The grill is only one part of a great outdoor kitchen.
The best outdoor kitchens are planned around how you cook, serve, store, clean and entertain. Start with the layout and workflow, then choose the appliances that support it.
Shop Outdoor Kitchens Request Design HelpAppliance dimensions, door swings, ventilation, utilities and clearances should be solved before cabinets are finalized.
A well-planned 36-inch grill with prep space can be more useful than a larger grill squeezed into a poor layout.
Grill, storage, refrigeration, sink, burners, ventilation and cabinetry all need to work together.
Step 1: Decide what the kitchen needs to do
Everyday grilling
Prioritize a quality built-in grill, landing space on both sides, convenient storage and easy access from the house.
Entertaining
Add cold storage, beverage service, trash, ice and more countertop so guests can gather without crowding the cook.
Serious cooking
Consider a power burner, side burner, griddle or pizza oven so the outdoor kitchen can handle more than grilling.
Full outdoor room
Extend the plan beyond the kitchen with fire features, patio heaters and lighting.
Step 2: Build the appliance plan
- Grill: Choose size and cooking features based on how many people you normally cook for.
- Storage: Plan drawers, doors, dry storage, trash and access panels before the island is built. Shop outdoor kitchen storage.
- Refrigeration: Decide whether you need a refrigerator, beverage center, freezer or ice maker. Shop outdoor refrigeration.
- Burners: A side burner is useful for sauces and pots. A power burner is better when you need much higher-output cooking. Shop side burners.
- Sinks and bar centers: Useful when the kitchen is far from the house or when entertaining is a major goal. Shop sinks and bar centers.
- Ventilation: Covered outdoor kitchens may require a properly selected hood based on the appliance and enclosure. Shop outdoor vent hoods.
Step 3: Protect usable counter space
One of the easiest ways to make an outdoor kitchen less useful is to fill every inch with appliances. Preserve prep and landing space beside the grill, near the sink and where food will be served. The goal is not to fit the largest possible appliance package. The goal is a kitchen that works.
Step 4: Choose the build approach
Custom kitchen
Best when the space, finishes and appliance layout need to be tailored to the home.
Preconfigured island
A faster path for homeowners who want a more standardized layout. Shop outdoor kitchen islands.
Shop the project by category
Built-In Grills · Storage · Refrigeration · Side Burners · Sinks & Bar Centers · Vent Hoods · Pizza Ovens
Want the entire space planned before you order?
Our outdoor-living team can help you work through the appliance package, layout, cabinetry and installation plan so the components are selected as one system instead of one item at a time.
Start an Outdoor Kitchen ConsultationOutdoor appliance installation and ventilation requirements vary by model and project. Follow manufacturer specifications and applicable local requirements.