Outdoor Kitchen Top Features to Consider

Seriously, what’s better than being able to cook and relax outdoors with your family and also host friends and house guests? Transforming your outdoor living space to something that feels like a resort is what we specialize at here at Solid Structures. Adding an outdoor kitchen to your outdoor living space not only adds value to your home but also creates a fantastic space for entertaining family and friends. From grilling the usual rotation of home cooked meals, to smoking a brisket, rack of ribs, or pork shoulder for multiple hours, or wood firing delicious pizzas, you’ll love the amenities of doing all this without setting off the indoor smoke detectors! In this blog post, we will explore the top five components that are essential for creating a functional and stylish backyard outdoor kitchen.

Solid Structures has custom designed and installed outdoor kitchens all over the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake areas of Coastal Virginia. We offer the highest quality types of grills, refrigeration, storage, and other accessories. Please check out our Outdoor Kitchen Gallery and Hardscape Installation pages for more information. However, keep in mind that outdoor kitchens can be created on existing patios as an upgrade to your existing structure. If you’d like a design consultation, please Contact Us to get your project started.

1. Quality Grill

The centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen is undoubtedly the grill. Investing in a high-quality grill is crucial for achieving exceptional cooking results. Consider choosing a grill that suits your needs, whether it’s a gas grill for convenience, a charcoal grill for that authentic smoky flavor, a versatile hybrid grill, or even a kamado grill, which combines the features of a grill, smoker, and oven. Furthermore, for pizza lovers, a pizza oven can be a desirable addition, providing the ability to create authentic wood-fired pizzas right in your backyard or insert a large cast iron pan to fire up vegetables, chicken, fish, or whatever you can dream up. The main takeaway here is having multiple cooking elements opens up endless possibilities and allows for different types of cooking to be happening simultaneously for entertaining.

2. Ample Counter Space

Adequate counter space is essential for preparing ingredients, organizing utensils, and serving food. Incorporating durable and weather-resistant countertops, such as granite or stainless steel, ensures longevity and easy maintenance. Consider the layout of your outdoor kitchen and allocate sufficient space for food prep, including areas for cutting boards, sinks, and other accessories.

3. Functional Storage and Electricity

Stainless steel cabinets, drawers, garbage containers, and even paper towel dispensers are key to maintaining a clean and clutter-free outdoor kitchen. Store all your grilling accessories, a blender, lighters, eating utensils, and even things such as card games, TV remote controls, and other entertainment items. The key here is you don’t want to have to store everything inside and bring it outside for use. Stock the outdoor kitchen with what it needs for convenience.

Additionally, you are going to want electricity with multiple outlets for countertop appliances. Not only will you need lighting, but running blenders, electric deep fryers (yes, no more smelling of frying oil inside the house!), and even rotisserie motors are common uses of electricity in an outdoor kitchen.

4. Outdoor Refrigeration

Adding an outdoor refrigerator to your backyard outdoor kitchen offers convenience and functionality. With a dedicated space to store perishable items and cold drinks, you can easily access chilled ingredients without the need to run back and forth to your indoor kitchen. Have your burgers and dogs ready to throw on the grill as requested. Look for a refrigerator designed for outdoor use, equipped with weatherproof features and temperature control to ensure your food stays fresh and drinks stay cool.

5. Comfortable Seating and Shade Structures

To create a welcoming atmosphere in your outdoor kitchen, consider designing a comfortable seating and dining area. Choose durable and weather-resistant furniture that complements your overall aesthetic. From cozy lounges to sturdy dining sets, ensure that the seating area accommodates your family and guests comfortably. Incorporate shade solutions like umbrellas, pergolas, or retractable awnings to protect against the elements and provide a cool respite during hot summer days.

Check out our Shade Structures page and Shade Structures Gallery.

Conclusion

Creating an outdoor kitchen in your backyard can elevate your culinary experiences and enhance your outdoor living space. Remember to consider your specific needs, preferences, and budget when designing your dream outdoor kitchen. So, gather your loved ones, fire up the grill or smoker, and savor the joy of cooking outdoors. Cheers to creating cherished memories in your backyard oasis!

If you are looking for a backyard oasis in the Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or larger Coastal Virginia area, please contact Solid Structures.