If you love cooking inside your house, imagine how nice it would be to do it outdoors while enjoying the warm weather and nature, being accompanied by your friends and family. And all that along with everything you need at the reach of your hand.
Before you think this is too good to be true, let me tell you it’s not: it’s what an outdoor kitchen is all about. The opportunity to cook outside is only one of the many reasons you should create a cool and cosy outdoor area with a cooking spot. It can make you think of your outdoor space not as an extension only but as a central part of your home when main gatherings happen, no matter the season.
Planning and designing an outdoor kitchen area can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you have never done it before. We’ve made this simple guide for you to make the whole process easier. It includes a checklist of must-haves so you can create the perfect outdoor kitchen and take your alfresco dining experience to another level.
Where to Start?
Before you start going through the wide range of alfresco kitchens and outdoor appliances, it’s best to do some planning. How do you plan an outdoor kitchen? First, consider how you’ll use your outdoor alfresco kitchen. This way, you can figure out what type of kitchen best suits your needs.
For example, are you going for something small, like a place to cook a romantic breakfast for two, or you’re thinking of big barbecue parties for the whole family here and then? Your requirements will determine how much space you need for your outdoor kitchen and where it’ll be best to locate it. Once you’ve decided on size and location, you must consider other important things like plumbing and electricity, the number of appliances you’ll need, and the size of the seating area.
Once you’ve figured out your preferences, you can start building. As there are certain requirements in terms of appliance installation and other stuff regarding pre-installation, it’s always beneficial to check law regulations first. Whether you decide to build yourself or hire professionals, this is important.
Must-Haves Checklist
BBQ
As a centrepiece, the BBQ is the heart of every alfresco kitchen. It’s where people gather and socialise while the chef prepares their special meals. Regarding the type of fuel source, there are different fuel options, such as solid fuels, electric, propane and natural gas. What is the best fuel for BBQ? That depends on what you’re looking for.
If your home already has natural gas, it’ll be most cost-effective to plumb the barbeque into your home’s gas piping. If you’re searching for a more portable solution, electric and solid-fueled models would work out better for you.
There are also different sizes available, meaning they feature a different number of burners. The primary guideline is that it’s best to buy a barbeque that is slightly bigger than what you think would be enough. This guarantees flexibility, meaning you won’t worry if more guests than what you’ve planned show up.
Besides BBQ, other appliances for preparing food are a pizza oven and a smoker. Buying these is optional, and it would greatly depend on whether you need them, have extra space for installation or have the extra money. However, they’re the ultimate nice-haves: having them as a part of your alfresco kitchen will make you the top host. Your family and friends would love to spend time on your patio once you start making homemade pizzas.
Benchtop and Cabinetry
Alfresco kitchens come in several designs with different material benchtops and storage units. What’s the best option? Before going for a particular design, you must determine who is doing the installation. If you decide to DIY, a ready-to-build kitchen design will be best, as it’s easiest to set up. If you decide to hire a professional cabinet maker, then you have several options to choose from. A custom build can cost you more, but we all know that the more personalised the approach, the better it suits your needs.
When deciding the size, think about how much space you’ll need to prepare your meals and cook. Also, consider if you need an additional surface so your guests can put their drinks on. It’s the same with storage; it’s nice to have enough room to store all the necessary items to prevent unnecessary trips to your indoor kitchen. Whether you choose porcelain or stainless steel, opt for high-quality, weatherproof materials tested for outdoor use.
A sink and fridge are other features to consider before you start building your alfresco kitchen. Most outdoor kitchens come with an option of a built-in sink, and the same goes for the fridge. Making them a part of the kitchen is space-saving, meaning you won’t need the extra space for additional freestanding units. If you’re remodelling, it’s nice to know that you can always buy them separately and include them in your existing design.
Useful Accessories
Lighting is another essential factor to consider. If you’ve used your outdoor area before, you probably have an existing lighting source. However, now that you’ll cook outside, you need more specific lighting, such as task lighting, so you can also enjoy cooking in the late hours. To enjoy your outdoor entertaining areas in comfort and extend their use from early spring to late autumn, you’ll need outdoor heating. There’s an extensive range of outdoor heater designs and types, making it easy to find a heater for any space and occasion.
Seating Area
Once your outdoor kitchen is complete, you can proceed to design a dining or lounge area so you can fully enjoy your outdoor time. You have several options for creating a seating area. You can go for a casual setting, including a bar table and stools. If you want to spend more time outside, it might be best to go for a comfy outdoor sofa with cushions to lounge with your closest family members and friends. And large outdoor parties call for multiple-piece dining sets.
