When it comes to creating an outdoor kitchen, there are many questions that a  customer will initially come to us with. Do I need a BBQ sink? What’s an insulated jacket? TVs, I see you carry TVs, do customers really do all of that? What type of grill would work best in my space? 

At BBQGrills.com, we’ve done it all, so we’ve heard it all. The reality that comes into play when it comes to not only designing and building your outdoor kitchen but also budgeting your kitchen is simply…this is your space. What might work well for others, may not fit your structure, your space, or even your style? When you’re in the designing phases of an outdoor kitchen, be sure to key this at the front of your decision-making, understanding what you need to have will help you weed out a lot of the secondary, more not useful items.  Let’s Dive in and Check Outdoor Kitchen Checklist…..

Lastly, for safety reasons all outdoor kitchens need to ensure that there is proper venting with a few vent panels in their outdoor kitchen as well as ensuring that an insulated jacket doesn’t need to be used in the outdoor kitchen build. Vent panels should be placed one every 6-feet in an outdoor kitchen space. Insulated jackets  

are only needed or used when a gas grill is being installed into a combustible material such as polymer, customer cabinets, and/or wood/lumber construction. 

Let’s go ahead and break down outdoor kitchens and just three different tiers.  Outdoor Kitchen Checklist : We’ll look at the basic, advanced, and deluxe outdoor kitchen options and some of the different items you can incorporate into your kitchen. 

The Basic 

Whether this is your end goal, or a starting point, finding the must need items in your outdoor kitchen will help you navigate what it is that you’re actually trying to get out of your outdoor kitchen space. For most people, a basic outdoor kitchen will give them everything they need to enjoy cooking and eating outside while entertaining some guests. 

With a basic kitchen, you’re going to want to look at the following: 

Built-In Gas/Charcoal Grill

Outdoor Kitchen Checklist: Knowing which fuel type of built-in grill you’re going to want to go with prior to designing is key. If you’re aiming for a gas grill, you’re going to want to ensure that your gas line is located near your grill. If you’re looking for charcoal, ensure that you have enough space to clean and maintain the grill, even when it’s at its dirtiest. 

Outdoor Kitchen Storage

Every outdoor kitchen that features a gas grill appliance must have an access door underneath to ensure that the gas line can be disconnected or shut 

off in moments of an emergency. In most states and city codes this is enforced,  and if not added can incur fines and penalties. 

Side Burner

Outdoor Kitchen side burners and/or power burners allow you to create a secondary form of cooking in your outdoor kitchen space. With a side burner, you’re able to free up space on your built-in grill and include them in this secondary form. Boil water, cook corn, steam veggies, and much more with an outdoor kitchen side burner. 

Refrigerator

While in most cases, this would be included in the ‘Advanced’  section of this article, many basic outdoor kitchens are now featuring outdoor refrigerators, whether non-outdoor rated or outdoor rated. Customers of basic outdoor kitchens are tired of going back in forth between the kitchen to grab food and drinks, and would rather keep the party going in their outdoor kitchen. 

There isn’t a lot of flare or flashiness to a basic outdoor kitchen. However, this is the building block for either finishing or starting an incredible outdoor kitchen.  Your grilling skills will more than compensate for that when you’re entertaining your guests. 

The Advanced 

Now that we’ve laid the foundation for the building blocks of a simple, yet effective outdoor kitchen, let’s look into some items that can help take your simple outdoor kitchen build, to the next level. When it comes to an advanced outdoor kitchen,  we’re now getting into a more robust and complete setup. With an advanced outdoor kitchen design, you’re taking the focal point away from just the grill, and adding a few items that are going to compliment your guests, as well as the chef himself. With an advanced outdoor kitchen, you’re going to want to look at the following: 

More Storage

Think about it, with more space comes more opportunity to include other storage options, besides the need for gas lines and electrical access. The bigger the build, the more storage. This is the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizon and add storage items such as trash drawers, cabinets, paper towel holders, and even warming drawers. 

