How to Design an Outdoor Kitchen

The layout of your outdoor kitchen will depend on the space and how you want to arrange the appliances. An island kitchen plan is the most common, with the appliances and the grill in a central location. It allows guests to visit around the island and eat from there as you cook. To separate cooking areas from the socializing space, keep one side of the countertop raised.

A straight-line outline is ideal for smaller spaces. As the kitchen appliances are against the wall of the house, it's important to protect siding with a noncombustible material to maintain the integrity of the home. For larger spaces, opt for a U-shaped layout that looks similar to an indoor kitchen orientation with a freestanding sink, bar and grill.

Connect water pipes from the main house kitchen to the outdoor kitchen to ensure you have a constant water supply. Remember that the slope of the pipe is key to a smooth, constant water flow. Have an isolation valve and drain plugs fixed in a lower region to prevent interfering with the water supply to the main house if you need to repair leaks.

In houses with unsteady water pressure, install a water pump to ensure you can rinse fruits and vegetables quickly. For colder months, consider installing a water leak detector to alert you of any compromising situations.

There's not much difference in the appliances you need for an outdoor kitchen than what you'd put in your inside kitchen. The four zones to keep in mind include hot, cold, dry and wet.

The hot zone holds the cooking appliances like gas grills, smokers and wood stoves, while the cold zone contains the freezer and refrigerator. If you don't want to use outdoor refrigeration, consider placing one or more coolers close by to keep foods and drinks cold. The dry area is the food prep surface, such as the countertop, while the wet zone is the sink.

For outdoor kitchens with ample space, include other elements to enhance efficiency. Consider including a pedestal fan to increase airflow in closed areas and a patio heater for those cold days.

If you plan on using your outdoor kitchen year-round or want to use electric appliances, create a structure to protect it from the weather. Simple walls and screens or a pergola can help protect your space from sun and precipitation. You should also:

• Winterize plumbing to prevent freezing, especially if you live in a cold climate
• Put grills, smokers and other appliances in storage if you will not use the kitchen year-round
• Use protective covers for heavy and permanently placed appliances

To further help combat the cold, it might also be a good idea to start looking into choosing winter-friendly patio furniture to ensure your outdoor space remains cozy and inviting during the colder months.

Create a comfortable atmosphere to prepare food at night by ensuring there's sufficient outdoor lighting. It's a good idea to have lights at the cook station and above the serving and dining areas.

Place lights near any stairs leading from the yard to the kitchen. You can install under-rail lights, running throughout most of the space. They provide a soft glow that enhances the ambiance and aesthetic feel of your outdoor living space.

Whether included within the outdoor kitchen or in a separate area, you want to have a comfortable dining space. Outdoor furniture options can include a table large enough for the family and guests to eat at as well as plenty of chairs.

A patio heater may also be a good idea so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors on cooler days. You could also consider installing an outdoor TV and speakers for outdoor entertainment.