Which Outdoor Kitchen Style Fits Your Personality?

Outdoor kitchens are all the rage these days with each becoming more elaborate than the last. But it’s not about outdoing your neighbor; it’s about finding the right outdoor kitchen to suit your style and needs.

Is the party always at your house? Are your kids’ friends always in the backyard? Are you crazy for a smoker, charcoal grill, brick oven pizza? These questions and more will help you determine how you want to use your outdoor kitchen and therefore, what’s important to include in its design.

Party Central

If you find yourself hosting all the best gatherings, you’ll want to build in not only large capacity cooking, but also serving areas, and a bar to sit and enjoy the action! Let’s start with the cooking space.

Consider a larger grilling area plus side burners to cook side dishes. For the grill itself, do you also want a smoker? Or are you a classic burgers-and-steak grillmaster? Is there only one outdoor cook in your home or will you need an additional cooking zone? Your grill will be the central cooking area in your outdoor kitchen so start here.

For large gatherings, you’ll also want surfaces for serving. Counter tops create great storage under them for weatherproof cabinets and outdoor refrigerators, perfect for when you want everything within reach. Designate an area for creating your signature drink, and you’re ready to open the back gate!

Kids Zone

If the fare at your house is typically hot dogs and popsicles, then you may not need a smoker but will opt for a freezer instead. Or possibly a Sno-Cone machine? Designate a cabinet for kid-friendly plates, napkins, and snacks so they can help themselves while staying out of the kitchen! Playlists through outdoor speakers will keep the party rocking.

Intimate Pizza Nights

If you’re past the party scene and the kids have moved out, how about an intimate bistro setting complete with a pizza oven and a wine refrigerator? You’ll want a large surface so everyone can select their toppings – including fresh herbs from the garden – before you slide their pizza into the brick oven. Outdoor cabinets hold serving accessories and table settings, while music sets the mood through your outdoor speakers. A slice of heaven.

Finally, when designing your dream outdoor kitchen, ask yourself, “What would set this apart?” Do you want to add built-in blenders for your famous margaritas? Have you always wanted a theatre-style popcorn machine? Talk to your designer about incorporating elements that would make your outdoor kitchen reflect your unique personality.