6 Components Every Outdoor Kitchen Needs

The outdoor kitchen trend shows no signs of slowing. More and more people want to cook and dine outside, and outdoor kitchens satisfy that desire.  When you’re planning your patio kitchen, it’s important to consider how you will use the space, and what features you want and need. Within each of these outdoor kitchen components, you have a lot of options that you can tailor to your family and your inner chef. Let’s take a look.

1. The Grill

The top essential for any outdoor kitchen is of course the built-in gas grill.  Most of our clients make this the centerpiece of the kitchen and get the best grill they can. Side burners and rotisserie accessories are also an option.

But you don’t have to stop with the gas grill. Consider adding a smoker, a charcoal grill, and an outdoor pizza oven, or both. Which outdoor cooking elements you include in your kitchen will depend on your individual tastes.

2. Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

At a minimum, you will want to include a refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen. Other options include:

• Wine cooler
• Kegerator
• Ice maker
• Dishwasher
• Flat top range
• Warming drawers
  

All of these appliances are available from outdoor living suppliers and are built to withstand the weather. A stainless steel finish is most common.

3. Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Keep everything organized in your outdoor kitchen cabinets. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you can include cabinets and drawers to store food prep items, dishes, cutlery, glassware, a trash bin, a recycling bin, and more.

Many outdoor kitchen cabinets are stainless steel, but there are also weather-resistant options that look like wood cabinets. Again, what you choose depends on your tastes and budget.

4. Outdoor Kitchen Sink

No kitchen is complete without a sink. And once again, your style options mirror the options you have with an indoor kitchen. Materials include stainless steel and porcelain. You can opt for a single or double basin, and choose from a variety of sizes. 

You can have one sink in the food prep area and a separate bar sink if you decide to include a bar area in your outdoor kitchen plans.

5. Outdoor Kitchen Island

Your outdoor kitchen island should have countertops that can stand up to the weather but look great at the same time. Granite is a good choice, as is soapstone or concrete.  Plan ahead for plenty of counter space. You need a decent-sized food prep area, as well as a buffet area for larger get-togethers.

6. Task Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a crucial, but often an overlooked element in patio kitchens. Task lighting helps ensure the grill area is well lit, as well as the food prep area, and outdoor dining area.

You have a myriad of lighting fixture styles to choose from, including pendant lights, lantern styles, and chandeliers for the outdoor dining room. 

RELATED READING

Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Kitchen Lighting

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?

These 6 essential outdoor kitchen components give you a lot of leeway with styles, configurations, finishes, and much more. And of course, while it’s not an essential component, a pavilion to cover and protect your kitchen is a great option.

It protects you from the hot sun or rain while protecting your kitchen from the elements as well. Plus, a covered outdoor kitchen just looks great.

Make It Exceptional. Make It Woodfield.

At Woodfield, we believe your outdoor kitchen should be as functional and beautiful as your indoor kitchen. We deliver custom outdoor kitchen designs that turn your ideas into reality. If you’re ready to expand your culinary horizons, contact us today to set up a consultation.

We can add an outdoor kitchen to your existing patio, or include it as part of a larger outdoor living project. We serve discerning homeowners throughout the Baltimore area including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Harford County, and Howard County.