More and more homeowners are installing outdoor kitchens and living spaces in their backyards, particularly in warm climates where the kitchens can be used year-round. The key to creating a truly enjoyable space is first to make a well-thought-out design.
Placement of the Outdoor Kitchen
There are a few key elements to consider when deciding where to place an outdoor kitchen. Keep these in mind when planning the space, and the resulting kitchen will be much more efficient and enjoyable.
- Keep it Close. No matter how great the outdoor culinary space is, some of the prep work will undoubtedly happen in the inside kitchen. It's easier to run in and fetch a tool or an ingredient if the outdoor kitchen is close to the inside one.
- Access to Utilities. Consider access to utilities when designing the kitchen. Will electricity be needed? Plumbing? The cost of running these utilities to an outdoor kitchen can vary greatly based on location.
- City Code. Be sure to check with the local municipality to find out what codes might dictate placement of the outdoor kitchen. Setback regulations, permit requirements, and what is allowable is different from community to community, so be sure to check with local regulations before spending any time or money on an outdoor kitchen.
Organize the Space
Outdoor kitchens are all about entertaining, so bear that in mind when designing the space. Be sure to consider:
- The Work Triangle. Traditional kitchen design also applies in outdoor kitchens. Consider arranging the kitchen in the classic work triangle—the cooking area, food storage area, and clean up area should each be at a point in the triangle. This allows multiple people to work efficiently together in the kitchen space.
- Enough Space for Guests. Being the chef doesn't mean being out of the action when the party is in an outdoor kitchen space. Think about the kind of entertaining that will happen in the space. Large parties? Intimate gatherings? Plan enough seating and room for people to mingle accordingly.
Elements to Consider Including
Grills are common element in an outdoor kitchen, and are an important part of any design. But as outdoor kitchens gain in popularity, they're getting more elaborate. Think past the grill and consider some of these elements found in modern high-end outdoor kitchens:
- Pizza ovens. Wood fired pizza ovens are one of the hottest new (old!) trends in outdoor kitchens. Not only can wood-fired ovens be used for pizza, but they can cook anything from magnificent artisan breads to the Thanksgiving turkey. Manufactured ovens are available from manufacturers like Forno Bravo and Fogazzo. The ovens can also be built in the traditional manner, out of bricks; this is a project suitable for a mason or even an ambitious do-it-yourselfer.
- Smokers. Get serious about authentic barbecue with a built-in smoker. Elegant smoked salmon and homey beef brisket turn out equally well in this low-temperature device.
- Sinks. Consider adding a sink to the outdoor kitchen. It involves bringing plumbing to the area, but it helps with prep and cleanup, and allows all of the action to happen outside.
- Refrigerators. Useful for storage of perishable ingredients as well as beverages.
- Prep Surface. Be sure to include enough prep surface in the outdoor kitchen design. What's the fun of an outdoor kitchen if all the work has to be done inside, in the regular kitchen?
With a solid plan in place before ground is broken, construction of the outdoor kitchen will go more smoothly and quickly, and the end result will be something to enjoy for years.
Don't forget to include other elements in the overall outdoor space plan. A raised herb garden is a natural compliment to an outdoor kitchen, for example. Or include an outdoor living space with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace and enjoy the outdoors to the fullest.
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