If you like to entertain throughout the year, outdoor kitchens can help you spend more time outside enjoying your guests’ company instead of being stuck indoors cooking. However, many homeowners think that they need to have a large outdoor space in order to have a functional outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re working with a small space in a corner of your backyard patio or you have 200 square feet available for outdoor kitchens, here are a few ideas that can be applied to any space!

What To Include In Small Outdoor Kitchens

If you only have a small nook for your outdoor kitchen, you need to decide which elements are the most important. Many homeowners choose a high-quality gas grill built into a countertop with a small refrigerator nestled underneath the countertop. This makes it convenient to store salads, condiments and even drinks so that you’re not running back and forth into the house. To make the most of your available space, consider installing your outdoor kitchen in a corner so that it’s easily accessible, yet still tucked out of the way. This also allows you to possibly add some additional counter space in an “L” shape on either side of the grill.  

What To Include In A Medium Sized Outdoor Kitchens

If you have a little more space available for your outdoor kitchen design, consider adding a bar with a sink or a larger grill. You may be able to tuck a refrigerator underneath the bar, and the sink and countertop will provide a practical work space when you’re preparing meals for your friends and family members. Comfortable seating will make your bar a space where family and friends like to gather.

What To Include In Large Outdoor Kitchens

If you have more space available outside, make the most of it! Think about what you want in your outdoor kitchen design and make sure there’s space for each piece. If you love entertaining with a glass of wine, for instance, include a wine cooler. Do you want a wood burning pizza oven or perhaps a tabletop fire pit for roasting s’mores?

Other options include a BBQ smoker, ice makers, storage space underneath the countertops, multiple seating options and even televisions with a speaker system. Obviously you’ll want to protect electronics and higher ticket items from the elements, so be sure to include a permanent roof or other covering in your design. Perks to a covered outdoor kitchen is that you can add lighting, ceiling fans and even mist fans for those hot summer days. 

What Materials Should You Use In Outdoor Kitchen Designs

It’s important to remember that appliances and countertops will be outside at all times so it’s vital that the materials are able to stand up to the elements. Laminate and wooden butcher blocks are poor choices for outdoor kitchens. Instead, choose materials like concrete, soapstone, granite, stainless steel or porcelain tile.

Appliances should also be designed to work outdoors. Indoor refrigerators can be more susceptible to mold or mildew so if you choose a refrigerator that’s designed to work inside, make sure to inspect it regularly. A better choice is to use a refrigerator that’s specifically made for outdoor kitchens.

There’s no right or wrong way to design outdoor kitchens — you just need to ask yourself which elements you’ll use most and include them in your design plan. If you’re considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your home in Southwest Florida, Beattie Development can help. If you live in the Fort Myers, Naples or Cape Coral area, contact Beattie Development to learn more about outdoor kitchen designs. Whether your space is large or small, Beattie Development can design outdoor kitchens that are functional and great looking.

Our Design Center is located at 1213 Coral Parkway E in the center of Cape Coral, SW Florida. Drop by or make an appointment today by calling 239-766-4150 or contact Beattie Development online.