How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen Space

From a practical standpoint, creating the perfect outdoor kitchen can be challenging, especially if you’re DIY-ing it yourself. Whether you’re simply outfitting your patio with a grill and some weatherproof furniture or overseeing a more labor-intensive renovation, you can almost certainly expect to run into unexpected hiccups, delays and other obstacles. A little planning before you get started can help you keep your expectations realistic and save you a lot of problems as you build your dream outdoor space.

Budget

Creating an outdoor kitchen can be a big-ticket home improvement project, with cost estimates ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 for standard kitchens — and even higher if you splurge on custom or luxury builds and materials. Here are some tips to help you plan effectively:

• Set a realistic budget. Start by deciding how much you’re willing to spend. Consider your overall financial situation and prioritize your spending based on essential features versus optional upgrades.
• Research costs. Research the average costs of materials, appliances and labor in your area to get a baseline estimate for what to expect.
• Always add a contingency. Set aside 10-15% of your budget for unexpected expenses that may come up during the project.
• Do it yourself. Save money by doing some of the work yourself. If you have the savvy and skills, you can handle tasks like assembling furniture, basic landscaping and even some construction without professional help.
• Repurpose materials. Where possible, use reclaimed or repurposed materials for countertops, cabinets, and other elements, which adds a unique touch while keeping costs down.
• Start small! No need to rush into a big (and costly) upgrade. Begin with essential features like a grill and counter space, then add additional elements like a sink, refrigerator or pizza oven over time as your budget allows.

Size

It may sound obvious, but the size of your outdoor kitchen depends on how much space you actually have available. Start by measuring your backyard and determining how much space you can dedicate to your kitchen without overcrowding the area. You should also consider how (and how often) you’ll use it and how many people you typically entertain. A large deck or backyard allows for a bigger outdoor entertaining space, but even the smallest backyard, patio or even balcony can support an outdoor kitchen.

Don’t forget to consider the appliances, counters and other fixtures you plan on adding to your outdoor kitchen, all of which will take up space.

Location

Depending on how big your backyard is, placing the kitchen as close to your home as possible can simplify access to indoor amenities like the main kitchen and bathroom. Many people find that locating it directly off your indoor kitchen makes sense since it’s much easier to connect your new appliances to existing water, gas and electric lines. You should also consider the position of the sun throughout the day and wind direction to maximize your comfort and that of your guests. (Don’t forget to add shading options like pergolas, umbrellas and plant canopies to your planning and budgeting.)

Before you start designing your outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to clean and organize your space. A cluttered backyard or patio can detract from the functionality and aesthetics of your new kitchen, and there’s no point in buying new furniture or appliances if you don’t have room for them. While you can certainly put items you use frequently in a shed or garage for easy access, you should also take this opportunity to move seasonal belongings to a self-storage unit to maximize space.

Decluttering Your Backyard

Over the years, backyards tend to accumulate a range of items like old swing sets, bicycles, gardening tools and seasonal decorations. While useful at times, these items can take up valuable space that you could better use for your outdoor kitchen. Renting a storage unit allows you to move these items out of your backyard, giving you the freedom to design and implement your kitchen without clutter getting in the way. To get started, consider the following tips:

• Identify items that are rarely used or that can be stored away without causing inconvenience.
• Group items into categories such as toys, gardening equipment, sports gear and seasonal decorations.
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly to make retrieval easy when needed.
• Move these packed items to your chosen self-storage unit, stacking and organizing them in a neat and organized manner.

Once you’ve cleared out your outdoor space and have your budget, size and location solidified, you’re ready to move on to the design portion of your outdoor kitchen planning. Here are some key things to consider as you lay everything out.

Lighting

Good lighting is essential for ambiance and safety. We recommend using a combination of task lighting, such as LED strips under countertops and above work areas, and ambient lighting, like string lights or lanterns, to set the mood. Consider solar-powered lights as an eco-friendly option, and install dimmer switches to adjust the lighting on different occasions.

Seating

When it comes to seating, there are outdoor furniture options for just about any configuration you can imagine, from simple bistro tables and patio sets to luxurious outdoor living rooms and tiki bars. Space permitting, try to incorporate a mix of seating options, such as bar stools around a counter, a dining table with chairs and cushioned lounge chairs. Use weather-resistant materials like teak or wrought iron and add outdoor cushions for extra comfort. Consider built-in benches with storage underneath to maximize space.

Appliances

Choosing the right appliances ensures your outdoor kitchen meets your cooking needs. Start with the essentials like a high-quality grill and then add appliances based on your cooking preferences, such as a pizza oven, smoker or mini-fridge. Ensure all appliances are rated for outdoor use to withstand the elements and position them strategically to create an efficient workflow.

