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21 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas To Make The Most Of Your Summer
By: Andrew Saladino | 
min
Picture this, it's a dreamy summer night, your signature dish is roasting on the grill, and you're hanging out with your friends by your outdoor bar while the kids play cards on the lounge chairs. If this sounds like the lifestyle you'd love to have, an outdoor kitchen is just what you need.
Whether you are dreaming of an ultra-modern space or a rustic patio kitchen with a wood-fired oven, the sky's the limit when it comes to creating an outdoor kitchen. If you have been going back and forth on the idea of adding an outdoor living space to your property, this post should help you make an informed decision and will give you some great inspiration for possible design features.
Backyard Kitchen Basics
Building an outdoor kitchen doesn't just create a space that you and your family can enjoy the summer days in; it also increases the value of your home, especially if you live in a part of the country where you can use it year-round. Your backyard kitchen should be located near your house to keep the cost minimal, as you don't have to install all new flooring, electricity, and plumbing.
While a simple patio kitchen may cost anywhere between $3,000 and $7,500, a larger space in your backyard with additional storage, seating, and appliances (e.g. dishwasher) can cost up to $21,000 or more.
There are four basic appliances that you should consider for your outdoor kitchen: a grill, a burner, a fridge, and a sink. Having these appliances and at least 48 inches of countertop frontage will create a fully functional kitchen space in your outdoor cooking area.
Now that we've established the basics of an open air kitchen, let's look at some cool design ideas to inspire your own outdoor space! Here are some of our favorite designs that are whimsical and practical.
Simple Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas
Whether you don't have a lot of outdoor space or your budget isn't allowing you to spend money on a full-blown outdoor kitchen, there are still plenty of fun ways to create a space outside that you can cook, eat, and mingle in. Here are our favorite simple and affordable backyard kitchen ideas.
1
Try
a
Try
a
minimal design
Your outdoor kitchen space does not have to give off Hollywood Hills vibes. A minimal design that includes lots of wood and stone elements can create a cooking and lounging space that you'll enjoy for years to come. A roof over your head will protect the appliances from weather changes and allow you to hang out and get cozy by the fireplace no matter the season.
View more minimalist kitchen ideas to gather inspiration for this design style.
2
Keep
it
Keep
it
simple
If you're on a budget, consider building a bar and completing your outdoor cooking area with a grill. While cabinets and a built-in grill are nice features, they're unnecessary for your outdoor cooking area. A bar, workbench, or countertop will still give you plenty of space to cook entire meals outdoors and be at the center of the party with your guests.
3
Go
into
Go
into
the woods
Never underestimate the power of extra storage space in your kitchen! As your family grows, so will your needs--the extra space will come in handy soon enough. Before you order your cabinets, think about the configuration of your kitchen. To utilize every inch of the space, consider creating shallow cabinets in otherwise empty spots to store smaller items like spices, cans, or condiments.
4
Grow an
Grow an
edible garden
Cooking outdoors becomes even more fun when you're using homegrown vegetables and herbs in your dishes. Plant an edible garden close to your open-air kitchen area, or decorate the walls with planters to grow your favorite herbs. Whether you're spicing up a steak with fresh thyme or grab a couple of mint leaves to spruce up your cocktail, the greens don't just make the cooking experience more rewarding; they also brighten up the place!
Check out our post on growing an herb garden to learn more about the best herbs for beginners and which dishes taste better with a little bit of fresh greenery.
5
Go
Go
rustic
Your outdoor kitchen doesn't have to cost you a fortune. A simple, rustic aesthetic is much more affordable and creates a cozy vibe that will keep you warm and comfortable on those chill summer nights. If you have a shack or a garage on your property, consider building a little kitchen in there that functions on your getaway when you feel like escaping the house.
6. Opt for a fire pit
A fire pit is a great outdoor feature and can level up the design of your outdoor kitchen. It's the perfect heat source for colder nights and makes for a great centerpiece that you and your guests can gather around while enjoying aperitifs and waiting for the grill to heat up.
7. Hang string lights
String lights are the perfect way to add functional decor to your patio kitchen. You can install subtle fairy lights for a more whimsical look or use wire to support larger, vintage-style globe lights. Whether you string the lights in neat, straight lines or in a zigzag pattern across the perimeter, this decor will provide a unique ambiance and allow you to enjoy your time outdoors, no matter the time of day.
Must-Have Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas
For an outdoor space that feels like an actual kitchen, you'll need a few features that classify the area as such. In the early design stages, you should make a list of wants and needs so you can ensure that your backyard kitchen will have features that you'll use regularly and your whole family will appreciate.