Outdoor Sinks

Adding a sink to your outdoor kitchen almost completes the transformation of an outdoor kitchen. Remember, a BBQ Island or Outdoor Kitchen is mean to be an indoor kitchen, outside. When adding a sink, you’re adding the ability to wash veggies, wash your hands before serving, or even throw ice in the sink and use it as a temporary ice bin cooler. BBQ Sinks are great, however, there is a cost to run plumbing as well as draining, so ensure you’re aware of this cost before making the jump. 

Kamado Grills

Sometimes one grill simply isn’t enough. Adding a secondary yet primary cooking option to an outdoor kitchen is something that many are including in their builds. The gas grill, that’s your weekday grill, something quick and efficient. The smoker/Kamado Grill, that’s the weekend grill, something for the  Chef to enjoy and cook low-and-slow on Sundays while taking it easy. Adding two grills to an outdoor kitchen may seem like a lot, but it helps create a great balance. 

The advanced outdoor kitchen is where the majority of customers get exactly what they want and they’re able to turn their backyard into the perfect backyard grilling hangout. 

The Deluxe 

This is it. The Deluxe Outdoor Kitchens are when nothing is hold back, they become the entertainment mecca in the neighborhood and are simply sort after for the individual that loves to entertain and get the most out of their outdoor kitchen space. These outdoor kitchens come with a hefty price point, however,  they also pay back dividends for the true enjoyment and memories created around them. Outdoor Kitchen Checklist: For some, it might seem like overkill, and for the entertainer that’s creating the perfect outdoor kitchen space, it’s the perfect collection of products. 

With a deluxe outdoor kitchen, you’re going to want to look at the following: 

Pizza Oven

Hands down one of the best pieces of equipment that can be add to any outdoor kitchen. Adding a pizza oven to any outdoor kitchen build simply takes it up 3 levels. The ability to serve and create hand-crafted homemade pizza with your guests and family is simply amazing. Take it one step further and allow yourself to create dishes using wood-fired flavor. Point blank, adding a Pizza Oven to an outdoor kitchen doesn’t just add another ‘grill’ to the space, it creates a  whole new world of opportunities. 

Patio Heaters

When it comes to entertaining your guests and enjoying the moment, cooking great meals and enjoying great drinks can only go so far. Adding a patio heater to your outdoor kitchen will ensure that even when the temperatures drop as the evening gets longer, the party will still be going. No conversation or memory will cut short because guests or family get cold. Our patio heaters come in a variety of sizes and fuel types, so consult with your builder to ensure that you’re getting the right one for your space. 

Ice Makers

When was the last time you host a party and just as it was kicking off, and then it hit you? “I forgot the ice”. Save yourself the trouble and the hassle of having to drive to the store, by adding an outdoor ice maker to your outdoor kitchen. 

Available in a variety of ice capacities, as well as ice shapes/types, having ice on hand at all times is something you can never have enough of, no matter how big or small the party is. 

Outdoor Rated TV

Hosting a movie night? Bringing the boys over to watch the game? Why do that inside? With an outdoor-rated TV, you can now bring crystal clear 4k quality to the outdoor kitchen space. Imagine, grilling up some burgers while the Big Game is behind you. Available in a variety of colors and fully rated for everything Mother Nature can throw at it. 

The Deluxe outdoor kitchen is where nothing is held back. These outdoor kitchens define the true essence of what it is to create a functional, and enjoyable outdoor cooking experience. Grilling, Entertaining, and ensuring that your guests are met with the highest of entertainment standards are only done with a Deluxe Outdoor  Kitchen. Outdoor Kitchen Checklist ENDS HERE

Final Thoughts 

No matter which level of outdoor kitchen build you’re looking to add to your backyard patio, one thing is for certain. Adding an Outdoor Kitchen to your space will allow you the opportunity to experience outdoor grilling like no other, enjoy countless memories circled up by the grill, and enjoy quality time, with quality individuals. As stated earlier, everything doesn’t work for everyone. Building an outdoor kitchen is something that you’re going to enjoy, so design it the way that you feel it should Done. In the end, we’re just glad to be here to help navigate this decision. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (855) 341-3312 or  email us at contact@BBQGrills.com

Also, If you are interested in Reading About Advantages of an Outdoor Kitchen? Then CLICK HERE to Check.