Designing an outdoor kitchen is an exciting project that allows you to extend your living space and enhance your culinary experience. To create a functional and enjoyable outdoor cooking area, it's essential to ask yourself several important questions. This article will explore each question in detail, providing examples, tips, and current trends to guide you through planning.

Full Service Outdoor Kitchen

What is Your Inspiration?

Start by looking at plans, sketches, and images online to see what has worked for others. Create a wish list of features you'd like to be a part of your outdoor kitchen. You can find inspiration from outdoor and indoor kitchen design. However, every space is unique, so what works in one layout might not suit your space.

Common Themes

Rustic: Made of stone or brick, and provides a rustic, charming look.

All-White: Made of modern materials, providing a contemporary and sleek design.

Poolside: Create a resort-like cooking experience in your backyard.

Patio: Building your outdoor kitchen into a patio offers a relaxing and casual vibe.

Consider adding details from your home's style or the landscaping around the area to create a sense of harmony in your design.

Who Will Design and Build Your Outdoor Kitchen?

This step could include hiring an architect, a landscaper, a plumber, an electrician, a builder, and a masonry crew. The key is researching and vetting potential contractors and suppliers by checking their portfolios and reviews. Refrain from assuming any builder can design an outdoor cooking space—experience and expertise matter.

Whole Home Remodelers

Working with a whole home remodeler like MI Remodelers means you have one point of contact for the entire project.

Seek recommendations from friends, neighbors, or local home improvement associations to find trusted professionals in your area.

Will you be hosting get togethers?

What is Your Entertainment Plan?

How do you plan to use your outdoor kitchen? Is it just for making burgers and basic meals, or do you want a fully functional kitchen? You may need more countertop space depending on your needs since most outdoor cooking tools and platters are typically larger than indoor ones.

For Larger Gatherings

If you frequently host large gatherings and enjoy cooking elaborate meals, include features like a pizza oven, a dedicated smoker, or a built-in bar area.

Consider the number of guests you typically entertain and the types of meals you enjoy preparing to determine the scale and features of your outdoor kitchen.

How Close Is Your Outdoor Kitchen to Your Indoor Kitchen?

The proximity of your outdoor kitchen to your indoor one can influence the number and type of appliances you'll need. If they're close, your outdoor kitchen can rely on the indoor one for prep and cleanup. But if they're far apart, you might need to add more storage and appliances to your outdoor kitchen to avoid constant back-and-forth trips.

Doorwall Access

If your outdoor kitchen shares a wall with your indoor kitchen, you can install a pass-through window or a sliding door to make passing between the two spaces easier during events.

Plan a convenient pathway between indoor and outdoor kitchens to facilitate efficient movement and minimize disruptions.

How much storage does your outdoor kitchen need?

What Are Your Storage Needs?

Consider what items you'll want to store in your outdoor kitchen. This could include dishes, glasses, garbage receptacles, and ice. You'll also need to consider the need for refrigeration. Write out what you want to store outdoors to choose applicable storage inserts.

Task Specific Storage

Including a dedicated storage unit for grilling tools and accessories near the grill area can keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Optimize storage by incorporating weather-resistant cabinets, drawers, and shelving units that provide sufficient space for your outdoor kitchen essentials.

Have You Considered the Effects of Wind and Sun?

Consider factors like wind, sun, and rain when positioning your grill and other components. You don't want the smoke from your grill blowing into your house, and you also want to ensure the comfort and usability of your space in various weather conditions.

A Shield From The Wind

If your outdoor kitchen space is often exposed to strong winds, consider incorporating windbreakers like privacy screens, trellises, or strategically placed walls to create a more comfortable cooking environment.

Use natural or built structures, such as pergolas, awnings, or umbrellas, to provide shade and protection from the elements.

What style of lighting should you use in your outdoor kitchen

How Will You Light Your Outdoor Kitchen?

If you plan to use your outdoor kitchen in the evenings, you must plan for adequate lighting. This is especially important around the grill and other cooking areas for general ambiance and safety.

Hidden Task Lighting

Installing LED lights under the countertops and cabinets can provide functional task lighting and an appealing visual effect.

