays cold for up to 16 hours.
Weber Connect Smart Grill Hub
Compatible with any grill, this temperature monitoring device from Weber keeps backyard chefs updated on meat temperatures using an app.
Ohni Coda gas pizza oven
Light and portable, Ooni's gas pizza oven is perfect for making pizza in just 60 seconds.
Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven
Bring the wood-fired pizza experience home with Solo Stove's easy-to-light pizza oven. A great option for an outdoor pizza night.
Monument Clear View Stainless Steel Gas Grill
This stainless steel grill has a built-in window for easy viewing, plus two side burners and a built-in thermometer.
meet an expert
- vikram reddy He is the founder of Advisors + Consultants, a project management and owner representation firm based in Far Hills, New Jersey. With 35 years of experience, Reddi navigates complex luxury residential and retail construction, catering to each client's vision and needs.
- ben massey He is the Principal Architect at Massey Group, a property development and homebuilding company. Massey Group guides each client through the entire process from concept to key.
- katherine carter is the principal designer at Katherine Carter Design, an interior design and architecture studio in Los Angeles. Carter has dedicated his career to creating residential sanctuaries that emphasize elements, textures, locations, and atmospheres to provide clients with the ideal spaces for a variety of high-profile celebrity projects.
