Top 10 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas For 2022

Other than the nourishment you get from meals, food has been used as a tool used for strengthening and forging relationships for centuries. Dinners provide the perfect platform for families to catch up, are central in the courtship process, and are also used in the business world to negotiate deals or to win clients. It’s no wonder kitchens are considered the heart and soul of a home. This is why kitchens are an essential part of home décor. In addition to preparing meals, they’re also used to entertain guests. Every year comes with new kitchen design trends that dominate the industry. One trend that’s catching on fast this year, is building outdoor kitchen.

Many homeowners are converting portions of their backyards, decks, or patios into kitchens. Outdoor kitchens are perfect for barbecues and entertaining. Guests can socialize and interact with the cook as meals are being prepared. Whether you want a stone outdoor kitchen or a wood kitchen, there are plenty of kitchen ideas you can use.

1.   Simple Patio Kitchen

If you want a kitchen that’s perfect for your family and maybe a few guests, go for a simple patio kitchen. For this setup, you will only need a food preparation area with a grill or oven, depending on how you plan to use it.

Add two or three bar stools for people who may wish to have a front-row view of how the food is being prepared. This design is best for a wood outdoor kitchen. Therefore, you should use a wooden table with matching seats or benches.

To complete the look, you can explore outdoor kitchen cabinet ideas that will complement your design. Oak cabinets are especially good for adding some sophistication to your kitchen.

2.   Outdoor Pizza Oven

One of the most popular foods in the US is pizza. It’s eaten at least once a week by 40% of Americans, and an average of 350 slices are consumed every second. Rather than order pizza every other day, you can have your own wood-fired pizza oven in your back yard.

A stone outdoor kitchen with a brick oven is a perfect way of making weekend nights special while enjoying home-made pizza.

3.   Outdoor Pallet Kitchen

If you are looking for low-cost yet classy outdoor kitchen ideas, then a wood outdoor kitchen built with repurposed pallets will do. The repurposed pallets will give your kitchen an exquisite rustic look.

4.   Fire Pit

The purpose of an outdoor kitchen is not just preparing meals but offering your family a different dining and bonding experience. To make your kitchen cozier and give it a campsite atmosphere, have a fire pit built at the center.

After the meal, you can gather near the fire pit, which creates a great ambiance for bonding as you soak in the warmth of the fire.

5.   Bar

When it comes to outdoor kitchen ideas that are great for entertaining guests, it’s best to add a bar to the setup. Rather than having guests going into the house for a refill, you can have your own backyard mini-bar to showcase your cocktail mixing skills.

Plus, for events that host both adults and children, the bar will be a great place for guest to enjoy their drinks away from the kids.

6.   Outdoor Kitchen and Pool Combination

During the summer, nothing compares to taking a dip in the pool. However, you can make the experience even better by adding an outdoor kitchen near your pool. Guests can enjoy some barbecue as they take part in swimming games. With such a setup, your parties will always attract a large crowd.

7.   Televisions

Are you a sports fan? If yes, you can add a couple of televisions in your outdoor kitchen so that you can watch matches while enjoying some barbecue. Don’t be surprised if all your friends always happen to visit when there’s a big game on.

8.   Quartz Counter Tops

If you want to set up a restaurant-like kitchen where you can put your cooking skills to the test, ensure that you use quarts countertops. Caesarstone quartz countertops will not only add aesthetic appeal to your kitchen but are durable and easy to maintain and clean, thus making them great for preparing food. Also, quartz countertops are the perfect addition to make your outdoor kitchen with sink sparkle.

9.  Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

As with indoor kitchens, cabinets are also a vital component of outdoor kitchens. Cabinets add to the functionality of a kitchen and also add to its beauty. Your choice of cabinets will depend on the design and purpose of the kitchen.

For a stone outdoor kitchen, you can try masoned cabinets built from concrete or decorative bricks. Other materials to consider when assessing outdoor kitchen cabinet ideas include stainless steel and polymer.

10. Kitchen With Sink

Anywhere that food is being prepared or eaten should have access to water. As you come up with the layout of your kitchen, it is essential to factor in a sink. Where you position the sink and the type of material used to make it depends on the overall design and intended use for the kitchen.

For instance, if you want a multi-purpose outdoor kitchen where all kinds of delicacies can be prepared, you will want a big sink (preferably stainless steel) where you can even wash utensils.

Are Outdoor Kitchens Worth the Cost?

Undoubtedly, outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity by the day. However, many interested homeowners wonder whether the benefits are worth the investment required. The cost of building an outdoor kitchen depends on the size of the kitchen you want and the materials used.

Though high-end kitchens can cost tens of thousands of dollars, you can also spend a few thousand dollars for a modest outdoor kitchen. Whichever the case, outdoor kitchens have a high return on investment of between 100% and 200%. 

More importantly, the entertainment value and the bonding platform an outdoor kitchen will give your family is invaluable. Therefore, whether it’s an outdoor kitchen with a sink or any other kitchen ideas, the cost will undoubtedly be worth it.