Outdoor kitchen ideas have become, for many, an essential for their backyard design. Trundling out a rusty grill every time you want to cook outdoors is not, it turns out, the best way to enjoy an al fresco lifestyle
Outdoor kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, and it's something I know only too well. Not only have I seen some incredible examples of outdoor kitchens in my time as an interiors writer covering landscape design, but I also built my very own small outdoor kitchen in my own backyard. And while some are fully-loaded with features, some are simple food prep surfaces with a tabletop grill. That means, like me, you can pick the best of these ideas to suit your own space.
Some of them are classic, some modern and forward-thinking, but these are, probably, 31 of the world's very best.
31 smart and practical outdoor kitchen ideas
All you really need to form the base of an outdoor kitchen is some countertop and the best grill you can get your hands on. We've pulled together outdoor kitchens of all types, offering inspiration for every kind of space.
1. Get creative with covering your outdoor kitchen
Outdoor kitchens deserve to be all-weather ready so that even if the forecast isn't playing ball with your cook out plans, you can still host in style and comfort. Plus, the right shade idea for patios will help to keep you sheltered from blistering conditions mid-summer.
This design is an interesting take on a covered outdoor kitchen, combining a perspex roof with bamboo canes. 'Functionality is central to the success of this garden with even minor modifications having significant impact,' says Antony Wyer, creative director of Wyer & Co, who designed this outdoor space for his own home. 'Waterproofing the open pergola structure with a perspex canopy is an example of this, allowing use of the outdoor entertaining area when raining - in contrast, the bamboo screening on top adds warmth while filtering natural sunlight.'
2. Add flexibility with a sleek portable kitchen
Whether you're planning a new backyard, or are looking to fit an outdoor kitchen into an existing one, the idea of a freestanding, portable design isn't one to be overlooked. 'The versatility of portable, freestanding outdoor kitchens means they are an incredibly popular choice for those looking to maximize their garden space,' says Ced Wells, creative director of Vlaze. 'Our ADAPT range, for example, can be kitted with wheels so when it’s not in use, the unit can be wheeled inside or to a storage area - particularly useful if you have a more compact or small backyard.'
There's another major benefit, too. 'In addition, as the units are all freestanding, they can be taken with you if you move house or easily moved into a new position if you re-landscape your garden.'
3. Or use an indoor island outdoors
If your backyard is so small that a permanent outdoor kitchen island isn't practical, why not steal this idea from architect Yoko Kloeden, which sees a portable kitchen island wheeled outside when the weather is fine.
'The client hosts a supper club at her family home,' Yoko explains, 'so the brief was to create an indoor/ outdoor dining experience. It quickly became clear that having a permanent dining table and chairs to seat 10 people is not feasible due to the limited size of the garden. The idea of the moveable island came when we realised we would need to take the indoor dining table out to the garden for outdoor dining. The moveable island also works as a serving table outside.'
The key to making this idea work came in one small detail of the home's architecture. 'The indoor outdoor threshold had to be flush,' Yoko tells us. 'The bottom door frame is recessed between the internal micro concrete flooring and the external decking. We raised the garden level by installing timber decking so there are no level change in the ground floor.'
4. Think beyond the grill
If you like to experiment when cooking, remember that there's a world out there beyond investing in the best gas grill, and the ultimate outdoor kitchens include a variety of options for cooking if that's what you envisage for the space.
'We work intimately with the client to understand the type of cooking they envision happening outside,' Chris Kurrle, a partner at Feldman Architecture. 'Will they be grilling, smoking, cooking, using a clay oven, or simply hosting and entertaining? This allows us to craft a customized floor plan, as well as source the most appropriate and highest quality appliances.'
Think about how you use the space too, and choose the appliances of an appropriate size. 'Often, these spaces act as outdoor catering kitchens and hosting spaces, focused heavily on larger events,' Chris says.
5. Pack in plenty of features
Talking of features, if you're heavily invested in outdoor cooking, there are plenty of helpful additions you can make to a backyard kitchen that will make this space more practical. Take this example by Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs as an example.
