Outdoor Kitchen Ideas You’ll Love in 2021

If you want to spend more time outdoors in 2021, building an outdoor kitchen is a great way to accomplish that. More than just a gas grill, we have seen (and built) outdoor kitchens that rival many indoor kitchens. Whether you’re a master griller or outdoor entertaining is your idea of heaven, we’ve got some outdoor kitchen ideas you’ll love.

Depending on the space you have available, your outdoor kitchen may be just an extension of your patio. Most of our clients like to locate it close to the patio doors, for convenience. But you will also want to consider the prevailing winds and direction of the sun when you decide exactly where to locate your outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor Kitchen Designs

The best outdoor kitchen designs include functional zones. You know, just like your indoor kitchen does. You want to plan it so the flow from the refrigerator to the counter to the sink to the cooking area is easy to navigate.

The materials you choose for your flooring and countertop support should complement the materials you use elsewhere in your outdoor living space, such as your patio and walkways. You want a beautiful, cohesive look.

Covered Outdoor Kitchen

More and more of our clients are opting to go for a covered outdoor kitchen. Installing a pavilion or pergola protects you and your kitchen from the elements. Not to mention it looks beautiful. You’re still out in the open air but protected.

This is also perfect for your outdoor dining area. A little rain isn’t going to break up your party!

Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Outdoor kitchen cabinets need to be able to withstand the elements. Many people choose the clean look of stainless steel cabinets, but you can also choose power coated metal cabinets, which come in a variety of colors.

Counter Space

One mistake many homeowners make is not including enough counter space in their outdoor kitchen design. Whether you choose a long counter, an L-shape, a kitchen island, or a combination, you can never have too much counter space. This gives guests the option to hang out with you, gives you room to set up an outdoor buffet, and more.

Granite countertops and quartz countertops are popular choices.

The Grill (and Other Appliances)

The gas grill is the centerpiece of most outdoor kitchens. But you may want to also include a charcoal grill or smoker to get the best flavors. You’ll also want to include a refrigerator. Other popular appliances include a wine cooler/wine refrigerator and kegerator. A power burner and warming drawers are also useful. Think of everything you’ll want or need for outdoor cooking.

Include an Outdoor Fireplace with Brick Oven

Maybe you already have an outdoor fireplace, but if you don’t, installing one with a brick oven to make your own pizza is an increasingly popular idea. And when you’re not using the pizza oven, the fireplace is a great spot to gather, year-round.

Outdoor Home Bar

An outdoor home bar is an excellent idea if you like to entertain. It’s easy to make this an extension of the outdoor kitchen area. We already mentioned the wine refrigerator and kegerator, but you can include a bar-height counter to make it authentic. Choose the perfect bar stools and décor, and you’ve got the perfect outdoor watering hole.

Outdoor Kitchen Cost

Your outdoor kitchen cost will vary tremendously based on the size, elements, and materials you choose to use. You may want to read one of our recent blogs about how much an outdoor kitchen will cost that gives you some ballpark figures to work with.

We work with two financing providers who offer low-interest home improvement loans you can use to turn your outdoor kitchen ideas into reality.

Make It Exceptional. Make It Woodfield.

Schedule an Outdoor Kitchen Consultation

We can schedule a socially distanced on-site consultation, or schedule a virtual meeting to go over your outdoor kitchen ideas and present you with a quote. At Woodfield Outdoors, we create and implement outdoor kitchen designs of distinction.

We’re experienced and creative outdoor kitchen contractors serving homeowners throughout central Maryland, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Cecil County, Harford County, and Howard County.