Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ Space Must-Haves

Design an alfresco kitchen that rivals your indoor cooking space with our detailed guide. Whether you prefer a simple charcoal grill and picnic table or a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, we can help make it happen.

We’ll cover which devices and appliances you’ll need, discuss the best kitchen and dining room tables and chairs, and even touch on weather and lifestyle needs.

Ready to create your dream backyard patio kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

The whole purpose of an outdoor patio grill area is to deliver delicious meals. A few favorite cooking devices for alfresco kitchens include:

• Grill: Outdoor barbecue grills are a must. A built-in gas grill top for an outdoor kitchen is the most popular choice, with charcoal grills and smokers not far behind.
• Side stove burners: A side burner allows you to multitask, cooking your main course and sides simultaneously. 
• Griddle: Griddles let you cook the most important meal of the day, toast hamburger and hot dog buns, or flip gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. 
• Pizza oven: Impress your guests with a wood-fired pizza oven built into your outdoor kitchen setup. 
• Conventional oven: Perfect your reverse-searing technique or whip up seven-layer dip with this outdoor oven. 
• Vent hood: Ensure your cooking space has adequate ventilation with vent panels around your appliances and a vent hood above the grill.

A sink is essential in any backyard patio kitchen. You need a place to rinse vegetables freshly picked from your garden or wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Whether it’s a small-basin sink or something larger depends on your needs and available space.

If you’re installing custom countertops, choose low-maintenance options that handle fluctuating outdoor temperatures in winter and summer. Concrete, stone, and tile countertops are excellent choices, and they resist cooking grease, corrosion, and moisture.

You’ve grilled your meats, sautéed your veggies, and mixed up some impressive cocktails. Now it’s time to showcase your culinary creations by setting them out on a durable dining table.

As a general rule, a kitchen and dining room table should accommodate the number of guests you expect to host. Thinking about your daily family meals? Use a square or rectangular table with chairs. Hosting friends for parties? Opt for a longer table with benches. For intimate dinners with someone special, choose a bistro or bar-height set and stools.

Opt for furniture that resists spills and cleans up quickly after meals. You’ve already put in the effort to prep and cook—the last thing you want is more work. The best patio dining chairs and tables for the job are built with stain-resistant, low-maintenance materials like high-density polyethylene plastic. A few swipes with soapy water and a clean cloth are all it takes to remove grease, barbecue sauce, and wine dribbles.

• Refrigerator: Some people prefer a full-size outdoor fridge, while others only need a mini-fridge to store the essentials. If you’re looking for a space to keep your cold beer, hard seltzers, and poolside snacks, consider a larger fridge. For more formal gatherings with sit-down dinners, adding a wine fridge to your outdoor kitchen dining room might be a good option.
• Drawer and cabinet space: To plan your outdoor kitchen, consider how you'll use the space, how often, and its location. Ensure your cabinets and drawers can store all your grilling utensils, drip pans, and dishes. If the area is wet, use waterproof containers or store essentials indoors. For a tailored solution, consider custom outdoor cabinets to maximize storage and durability.
• Trash: Trash bins aren’t pretty, but they’re practical. A trash can in your kitchen makes cleanup easier and more accessible. If you dislike the appearance of a plastic bin, consider a built-in drawer just for your trash can.
• Other storage: Roomy cabinets aren't enough without an organizational plan. Keep track of your cooking items with spice racks, lid racks, and clear bins.

Keep your cool when dining alfresco by adding a few comforts to your space and your outdoor kitchen furniture.

• Heat it up: Space heaters or a fire pit can help ensure guests are comfortable even on chillier days. 
• Cool it down: Summer can be toasty—especially in the middle of the day. Encourage diners to linger longer with icy drinks, umbrellas for shade, or ceiling fans to circulate air. If you want to go all out, install a few misters in the area. 
• Bug resistance: Screened-in tents, mosquito fans, and shredded Irish Spring soap keep insects away from your food and family. 
• Lighting: Ensure your space has the right lighting when the sun sets, but the party continues. Consider installing an outdoor chandelier above the table, stringing up lights, or adding floor lanterns to your patio. 
• Rugs: A rug warms the space, making it inviting and adding texture to the outdoor kitchen area and under a durable dining table. 
• Cushions: Keep guests relaxed with cushions or pillows so they can settle in for long conversations over tasty morsels.

While anyone, anywhere can enjoy an outdoor kitchen and dining space, you should consider your local climate and its impact on the materials you use.

If you live in Florida or Texas, you probably spend a good portion of the year outdoors thanks to the warmer climate. However, if you live in Upstate New York, Wisconsin, or New England, you're likely to be cozied up inside during most of late fall and winter.

When your outdoor patio grill area isn’t in use, take steps to winterize your alfresco kitchen by covering anything prone to corrosion and preparing surfaces for temperature changes.