'This outdoor kitchen is fully loaded,' Linda explains. 'I made sure to incorporate as much as possible to make it feel like an indoor kitchen. I wanted people to want to come outside to cook in the Texas weather, so I put in a 35" Drop-In Gas Grill, Drop-In Cooler, 15" Refrigerator, Trash Drawer, Wine Cooler, Kegerator, 32" sink, an Elkay Semi-professional Single Hole Kitchen Faucet, and upper cabinet to house plates, drinkware, and kitchen accessories.'
'Then I added custom open shelving to grab cooking items quickly,' she adds. Of course, when it comes to how much an outdoor kitchen costs, this is the higher end of the scale, but for this homeowner, it was the perfect solution. 'This kitchen was designed for any occasion, intimate entertaining and for large events and parties,' Linda says.
6. Try a micro-cement finish on an outdoor kitchen
Choosing a finish for your outdoor kitchen units and countertop is part of what adds to its character. However, if you're interested in a sleek style, why not consider a material such as microcement? Not only is it a huge interior design trend, it can be used across cabinet fronts and countertops for a unified look.
In this example, by Toronto-based Ancerl Studio, microcement has been used to create a Mediterranean style space. 'We were initially inspired by our client's mood board, which emphasized a clean and minimal European aesthetic, with material continuity and a relaxed island vibe,' the team at Ancerl Studio explain. 'Almost everything on this terrace was custom designed; from the microcement floor slabs and built-ins, to the custom to the custom sofa, cushions and throw pillows.'
7. Or a stylish tiled design
Another option for a stylish finish to your outdoor kitchen is tile. From colorful encaustic styles to rustic, handmade tiles like the ones used by Leigh Lincoln, co-founder of Pure Salt Interiors for her own outdoor kitchen, there's plenty of choices out there which can define the style of your backyard set-up.
'The outdoor kitchen was designed to feel warm and inviting, and encourage my family and friends to sit and stay awhile,' says Leigh. 'I especially love the Saltillo tile! This was a ‘risky’ design decision as my home is not a Spanish-style build, but I love bringing in this unique element to create a feeling of my favorite retreat and allow my home to feel like a getaway everyday.' The result? A relaxing backyard that you feel instantly at home in.
8. Consider an outdoor kitchen island
If you entertain a lot of people, odds are the party will spill outdoors. In times like these, when you need to attend to a large group of people, having just the occasional barbecue won't be enough.
Reconsider your layout and think about how you can extend your kitchen to the outside. Along with outdoor furniture, perhaps add a dining table, and an outdoor BBQ, create a lounge area and have a fairly well-stocked dry kitchen.
'For this project, our clients wanted an indoor/outdoor dining experience and we planned the location of the outdoor kitchen, so it was easily accessible from the indoor kitchen,' says landscape designer Kate Anne of Kate Anne Designs.
'We created this barbecue island as an accent piece and made sure to not block the flow and sight lines to the rest of the yard,' Kate adds. 'When designing an island in an outdoor kitchen, it's important to have proper circulation and clearance. We also made sure to include plenty of counter space on either side of the grill and sink to allow for food prep and easy clean-up.'
9. Set up a vibrant seating area with the kitchen
If you have a sizeable backyard, porch, or front yard and want to use it to the maximum, then set up a functional kitchen along with comfortable seating options. Lay a dining table, put up a sofa and even add a canopy/umbrella to ensure comfort. Keep a grill handy and for other appliances, make sure your appliances can plug into GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets, and are Underwriters Laboratories approved.
If you want to add more interest to the area, create a coordinated color scheme and give this space its own personality. Add floor cushions and throws and make it cozy.
'Outdoor cooking and entertaining spaces require the same considerations of interior,' says Jennifer Morris, principal designer at JMorris Design. 'I start with the flow of functions. Walking through what tasks are performed, how to best support those with adjacencies, the layer in the furniture and finishes. Wide pavers are easier to walk on and create stable footing for dining table, while the brick pavers add texture and interest at the seating area.'
10. Go for a U-shaped design where space isn't an issue
The below backyard idea boasts an enviable outdoor kitchen designed by Blakes London. The U-shaped design is super functional, as it packs in an integrated barbecue, a Green Egg, handy storage for plates and glasses, plus it houses a drinks fridge too.
