Outdoor kitchen designs

This article is about outdoor kitchen designs. Building an outdoor kitchen in your backyard is very hard, as there are so many designs and plans to choose from. Nevertheless, in this article we will strive to help you make the best decision, as to build the outdoor kitchen that fits your needs, budget and tastes. Having an outdoor kitchen with the right design will freshen-up the look of your backyard, add value to your property and make you weekends more thrilling. Just imagine cooking a steak or backing a homemade pizza, while watching your kids playing in your garden. Isn’t this a great image, that you want to turn into reality? If you are determined to make it happen, you should be aware that the outdoor kitchen designs will cost about 1000 – 5000 dollars, according to its size and appliances you are going to use.

The outdoor kitchens can be built in many different shapes, from a basic barbeque pit, up to complex outdoor kitchen islands, having an U or L shape. Irrespective of your choice we recommend you to add certain features, like a sink, a grill and a granite countertop, as to ease your work. These features and appliances are not expensive, but their impact is significant, as you should aim to build an outdoor kitchen with the same amount of comfort you have inside your house.

When planning the outdoor kitchen designs, you should make sure that it will have an area for chopping vegetables and lots of storage spaces. Although it might seem a minor aspect, we can say from our own experience, that having outside cabinets is very useful, as it will save you from many trips to your kitchen (to bring the meat, vegetables, beverages, utensils). If you afford, you should also consider equipping the outdoor kitchen with a stainless steel gas oven, a small refrigerator and a grill. Nevertheless, if you are under a tight budget, you can still turn your dream into reality, by choosing a more traditional outdoor kitchen design (use bricks and mortar to build a small bbq).

My best tips on outdoor kitchen designs

An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate addition to your backyard, providing a space to cook, entertain, and relax in the open air. Whether you want a simple setup with a grill and counter or a fully equipped kitchen with appliances and storage, the right design will make your outdoor kitchen both functional and stylish. Here are my best tips for designing the perfect outdoor kitchen.

1. Plan Your Layout

The layout is the foundation of any outdoor kitchen design, so it’s important to choose one that suits your space and needs:

Linear layout: A straight-line layout works well in small spaces or for simple outdoor kitchens. The grill, counter, and appliances are all placed along a single wall, making everything easily accessible.
L-shaped layout: An L-shaped kitchen provides more counter space and separates cooking from prep or serving areas. It’s ideal for larger patios and backyards.
U-shaped layout: For the ultimate outdoor kitchen, a U-shaped design offers maximum counter space and the ability to integrate more appliances and storage. This layout works best in larger outdoor spaces and allows you to face guests while cooking.

Plan the layout to maximize efficiency and make sure all essential cooking zones are within easy reach.

2. Choose the Right Materials

Selecting the right materials is essential for creating a durable and stylish outdoor kitchen that can withstand the elements:

Countertops: Choose materials like granite, concrete, or stainless steel for your countertops. These materials are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain. Avoid porous materials like marble, which can stain and wear out in outdoor environments.
Cabinetry: Opt for weatherproof cabinets made from stainless steel, teak, or powder-coated aluminum. These materials resist rust, moisture, and UV damage.
Flooring: Use pavers, stone, or concrete for your outdoor kitchen flooring. These materials provide a solid, non-slip surface that’s easy to clean and can handle outdoor conditions.

Choosing durable, weather-resistant materials ensures that your outdoor kitchen will last for years to come.

3. Incorporate Appliances That Suit Your Cooking Style

When designing your outdoor kitchen, think about which appliances will fit your cooking habits and preferences:

Grill: The grill is the heart of most outdoor kitchens. Choose between gas, charcoal, or wood-fired grills, depending on your cooking style. For versatility, consider a combo grill that allows you to use both gas and charcoal.
Pizza oven: If you love homemade pizza, a wood-fired pizza oven can be a great addition. It’s perfect for cooking pizza, bread, or even roasted vegetables.
Smoker: For low-and-slow cooking, a smoker adds flavor and depth to meats, fish, and vegetables.
Refrigerator: An outdoor-rated refrigerator is great for keeping drinks and ingredients cool. Choose a compact model if you’re working with limited space.
Sink: A built-in sink makes prep and cleanup easier, especially if you have access to water lines.

Select appliances based on how you plan to use your outdoor kitchen, ensuring that they fit within your space and budget.

4. Create Zones for Cooking, Prep, and Serving

To keep your outdoor kitchen functional, divide it into zones:

Cooking zone: Place the grill, stove, or pizza oven in a dedicated cooking zone. Make sure this area has enough ventilation and is away from high-traffic areas.
Prep zone: Include plenty of counter space for food prep near the cooking zone. This will give you space to chop vegetables, marinate meats, and prepare dishes.
Serving zone: Add a bar counter or serving area where guests can gather and you can plate meals. This keeps the cooking zone separate and provides a social space.

Organizing the kitchen into zones helps streamline the cooking process and makes it easier to entertain guests.

