Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular. When the warm weather hits, everyone wants to be outside enjoying the weather and hosting their friends. Homeowners don’t want to be stuck inside sweltering kitchens. We’re sharing some of the most popular outdoor kitchen ideas homeowners have been craving.

Why outdoor kitchens?

A few years back, outdoor kitchens were primarily found on the grounds luxury homes. While there are amazing examples from high-end properties, outdoor kitchens are quickly becoming a mainstream amenity that the average homeowner is looking clamoring for, too.

small granite outdoor kitchen

As a contractor, it’s important to understand why people are choosing outdoor kitchens. Homeowners find them to be a more enjoyable experience for entertaining or even just cooking a family dinner. In a homeowner’s mind, an outside kitchen makes any meal feel like a special occasion.

Furthermore, property owners want their outdoor kitchen to feel like a room all its own. It’s not enough to just have a grill and fire pit, homeowners are seeking luxury amenities. They want granite and stone inlays. Homes already equipped with outdoor kitchen spaces are often looking to upgrade or add additional features and are willing to spend big money. Homeowners are looking for the top quality outdoor kitchen supplies at the best possible price.  

Outdoor kitchen essentials

Bar

A stone bar with a granite or marble top will marvel guests when entertaining. Add features like beer and soda taps, a dedicated water line, and even a wine-chilling fridge. The options and additions associated with an outdoor kitchen bar are endless.

Custom designed cabinets

Home cooks don’t want to have to run to their indoor kitchen every time they need something. Custom cabinets allow for great outdoor storage from cooking utensils, to glassware, ingredients, and more.  From stainless steel to marine grade polymer, there are plenty of weatherproof options to choose from.

Wood burning fireplace

While everyone enjoys a fire pit, outdoor kitchen owners are looking to do more than just grill hotdogs and hamburgers. They want wood burning fireplaces that not only allow for flame roasting gourmet meals, but also offer an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere as a centerpiece for entertaining. Make sure it’s wide and deep enough to double as a pizza oven.

Make sure it’s covered

Outdoor kitchens are meant to be enjoyed even when it’s raining. Make sure it’s covered with options including:

  • Gazebos
  • Canopies
  • Garden pergolas
  • Screens

Whatever the homeowner chooses there are plenty of options to fit all budgets.

Fine flooring

An outdoor kitchen is a lot different than a backyard picnic. Homeowners don’t want their guests trampling their well-maintained lawns. There are a number of waterproof flooring options that are aesthetically pleasing for an outdoor kitchen. Selections include:

  • Contemporary concrete
  • Stone textured concrete
  • Brick
  • Cobblestone
  • Tuscan
  • Tropical
  • Old World
  • Wood deck

Make sure the flooring option matches the rest of the outdoor kitchen.

Electricity

This can be easily looked over, but it’s important to remember that most outside areas don’t have the electrical capacity to power a full working kitchen. Whether it’s simply adding outlets or totally retrofitting the wiring by adding entire circuits, there will most certainly be some electrical work needed. Some higher-voltage wiring might also need to be added to power some of the more powerful kitchen appliances.

Outdoor kitchens can take whatever form a homeowner envisions. There is no right or wrong way to create an outdoor kitchen space. We mentioned many options above, but these options are only the beginning. Use your imagination to create the perfect space your client desires.