Incorporate a combination of task lighting, such as overhead or under-counter, and ambient lighting, like lanterns or string lights, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What Fuel Sources Will You Need?

Depending on the appliances you choose, you might need gas, electricity, and water lines. If your outdoor kitchen includes a natural gas grill, side burners, or appliances like refrigerators, warming drawers, and wine coolers, these all need connections to the appropriate services.

Natural Gas For Grilling

If you prefer the convenience and control of a gas grill, ensure that your outdoor kitchen has access to a natural gas line.

If you live in an area with below-freezing temperatures, ensure that your outdoor kitchen and appliances are designed for winter use, or you can easily winterize.

What appliances do you need in the outdoor kitchen

What Appliances Do You Need?

Consider the appliances best suit your cooking and entertaining preferences and the available space. Outdoor kitchens can accommodate various appliances, including power burners, grills, pizza ovens, sinks, refrigerators, ice makers, dishwashers, and more.

Common Appliances

Grill or BBQ: This can range from a simple charcoal grill to a full-size gas grill with multiple burners.

Countertops: For food preparation and serving.

Sink: For washing food and dishes.

Refrigerator: To keep food and drinks cold.

Cabinets: To store cooking utensils and supplies.

Dining Area: Weatherproof table and chairs for eating.

Prioritize appliances based on your cooking style and the frequency of use. Invest in high-quality, weather-resistant appliances that will withstand outdoor conditions.

Have You Considered All Layout Options?

There are many ways to configure an outdoor kitchen, so it's essential to explore all possibilities. The placement of appliances for the best flow, adequate countertop space for preparation, and storage for additional cooking equipment are all crucial elements to consider. The straight-line or galley layout is ideal for narrow spaces and provides a streamlined setup. Finally, the island layout adds a central focal point and encourages interaction with guests while cooking.

Common Kitchen Shapes

Basic Island: It's the most common outdoor kitchen layout. It provides a space for your grill and counter space on either side.

L-Shape: The L-shape outdoor kitchen design is perfect for more extensive patios and decks. It provides plenty of space for the grill, side burners, refrigerator, and counter space.

U-Shape: A U-shape outdoor kitchen design is the most extensive and most expensive of all designs. It provides the most counter space and room for appliances.

Straight-line or galley: The Galley layout is ideal for narrow spaces and provides a streamlined setup.

Create zones within your outdoor kitchen, such as cooking, preparation, and serving areas, to enhance efficiency and organization.


In addition to these questions, it's worth considering some general tips for designing an outdoor kitchen:

Remember that planning an outdoor kitchen is an exciting project requiring careful consideration. By asking yourself these questions and following the tips provided, you'll be well on your way to creating an outdoor culinary oasis that meets your needs, enhances your cooking experience, and adds value to your home. Happy designing!


MI Remodelers Digest Categories

Blog Posts

See More Blog Posts

Project Testimonials

Siding, Gutters, Patio and Driveway in Southfield MI

Discover how MI Remodelers brought new life to Mr. Williams' Southfield home with siding, gutters, cement work, and a dream-come-true cement patio. A transformation worth celebrating! Learn More About This Project

Landscaping, Brick Patio, & Porch in Royal Oak MI

Project testimonial for an exterior remodeling project in Royal Michigan, where MI Remodelers built two brick patios, a porch, a pergola, and redid the front and back landscaping. Learn More About This Project

Gutters, Siding, & Porch Replacement in Clarkston

Project testimonial for an exterior remodeling project in Clarkston Michigan, where MI Remodelers upgraded the gutter, trim, soffit and fascia on the whole home as well as a replaced the cement front porch. Learn More About This Project




Schedule A Free Estimate Online

Better Business Bureau Accredited
Rochester Chamber of Commerce
MI Remodelers - The Intergrity Guys are Google Guaranteed
MI Remodelers is a a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry
Lake Orion Chamber of Commerce
MI Remodelers LLC is a sponsor of The Inside Outside Guys on WJR
MI Remodelers LLC is a HomeAdvisor Screened & Approved Pro