You can build your outdoor kitchen piece by piece or stock up on important outdoor kitchen appliances and undertake the whole design and build at once. The advantage of the latter approach is that you have a comprehensive sense of the appliances to include and the dimensions to accommodate when designing your layout.

Even in the most basic outdoor kitchen, it is best to include a grill, an outdoor sink and a prep surface—like a counter or outdoor table. While a freestanding gas grill might be a great option for a deck or patio, a full outdoor kitchen calls for something most permanent. A built-in grill will go directly into your outdoor kitchen counter, under which you can install outdoor kitchen storage cabinets. Additionally, the outdoor sink is crucial for both easy meal prep and cleanup.

You will find prep a lot easier if you invest in an outdoor refrigerator, and you will expand your cooking options when you bring in some additional cooking appliances. This includes a pizza oven, grill side burners for expanded menu options or a pellet grill or smoker for some BBQ variety.

To get the most out of your outdoor kitchen, make your outdoor space a place you want to spend your time. Select patio furniture for eating and lounging outside. Arrange necessary shade structures, like sun umbrellas or a pergola. And don’t forget about keeping everyone comfortable after dark with outdoor lighting and some outdoor heat. You might choose versatile patio heaters or the classic, mood-setting outdoor firepit. Finally, if you live in a buggy place, make sure to invest in some effective insect repellent options for you and your guests.

When going full tilt in building an outdoor living space, consider whether you would enjoy watching movies on an outdoor TV or chilling to some of your favorite tunes on outdoor speakers.

Whatever you make of your outdoor kitchen, having one will give you fantastic options for improving your cooking experience, enjoying a meal in the great outdoors and entertaining your friends and family. Hopefully, you can now create the outdoor oasis of your dreams, and, your house will certainly go up in value with well-built outdoor kitchen storage, cooking and cleaning equipment at the ready.