Top Outdoor Kitchen Design Considerations

Careful planning and great foresight must go into building an outdoor cooking area. The same considerations that govern the creation of an indoor kitchen have to be considered for its outdoor counterpart. Here are ten important concerns to think about for the creation of an outdoor kitchen.

Placement
The first decision to be made is where to build the kitchen. The size of the house has a lot to do with where the kitchen will be located. Care should be taken not to compromise other major functionality such as driveways, yard space or interior views. Most people prefer the kitchen to be directly adjacent to the house. This isn’t a requirement, but it does make access easier and can make deliveries and traffic more manageable.

Climate Since this area will be outside, the weather is definitely a factor. It matters whether the climate is too wet or too dry. If there’s a chance of flooding or accumulating ice or snow, care must be taken to waterproof vulnerable areas. Likewise, if direct sunlight can sear into stone, metal or fabric materials, these surfaces must be protected or even replaced periodically. In a similar fashion, human beings are equally at risk. Many outdoor kitchens have protective coverings. These can be permanent in nature or retractable for special circumstances.

Utilities
A kitchen has to have its utilities. Gas, water and electric connections are usually needed. For each of these three outlets it’s important to consider safety. Electrical lines must be grounded properly to prevent electric shock or power failure. It’s best to have outlets covered when not in use and kept away from water and dirt to prevent accidents. Many people prefer gas for outdoor cooking, so it’s important to pipe it in safely. Water is essential for any cooking space. Easy access is important, as is reliable plumbing to prevent costly drips or ruptures.

Layout
It’s vital that the outdoor kitchen has a functional layout. There should be ample space and proper storage. The design may mimic the indoor kitchen, but it should be crafted to consider the specifics of its exterior placement. The four areas of cold, hot, wet and dry must be respected. The cold area is for refrigeration and freezing storage. The hot area is where the cooking is done. The wet space is for water use such as rinsing and cleaning, and the dry area is for food prep and distribution.

Storage
Storage is a unique consideration for an outdoor kitchen. More than anything, the food storage areas must be secure. Animals of every size and shape are drawn to the presence of food. Both the refrigerated and dry storage areas should be able to withstand animal prying, weather battering and human negligence. Appliances must be sturdy and made of the proper material. If a storage unit can’t be left outside, it can’t be a permanent fixture in the kitchen.

Ambiance
The lighting and mood are as important as the utilities and appliances of an outdoor kitchen. The kitchen must be well lit for all times of day and night. The light should complement the design and layout of the kitchen. If possible, the view from within the outdoor kitchen should be made as attractive as possible for the owners and guests.