8
get a
wood
get a
wood
burning oven
If your family loves pizza night, consider adding a wood-burning oven to your outdoor kitchen. It's not only a feature that doesn't require electricity; it also brings a rustic touch into your design and is a whole lot of fun for the entire family. You can build one by yourself or have a professional install a wood-burning oven for you--either way, this feature will be the centerpiece of your outdoor living area.
9
opt for
a
opt for
a
built-in grill
For an open air kitchen that feels like a cohesive space, on both sides of the grill to make cooking easier and create a simpler workflow. A built-in grill will run anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, but you can also opt for a drop-in grill to save a grand and still achieve a seamless look.
10
build
a
build
a
pergola
A pergola is a nice alternative to a roof and perfect in areas that don't experience too many rainy days. This will define the area, offer some shade while not taking the sunlight away entirely, and it's easy to decorate. Whether you hang string lights or curtains from your pergola, adding a few personal touches will make your outdoor kitchen space look absolutely stunning.
11
hang
a
hang
a
TV
If your family and friends are big sports fans, consider hanging a TV in your patio kitchen. Not only will this make the dinner more fun, it will also prevent the designated grillmaster from missing the game. When the season is over, you can have outdoor movie nights with the whole family while roasting marshmallows over the grill.
12. Offer a variety of seating options
The more seating options you offer in your outdoor kitchen, the better! Try to create different zones by installing a bar with high chairs next to the cooking area, a lounging area by the fire pit, and a long table with benches or chairs where you can host outdoor dinner parties. Giving your family and guests different options will create a more casual and comfortable atmosphere and keep things interesting.
13. DIY an outdoor kitchen bar
If you enjoy the occasional drink with friends or family, a bar is a great feature to include in your outdoor kitchen. You can build one yourself from old wood pallets to save money or opt for a fancier design with cabinetry and a mini-fridge. Regardless of the final design, sipping on a cold drink on a hot summer night right is much more fun when you're sitting right under the stars.
Check out more creative DIY bar ideas. If you like to get creative, you may find inspiration for your next home project here.
Unique Patio Kitchen Design Ideas
If you're looking to add value to your home and create an outdoor space to spend regular time in, these high-end design ideas are for you! Adding unique features to your outdoor kitchen will not just make the space feel more personal; it's also going to create an atmosphere that your friends and family will enjoy.
14
build
a
build
a
roof
Yes, you're building an outdoor kitchen because you want to be outdoors. However, a roof will allow you to enjoy this space in any weather and protect your appliances, cabinets, and countertops from corrosion and dirt. Consider a glass roof or metal roof that can be covered with plants over time for a unique and beautiful touch.
15
Pick
corrosion-
Pick
corrosion-
resistant materials
Stainless steel appliances, cabinets, and countertops don't just look stunning, they're also ideal corrosion resistant material. Ask your contractor about the best grade for your environment to ensure that your kitchen's look won't fade. Grade 304 stainless steel will be the most practical and economical choice in most areas but if you live by or near the ocean, 316 may be the better option.
16
get those
get those
appliances
We've covered the four basic appliances your open air kitchen should have (grill, fridge, sink, and burner), but who's to say you can't have a dishwasher too? For a high-end outdoor kitchen, you'll want to create a space that is fully functional and has all the appliances, tools, and space that you'll ever need.
17
covered
patio
covered
patio
kitchen
A kitchen under a covered patio is a fantastic way to create a luxurious outdoor space. You'll be able to use it year-round, won't have to worry too much about corrosion, and will still get to be outdoors while cooking and enjoying barbecues with your friends and family. This lounging space will likely become one of the most popular areas in your house!
18. Build pool seating
If you live in an area that experiences hot summers, you may already have a pool in your backyard. Instead of sweating in the sun or trying to catch a break from the heat indoors, you can build your backyard kitchen next to the pool. Try incorporating a bar that allows you to cool down in the water while enjoying a beverage or a freshly grilled burger.
19. Install a ceiling fan
If your outdoor kitchen has a roof, install a ceiling fan. On days or nights when the air is stale or sticky, you'll appreciate the fresh breeze. A ceiling fan will also help with smoke from your grill that may otherwise get stuck under the roof of your patio kitchen. Besides, a pretty ceiling fan is also a great piece of decor!
20. Pick a secluded spot
Nothing is more romantic than a hidden alcove in your backyard. Though building an outdoor kitchen away from your house is more expensive, it creates a private and whimsical space that you'll love to retreat to.
