Best Outdoor BBQ Kitchens

Outdoor BBQs are about so much more than mere cooking and eating. When you relax with the sun overhead, the breeze on your face, and the song of chirping birds and buzzing bees, you’ll be reminded that life is good. 

Grilling is an act of love; you create delicious food while making new memories with family and friends. The equipment you use makes a difference. With the right outdoor appliances, you’ll not only make food preparation easier but also provide an attractive outdoor space that guests will want to spend time in. 

What do you need to create the best outdoor BBQ kitchen? Although every homeowner will have their own preferences, here are a few elements you may want to include. 

Custom Kitchen Island 

Before you purchase the appliances that will transform your backyard into a grilling haven, you need to lay the foundations for a successful kitchen setup. A kitchen island provides the basis for everything you’ll need, with space for storage doors and drawers, recessed spaces for appliances, and counter surfaces for food preparation. 

Islands from around five feet to eight feet in length can accommodate most amenities. Or you can make the most of modular design to expand your setup, creating a custom layout that fits your space and meets your needs.  

By starting with the right kitchen island, you can create a perfectly customized space for your needs.  

Cooking Surfaces 

The most important appliance in any outdoor kitchen is the grill. Fortunately, you have plenty of great options. Renowned brands like Dealta Heat, Twin Eagles, and TrueFlame offer durable stainless steel construction, up to five burners, and desirable features like heat zone separators, removable warming racks, and interior lights. Once you choose your island with us our experts will contact you for the correct cut-out dimensions for your grill, or help you choose one that’s a perfect fit. 

If you like to cook for large groups or create gourmet meals, you can add more cooking surfaces. Many outdoor chefs love having a side burner for boiling water or simmering sauces. A griddle for cooking eggs, pancakes, and other items unsuitable for a grill is another great add-on. With the right heated surfaces, every meal is at your fingertips. 

Smoker 

What’s a BBQ without smoked meat? We have plenty of options to choose from to match your chosen kitchen island design. One example is the versatile kamado-style grills, known for their egg-shaped appearance. These are designed for superior heat retention, which makes them ideal for smoking meats–although they can also be used for grilling, roasting, searing, and even baking. 

Suitable for different fuel types like charcoal or wood, kamado-style grills can sustain high heat, but they’re more often chosen for low-and-slow cooking, offering hours or even days of cooking time with a single load of fuel. Innovative designs allow you to add fuel without removing the cooking surface. 

Other Appliances 

Once you’ve got your cooking gear, you’ll want to outfit your kitchen with a range of supplemental appliances.  

For example, an outdoor kitchen that borders the exterior of your home may benefit from the addition of a hood vent to remove smoke and grease for the avid BBQ chef. 

And don’t forget cooling. Cooling is just as important as cooking, so consider installing an outdoor fridge to house cold food, condiments, and beverages. Plus, you can keep your leftover BBQ meats and sauces safe so friends and family can keep coming back for more. 

If you want dedicated space just for your chilly beverages that go perfectly with your signature burgers, consider adding a wine cooler to your outdoor setup. These convenient fridges put cold items within easy reach so that you don’t have to run back and forth to your indoor kitchen while you cook and entertain. 

Designing Your Best Outdoor BBQ Kitchen 

Some people spend the summer in front of the grill, flipping burgers and enjoying leisure time outdoors with loved ones. Others create a covered setup that allows them to use their outdoor kitchen through multiple seasons. 

Whether you love a good sear on your steak, you slow-cook meats year-round, or you enjoy a good brisket, the right appliances and setup allow you to make the most of your backyard space, including a BBQ kitchen just right for your lifestyle. 

Let the experts at Stono Outdoor Living help create your dream outdoor kitchen. Start building your kitchen with our 3D configurator; it's simple and easy to use. Or schedule a no-obligation design consultation to tailor a custom outdoor kitchen design that combines comfort, functionality, and style. We guarantee a perfect fit, free shipping, and easy assembly. Shop Islands or Schedule a Consultation today.