8 Things Pros Recommend for an Outdoor Kitchen
Landscape design experts share their advice on what to include in an outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is more than just a spot for a grill. It draws people into a yard and becomes a space for family dinners and entertaining friends throughout the year. Read on to see what landscape experts prioritize in their designs.
2. Gorgeous Countertops
Counters help define an outdoor kitchen’s style. “Choose a stone [or other material] that ties the whole look together or provides a fun accent,” says Kara Gorski of Landed in Alexandria, Virginia.
Practical considerations. Add plenty of countertop area around the grill. “No matter how small an outdoor kitchen is, it needs to have adequate counter space,” says landscape designer Deborah Gliksman of Urban Oasis Landscape Design in Los Angeles. Douglass recommends leaving enough room for utensils as well as cooked and uncooked food.
Pros say you’ll probably need to seal the countertop when it’s installed and then reseal it every few years, as food spills and metal contact can stain it. If your counters are completely exposed to weather, the elements can also cause wear.
Finally, make good use of the cabinetry the counters sit on. It’s a prime space for storage as well as other amenities, such as an undercounter refrigerator.
Counters help define an outdoor kitchen’s style. “Choose a stone [or other material] that ties the whole look together or provides a fun accent,” says Kara Gorski of Landed in Alexandria, Virginia.
Practical considerations. Add plenty of countertop area around the grill. “No matter how small an outdoor kitchen is, it needs to have adequate counter space,” says landscape designer Deborah Gliksman of Urban Oasis Landscape Design in Los Angeles. Douglass recommends leaving enough room for utensils as well as cooked and uncooked food.
Pros say you’ll probably need to seal the countertop when it’s installed and then reseal it every few years, as food spills and metal contact can stain it. If your counters are completely exposed to weather, the elements can also cause wear.
Finally, make good use of the cabinetry the counters sit on. It’s a prime space for storage as well as other amenities, such as an undercounter refrigerator.
3. Smoker
Many of the pros we spoke with are seeing smokers being added to outdoor kitchens. “A smoker is extremely popular and should be considered if you enjoy smoked meats,” Arnold says. It also serves as a secondary grill spot for larger gatherings.
You can help clients visualize their planned outdoor space — and how it connects to their home — with the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner. The tool allows pros to create patios, decks, driveways and lawns using a materials library of pavers, ground cover, gravel, decking and pavement. You can also add features like pergolas, fire pits and furnishings.
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Many of the pros we spoke with are seeing smokers being added to outdoor kitchens. “A smoker is extremely popular and should be considered if you enjoy smoked meats,” Arnold says. It also serves as a secondary grill spot for larger gatherings.
You can help clients visualize their planned outdoor space — and how it connects to their home — with the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner. The tool allows pros to create patios, decks, driveways and lawns using a materials library of pavers, ground cover, gravel, decking and pavement. You can also add features like pergolas, fire pits and furnishings.
Learn about Houzz Pro software
4. Outdoor Refrigerator
Looking for a space to store drinks or a way to keep food chilled before grilling or serving? An outdoor refrigerator can be a great addition to an outdoor kitchen. Douglass adds that you can take it a step further by including an ice machine.
Looking for a space to store drinks or a way to keep food chilled before grilling or serving? An outdoor refrigerator can be a great addition to an outdoor kitchen. Douglass adds that you can take it a step further by including an ice machine.
5. Splashy Backsplash
“Once the utilitarian needs are taken care of, spice up an outdoor kitchen with an eye-catching backsplash,” Gliksman says. Along with providing a bright accent, a standout backsplash adds a finishing touch while keeping utensils and food from falling off the back of the counter.
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“Once the utilitarian needs are taken care of, spice up an outdoor kitchen with an eye-catching backsplash,” Gliksman says. Along with providing a bright accent, a standout backsplash adds a finishing touch while keeping utensils and food from falling off the back of the counter.
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6. Sink
A nearby water source can be convenient during food prep and cleanup. Just be aware that adding a sink requires tapping into the existing plumbing and sewer lines, which can be complicated. The sink, along with any refrigeration unit, will also need to be winterized in cold climates.
A nearby water source can be convenient during food prep and cleanup. Just be aware that adding a sink requires tapping into the existing plumbing and sewer lines, which can be complicated. The sink, along with any refrigeration unit, will also need to be winterized in cold climates.
7. Pizza Oven
When it comes to adding fun features to an outdoor kitchen, most of the pros we spoke with put a pizza oven near the top of their list. The ovens aren’t just for pizzas — you can roast or bake anything from appetizers to desserts. Just leave enough room on either side of the oven for workspace. “You’ll want at least 12 inches on one side and 24 inches on the other, for a total of 36 inches of clear counter space,” Gliksman says.
When it comes to adding fun features to an outdoor kitchen, most of the pros we spoke with put a pizza oven near the top of their list. The ovens aren’t just for pizzas — you can roast or bake anything from appetizers to desserts. Just leave enough room on either side of the oven for workspace. “You’ll want at least 12 inches on one side and 24 inches on the other, for a total of 36 inches of clear counter space,” Gliksman says.
8. Edible Garden
Easily add fresh herbs and vegetables to outdoor meals by siting an edible garden near the grill and prep areas. Filling a nearby planter with herbs such as rosemary, thyme and parsley will complement the outdoor cooking and dining experience. If you have more room, add greens and summer favorites such as tomatoes and peppers.
Easily add fresh herbs and vegetables to outdoor meals by siting an edible garden near the grill and prep areas. Filling a nearby planter with herbs such as rosemary, thyme and parsley will complement the outdoor cooking and dining experience. If you have more room, add greens and summer favorites such as tomatoes and peppers.
Other Considerations for an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor lighting. Every outdoor kitchen has different needs, but great lighting is high on everyone’s list. Task lighting over the grill and work areas, along with ambient light for both atmosphere and safety, should always be incorporated into your design.
Seating. A nearby table and chairs makes serving up what you’ve created a cinch. You can also add a lounge area or a countertop with seating so the cook can partake in the conversations (and maybe get some help with prep work).
Your turn: What do you like to include in your outdoor kitchen projects? Share them in the Comments.
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Outdoor lighting. Every outdoor kitchen has different needs, but great lighting is high on everyone’s list. Task lighting over the grill and work areas, along with ambient light for both atmosphere and safety, should always be incorporated into your design.
Seating. A nearby table and chairs makes serving up what you’ve created a cinch. You can also add a lounge area or a countertop with seating so the cook can partake in the conversations (and maybe get some help with prep work).
Your turn: What do you like to include in your outdoor kitchen projects? Share them in the Comments.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in the Houzz Pro Forum
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Landscape architect Bob Hursthouse, an avid griller himself, tells homeowners to consider how they plan to use the grill before making a final choice on the size, style and other features. “Will you be doing basic grilling, smoking food [or] something else?” the Bolingbrook, Illinois, professional asks.
This is also the item you should prioritize in terms of cost. “A good-quality grill with a lifetime warranty is the most important thing,” Katherine Douglass of TCP Custom Outdoor Living in Houston says.
“Being able to cook your meals outside always adds some type of indescribable flavor and is great fun,” says Atlanta-based building and masonry expert Scott Arnold.
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