Best Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Eating may be a necessity for survival, but food preparation is often an act of love, whether you’re creating favorite dishes for family and friends or maintaining your own health and wellness. Connections are made over bowls of ramen and plates of BBQ, and relationships grow through the shared enjoyment of cooking and dining together. 

When the weather is fine, and everyone rushes to socialize outdoors, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen by yourself, missing out on all the fun. An outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and be part of the action, even when you’re the primary chef in your home. 

You might not have a clear idea of how to create an outdoor kitchen that suits your space and meets your needs. One place to start is with a free design consultation with an experienced professional to discuss your project and preferences. But first, here are a few things to consider when creating the ideal outdoor kitchen for your home. 

Recreate the Kitchen Triangle 

The classic kitchen triangle between your sink, stove, and fridge is essential to ensuring a functional and efficient kitchen workspace. Why, then, do so many outdoor kitchens situate these items in a straight line instead of a triangle? 

While you simply might not have the space to create an L- or U-shaped outdoor kitchen, there’s no reason not to if you have the square footage. These shapes allow for optimal movement between your outdoor refrigerator, grill, and sink. You’ll save tons of time and effort by following this timeless design principle. 

Don’t Skimp on the Island 

It’s never a bad idea to have an equisite kitchen island at your disposal when it comes to outdoor entertaining. An outdoor kitchen island could be the keystone of your exterior cooking space, featuring your custom grill, prep surface, storage, and options for additional appliances. 

If you love entertaining outdoors during warmer months, you need a space designed for food prep and cooking that makes your life easier. The island is an essential part of the equation that could also double as a dining surface in a pinch. 

Consider a Pass-Through 

Chances are you’re going to spend a lot of time shuttling food and dishes between your indoor and outdoor kitchen. This is why the outdoor space is often positioned next to an exterior door that’s in or near the interior kitchen. 

However, you can save a lot of shoe leather by upgrading a window or adding one to create a pass-through between your indoor and outdoor kitchen. You might choose a slider, bifold or accordion-style panes or swing-up or roll-up styles that mimic garage doors. 

You’ll want to attach a counter surface on the exterior as a staging space where you can pass items back and forth with ease. You could also set the space up to double as a bar with stools for dining and socialization. In some cases, the exterior counter can be made to look like an extension of the interior kitchen, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces. 

This functional addition is an ideal way to streamline entertainment, ensure that the cook never feels left out during social gatherings, and create a truly custom space that enhances your lifestyle. 

Choose Premium Materials 

Any outdoor kitchen must stand up to the elements, from the rays of the summer sun to the freezing temperatures and inclement weather of winter. While it’s not a bad idea to winterize if you live in a snowy climate, you still want premium outdoor kitchen island materials that not only look great but are made to last. 

Powder-coated aluminum construction is the ideal choice, thanks to materials and processes that defy rust, rot, warping, and other damage. Preassembled pieces offer easy installation so you can start enjoying your outdoor kitchen as soon as possible. With premium finishes rated for outdoor use, you can get the look you love paired with longevity. 

Cover Up 

Outdoor elements impact more than simply the materials used for your kitchen design; they also affect the cook. Whether you’re trying to avoid the midday sun or you want the option to grill on rainy days, consider adding some protection to your outdoor kitchen with an awning, pavilion, or covered pergola that keeps the elements at bay. At the very least, you’ll want a high-quality grill cover.  

Have Fun Designing Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen 

Memories are made over delicious food, so don’t be afraid to get creative when designing an outdoor kitchen that perfectly meets your unique needs and preferences.  

Whether you love spending time outdoors with your spouse and children or your home is an entertaining hot spot for extended family and friends, an outdoor kitchen extends the usable square footage of your property by creating a living space in the heart of your backyard. 

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.