What Are Outdoor Kitchens?  

An outdoor kitchen is, in its roots, an outdoor BBQ area. The typical base for BBQ kitchens comprises a set of cabinets arranged to form a BBQ island. That means there should be some kind of a grill sitting at the countertop. However, with a variety of outdoor kitchen units available nowadays, this essential setting can be upgraded a lot.

With the addition of a fridge, a sink, a few additional appliances, and some tools and accessories, an outdoor BBQ kitchen becomes a fully functional alternative for the indoors version.

Styles of Outdoor Kitchens

Traditional Outdoor Kitchens 

Traditional kitchens used to feature a BBQ island with charcoal fueled grill, and sometimes a sink. Today's versions keep the appearance, embodied in bricks, wrought iron, and natural wood, but with the addition of improved features. A gas-powered BBQ, a modern wine fridge, and various electric appliances add convenience, without disturbing a classic atmosphere.

Contemporary Outdoor Kitchens

Contemporary kitchens can be modular or all-in-one. They come in various shapes and sizes, from simple to fully equipped kitchens with multiple grills or ovens, refrigerator, sink, storage cabinets, and seating area. All-in-one versions are premade setups, where some of the more exclusive options include roofing, special lighting for entertaining, or even a small media centre. Modular outdoor kitchens are fully customizable per need.

Rustic Outdoor Kitchens

Rustic outdoor kitchens bear a specific aesthetic and look their best with an abundance of stone and organic shapes. Wood-fire pizza ovens and charcoal BBQ grills are the essentials here, but some convenient modern appliances can fit, too. The advantages of old-fashioned food preparations include unique smells, tastes and textures that come with the process of burning wood. 

Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas 

Designing outdoor kitchens can be a truly enjoyable project and with a huge range of options available depending on the size and shape of the intended kitchen.

A layout of an outdoor kitchen design depends on the size and shape of available area for the standard working triangle between the refrigerator, sink and food preparation zone.

A classic BBQ island is a straight line of kitchen cabinets, covered with a countertop. It can be short and minimal, or long and rich in amenities. However, the latter idea is not the best in terms of efficiency. 

Breaking a long island into an L-shape layout is a convenient outdoor kitchen idea that fits most spaces, making the traffic flow quick and efficient. Even a small BBQ island can be turned to an L-shape with a bar counter with chairs, that also doubles as a food preparation area. 

A U-shape, as a name says, is a three-sided outdoor kitchen design that offers plenty of space to integrate all sorts of appliances and features. Commonly, one side countertop can serve as a bar or even double as a dining table. 

Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets For Storage

The options in storage are endless, and several factors need consideration in order to create the most effective outdoor kitchen space. The space available, the number of outdoor kitchen cabinets needed, if those should feature more shelves, doors, or drawers—are just a few of them. It's also good to know what kind of food will be prepared the most, and if the outdoor cabinetry will serve many parties with many chefs.

Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Barbecues and grills are the bare necessities. They can be charcoal, gas or electric-powered, freestanding or built-in, large or small. Modern versions such as barbeque offset smokers offer new grilling challenges and plenty of space in the cooking chambers. In the same way, an outdoor pizza oven is a natural invitation to congregate so it pays to make sure there is ample space around these features for people to gather.

Outdoor fridges eliminate the need to keep running indoors to fetch something every now and then. Also, they can keep the drinks at the right temperature on-hand. Depending on the layout, fridges can be freestanding and built-in, which is a standard option. 

Outdoor pizza ovens add versatility to cooking options. Besides baking pizzas, they can be used for cooking side dishes or small pieces, such as diced vegetables or mushrooms. A clay pizza oven is an ideal feature for a rustic outdoor kitchen, that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and the authentic atmosphere. 

Outdoor Kitchen Safety

Open fire can be dangerous. Outdoor kitchens should be distanced from branches, bushes, and flammable features. Outdoor kitchens are exposed to elements, so all featured materials should ideally be weather- and water-resistant to ensure longevity. Some protection equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, should be kept close.