outdoor kitchen design guide

Outdoor Kitchen Design
Great Ideas To Consider

Outdoor kitchen design - Good kitchen design starts early in the project process especially for outdoor kitchens. Where will the focus of the outdoor kitchen be located - near the pool or on the patio? What kind of weather do you need to be prepared for when using the facility? Do you need covering - over the cooking area and or over the seating area? Make sure you include sufficient space around the grill and island areas for people to congregate. This will be the typical "hang out" spot in the design.

Adding an outdoor kitchen design can be a major investment. So you might as well spend it correctly. Don't come back later with "we should have done this or that." The grill is the most important component of the design. Make sure you choose one that has sufficient surface cooking area for your expected number of guests. If you typically will be entertaining and cooking for groups of 6 - you will need space for 6 steaks or chicken breasts, 6 potatoes and a vegetable grilling area. Of course, if you will be cooking for larger crowds, you will need a larger area.

Your outdoor island is an important ingredient. The island can be anything from a small table top work area to a large U or rectangular shaped island that doubles as an eating area with seating. The island will be the gathering point so locate it properly.

One great concept is a rectangular shaped island that the one side is close to and opposite the grill. The grill side of the island includes storage and a refrigerator below the table surface. The other three sides have an overhang that can be used as the seating area, It makes serving from the grill very easy and meets the "hangout" area requirement. Minimize the use of space and keep everything central. This is a very compact and useful design. Of course, your own available area will dictate your final design.

What appliances and gadgets should you include? You wouldn't design an indoor kitchen without a refrigerator - so it becomes a given. Storage cabinets are also absolutely necessary. Other appliances to consider include an oven, side burners and a pizza oven. A fireplace for heat and toasting marshmallows is the icing on the cake.

Dining - A table and chairs with coverage is a necessity. A separate area will be needed if not designed into the island work area.

Lighting - There is a huge variety of outdoor lights that available. Depending upon your landscape you can install tree lights and ground lights for a great effect.

As far as gadgets for your design - you can add a music system (or outdoor speakers for your indoor stereo system), bar-tending area and fancy grilling tools. Typically, it is your budget that will dictate how elaborate your outdoor kitchen design turns out to be.

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