An outdoor kitchen can be an enjoyable way to entertain family and friends. Unlike an indoor kitchen, an outdoor kitchen can feature all the fun cooking gadgets that are either impractical or unsafe to have indoors, such as a gas grill, rotisserie, or smoker. An outdoor kitchen is an infusion of elevated cooking and the right atmosphere that provides the stage for memorable moments with friends and family.
What inspires you?
Maybe you’re inspired by a friend’s outdoor kitchen, or you spotted something on Pinterest that grabbed your eye. Wherever you find inspiration, build on what you like.
Have fun researching and looking at photos of outdoor kitchens. A kitchen environment should be enjoyable and building one should be too.
(For inspirational ideas, check out my blog “3 Tips to Inspire Your Next Outdoor Project” and see some of our outdoor kitchen work on our gallery page.)
Custom outdoor kitchens can be crafted to suit your vision, whether you prefer traditional, contemporary or rustic. One tip: save URL links while researching, and take notes about what you like and don’t like. This will save a lot of time when you meet with your contractor.
One additional thing to consider for your outdoor kitchen is to install a custom-built pergola. Either along with it or by itself, you should also consider installing some beautiful accent lighting. We’ll have more on the pergola and outdoor lighting in future blogs.
What’s your favorite shape?
Different shapes of outdoor kitchens offer different advantages. An outdoor kitchen set against one wall works well for smaller, more budget-friendly spaces with only one cook and a separate dining or seating area.
Illustration by Eric Larson
An L-shaped outdoor kitchen is better for two or more cooks or for incorporating extras, such as a sink or refrigerator. It’s also great if you wish to include a buffet or bar seating.
Illustration by Eric Larson
Photo by New Vista
A U-shaped outdoor kitchen is best for multiple appliances, including a grill, refrigerator, sink, and a seating/bar/serving area.
Illustration by Eric Larson
Finally, the island creates a “hub” for entertaining guests. Although, if you’re looking to add an island, consider dividing it with a raised counter to keep the grilling and prep areas separate from where people will be socializing. (Source: This Old House)
Illustration by Eric Larson
What kind of cooking will you do?
The type of cooking you plan on will naturally determine the appliances you’ll need. If your only goal is to cook some incredible burgers and steaks, then a built-in gas grill is all you’ll need. But if you want to elevate your barbecuing skills to the next level, consider installing a smoker (one of our favorites is Kamado Joe) or adding a stove top burner. Since we have a special relationship with a worldwide appliance distributor, we are able to procure any brand appliance on the market. We’ve even installed built-in woks, hibachi grills and stone pizza ovens. If you want to cook with it, we can build it for you.
What materials do you want to use?
An outdoor kitchen can have endless possibilities for customization. You’ll be selecting styles of granite, stone, quartz or even brick. Instead of a carpenter, you’ll be relying on expert masons to handle the majority of the work. During your research portion, be sure to note the type of materials you prefer. This will put you ahead of the game when you meet with your contractor.
What is your time frame?
Depending on the intricacy of your outdoor kitchen, plan at least two weeks for the installation portion of your project. The most grandiose kitchens can take a few weeks for installation. Planning (with blueprints and permits) can take about two weeks, depending on where you live. But there’s no need for you to worry about this; your contractor will handle that for you.
Interested in building an outdoor kitchen? We’ve designed and installed all types. Give us a call at 216-291-1100 today or email info@newvistaent.com.
The post Thinking About an Outdoor Kitchen? Ask These Questions First appeared first on New Vista Enterprises // Landscape Design, Installation and Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shape outdoor kitchen is right for my space and lifestyle?
The best shape depends on your space, budget, and how you like to cook and entertain. A single-wall layout suits smaller spaces with one cook and a separate dining area. An L-shape accommodates two or more cooks and extras like a sink or refrigerator. A U-shape handles multiple appliances beautifully, while an island creates a true entertaining hub. At New Vista, we help you identify the right configuration from the start.
What appliances can be included in a custom outdoor kitchen?
Almost any cooking appliance you can imagine can be built into a custom outdoor kitchen. Beyond a standard built-in gas grill, New Vista has installed smokers, stovetop burners, hibachi grills, built-in woks, and even stone pizza ovens. Thanks to our special relationship with a worldwide appliance distributor, we can source virtually any brand on the market — so if you want to cook with it, we can build it for you.
What materials are used to build an outdoor kitchen?
Outdoor kitchens are built with durable, weather-resistant masonry materials — not wood cabinets like an indoor kitchen. You’ll be choosing from styles of granite, stone, quartz, or brick, with expert masons handling the majority of the work. New Vista recommends researching your preferred materials before your consultation. Knowing what finishes and textures appeal to you puts you ahead of the process and helps your contractor move efficiently.
How long does it take to build an outdoor kitchen?
Most outdoor kitchen installations take a minimum of two weeks, with more elaborate builds running several weeks. Planning — including blueprints and permits — adds approximately two additional weeks depending on your municipality. The good news: New Vista handles all of that for you. Our team manages the permitting and planning process so you can focus on the exciting part — envisioning the outdoor space you’ve always wanted.
How do I start planning my outdoor kitchen?
Start by gathering inspiration — browse Pinterest, visit friends’ spaces, or explore New Vista’s gallery — and take notes on what you like and don’t like. Saving image links and jotting down preferences before your contractor meeting saves significant time and sharpens the direction of your design. New Vista specializes in custom outdoor kitchens built in traditional, contemporary, and rustic styles, so your vision is always the starting point.
Can an outdoor kitchen be fully customized to my style preferences?
Yes — a custom outdoor kitchen can be designed to match virtually any aesthetic, from traditional to contemporary to rustic. New Vista builds each kitchen around the homeowner’s unique vision, with no two projects alike. Material choices, appliance selections, layout configurations, and finishing details are all tailored to you. We also recommend pairing your outdoor kitchen with a custom pergola and accent lighting to complete the outdoor living experience.
