10 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas Perfect for Entertaining

Whether big or small, outdoor kitchen ideas can bring all the hardworking elements of an indoor cooking space to your deck or patio. Utilize outdoor appliances, lighting, storage, seating, and other amenities to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while you whip up a meal. Use these practical and beautiful tips to equip your backyard with everything you need to cook, dine, and entertain in style.

1. Outdoor Kitchen Location

A smart large or small outdoor kitchen idea is to place it near an entrance to the inside kitchen. This will simplify meal prep for large gatherings (often requiring many trips between the two spaces during cooking and cleanup). Proximity can also make running gas and plumbing lines outside more manageable and economical.

2. Outdoor Deck Kitchen

Cooking is easy in this outdoor kitchen, equipped with a stainless-steel grill, side burners and griddle, an outdoor refrigerator, and a sink. Seating abounds with an outdoor dining set, counter stools on the other side of the cooking zone, and a secondary raised deck outfitted with patio furniture. In the evenings, string lights hung from the pergola keep the area well-lit, while patio umbrellas provide comfort during the day.

3. Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

As outdoor kitchens become more popular, the choices in appliances for outdoor use have expanded. Consider outfitting your outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, sink, refrigerator, ice maker, and more. Once you decide which appliances you want to be installed, be sure to align your utility services accordingly.

4. DIY Outdoor Kitchen

A long counter adds plenty of seating and prep space to this DIY outdoor kitchen bar. The budget-friendly design was created using recycled wood and salvaged cinder blocks, which were painted to achieve a gray patinaed look. Colorful containers dress up the space and visually link the outdoor kitchen with the rest of the garden.

5. Stacked-Stone Eating Area

This outdoor kitchen features a hardy, poured-concrete countertop that steps up to form a serving bar. The bar hides clutter while allowing the cook a clear view of the pool, spa, and sitting areas. Stacked-stone cladding gives the island a rustic look.

6. Secondary Outdoor Kitchen

A grill, sink, and refrigerator—all faced with stainless steel—make outdoor cooking a breeze. This exterior kitchen is just steps away from its indoor counterpart, so tools and ingredients are nearby. Should there be light rain, a broad umbrella protects diners at the table.

7. Patio Grill Setup

Situate a built-in grill amid lush plantings to create an oasis for outdoor cooking and dining. This outdoor kitchen includes a counter space next to the grill as a landing spot for hot plates. A lamp with a flexible neck attached to the adjacent fence keeps the cooking zone well-lit when barbecuing steaks after dark.

8.Large Outdoor Entertaining Area

`

This outdoor kitchen and entertainment area provide plenty of space to spread out. The cooking zone offers a spacious countertop that can serve as a buffet area, while the outdoor dining table offers seating for eight. After dinner, guests can relax around the stone firepit and toast marshmallows.

9.Small Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Located on a deck, this simple small outdoor kitchen idea has everything a family needs for dining and entertaining. A stretch of concrete countertop adjacent to the grill provides plenty of space for ingredient prep or serving food. Stools pull up to the counter to form a compact seating area.

10. Outdoor Kitchen Landscaping

Boost the presence of an outdoor kitchen by surrounding it with beautiful landscaping. This patio cooking area feels like a lush oasis thanks to plentiful trees and plantings. Containers planted with colorful flowers decorate the grill area, and string lights provide ambiance from above.