DIY Outdoor Kitchen Designs

5. Maximize Storage Space

Outdoor kitchens need plenty of storage to keep utensils, cookware, and ingredients organized and protected from the weather:

Cabinets and drawers: Add weatherproof cabinets and drawers beneath countertops for storing grilling tools, plates, and non-perishable ingredients. Use stainless steel or teak for durability.
Open shelving: For easy access to frequently used items, incorporate open shelving for things like herbs, spices, or decorative items.
Trash and recycling bins: Consider including built-in trash and recycling bins to keep the area tidy and make clean-up easier.

Plenty of storage keeps your outdoor kitchen clutter-free and functional.

6. Ensure Proper Ventilation and Shade

Outdoor kitchens generate a lot of heat, so it’s essential to ensure good airflow and protection from the elements:

Vent hoods: If your outdoor kitchen is partially enclosed or under a roof, consider installing a vent hood over the grill or stove to help expel smoke and heat.
Pergolas and shade structures: To create a comfortable cooking and dining area, add a pergola, awning, or shade sail over your kitchen. This protects the space from direct sunlight and provides shelter from rain.

Good ventilation and shade help keep your outdoor kitchen comfortable and functional throughout the year.

7. Add Lighting for Ambiance and Functionality

Lighting is essential for both practical use and creating a welcoming atmosphere in your outdoor kitchen:

Task lighting: Install task lighting over the grill, stove, and prep areas to ensure good visibility when cooking after dark.
Ambient lighting: Add soft ambient lighting with string lights, lanterns, or LED strips around the dining and seating areas to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Under-counter lighting: For a modern touch, install under-counter lighting to illuminate the base of the countertops and cabinets.

Good lighting makes your outdoor kitchen usable at night and adds ambiance for evening gatherings.

8. Include Comfortable Seating and Dining Areas

To turn your outdoor kitchen into a social hub, create comfortable seating and dining areas:

Bar counter: Install a bar counter with stools along the edge of the kitchen so guests can sit and chat while you cook.
Dining table: For larger gatherings, add a dining table nearby where everyone can sit down and enjoy meals together.
Lounge area: Include a lounge area with outdoor sofas or chairs for a relaxed atmosphere. You can also add a fire pit for a cozy touch.

Comfortable seating areas make your outdoor kitchen a welcoming space for both cooking and entertaining.

Bonus Tip: Add a Fire Feature for Extra Warmth and Ambiance Consider adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to your kitchen design for extra warmth and ambiance. This feature can serve as a focal point for gatherings and extend the usability of your outdoor space into cooler months.

Simple outdoor kitchen designs

If you have a budget under 1000 dollars, you can still construct a beautiful small kitchen if you use materials such as bricks and concrete. In addition, if you like our outdoor kitchen designs ideas, you will love it even if it doesn’t have luxurious features.

This simple outdoor kitchen plans are ideal for a small backyard. You only have to know several basic masonry techniques and how to choose proper grill grates, before building the kitchen.

Small outdoor kitchen designs

If you need more space to prepare the food (chopping the vegetables, washing the meat), you should consider building a L-shaped outdoor kitchen like the one in the image. In addition, you could install several outdoor cabinets to store the utensils and a gas grill, to prepare tasty food like a professional.

Outdoor kitchen designs with pizza oven

If you look for unique design ideas, then maybe a brick pizza oven next to a barbeque could fit you needs. The cost of this outdoor kitchen is lower as compared to a modern construction with stainless steel appliances, as you only need bricks, refractory brick s and mortar to build it.

Outdoor kitchen design plans

Modern outdoor kitchen designs

If you live in an area with hot summer days or you want to protect the outdoor kitchen from rain or snow, you could build a simple wooden pergola, like the one in the image.

If you don’t like the natural aspect of wood or you don’t want to waste your time on refreshing its look every 2-3 years, you should consider using a kit made of composite materials.

Outdoor kitchen design ideas

If you have a small backyard and you want to spend the weekends with your family around an outdoor kitchen with a beautiful design, this plan should fit your needs perfectly.

This outdoor kitchen comes with a built in brick barbeque, a nice concrete table with a granite countertop and with a small roof, to protect it against bad weather. The chimney should be taller than the roof, otherwise it might catch fire.

Traditional outdoor barbeque design

The next outdoor kitchen design plans are about a construction with a traditional look. Therefore, if you want an outdoor cooking stove adjacent to a brick pizza oven, you should pay attention to this project.

Outdoor kitchen designs

The last outdoor kitchen designs is the most lavish and luxurious, as it contains a nice L-shaped construction equipped with a gas grill, a gas oven, a sink and several outdoor cabinets.

Next to the outdoor kitchen you could build a large patio and nice gazebo / pergola. In this manner, you could set a table with several chairs and take your dinner with your friends in a pleasant atmosphere.

Backyard kitchen

However, you could also build an elegant and modern backyard kitchen, if you choose this design. Combine the stainless steel appliances with natural materials to get a really professional result.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to design a functional, stylish outdoor kitchen that meets your needs and enhances your backyard space. With the right layout, materials, and appliances, your outdoor kitchen will become the perfect place to cook, entertain, and relax.

Thank you for reading our article about outdoor kitchen designs and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

PRINT PLAN