Can you picture your backyard as a culinary haven? Small outdoor kitchens are popular among homeowners and DIY enthusiasts and can add value to and improve the appeal of your home while bringing an element of modern convenience to use outdoor living. This blog will explore a number of small outdoor kitchen ideas and provide DIY advice on how to build an outdoor cooking space that is convenient, stylish, and easy to maintain.
Table of Contents
The Advantages of Having a Small Outdoor Kitchen
More Living Space
One of the greatest things about having a small outdoor kitchen is that it is an extension of your living space. Instead of watching a meal simmer or barbecue in your kitchen, you can cook, eat, and entertain guests outdoors and take in the fresh air and natural views of your property. Outdoor a fantastic place for you and your family to sit down and relax after work. it doesn’t matter whether you want to host a summer barbecue or a get-together or an intimate dinner for your family, an outdoor kitchen will be a great integrated part of your lifestyle and property.
Value Improvement
An outdoor kitchen can be a great investment in the improvement of your property’s value. When it comes to the house market, it will be a big selling point, not to mention your home will also be more attractive. a well-designed kitchen can recoup you a lot of the cost, and will likely still be worth the investment even in the long run. make sure you use durable materials and build a layout that is functional and classy.
Cooking outdoors is a magical experience.
It combines the thrill of adventure and the peace of relaxation. You can try new cooking skills like grilling, smoking, or wood-fired baking. The aroma and the sense brought by outdoor-cooked food is something unimaginable. At the same time, you keep the heat and the mess outside, not to mention the messiest parts of cooking. While it’s all on the benefits, one fact overshadows the whole idea. Designing a small outdoor kitchen, especially if that’ the work of one’s hands, takes time and knowledge. In this article, I will share some tried-and-tested ideas for designing small outdoor kitchens..
Design Ideas for Small Outdoor Kitchens
Compact Appliances
Choosing the right appliances is the key when designing a small outdoor kitchen. Make sure your appliances are both big enough to meet your needs and small enough not to eat up the whole space. In this respect, a portable induction cooktop is a great solution. It is removable: simply stash it away once you no longer need it. You should also consider a refrigerator that is big enough to store some products and small enough not to become overwhelming. Another must-have is built-in the grill with some storage space underneath.
Space-Saving Storage Solutions
Efficient storage is a must in a small outdoor kitchen, just as in a big cooking area. A good shelf and cabinet system that meets your design is worth your time and efforts. Add some S-hooks to hold your utensils, pots, and pans. A rolling cart, which is another storage area and prep space, might be easily hidden under the overhang. Finally, consider multi-functional furniture. For instance, there are benches with hidden storage to keep your backyard tools.
Creative Layouts
Layouts, likewise design, can be both space-wasting and space-saving. In outdoor cooking, the latter is always a priority. Certainly, L-shaped kitchen will tuck neatly into the corner and provide plenty of counter space and room for appliances. If your area can boast of two parallel counters, you may profit from a galley layout. If you cherish the idea of a social cooking experience, make it a single-wall layout with a bar or an island.
Tips for Those Who Love DIYs
Planning Your Small Outdoor Kitchen
Before you get started, well think about everything: carefully plan. It is better first to measure the length, width and height of the allocated space for an outdoor kitchen and imagine how you will use it. Similarly, sketch out all available options for arranging outdoor kitchens, focusing on the location of appliances, cabinets, and seating. Remember the utilities: think about gas, water and electricity, as some will need to be connected to a gas line and have a source of water nearby to keep everything at a safe distance.
Recommended materials and tools:
Material selection is the key to durability and maintenance. Stainless steel is widely used for outdoor cooks and grills, as it does not rust or corrode. Granite and cast concrete are best suited for countertops due to their durability and heat resistance. Wood and various composites have good outdoor durability and are used for cabinets, shelves and other furniture. For a do-it-yourself kitchen, be sure to prepare: measure the tape, level, square, saw, drill, screwdriver, plane, basic hand tools.
At the same time:
If you choose small outdoor kitchens, you can significantly save when purchasing materials and appliances. Make sure to look for discounted appliances or devices, as well as from various discontinued suppliers and builders. If possible, try to reuse the current or salvaged furniture and equipment. Look for those who sell old dressers and antique cabinets of this size and turn them into outdoor kitchen cabinets. Also, divide the work into stages, this process begins with the essential elements and ends with the addition of all sorts of gadgets and extras. Invite your friends or acquaintances who had to do everything on their own.
Enhancing Comfort and Aesthetics
The subsection is devoted to presenting small outdoor kitchen design ideas that can help in creating maximum comfort and look appealing. The available space can be transformed into a cozy place for cooking and eating with some lighting, seating, and decorative elements added.
Lighting.
To ensure good visibility for cooking in your outdoor kitchen, you should have work areas well lit. Task lighting may be installed above counters and grills without overpowering the space. Besides, ambient lighting can be string or lantern lights, which are going to create the necessary business. Solar-powered lights, for example, can be installed absolutely anywhere without being connected to the system, which also considered as a benefit for your outfit.
Seating.
It is impossible to create comfort to enjoy your small outdoor kitchen without proper seating. As stated about the built-in bench for seating with cushions and, thus, saving the space. It also provides enough seating for you and your guests, is helpful. Moreover, another way to create a dining area is to have bar stools around the counter or the island if you have one. Furthermore, to add some luxury to the kitchen, a hammock or a swing chair can be included.
Decorative elements.
Finally, do not forget to add some small items and decorations that can make your outdoor kitchen look more alive and homely. A good choice can be potted plants or a herb garden, which will bring some greenness to your space. Some artwork on the walls or decorative tiles are going to make your kitchen brighter. The last is to add some outdoor rugs or a few throw pillows whenever possible. Also, a clock or a chalkboard may be a good choice to help yourself.
Maintenance and Seasonal Use
Regular Cleaning
Small outdoor kitchen has to be clean in order to maintain hygiene and last long. Use a cloth to wipe surfaces, clean every appliance, and sweep the floor. When the appliances are not in use, cover them with special sheets and throw out the cover when it is dirty. Store utensils and cookware in cabinets, to keep them away from dust and water.
Seasonal Maintenance
Depending on the lz you live, you have to remain small outdoor kitchen either for winter. In colder climates, you have to eliminate water from the lines, install cover ob appliances and take portable stuff to your house. In warmer lz you have to lower temperatures and ventilate the area for this purpose. Check for any damages and fix them.
Time-efficient Year-Round Use
Think about some smart plans for your small outdoor kitchen that will help you to use the area all year round. A pergola or an awning will create shade in the hot summer days and shelter in the cold winter wind. Portable heater or fire pit will add warmth in the winter and the awesome cozy feeling to the atmosphere. In hot weather, you can keep cool by adding a variable speed fan or the misting system.
Final Thoughts
Small outdoor kitchens are an awesome extra for any house. This lzs is filled with idea of small outdoor kitchens, that will help not only the houseowner but also those who like trying to realize conceptions by themselves, to absorb innovative and modern ideas. With various designs, correct materials and modern appliances, you will get the kitchen of your dreams.