Food Prep Areas

If you have the space, include ample counter space made from durable materials like granite or stainless steel. If you’re on a budget or have limited space, use portable prep stations or folding tables that can be moved and stored as needed. Consider adding a prep sink with a nearby cutting board to make food preparation easier. Using multipurpose surfaces, such as a bar counter that doubles as a prep area, can also maximize efficiency when you have a small backyard.

Storage

In some cases, your grill’s built-in storage may be sufficient for holding your barbecue tools, but if your outdoor culinary ambitions go beyond grilling, you may want to add custom storage to hold grilling racks and other utensils. Consider incorporating weatherproof cabinets and drawers. You have plenty of options to store utensils, cookware and non-perishable food items, from hooks, magnetic strips and portable storage carts to custom weatherproof cabinets and drawers.

Materials

Choosing the right materials enhances the durability and aesthetics of your outdoor kitchen. Opt for materials that can withstand outdoor conditions, such as stainless steel for appliances and cabinetry and natural stone or concrete for countertops. For budget-friendly alternatives, consider using treated wood or tile for countertops and DIY concrete counters. For flooring, non-slip options like textured tile or sealed pavers are ideal, but you can also use outdoor rugs or mats for a quick and cost-effective solution.

Now it’s time for the fun part — shopping! Here’s a deeper look at some of the key features to include in your outdoor kitchen.

Choosing the Right Grill

Choosing the right grill is a big decision when designing your outdoor kitchen, as it often serves as the centerpiece for your cooking activities. 

Start by considering the type of fuel (gas or charcoal) that best suits your cooking style. Gas grills are great for their quick heat-up times and precise temperature control — ideal for those who prefer a fuss-free grilling experience. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, offer a distinct smoky flavor that many barbecue enthusiasts love, but the caveat is that they require more time and effort to use. If you enjoy experimenting with different cooking techniques, consider a hybrid grill that accommodates both gas and charcoal.

You’ll also want to think about the size and cooking capacity of the grill. Ask yourself how often you entertain and how many guests you typically host. For smaller gatherings or limited space, a compact grill with a cooking surface sufficient for a few steaks and vegetables may suffice. If you frequently entertain larger groups, though, you should opt for a grill with multiple burners and a larger cooking area. Other features like side burners, rotisserie attachments and built-in thermometers can also be fun to use if you’re a grilling enthusiast.

Lastly, don’t rush into getting a grill. Shop around and watch the sales. The worst time to buy a new grill is smack in the middle of grilling season, with a few exceptions: Memorial Day and Independence Day sales usually offer steep discounts, and many retailers sharply discount all of their appliances during Amazon Prime Shopping Days, usually in July. Other than that, wait until August or start shopping in early January. As always, pay attention to warranties and take advantage of maintenance plans or purchase insurance plans.

Essential Appliances

In addition to a grill, you’ll want to include the following must-have appliances for most outdoor kitchen spaces:

• Refrigerator (choose a dorm fridge or compact fridge if you have limited space)
• Trash bin
• Ice maker

Accessories

The right accessories can make your outdoor kitchen the ultimate gathering place. Here are nine accessories to consider:

1. A pizza oven (you can even build your own for the ultimate DIY outdoor kitchen experience).
2. A grill gazebo adds more storage space to your setup and protects your grill — and the griller — from the elements.
3. A table-top fire pit or fire feature — perfect for toasting marshmallows.
4. A beverage cooler to keep your wines and other beverages at the perfect temperature.
5. An outdoor rug to pull the space together and add a splash of color to your kitchen.
6. A wireless Bluetooth speaker for creating the right ambiance for your event.
7. A propane patio heater for the cooler autumn months.
8. Potted herbs for a visual pop, as well as convenient ingredients to enhance your menu.
9. An ice bucket to keep cans and bottles cold and in arms’ reach.

Once your outdoor kitchen is up and running, it becomes a central hub for gatherings and family meals during the warmer months. However, as fall and winter approach, it’s key to prepare your outdoor kitchen for the off-season. Properly maintaining your space will ensure that it stays in mint condition and is ready for use when warm weather returns.

Steps for Winterizing Your Outdoor Kitchen

• Begin by cleaning all surfaces, appliances and fixtures. Remove food residue, grease and debris to prevent pests and damage.
• Use weatherproof covers for grills, countertops and any other exposed surfaces. This protects against snow, ice and moisture that can cause rust and deterioration.
• Relocate smaller appliances, utensils and furniture to a garage or self-storage unit to prevent damage from extreme temperatures and moisture.
• Turn off and disconnect water lines to prevent freezing and potential pipe bursts. Ensure gas lines are safely shut off.
• Inspect your outdoor kitchen for any repairs needed before the cold weather sets in.

SmartStop Self Storage has units of all sizes to accommodate your needs and keep your items protected until you’re ready to use them again. To find a storage facility near you, use our Storage Locator. Check out our blog for more tips on home improvement, organization and more.