An outdoor kitchen can be a fantastic addition to any home, making it possible to hold barbecues, pool parties, and picnics without having to cook indoors and miss all the fun. The right outdoor kitchen can help increase property values and boost satisfaction with added outdoor living space. 

However, all outdoor kitchens aren’t made the same, and the wrong kitchen for your space can compromise your summer plans. Before charging ahead with building an outdoor kitchen, be sure you have a solid plan in place that ticks every box.

Choose a location for your outdoor kitchen

When picking a place to put your outdoor kitchen, consider proximity to pools, patios, or other favorite backyard features, accessibility from exterior doors, privacy from neighbors, storage and security, and ease of installation. Properties with large yards can offer plenty of areas to build an outdoor kitchen, but choosing the suitable space in your yard can make or break your outdoor living space.

Pro Tip: “You want to put the BBQ in a location facing the backyard, but most importantly, as close to the house’s back door as possible. People don’t realize how much back and forth they are doing between the kitchen and the BBQ while cooking.” – So Cal Builders & Design 

Do your research or contact a professional before building out your outdoor space, or you’ll potentially find yourself with an awkward layout. 

Determine features best for your outdoor kitchen needs 

Every chef has individual preferences. Some love a gas grill, while others are dedicated to charcoal. An outdoor bar with kegs and taps may matter to summer party fans, while an ice chest for blending chilled drinks could be priority number one for others. Regardless, it’s critical to understand that an outdoor kitchen isn’t intended to be an equivalent of an indoor kitchen. Instead, it’s a separate space to meet unique demands and likely won’t be able to accommodate the same functions and appliances…