'We like to make our outdoor kitchen units from sustainably sourced Iroko timber,' says Annie Ebenston, lead designer at Blakes London. 'This African hardwood is a fantastic alternative to teak, particularly for outdoor furniture, as its naturally high oil content makes it incredibly stable and unlikely to crack as temperatures change. And unlike teak and oak, which tend to bleach and turn silver over time, Iroko starts as the soft yellows you see in these images and darkens to a deep, rich, coppery tone.'
'For countertops, large-format Xtone porcelain tiles work well,' she adds. 'Xtone is a fabulous low maintenance and highly functional alternative to concrete or renders. This large-format porcelain tile will maintain its color over time and is both frost and heat resistant. An added benefit is that it is incredibly hygienic so can be used as a food prep surface.'
11. Use one wall if you're short on space
This urban garden may be compact, but it still manages to incorporate an outdoor kitchen by making the most of an awkward corner. The kitchen is fitted along just one wall, with a small peninsula protruding just enough to create a breakfast bar area. A design like this is the perfect small garden idea.
Gaze Burvill designed this outdoor kitchen with industrial-style Dekton Trilium for the weather-proof worktops.
12. Or opt for a simple food prep shelf
In reality, an outdoor kitchen doesn't need to be a huge production to be useful. In this compact garden, a simple shelving set-up creates space for food prep and for a countertop grill and pizza oven.
'If your space or budget is limited, you can opt for a simple shelf food prep area, which can be built out of a few basic materials,' explains this backyard's designer, Catherine Clancy of Catherine Clancy Garden Design. 'This outside kitchen was built in a tiny garden, with a mini charcoal barbecue and herb planter.'
13. Add a living wall as a backdrop
As for the wall itself, floor your guests with a lively backdrop like this living wall in San Francisco. Created by local firm Heather Hilliard Design, the vertical garden pops color and life into an otherwise blank space with plenty of room for growth and fully integrates the kitchen with its surroundings.
The all-natural feature balances out more contemporary splashes, like the kitchen’s royal blue cabinetry, and blurs the line between inside and outside.
14. Design in privacy around your kitchen
If you're planning an outdoor kitchen, make sure you incorporate beautiful planting to help frame the new zone and help it blend in better with the garden. 'This outdoor kitchen is enclosed by pleached Hornbeam trees,' explains designer Charlotte Rowe, 'as well as Taxus Baccata hedging and lots of perennial planting to give interest throughout the year and a sense of privacy.'
15. Design an outdoor kitchen like an indoor one in warmer climes
If you're wondering how to build an outdoor kitchen, for homes in warmer climates where you're guaranteed to spend a lot of time outdoors, approach your outdoor kitchen design as you would your main kitchen.
Let interior finishes set the tone. Tucked away from Texas’ scorching heat, Marie Flanigan Interiors brought indoor vibes to the exterior kitchen by using the same limestone walls as the home’s interior kitchen—it creates an uninterrupted experience. 'When possible, I love using the same materials inside and outside the home,' says Flanigan.
She added a statement, tiled backsplash and a plaster range hood (both with a weatherproof finish), to complement the luxurious appearance of the home’s indoor aesthetic.
16. Incorporate plenty of outdoor kitchen storage
There are several things to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen as ppart of your modern garden ideas. Storage is a pretty important one as it makes life that bit easier and helps keeps everything nice and neat.
'As with any indoor kitchen space, it’s important to ensure you have enough storage. Make sure you’re able to close and lock things away so that they are safe from the outdoor elements,' says Hege Lundh, Marketing Director, Lundhs. 'Also, find a nice spot in your outdoor space where you have enough space. The outdoor kitchen should not be fully exposed to sunlight, and if possible find the least windy area. And make sure you plan accordingly for any water or electricity access, as this will play a big part in planning. '
If built-in storage isn’t in the budget, don’t shelve the idea entirely. 'I find that clients most often use [outdoor kitchens] when they are entertaining, and the last thing you want to do is be running back and forth to grab items you've forgotten,' says California-based designer Caitlin Jones Ghajar.
