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How to Design the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen- The Ultimate Guide



After over three decades of designing outdoor living spaces here in Arizona, my ears still perk up when a client mentions wanting a custom outdoor kitchen. There's something magical about creating these spaces where memories are made, where the smell of grilled steaks mingles with desert evening air, and where everyone inevitably ends up gathering to enjoy good food and conversation.


I will always remember one very particular outdoor kitchen project I oversaw early in my career. The client at the time did not like the look of the ventilation system designed for the back of his outdoor kitchen and though I tried to explain the importance of it, he could not be persuaded to accept it. So, against our better judgement and to appease the client the unit was built without proper ventilation. Boy was that a mistake!


Just a few short weeks later, this same client called to say that he had mistakenly left the gas on too long and when he went to light the grill, the entire unit blew up and he was thrown several feet away.  


Thankfully, his injuries were not life-threatening, but the outdoor kitchen was destroyed and had to be rebuilt – this time however, with all the proper ventilation recommended in the beginning!  


I can confidently say that these days, after hundreds of outdoor kitchens under my belt I know exactly what works well, and also what does not. I hope to share with you a few helpful things to consider when considering your own outdoor kitchen project.  

 

Location, Location, Location

spacious outdoor patio and modern pergolas
Spacious outdoor patio featuring a modern pergola, cozy seating, perfect for relaxation and entertainment.

Sometimes, the perfect spot for your outdoor kitchen isn't necessarily where you think it should be. I can't tell you how many times clients have insisted on placing their kitchen in a spot that looks great on paper but ends up being problematic in practice.


Here's what I've learned about choosing the right location:


One of the most critical factors in Arizona is considering the afternoon sun exposure. You definitely don't want your outdoor kitchen facing west without proper coverage - I've seen guests and cooks alike retreating indoors by 4 PM when the summer sun starts beating down on an exposed western-facing kitchen.


If the size and layout of your backyard allow, the ideal orientation is typically facing north or east, which gives you protection from that brutal afternoon sun while still maintaining good visibility of your yard. As all backyards are unique however, if this is not something practical for your outdoor space adding in shade structures or plants and trees to create additional shade are certainly great options.


The flow between your cooking area and seating spaces is important to consider too. I always recommend creating what I call "conversation distance" - keeping the cooking area close enough to your dining and seating areas so the chef can still be part of the party but far enough that your guests aren't getting smoked out.


You'll also want to think about the relationship and spacing between your indoor and outdoor kitchens. When I am designing outdoor spaces, I always encourage my clients to think of their outdoor kitchen as an extension of their indoor kitchen. This means making sure there’s good flow and distance from one to the next for both the chef and any additional family members or guests.


Trust me, you don't want to be hauling plates and ingredients back and forth across your entire yard. I've had clients who insisted on placing their outdoor kitchen on the far side of their pool, only to regret it the first time they hosted a party.


The Layout: Work Zones Matter


Remember how I mentioned making mistakes early in my career? Well, here's another confession: in my early days I used to design outdoor kitchens with just a grill and some counter space.


These days, I try to design outdoor kitchens with more distinct zones in mind:


  1. The hot zone - This can include your grill, pizza oven, or any other cooking appliances. I recommend allowing at least 24 inches of prep space on either side of your grill if possible. Nobody realizes how difficult it can be trying to balance plates, tongs, hot pads or cooking sauces on an area that’s just too tiny to be useful.   

  2. The cold zone – If you have a refrigerator, ice maker, or beverage center this is where these live. In hotter states like Arizona, you want to position these away from direct sunlight if possible. The brutal Arizona sun and heat are notorious for shortening the lives of even the nicest outdoor refrigerator units.

  3. The dry zone - Storage, prep areas, and serving spaces. You’ll want this zone bigger than you think you need - nobody has ever complained about having too much counter space!

  4. The sink zone – If space allows in your outdoor kitchen design, a sink is certainly a nice feature, especially if your kitchen is spaced further from your indoor kitchen sink. This will save you countless trips inside to rinse off your hands and food while prepping or cooking.

     

Appliance Selection: More Than Just a Pretty Grill


I always tell my clients that it is their appliance selections that will determine their gas and electrical needs, the size of their custom structures and the amount of counter space.


Something interesting I've noticed over the years is that people often get starry-eyed over the flashiest grill in the showroom without stopping to consider their actual cooking style. I remember one client who spent a fortune on a nice grill with every bell and whistle, only to admit a few years later that he actually cooks 95% of his food on his meat smoker and flat top griddle instead.


