Outdoor Kitchens: How to Get the Most Out of Yours

In outdoor living design, outdoor kitchens have taken a real leap forward and are redefining what it means to have a backyard. Today’s outdoor kitchens are full-service set-ups, with all the amenities and benefits of an indoor kitchen. The backyard barbeque is now a marquee event, and hosts and hostesses can actually enjoy their outdoor events instead of staying isolated in an indoor kitchen preparing food.

Of course, there’s always room for improvement, so we thought we’d take a look at some additional touches homeowners can throw in to really maximize their outdoor kitchen set-up. Here are a few tips on how outdoor kitchen owners can enhance their space.

Find a balance

Just as with an indoor kitchen, an outdoor kitchen has to have a balance between aesthetics and pragmatism – you want it to look good, but you want to be able to clean it easily, too. In an outdoor kitchen, however, practical concerns can dominate, since the space is exposed to the elements and much more difficult to keep clean and operating optimally. When looking for accessories and added touches for your outdoor kitchen, don’t shortchange yourself by focusing too much on nuts and bolts while forgetting your sense of style. Once technical choices have been made and you’re sure you have a safe, clean outdoor kitchen, remember to add in a touch of style and enhance the ambiance of the space. An outdoor kitchen can be as warm and inviting as an indoor one with the right touches.

Get real furniture

Your outdoor kitchen can function as a “real” room. It doesn’t need plastic furniture and accessories. There are solutions that have replaced the old outdoor table umbrella (more on that in the next section) and that can protect you and your guests in a much more comprehensive way. Consider getting an actual dining table, cushioned chairs, etc., and adding a warm feel to your outdoor kitchen and eating area.

Protect your investment

An outdoor kitchen can be a pretty sizable investment, and one that is exposed to a lot of potentially destructive factors like the sun, wind, and rain. Protect your outdoor kitchen from the elements by purchasing a pergola. The pergolas of today are well-built, carefully engineered structures that will stand up to almost anything nature has to throw their way. A pergola doesn’t lock you in, either; they come with retractable canopies, so that you can get sun on a fine day and protect your appliances on a rainy one. They can also add to the look and feel of an outdoor kitchen, as well, and can come with curtains, lights, and even fans, adding to the functionality and value of your outdoor space.

How do you get the most out of your outdoor kitchen? Comment below and let us know!