17. Use any wall space for hooks
Keep your barbecue tools, tea towels, pots and pans, and pizza peel close by with a little creative hook placements for easy access. You can buy a steel hook to attach to the side of your BBQ, a hook shelf to attach to the wall, or why not pop single hooks on your fence to make a statement yet practical feature?
This sort of storage may be seasonal, but it can make using your outdoor BBQ much better, keeping essential tools close at hand.
18. Add a statement show piece
While the kitchen already incorporates a fully integrated barbecue, the home owner wanted the ability to cook for large groups and also ensure they had all the necessary toys to create restaurant standard fare. Burgers, sausages and delicate fish work fantastically well on the Napoleon integrated gas BBQ. However, for a show-stopping extravaganza, the ceramic Egg BBQ is the hero. It makes a statement feature too – with the worktops recessed to make room for it.
A Big Green Egg in your outdoor kitchen is the last word in cool and widely regarded as one of the best grills. Loved by top chefs and food connoisseurs, this nifty little number is a ceramic charcoal grill that's described as a 'flavor machine'. It's basically a pizza oven, smoker and slow-roasting machine in one. And it comes in different sizes to suit your space.
19. Install a built-in rubbish chute to keep flies at bay
Meanwhile supermodel Tyra Banks chose the below outdoor kitchen design for her Palm Springs home. It features an integrated rubbish chute – the handle lifts up to reveal a large hole through which food scraps can be discarded and stored away from flies.
20. Add a wood fired pizza oven
Picture homemade wood-fired pizzas with friends and family in your own garden, under the stars. Independent British brand DeliVita makes stylish, hand-made wood-fired ovens - and they're perfect not just for cooking pizza but for everything from toad in the hole to tandoori chicken.
Light and portable, the DeliVita oven can sit on any sturdy table, meaning the chef can be right at the heart of the fun. Plus the oven will warm the area too, helping your patio last from spring into summer and right through into the late autumn months.
21. Add a playful touch with a blackboard wall menu
This outdoor kitchen is uplifting, inviting and fun – we love the slatted garden fencing, patio flooring and the Green Egg barbecue with shelves cocooning it, but we're also drawn to the tongue-in-cheek menu board, for writing down the day's 'specials'.
This interactive element can make a BBQ much more of an event, and doubles up as something to keep the kids entertained.
22. Pair warm woods with concrete for a modern look
In the home of Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy, the outdoor kitchen area features wooden floorboards and warm wood kitchen units against a grey backdrop of smooth concrete walls.
Opposite this outdoor kitchen is a generous lounge and al fresco dining area, while stairs lead up to an impressive roof terrace above.
23. Keep it classic with a grey scheme
Poured concrete countertops pair with white wood-slat cabinetry in the sun-drenched kitchen below by California’s Salthouse Collective. Bringing a crisp and coastal aesthetic, it may be a simple kitchen—nothing more than a stainless steel grill and a small refrigerator—but goes big with a large countertop for serving food and crowds alike. Adding even more texture and warmth to the area, an outdoor rug complements the natural finishes and brings an outdoor living room vibe.
Opt for cool greys or earthy tones for a timeless look that's also on-trend. You can always add pops of color with your glassware and accessories.
24. Give your outdoor kitchen a roof for a weather-proof setting
This outdoor kitchen is covered, making it weatherproof so that the kitchen and any outdoor seating can be enjoyed year-round, rain or shine.
'A roof structure to keep the heat in during winter and provide shelter from the rain but still allow sunlight into the space in summer will be a key part of the design,' says says Duncan Aird, founder of Outdoor Kitchen Expert. 'Pergolas, awnings, marquees and retractable canopies are all worthy of consideration here,' he adds. 'When it comes to materials, it’s important to plan the style that you’re looking for from an early stage, as this will impact the kitchen’s design.'
'Are you after an ultra-modern outdoor kitchen or something that blends in with the natural landscape of the garden? The kitchen’s location will also impact decisions around materials. If it’s in an exposed location, render or tile is an excellent choice, while a more sheltered location could be clad with timber. This also raises the question of maintenance, as materials such as timber will require periodic work to keep them looking tip-top. As such, planning an outdoor kitchen needs to factor in some thought around how much work the owner is happy to put in ongoing.'
