Our summers are short, so why not make the most of them by cooking in the backyard. Need some tips and design ideas?
Reliable Materials
When setting up an outdoor kitchen, you must make sure that all your materials are waterproof, and that they will withstand heavy rains and any frost damage caused by winter weather. Indeed, if it is rather rare for people to cook outside in the winter months, we must still ensure that the kitchen can weather the elements! Stainless steel, brick, stone or concrete are durable options that will not be easily injured by sunlight.
Take Care of the Cook
The friendly cook who will be working out there deserves more than a little consideration! Have you thought about rain protection? Even the strongest rain shouldn’t mean that we have to forget the BBQ. A roof is the solution, either made of wood (pergola), canvas or sheet metal. It may be attached to the house (awning) or an independent structure fixed to the ground. The cook will also appreciate sun protection. You may use sheer or thick fabric to create a screen, or use spaced wood planks (and/or at an angle) to partially shield them from the sun’s rays. Let your imagination run wild!
Storage Please!
What will be permanently stored in this kitchen: utensils, plates, napkins, candles and outdoor lights, BBQ utensils, paper towels? You must have room for all of this. You may add drawers, and shelves or storage boxes to the wall. Sometimes, you only need a bin that blends into the background.
Maximize the Work Surface!
Any self-respecting chef dreams of having lots of workspace. If the budget allows, you may consider adding one or several. An island may also be practical as it can also provide storage space. For a small kitchen area, think about a pull-out surface that can be pushed out of the way when not in use. Brilliant!
Psst! A house featuring an outdoor kitchen will be more attractive to many buyers, so think of it as an investment!
And the Garbage in All This?
Having a zone nearby to deal with the trash will make life easier for the cook … and the guests! No one wants to sit down to eat next to a smelly big black garbage can, do they? Then why not judiciously integrate it to your layout? You can hide it underneath a counter or in a drawer. Take care! Don’t forget the lid to prevent unpleasant odours! The point is not to have your guests run away!
A Serving Cart
Of you already have a serving table, you know how indispensable such an object is. In addition to providing extra work and storage space, it is very useful for clearing the table. In the form of a mobile cart, you can move it around as you wish: you be able to easily bring in the dishes, condiments or any other items that you keep inside.
Psst! Don’t forget that the cooking zone will generate intense heat that could damage the surrounding components (counter, roof, etc.).
Lighting Genie
When the sun goes down, staying in the yard will be all the more pleasant with well-thought-out lighting. Moreover, light displays are very trendy. Soft light in lounging areas and more focused light in working areas: the perfect ambiance!
Create an Intimate Space
If you don’t have a hedge or fence delineating your property, it might be advantageous to add some privacy by placing dividers around your kitchen. These small walls can be made of blinds or fabric (but avoid white textiles that are quite susceptible to staining from food spatter), have flower pots affixed to them or have greenery growing through them.
Manage the Temperature
With either a patio heater for cooler evenings, a fan, a parasol or a portable air conditioning system during heat waves, you can help Mother Nature when it comes to providing a more enjoyable climate for the eating area. Consider integrating these little appliances\objects into your layout!
In Summary:
- You will need electricity and water: don’t set the eating area at the far end of the yard!
- The ideal outdoor kitchen includes: a BBQ, a fridge, a sink, storage spaces, a garbage can and a large work surface. But prioritize based on your needs!
- Don’t install the cooking zone too closely to windows or to the dining table so as not to inconvenience other people.
The RE/MAX team hopes that you are inspired. All you have to do now is design your ideal outdoor kitchen!