How to Get Your Outdoor Kitchen Ready for Summer
Summer entertainment is a huge part of the outdoor kitchen experience. You want to build a modern space with guests in mind. They should feel comfortable and have room to move around without feeling cramped.
Your outdoor guest area can be anything from a couple of chairs to a home theater. It all depends on your budget, how much space you have, and how many guests you want to host.
Typically, people separate the cooking area from the guest area. The guest area doesn’t have to be grandiose but separating it from the grilling space is quite practical.
There are many different appliances and extras to consider when getting your outdoor space ready for summer. We’ll go over them below. Here’s a closer look at how to get your outdoor kitchen ready for summer entertainment.
Invest in modern appliances.
Mini fridge
You can’t have guests without refreshments! Install a built-in mini-fridge so your guests can have easy access to cold drinks. Built-in fridges are more popular than freestanding fridges in today’s modern outdoor kitchens. But they are typically more expensive.
You can fill the fridge with whatever you’d like from water to beer. Where you install your mini-fridge is a stylistic choice. A lot of people like to put theirs near the grill area. Or, you could toss some drinks into a cooler from the fridge and take it to your guests.
As far as style goes, there are two popular options: glass-front like in the photo above or entirely stainless steel like in the photo below. Which do you like best?
Grill and range hood combo
Getting ready for summer doesn’t just mean preparing for guests. You should also build a functional cooking area so you can keep them satisfied. A grill and outdoor range hood are must-haves for your outdoor kitchen. With this great combo, you can grill to your heart’s content and enjoy clean and fresh kitchen air.
Don’t forget about an outdoor cover.
Outdoor covers are a nice addition to your patio. They keep the sun out of your guests’ eyes so they can enjoy each other’s company. Outdoor covers also protect your furniture and counters from discoloration. In cold climates, some covers keep heavy rain and snow off your furnishings which helps them last longer.
There are many different types of outdoor covers including pergolas, awnings, canopies, louvered pergolas, and gazebos. What you choose is a stylistic choice, but it also depends on the setup of your outdoor space and your budget.
Typically, if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll skip an outdoor cover entirely. They can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000+. Learn more about how to budget for your outdoor kitchen in this article.
Deck out your guest area.
TV and sound system
To keep your guests entertained, sometimes food isn’t enough. You might need something a little more stimulating. A TV and sound system might be the perfect solution. After you’ve grilled a rack of ribs, sit down with your guests and enjoy a movie marathon with surround sound! Can I get an invite?
Outdoor furniture - couches, chairs, and tables
To truly relax, you’ll need some furniture. You can look online for quality brands and you’ll find furniture that will last years. When laying out furniture, keep in mind that people still need to move around well. So don’t take up too much floor space.
Check out our guide to learn how to make your outdoor furniture last.
Throw pillows
Throw pillows are a fun finishing touch to your outdoor space. They can add some color to make the furniture pop, as in the photo above.
Try out some extras.
Sink
Think about how much you would use a sink while cooking. If the answer is a lot, add one to your cooking area. It’ll speed up your cooking so you can join your guests sooner! Would your guests need a sink for any reason? Maybe you’ve cooked up some ribs and that means there will be a lot of barbecue sauce. So you could make a little clean-up station for when everyone is done eating.
Stainless steel cabinets
Extra storage is a convenient addition to your cooking area. It’s especially helpful if you don’t have quick access to cookware, utensils, or other items you might need to cook efficiently.
Warming drawers
Warming drawers make food prep easier, especially when you’re cooking for a crowd. With a warming drawer, you don’t have to worry if some dishes get done before others. Just set them inside the warming drawer while the rest of your food finishes cooking.
Outdoor pool
Bring the party to your backyard with an outdoor pool. It’s a great way to keep families entertained, especially those with kids! It’s also a beautiful upgrade to your outdoor patio and can make it look luxurious like in the above photo. What a great shot!
We hope this post helped you get your outdoor space ready for summer. For a complete list of everything you need in your outdoor kitchen, check out this post.
Or if you’d like help planning specific areas of your outdoor kitchen, check out the articles below.