Outdoor kitchens offer a unique way for families and loved ones to gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories. If you want to enhance the efficiency of your outdoor kitchen, streamline its setup, and make the most of its features and benefits with ease, here are some helpful tips and tricks to help you get started.
Evaluate Your Needs
For a well-designed outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to consider what you’ll be using it for, how often, and which general layout will best suit your space. Keep in mind that just like any indoor kitchen, you’ll need ample room for food preparation, cooking, storage, cleaning, entertainment, and seating.
The most popular arrangements include a kitchen island, a U-shaped design, and a L-shaped design. The island is ideal for a beginner who may not be interested in frequent or extravagant meals but wants the option for outdoor cooking beyond just a regular barbeque.
The U-shape is perfect for any foodie who has a passionate cooking style and a love of entertainment. You’ll be able to store an abundance of appliances and gadgets, and if you have a large backyard area, it’ll elevate the property and give a luxurious outdoor living feel.
The L-shape can be installed in almost any outdoor area. It gives more room to cook than a regular grill or island but leaves plenty of space for tables, chairs, and other elements to keep your guests comfortable.
Storage Space
You may be disappointed if you set up your new outdoor kitchen, but you’re still having to run inside to grab your utensils and use appliances. Storage space is important to assess when choosing your final design.
Plan for adequate room to keep your most-used utensils on hand and organized. That way, you can help prevent accidents, messes, and clutter, plus you won’t have to leave your loved ones during food preparation.
If you’ve been looking for just the right design to fit your yard, consider designing your own layout. Custom outdoor cabinets from Werever are professionally crafted and personalized to your needs, you don’t have to worry about how your favorite items are going to fit in your dream outdoor kitchen.
The Right Appliances
Choosing the right kitchen devices can make or break your outdoor kitchen. Unlike indoor kitchens, you need to keep in mind the weather your kitchen may have to withstand. Pick energy-efficient models that are durable, can avoid excessive wear and tear due to ice or rain, and are generally easy to clean. This will help keep you focused more on cooking, and less on reparations.
You’ll also benefit from a grill in an easy-to-access area. A grill that is too far from storage or other appliances can interrupt the flow and make cooking a hassle. Ensure wherever it is placed, it also has adequate ventilation. This will help avoid excess heat and food spoilage.
Add Decorative Touches
Outdoor kitchens can add a touch of beauty to the backyard, especially when decorative elements are introduced to the space, making it feel more like an extension of your indoor kitchen.
To achieve a cozy, homey feel, include plenty of comfortable seating options for guests, both while eating and lounging. Bring in home-inspired touches like statues, outdoor rugs, hanging artwork, creative lighting sources, and decorative plants to complete the look.
Test Out Your Space
Is your outdoor kitchen newly installed and ready to go? Think about running a mini-test before hosting a party. Try cooking a few of your favorite dishes and enjoying the evening outdoors. Was anything missing or creating a kink in the flow of your work? If so, you can luckily have them ironed out before the guests start filing in!