Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas
An outdoor kitchen is the feature that separates an outdoor living space from a patio with furniture. When designed and built well, it changes how you live in the summer — you cook outside, you entertain outside, and the kitchen door stays closed. Here's what to include and why.
The Grill Station
The centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen. Two primary directions:
Built-in Gas Grill (most popular) A drop-in gas grill in a stainless steel finish — typically 30" to 36" burner surface. Gas is connected either from a dedicated propane tank or a natural gas line from the house. Benefits: instant on, consistent temperature, no ash management.
Brands we specify: Napoleon, Weber Summit, Lynx, Blaze. Quality varies significantly — avoid cheap grill inserts in expensive kitchens.
Kamado Charcoal (big green egg style) A ceramic kamado cooker — can grill, smoke, bake — handles the full range of outdoor cooking. Requires a custom-built table with appropriate stone or ceramic surrounding the insert.
The Prep Counter
Counter space on both sides of the grill is non-negotiable. Minimum: 18 inches on each side. Preferred: 24-36 inches on each side. You need somewhere to put the food, the tools, the platter you're serving from.
Countertop materials:
- Granite: durable, heat-resistant (important near grill), wide color range, very clean look
- Bluestone: regional character, extremely durable, can be fabricated to precise dimensions
- Concrete: custom castable to any shape or color, a designer's material
- Porcelain tile: easiest to clean, wide aesthetic range, lowest cost option for counter surfaces
Under-Counter Storage
Custom built-in cabinetry or stainless steel door/drawer systems. Consider:
- Refrigerator (12" or 24" under-counter) — the single most-used convenience item in an outdoor kitchen
- Trash and recycling pullouts
- Storage drawers for grilling tools
- Paper towel holder and small appliance storage
The Prep Sink
If the water line run is practical, a prep sink transforms the outdoor kitchen. You wash vegetables, rinse plates, and clean up without going inside. Use a stainless undermount sink with a dedicated hot/cold faucet.
Shade and Cover
An outdoor kitchen without any overhead shade or cover is uncomfortable in direct summer sun. Options:
- Pergola attached to the kitchen structure (most common)
- Pavilion with solid roof for full weather protection
- Retractable shade sail for flexibility
What Actually Gets Used vs. What Sounds Good
Gets used constantly: refrigerator, adequate counter space, good grill, shade/cover Gets used sometimes: ice maker, side burner, rotisserie Rarely used: warming drawers, pizza oven (unless you're genuinely a pizza person), stereo speakers in the kitchen itself
Design to what you'll actually do outdoors — not the catalog version of an outdoor kitchen.
Contact us to design your outdoor kitchen and living space
Also read:
- Outdoor Living Space Design
- Outdoor Living Design Guide
- How to Plan an Outdoor Living Space
- Pergola vs Pavilion — Which Is Right?
JHL Landscape Design | PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified | Licensed & Insured West Chester: 701 S Franklin St, Suite 101, West Chester, PA 19382 Newtown Square: 12 Smedley Ln, Suite 101, Newtown Square, PA 19073 HBA Member | BBB A+ Rating
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