Having an outdoor kitchen is the summer dream. An outdoor kitchen expands your living space, allowing you to spend more time outdoors when the weather is nice. Instead of doing all your cooking, eating and entertaining inside, you can head into the backyard to enjoy the sun and fresh air. Your outdoor kitchen can be as big or small as you’d like or can manage. Perhaps you’d prefer something simple and minimal, or maybe you’d rather go all out with features like a pizza oven, bar and professional-grade grill.
Not sure what’s right for you? Here are 7 outdoor kitchen ideas that are sure to get you outside!
1. Add a Pizza Oven
Does your family love homemade pizza? There’s really nothing better than making it in a wood fired pizza oven. With both built-in and freestanding models, you can choose the pizza oven that suits your needs and style. It’s the perfect complement for an outdoor kitchen and will ensure you spend more time cooking outside!
2. Al Fresco Dining
If you have an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want a space to dine as well. Add in a gorgeous outdoor table and chairs that you and your family can enjoy all summer long. Whip up dinner over the grill or in your pizza oven and set your table with dinnerware and linens. It will be your new favorite spot to eat!
3. Food Prep Station
An elevated food prep station is ideal if you have a small backyard but still want to create a kitchen-like space. Add in a ceramic smoker style grill for cooking and a glass water dispenser with a tray of decorative glasses. Open shelving is ideal for storage and to create an open-air look.
4. Bar
Love creating fun cocktails for your guests? An outdoor bar is a great accompaniment to an outdoor kitchen. Make it the focus with a nice countertop and plenty of comfortable seating! Or, if you’re not really into outdoor cooking, opt for the bar on its own.
5. Pool House Kitchen
A pool and an outdoor kitchen? What could be better?! Combine your pool house with an outdoor kitchen to create a space adults and kids will love to gather. Have the kitchen and dining area overlooking your pool so you can see the kids while they swim, and everyone can easily pop out of the water for a bite to eat!
6. A Kitchen with a Pergola
If your kitchen is in direct sunlight, you may consider adding a pergola. Providing much-needed relief from the sun and heat, a pergola also offers privacy. Bonus: A pergola provides a place to mount light fixtures and fans, creating even more of a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
7. BBQ Grill and Prep Station
Love to grill? Deck out your outdoor kitchen with a barbecue and prep station to make your summer grilling dreams come true. Make sure there’s ample space to prep your food, and add in a small sink for easy washing. You can also trick out your grill station with high-end tools, a beverage fridge, or any other bells and whistles you like!
These outdoor kitchen ideas are sure to enhance your time spent outside this summer!