Proximity can also make running gas andplumbing linesoutside more manageable and economical.
Consider outfitting your outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, sink, refrigerator,ice maker, and more.
Once you decide which appliances you want to be installed, be sure to align your utility services accordingly.
Credit: Edmund Barr
Select durable materials such asstainless steel, shown here, and stone, slate, tile, or stucco.
A stretch of concrete countertop adjacent to the grill provides plenty of space for ingredient prep or serving food.
Stools pull up to the counter to form a compact seating area.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Outdoor Kitchen Landscaping
Boost the presence of an outdoor kitchen by surrounding it with beautiful landscaping.
Colorful containers dress up the space and visually link the outdoor kitchen with the rest of the garden.
Large Outdoor Entertaining Area
This outdoor kitchen and entertainment area provide plenty of space to spread out.
Credit: Aniko Levai
After dinner, guests canrelax around the stone firepitand toast marshmallows.
Outdoor Pizza Oven
Add apizza ovento your patio to take your summer parties to the next level.
Use an extra-long pizza paddle to maintain a safe distance from the heat as you cook.
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Just double-check alllight fixtures are rated for outdoor use.
Create different zones for cooking, prep work, and serving to facilitate a smooth flow.
Make the most of your grilling-and-dining area by adding shelter above your kitchen or seating space.
Credit: Brie Williams
Easy-Clean Flooring
Meal cleanup outside shouldn’t require more work than inside.
In an outdoor kitchen, choose an easy-to-clean floor, such as this resilient tile.
For a homier feeling, consider laying down an easy-care outdoor rugyou can hose down if it gets dirty.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
Then design your kitchen with those elements in mind.
Counter-height stools lining the exterior side provide more casual dining space.
The sheltered area includes built-in lighting and anoutdoor fireplaceto keep it cozy after dark.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Consider what you want on hand to determine what kind of storage you need.
Small Outdoor Kitchen
This smart small outdoor kitchen idea includes amenities to accommodate prep and cleanup.
In this compact space, three appliances are situated in a row.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Thedishwashersits next to the grill, providing convenient countertop space for prep work.
A quainttable for twomakes this cozy alleyway the perfect at-home date night destination.
Grilling Utensil Storage
Employ outdoor kitchen storage that keepscooking utensils organizedyet out of the way.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Whichever storage solution you choose, position it near the cooking area for convenient access.
Abar-sized sinkbeside the grill is a clever small outdoor kitchen idea.
Include a trashcan under the sink to quickly toss veggie scraps or empty bottles.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Here, the space neatly dovetails with the cooking spot and has enough room for a few stools.
Designate additional space elsewhere for a more formal outdoor dining area.
Patio Grill Setup
Situate a built-in grill amid lush plantings to create anoasisfor outdoor cooking and dining.
Credit: Jamie Hadley
This outdoor kitchen includes counter space next to the grill as a landing spot for hot plates.
A lamp with a flexible neck attached to the adjacent fence keeps the cooking zone well-lit whenbarbecuing steaksafter dark.
Outdoor Ventilation
Even in an outdoor kitchen, you oughta think about air quality.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Double-Grill Fireplace
A sizable brick fireplace is the focal point of this outdoor dining area.
Interlocking bricks provide a solid, low-maintenance floor, anda pergola overheadoffers relief from the sun.
Comfortable seating and an outdoor fireplace create a cozy, relaxing spot after dinner.
Credit: Emily Followill
Aheateris suspended from the pergola to take the chill off cool evenings.
Secondary Outdoor Kitchen
A grill, sink, and refrigeratorall faced with stainless steelmakeoutdoor cookinga breeze.
Should there be light rain, a broad umbrella protects diners at the table.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Stacked-stone cladding gives the island a rustic look.
The roof defines the outdoor kitchen as a freestanding room and extends the use of the space.
Aceiling fanadds comfort in the heat.
Credit: Julie Soefer
Durable Stone Structure
Durable materials are critical components of any outdoor kitchen.
Here, concrete countertops, stone cabinets, and a stone floor bring unity to the space.
The natural materials ground the kitchen and help it stand the test of weather and time.
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