Make it Functional for the Cook

The appropriate amount of task lighting is a necessity for cooking after dark. Pay particular attention to properly illuminating the grill. Ensure neither the grill hood nor the cook block light from shining on the cooking area.

Choose materials that are grease- and stain-resistant and suited for the elements. Stainless steel is ideal for appliances. Some examples of durable flooring include color-body porcelain tiles. Make sure they are unglazed and slip-resistant. The most beautiful countertops might be the most unsuitable for outdoor kitchens. Some top picks for easy care include: polished concrete, soapstone and glazed lava stone.

There are four functional zones in the outdoor kitchen: cold (refrigeration), hot (cooking), wet (washing, food prep), and dry (food prep, storage of serving dishes/utensils). They must all work together in proper proximity, each with an appropriate amount of space. Lack of proper space for each zone makes the outdoor kitchen inefficient and less enjoyable.

Outdoor kitchens were identified by 94 percent of respondents as one of the most important design trends for the next 10 years. This comes from a recent survey of residential landscape architects conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Photo by Anza Living Spaces, Durango, Colorado

Integration

Ask the client how much they want the indoor kitchen to support the outdoors. A satellite kitchen relies on the indoor kitchen for most of the prep-work and refrigeration. Ensure traffic patterns and doors allow for easy movement between the two kitchens. An independent outdoor kitchen features all functional zones, necessary equipment and supporting utilities.

Dining, lounging, cooking, and pool areas often coexist. Create opportunities for interaction and conversation within the outdoor kitchen and between other areas.

Use finishes and materials that complement the home. If the kitchen is against the house, create an architectural transition such as a pergola, which adds height to the kitchen. If the kitchen is located away from the house, think about the home?EUR??,,????'?????<

Make sure the plumber accounts for the total BTUs of all equipment and the length of the gas line to determine the proper pipe diameter. Have the electrician install one or more GFI breakers in the home?EUR??,,????'?????<

One of the often-overlooked elements for outdoor kitchen design is building in ample counter space. Even the smallest outdoor kitchen needs a minimum of three feet of uninterrupted counter space.
Photo by Dawn Whyte, Petoskey, MI, Phoenix Photographic

Conclusion

Shelter is one of the fastest growing trends in outdoor kitchen design. Sheltering structures include large umbrellas, pergolas and screened-in areas with shingled roofs. Consider the prevailing wind direction as well. A smoky grill upwind from the dining area can make an otherwise great outdoor dining experience a nightmare. Prevent rain from pooling by slightly sloping countertops away from a backsplash.

Cut a drip edge underneath the counter to help keep cabinets cleaner. Some countertop materials get quite hot through prolonged exposure to the sun, and a hot counter makes for an unhappy cook. You can determine just the best countertop material by leaving test samples in direct sunlight for several hours to see how they deal with prolonged exposure to the elements.

Look to this column each month for informational and useful information about outdoor living areas. Send us your designs/projects for consideration.