Tips for Designing the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a luxury to most, however, it doesn’t have to break the bank. It also doesn’t have to be a fully integrated ‘second kitchen’ with all the bells and whistles. Nothing says ‘I love to barbecue’ more than a freestanding, well-loved four-burner to one side of your alfresco. We have the tips for designing the perfect outdoor kitchen for your lifestyle.
A well-planned space will provide endless enjoyment all year round. And you will be incredibly thankful that you put some time and thought into creating such a functional space. From location and design to materials and lighting, we are here to help you create the best outdoor kitchen.
Benefits of a perfect outdoor kitchen
We already know that an extra space is a win for your home and your usable space. Plus, dining and spending time outdoors is great for general life satisfaction. We live so much of our lives online (I am looking at you reading this blog). Any excuse to enjoy the outdoors instead of four walls is a great trade, even if you are still on your phone.
Something that doesn’t automatically come to mind when designing the perfect outdoor kitchen and outdoor cooking is saving your home from excess heat buildup from cooking indoors. Although it is great in the depths of winter, reducing the need for the air conditioner in summer is always appreciated, both for the bills and the environment.
Consider the location of your outdoor kitchen
If you are a social cooker, then you want to be cooking where your friends and family are, not halfway down your backyard. Positioning the kitchen adjacent to your outdoor dining area is ideal so you don’t miss the conversations. If the barbecue is your escape from the social situation, well, ignore the above.
Practically, locating your outdoor kitchen close to your indoor kitchen allows easy access to existing water, gas and electricity lines. Ensuring the cabinetry orientation works with the elements, not against them, will ensure longevity for your cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.
Designing your outdoor kitchen space around how you want to use it
Just like your indoor kitchen, an outdoor kitchen needs to work around three zones – preparation, cooking and storage. Noting that all of these will be on a smaller scale than a regular kitchen. Due to the more modest size, single wall and small L-shapes are the most common layouts.
A smaller space means choosing the features that are most important to you and the way you like to cook. Most commonly we see the classic Aussie barbecue, sink and small fridge as the main features. If you have the space, and the intention to use them, a dishwasher, small burner, rangehood and alternative cooking options are great additions.
Consider any special features that appeal to your lifestyle. If you want the space to be somewhere to use for different cooking styles, then a pizza oven or teppanyaki grill might be on your list. If your outdoor kitchen is to keep meat smells out the house, it sounds like a classic barbecue is for you. Or if risottos and pastas speak your language, a cooktop or barbecue integrated cooktop is a must.
Adding a servery window between your indoor and outdoor kitchens provides quick access between the two spaces. Better yet, a door straight to the alfresco is optimal. This eliminates the need for an outdoor fridge and sink as it is convenient to use your indoor kitchen. More free space equals more allowance for your benchtop, cabinetry and even your cooktop.
Select materials suitable for the outdoors
Continuing your selections from inside to outside will create cohesion of your indoor/outdoor living. On the alternative, it is also a great opportunity to make choices you maybe didn’t want to commit to for your internal selections.
Durability of the big three – weather, moisture and sun – is your next consideration. As someone who lives in a recently developed estate, I can add ‘dust’ to the list as the fourth element to consider. Which also resonates with lots of our customers building on properties. The lighter palettes hide dust from the eye much easier than the classic outdoor choices – looking at that dust covered black barbecue cover.
Stainless steel is the perfect choice for long term durability – tapware, sinks, appliances and even benchtops. Yes, it might not match your internal selections, however, it will match the harsh elements of the outdoors and last the test of time.
Handy hint: a waterfall edge benchtop will finish off your outdoor kitchen look while also protecting your cabinetry from the weather.
Porcelain tiles are certainly an upgrade, however, they don’t require the same maintenance as natural tiles. The same goes for Trex composite decking – a smart upgrade can save you endless hours of maintenance over the life of your home.
Light it up
Okay yes, we would love the barbecue started, however, an earlier priority is to consider how you are going to see that your chicken is fully cooked. Functional lighting above your cooking zone is the best choice, much better than a phone torch, with softer feature lighting for the remainder of your alfresco area.
Handy hint: dimmable lighting is a great option. This allows you to create a softer mood once all the food prep is done. This can be achieved though dimmable downlights or even with a simple light and fan combination.
Now it is time to start the barbeque and celebrate your skills in designing the perfect outdoor kitchen.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Our Blogs for more ideas.
By Amy Rosendale
