Get Ready for Summer: Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Summer is almost here. And who doesn’t want to spend as much time as possible outside in the nice weather? If you’re hosting a summer soiree or just want to have a backyard lunch with your family, you’re not going to want to run back inside and out of the fresh air to fix meals. Why not upgrade your family’s grill into a full-on outdoor kitchen?

The most important things you’ll need in your outdoor kitchen are a prep surface, lighting for the night, and shelter for the chef in case of rain. These things, along with a grill and, if you want, a sink, will transform your backyard into a great arena for hosting events. Make sure the cook has plenty of prep space with room to set down utensils and ingredients. There should also be a comfortable buffer between the grill and the seating area in order to keep guests protected from the heat.

If you want more than just a backyard grill, consider adding such appliances as a compact refrigerator or drawers and cabinets to hold your outdoor gadgets. If you want to be able to wash your hands and veggies outside, consider having a sink installed. Another great addition might be ice bins or ice makers, to ensure that the beverages served stay cool.

Perhaps you want the freedom to cook outside, but can’t justify making a full renovation to your backyard. If this is the case, you should consider buying (or making ) a caddy cart to hold your supplies. That way, you can pack up the cart with everything you’ll need for grilling kabobs or steaks.

You could also buy or make a mobile cart to hold your beverages. It’s a lot classier than a cooler full of drinks on ice. And if you’re crafty, you can find out how to build the cart here.

There are lots of ways to repurpose old items into new, innovative decorations. For example, try draping an extra piece of fabric between four poles stuck in the ground for a DIY sunshade, under which you can dine. You could also buy several sun umbrellas to give shade to your dining area.

Other ways to obtain a low-cost outdoor kitchen and dining space include getting a charcoal grill. These old style grills are making a comeback and a both cheap and chic. If you’re gonna use a charcoal grill, consider buying all-natural and chemical-free charcoal, which lights quicker, burns hotter, and is generally better for the environment. If you’re cooking at night, consider getting a weather-resistant, high-intensity LED spotlight for your cooking surface.

Don’t sit around inside this summer. Get outdoors and start grilling, eating, and celebrating life with your friends and family. You won’t regret making just a few upgrades to your outdoor kitchen area in favor of a perfect summer.