Table of Contents
Your new house is put together, and your backyard is almost complete. Grass has been laid down, and the deck has been stained. But there’s one thing that might take your backyard from being run of the mill to talk of the town, and that’s an outdoor kitchen.
Why you should have an outdoor kitchen
When we say outdoor kitchen, we aren’t just talking about a BBQ (although grills are a big part of it). We’re talking about a full-on space that will allow you to cook meals for your guests and family at maximum efficiency.
How many times have you been in the middle of grilling up some burgers, run inside to cut up tomatoes, and come back outside to realize your burgers were suddenly overdone? With an outdoor kitchen, you’re able to conveniently stay in one space while you cook the meal and not leave things unsupervised.
There are a lot of different factors that go into making the perfect outdoor kitchen. Just like the kitchen inside your house, you want the best for your outdoor kitchen. Here are some of the things we suggest for the perfect outdoor kitchen.
Grill
The grill options are endless, so picking the perfect grill can be a bit of a daunting process. The grill is the heart of your outdoor kitchen, so you’ll want to pick one that’s made of high-quality materials and is long-lasting, and you certainly won’t complain if it comes with a few extra bells and whistles on top.
Our top pick for grills is the Blaze Island. Blaze Island is the best of the options when it comes to outdoor cooking. Instead of being one standalone product, it features multiple Blaze appliances packed together to create the ultimate grilling machine.
It features a 4-burner traditional gas grill that has enough cooking space to cook burgers, hot dogs, and even some kebabs. A side accessory burner for your side dishes (we’ll take baked beans), an outdoor refrigerator for your favorite beverages – featuring a double drawer for storage!
Grill Hood
The dynamic duo of your outdoor kitchen will be your grill and your grill hood. “But Rustic Kitchen and Bath, I’m already outdoors, what good would a grill hood do for me?” Well, while you’re outdoors, it doesn’t mean that the fumes from your grill will just disperse in the open air. A grill hood helps remove the fumes directly from your grill and away from your outdoor kitchen.
Our current favorite is the ZLINE Under Cabinet Outdoor Grill Hood with Size Options (GOU2). This grill hood is made to be outdoors, so you don’t have to worry about it getting rusted from the weather. It features twin powerful 1000 CFM motors that have 4 different speed levels, built-in LED lighting, and dishwasher-safe stainless steel baffle filters for easy cleanup.
ZLINE Under Cabinet Outdoor Grill Hood with Size Options (GOU2)
$2,249.96
$2,499.95
Luxury isn’t meant to be left desired—it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE Under Cabinet Outdoor Grill Hood with Size Options (GOU2) is crafted for those who demand professional-grade results beyond the kitchen. Designed to integrate into any custom patio… Read More
Cabinetry
Cabinetry is a must in any outdoor kitchen! We suggest at least a couple of cabinets and shelves for kitchen storage. At a minimum, you’ll need a place to store a trash can, your utensils, plates, and glasses for your food and drink!
Outdoor Dining
Things like a grill and range hood are the most important parts of your outdoor kitchen design, but be sure to think about the atmosphere of the kitchen as well. Be sure to purchase a table with plenty of room, chairs that go along with it, and plenty of outdoor-approved lighting (cooking in the dark is not only a challenge, but it’s also pretty dangerous!)
If you’re looking to really make your outdoor space dazzle, consider implementing a fireplace. Fireplaces can really make an area pop, and who doesn’t love spending time around a fireplace with family and friends, a cold drink in hand, and a belly full of delicious food?
One of our most popular fireplaces is the Remii Extra Slim Indoor or Outdoor Electric Built-in Fireplace. The Remmi fireplace is built with high-quality materials, and it’s electric, so there’s never a need to worry about smoke or purchasing firewood. It features FIRE & ICE® Flame presentation that lets you pick the color of the fireplace flames, a 2-stage heater, and an optional black steel surround.
