Your home is your oasis and the best place to escape from the pressures of the outside world. When you have your home set up just right, you can close the door behind you and enjoy life exactly how you want to. One way to set your home up to be the ultimate escape is to have an outdoor kitchen.

When you want to host the ultimate barbecue, having an outdoor kitchen makes a huge difference. Everybody will have their own idea of what makes the perfect outdoor kitchen but there are some fundamentals to adhere to. In this article, we will go over several ways that you can set one up to be your own personal oasis for the summer and beyond. 

1 – Choose the location

The area of the yard where you put your kitchen is important. If your space is limited you may be constrained to only one area where you have to make it work no matter what. If you have plenty of space you have to evaluate the options so you can make sure the spot you pick is ideal.

The ideal location should be easily accessible from the house, yet far enough from open flames and combustible materials. A shaded area, preferably with natural protection from the wind, will provide a comfortable outdoor cooking and dining experience.

There should also be enough space where residential concrete contractors can come in and pour a foundation for a patio for the kitchen. This will allow you to set it up in a semi-permanent way. This gives you a base on which you can put a grill or pizza oven and even seating and tables. 

2 – Appliances

When you’re putting together an outdoor kitchen, it’s crucial to choose the right appliances and gear to make your cooking and dining area fully functional. Some essentials for an outdoor kitchen include a grill, a sink, a fridge, and storage cabinets.

As you pick out your appliances and equipment, think about factors like size, quality, and how long they’ll last. They need to be tough enough to handle outdoor conditions like rain, wind, and heat. Stainless steel appliances and equipment are a popular option because they’re durable and can stand up to the elements.

Consider safety when choosing appliances and equipment for your outdoor kitchen. For instance, gas grills should come with an automatic shut-off valve in case there’s a gas leak, and any electrical parts should be properly grounded.

3 – Get the lighting right

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting up an outdoor kitchen. Not only does it add to the ambiance of the space, but it also ensures safety while cooking and dining in the evening. For your outdoor kitchen, consider different types of lighting, such as task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting.

Place task lighting where you’ll be preparing and cooking food, like above the grill and sink. Use ambient lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and accent lighting to draw attention to design features like plants or architectural elements.

Electrical considerations are also vital when planning an outdoor kitchen. A licensed electrician should install outdoor electrical outlets and wiring to guarantee safety. Additionally, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) should be installed to protect against electric shocks in damp areas.

4 – Storage and organization

One thing that prevents outdoor kitchens from being used more often is convenience. If you have to run back and forth between the inside kitchen and the one outdoors, the hassle will make you less likely to want to cook there. When you are designing your outdoor kitchen make sure to have storage and organization a priority. 

A well-organized kitchen not only makes cooking and dining more enjoyable but also ensures that everything is easily accessible and within reach. As you plan your storage and organization system, think about the size and number of cabinets and drawers you’ll need. Consider the types of foods you are most likely to cook and it will become clear what kind of storage you need. 

Choose weather-resistant materials like stainless steel or teak wood for cabinets and drawers to guarantee durability and a long life. Design your storage areas to keep items tidy and easy to access, such as using pull-out drawers for pots and pans or spice racks for seasonings.

To make the most of your storage space, try incorporating multi-functional pieces like an outdoor kitchen island with a built-in fridge or storage cabinets. This not only gives you extra storage but also creates a central spot for cooking and dining.