25. Or opt for a smaller covered kitchen
Invest in a cool barbecue shelter or hut to take your garden parties all the way through winter. Choose smart decking materials to keep the outdoors weather-proof.
You can reclaim open space in your backyard with an “outdoor room,” according to the California-based startup Yardzen, the first fully online landscape design service (over 20% of its users requested an outdoor kitchen in 2020). 'Pergolas and shade sails are a great way to provide overhead protection from the elements, and they help define a space, such as an alfresco kitchen and dining room,' says the Yardzen Design Team. In this rendering, dreamed up for a Florida homeowner, their team articulates multiple “rooms” with floating wooden structures.
26. Consider a retractable canopy
A pergola with a flexible retractable canopy makes this an area that is enjoyed whatever the weather brings.
With a retractable cover and the right outdoor heating ideas, you can make your outdoor kitchen and dining space work year round.
27. Add luxury with natural stone worktops
Outdoor kitchen ideas don't get much more elevated than this stunning real stone for your worktops. As well as being a talking-point piece, the ultra-practical Lundhs Blue stone is made with one of the strongest materials in the world, larvikite. Its UV resistance means the colour won't fade over time, while thermal shock resistance guarantees it won't expand when the temperature drops, ideal for all weather conditions. Thanks to its low porosity, it's also resistant to water and heat as well as scratches and stains, making it the perfect al fresco kitchen prep surface.
'Opt for a material that is easy to clean and is maintenance-free,' says Hege Lundh, marketing director at Lundhs .'The key to this is choosing a material that is 100% natural. A completely natural stone will be used to the elements and notoriously only require very little maintenance - a simple wipe with a damp cloth will suffice! '
28. Add an outdoor bar
Set up a garden bar idea and bar stools close to your outdoor kitchen to create a relaxed, informal socialising space for family and friends. This means you can also easily entertain while you cook, too.
From a trolley you wheel out on occasion to a full on built-in bar designed by the experts, a garden bar will add fun to your space and keep friends and family well watered.
29. Add some whimsical festoon lights
Up the ambience levels with strings of festoon lights for a cozy and stylish outdoor feast. Drape string lights above your outdoor kitchen or on a canopy or in trees near your dining area for that soft-focus glow.
You can also factor in garden lighting ideas as part of your landscaping project, ensuring that it best serves your outdoor kitchen and dining space. The best outdoor lighting will not only make your space functional in the evening, but look great from your kitchen window.
30. Create a nearby herb station
Have some herbs on-hand so you can get fresh flavorings with a quick snip of the secateurs, without having to run back into the house. Herb gardens are easy to incorporate through container gardening, whether they're countertop pots, raised beds or even a nearby window box.
31. Snap up an affordable option
If your budget is slightly more slimline, opt for a barbecue that comes with a kitchen cabinet, work space and storage included. This instant outdoor kitchen from IKEA looks more expensive than its price tag, and can be made larger with separate cabinets and trolleys.
There are plenty of ways you can approach IKEA garden hacks to make an outdoor kitchen, but ensure the materials you choose are weatherproof and will survive in your garden.
What is a good size for an outdoor kitchen?
Whether you have a large expansive patio or a smaller terrace, an outdoor kitchen can be incorporated in the form of an elaborate, permanent structure or a multifunctional barbecue and table set-up that can be moved around your outdoor space.
What do you put in an outdoor kitchen?
More households are now branching out from the traditional BBQ, and are looking at more versatile and aesthetically-pleasing products like outdoor ovens, which are great for traditional barbecue food as well as allowing you to cook your very own pizza creations, or simply to act as a heat generator on a cold evening.
Outdoor fire pits are also always a crowd pleaser and excellent for creating an inviting ambience at a get-together. Adding seating to the outdoor cooking area provides you with somewhere to dine, socialize and relax. Your outdoor products may be outside for most of the year, so you’ll need durable materials, like cast iron, which is resilient and can withstand all weathers.
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