Outdoor kitchen mistakes to avoid
There are a few things you should avoid when building an outdoor kitchen. The first is implementing any appliances or hardware that aren’t outdoor-approved. The last thing you would want to do is have your outdoor kitchen have unnecessary extra costs after a few rainstorms. Also, be sure to avoid cramming your outdoor kitchen into a small space; you would hate to have your furniture too close to your grill, that’s a disaster just waiting to happen!
We hope this has inspired you into investing in an outdoor kitchen! Remember that Rustic Kitchen & Bath is the best place to buy all your outdoor, as well as indoor, kitchen needs. If you need any assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
FAQs
What defines a true outdoor kitchen?
A true outdoor kitchen goes beyond a standalone grill. It is a fully functional cooking space that typically includes a built-in grill, ventilation, storage, prep space, and seating, allowing you to prepare and serve meals without constantly moving between indoors and outdoors.
Is an outdoor kitchen worth the investment?
Yes. Outdoor kitchens add both lifestyle value and potential resale appeal. They expand usable living space, make entertaining easier, and encourage more time spent outdoors, especially in mild or warm climates.
What is the most important appliance in an outdoor kitchen?
The grill is the centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen. Choosing a high-quality, durable grill with sufficient cooking space and reliable heat control is essential, as it dictates how efficiently and enjoyably you can cook outdoors.
Do outdoor kitchens really need a grill hood?
Yes. Even outdoors, smoke, grease, and heat can build up around the cooking area. A dedicated outdoor grill hood helps capture fumes directly at the source, improving comfort, visibility, and cleanliness while cooking.
What makes an outdoor grill hood different from an indoor range hood?
Outdoor grill hoods are built to withstand weather exposure. They use corrosion-resistant materials and higher airflow to handle the heavier smoke and heat produced by grills, making them essential for covered patios and outdoor structures.
Are outdoor kitchens safe without ventilation?
Poor ventilation can trap smoke and heat, especially in covered or enclosed outdoor spaces. Proper ventilation reduces fire risk, improves air quality, and makes the cooking environment more comfortable.
What materials are best for outdoor kitchen cabinetry?
Outdoor cabinetry should be weather-resistant and designed specifically for exterior use. Stainless steel and other outdoor-rated materials resist rust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations far better than indoor cabinetry.
How much space do I need for an outdoor kitchen?
The space required depends on your layout, but adequate clearance around the grill and prep areas is critical. Avoid overcrowding appliances and furniture to ensure safe cooking, comfortable movement, and proper airflow.
Can I use indoor appliances in an outdoor kitchen?
No. Indoor appliances are not built to withstand moisture, temperature changes, or outdoor exposure. Always choose appliances specifically rated for outdoor use to avoid damage, safety issues, and costly replacements.
What design elements make an outdoor kitchen more inviting?
Lighting, seating, and ambiance are just as important as appliances. Dining tables, comfortable chairs, outdoor lighting, and features like fireplaces help transform the space into a destination rather than just a cooking area.
Are fireplaces a good addition to outdoor kitchens?
Yes. Fireplaces add warmth, visual interest, and year-round usability. Electric fireplaces are especially convenient because they provide ambiance without smoke, ash, or firewood maintenance.
How do I create a cohesive outdoor kitchen design?
Consistency in materials, finishes, and appliance styling is key. Coordinating grills, ventilation, cabinetry, and accents creates a polished, intentional look that mirrors the quality of an indoor kitchen.
What brands are known for professional-grade outdoor kitchen appliances?
Brands like ZLINE Kitchen & Bath offer outdoor-rated ventilation and appliances designed to deliver professional performance while integrating seamlessly into custom outdoor kitchens.
What are the most common outdoor kitchen mistakes to avoid?
Using non-outdoor-rated appliances, underestimating ventilation needs, overcrowding the space, and neglecting lighting are common issues. Proper planning ensures your outdoor kitchen is both functional and long-lasting.