Depending on what your personal outdoor cooking style looks like, I’ve listed a few outdoor appliances you may want to consider:



modern outdoor living space with pizza oven, wine fridge, fireplace and bbq
Luxurious outdoor living space featuring a cozy fireplace, a pizza oven, wine fridge, BBQ and a modern entertainment setup

1. The Grill - This is your cornerstone but be honest about your cooking habits. A 30 to 32” grill is plenty for most families. If you're regularly cooking for crowds then sure, go bigger like at 38”or 42”. Make sure that you are doing your research and select a good quality appliance that minimizes cold spots and has quality construction so it will last.


2. Drop In Ice Bins or Coolers – This is an ideal way of keeping drinks, meat or appetizers conveniently chilled while you are cooking or entertaining guests. It’s a nice addition if you have the space and simply requires a couple bags of ice to start using.


3. Outdoor Refrigerator – These are nice luxury items to include if you have the space and do a lot of outdoor entertaining. They can be a convenient way of having cool drinks ready or a place to store chilled sides to your meal but keep in mind the power drain if you forget to turn your fridge off when it’s not in use. Also remember that fridges won’t last in the hot Arizona climate unless they are well protected.


4. Side Burners – Single and double burners are a great addition to your outdoor kitchen if you want a place to warm sauces or cook extra sides.


5. Power Burner – These are more powerful than your standard burner. They're great for wok cooking or boiling corn for a crowd. If you play the Thanksgiving host or are an avid fisherman, they are also great to use to deep fry a turkey or fish and chips for a crowd


6. Pizza Ovens – These have become incredibly popular in recent years and I’ll admit, there’s nothing quite like a wood-fire pizza under the stars. They do carry a pretty hefty price tag however, anywhere from $2000-$5000 for a countertop unit or $5000-$8000 for one in a built-in structure.


7. Charcoal and Pellet Wood Smokers – If you prefer the mouthwatering smells emanating from a meat smoker or just want an outdoor appliance offering a variety of cooking configurations, there are several smoker options that can be incorporated into a custom outdoor kitchen.  In addition to smoking a variety of different meats, I have used my meat smoker to grill steaks and even bake for my teenagers’ pizza parties.

modern outdoor kitchen with sleek pellet grill under shaded patio
A modern outdoor kitchen setup with a sleek pellet grill under a shaded patio

Pro tip: if you are planning to have a custom outdoor kitchen built, it’s always a good idea to meet with a qualified landscape contractor first before you purchase your appliances. They’ll be able to make sure that the appliances you have in mind will work well for the location and layout you have in mind, and that you have sufficient space around the appliances for a smooth and successful cooking experience.

 

The Extra Elements That Make It Special



This is where we can have some fun! After thousands of projects, I've learned that it's these extra touches that transform a cooking space into an outdoor living room:


Shade structures will extend the time you have to use your outdoor kitchen exponentially. Not only will they help extend the life of your appliances, but they will create a much more comfortable place for you to cook and entertain in, especially when they weather really heats up.

Modern outdoor kitchen with grey stacked stone, bbq grill and sink area
Modern outdoor kitchen featuring grey stacked stone, barbecue grill and sink area under a pergola

Lighting is crucial - and I'm not just talking about task lighting over the grill (though that's important). I love using a mix of ambient lighting: some overhead, some toe-kick lighting under the counters, and maybe some party lights overhead.


Sound systems have come a long way since I started in this business. Consider for example,  weatherproof speakers that look like landscape rocks. Great sound but without the obvious big black box. Pro tip: mount them at ear level when seated, not up high on the walls.


Water features add that extra something special. The sound of running water masks neighborhood noise and creates instant ambiance. Just keep them at a comfortable distance from the cooking area - you don't want water splashing on your hot grill.


Don't forget media! Weather-resistant TVs have become surprisingly affordable. Mount them in a spot visible from both the cooking and seating areas, but never directly above a grill - the heat and smoke will shorten their life dramatically.


Final Thoughts


Looking back over three decades in this business, I've seen outdoor kitchens evolve from simple grill stations to fully equipped outdoor living spaces. The best ones aren't always the biggest or the most expensive however - they're the ones that truly fit the way you live and entertain.


For my fellow Arizonans remember, we get to enjoy outdoor living practically year-round. Take your time planning your outdoor kitchen and think about how you'll use it not just for the big parties, but for random Tuesday nights when you just want to grill some chicken and watch the sunset. If you need some help, don’t be afraid to ask! Meeting with a qualified landscape contractor can provide you an opportunity to get expert opinions on what would work best for your space and the way you want to cook, entertain, and live.


Lastly, don't be afraid to start small and add on later. Some of my favorite projects have evolved over years as clients figured out what they really needed. Just make sure your initial design allows for future expansion - trust me, you'll thank me later!

 

 

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