21. Build a pass-through window
For the best of both worlds, consider building a pass-through window to connect your indoor kitchen with your open-air kitchen. This will not just make passing dishes from the outdoor space to the kitchen sink easier, but will also maximize the space your family and friends can gather in. On top of that, it's a nice feature that allows you to grill outside and quickly pass the food indoors. That way, you can still use the outdoor cooking area and enjoy your food indoors, safe from rain and cold weather.
Benefits Of An Open Air Kitchen
There are few experiences that are more enjoyable than spending time relaxing on your patio with friends and family, enjoying delicious food and drinks. With an open-air kitchen addition, you can bring the joy of cooking to your backyard!
Here are some of the biggest benefits of creating an outdoor kitchen in your home.
- Extra Living Space: Putting an addition onto your home is a major commitment in time, money, and resources, but an outdoor kitchen gives you the space you need without the big expense. By incorporating the space you already have and designing your new backyard kitchen around your family's needs, you can create a custom outdoor cooking area that has all the bells and whistles you're looking for in a home addition.
- Space for Entertaining: Whether you regularly host family at your home or you love throwing parties for friends, the kitchen is always at the heart of the action. With an outdoor kitchen, you don't have to slave away in a hot and crowded interior room while your guests spend time outside. Instead, you can be right in the middle of the party and make cooking meals an enjoyable experience.
- Pleasant Home Atmosphere: From cooking seafood to accidentally burning a roast in the oven or spilling ingredients onto the floor, cooking indoors can lead to a home environment that is cluttered and messy. When food is prepped, cooked, and eaten outdoors, you save yourself the hassle of cleaning up chaos inside your home, making hosting gatherings that much easier on your entire family.
- Improved Property Value: Improving your backyard with an open-air kitchen is a nice way to add value to your home. When you enhance your new outdoor kitchen with beautiful kitchen cabinets, appliances, and stand-out fixtures, you're going to add more style and appeal to potential home buyers down the road.
- Long-Term Energy Savings: There are many areas of your home that factor into high utility costs, but the kitchen is one of the biggest culprits. Not only does your oven and stovetop use energy resources, you also need to deal with running an AC at full blast in the summer just to stay cool. In an open-air kitchen, you can avoid heating up your home during the summer months by grilling and cooking outdoors, ultimately helping to lower your annual utility costs.
- Better-Tasting Food: One of the best parts about warm weather is the food that comes along with it, and what tastes better than food cooked on a grill, in a wood-fired oven, or over an open fire? Instead of waiting for those rare days where you get time to kick back at a friend's backyard gathering, you can enjoy the taste of grilled food whenever you want in your own outdoor kitchen. As an added bonus, grilling food helps cut down on fat, helping you to stay healthier!
Outdoor Kitchen FAQs
If you're hooked on the idea of building an open-air kitchen now but still have a few unanswered questions, check out our post on things to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen or read our answers to some of the most common questions below.
How much does it cost to build an outdoor kitchen?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost of an outdoor kitchen. For a low-budget backyard kitchen, you can consider installing a grill paired with additional counter space to allow for food prep, likely costing you about $3,000. However, a high-end, fully-functional open-air kitchen featuring a built-in grill, oven, sink, refrigerator, ice maker, and more can run you upwards of $15,000.
What makes a great outdoor kitchen?
Your outdoor kitchen doesn't have to be a fancy space. You should consider at least 48 inches of counter space, a grill, burner, fridge, and sink to create a space that allows you to cook full meals without running in and out of the house. Provide enough seating for your family and guests, install lights so you can hang out in the area at night, and build a bar or oversized table so you can enjoy your meals right off the grill.
Does an outdoor kitchen add value to your home?
Yes, an outdoor kitchen will add value to your home but in terms of return on investment, it usually is one of the poorer investments you can make. Generally, you can expect an ROI of 50% to 70%. However, if you live somewhere the open-air kitchen can be used year-round, the ROI can go up to 130%.
Should an outdoor kitchen be covered?
Ideally, your outdoor kitchen appliances should be covered when not in use. If your backyard kitchen isn't under a roof, you'll want to protect the grill, countertops, and other appliances with a cover so they're not exposed to the weather at all times.
We hope this guide answered your questions and provided you with plenty of inspiration for an outdoor kitchen. If you're planning to build an open-air kitchen on your covered patio, check out our kitchen cabinet selections to find the perfect fit for your home improvement project.
