5 Steps to a Low Cost Outdoor Kitchen

Why An Outdoor Kitchen?

In my humble opinion, an outdoor kitchen is all about enjoying ‘the conveniences’ associated with indoor meal preparation, dining and entertaining, in an outdoor setting. Cooking inside then transferring the food outdoors is simply not efficient. It also means that at least one person is stuck inside on cooking duty while everyone else is outside having fun. With an outdoor kitchen no one misses out on any of the action.

Outdoor Kitchen Trend

Designers talk about making your outdoor rooms an extension of the home. Just how much of an extension is really up to the individual’s wants, needs, desires and budget.

As the popularity of outdoor kitchens has grown, so too has the number of companies who specialize in outfitting this space. From elaborate outdoor food prep areas to luxurious outdoor seating and dining areas, their design ideas and high-end products are guaranteed to impress. Unfortunately, they can also leave you with a less than impressive balance in your bank account.

This post is for the average Joe (or Joanne) who doesn’t have loads of cash to throw around, but would still like to enjoy the benefits of an outdoor kitchen and backyard time spent with family and friends. The following is my list of tips and ideas on how to build an outdoor kitchen without breaking the bank.

Budget-Friendly Outdoor Kitchen

As with any home improvement project, planning your outdoor kitchen is extremely important. And when budget is a major factor, planning becomes even more important. By taking a good look at what you have to work with and analyzing your specific needs, you will be better prepared when it comes time to make your purchases.

Step 1 - Plan Its Use

Think about how much time you will spend in your outdoor kitchen. Planning its use will help you to determine how large your over all financial investment should be. It will also give you a better idea of what features it should include.

Step 2 - Identify Key Features

Make a list of features you consider to be essential for an outdoor kitchen. Now carefully examine each item on your list. Something you originally deem to be necessary may not actually be needed after all.

Grill / BBQ - the most important feature in an outdoor kitchen is the grill - a must for cooking out of doors
Compact Refrigerator - a definite convenience, but if you’ll only use it for drinks, could it be substituted with an ice-filled tub for keeping beverages cold?

Shelter - protection from the sun is a definite necessity, a fully enclosed eating area, however may not be - do you really want to eat outside when it’s raining?
Dining Area - no question here - outdoor dining furniture is essential!
Lighting - great for after dark entertaining
Lounge Area - the decision to incorporate a separate lounge area will hinge on the amount of space you have available
Outdoor Sink - another convenience, if hot water is not required, consider running cold water to your outdoor sink from a diverter on your outside faucet.
Patio Heater - depending on your climate, if you plan to use your outdoor kitchen in the early spring or late fall a patio heater may be a good investment

Cross off the items on your list that you really don’t need and concentrate on the items you do. Start with the basics and add on as your budget allows.

Step 3 - Save Space & Money

To get the most bang for your buck use multi-functional outdoor furniture and fixtures.

Use a patio bar or island for mixing drinks, food preparation, and serving up outdoor meals buffet style. Pull up a few bar stools and it can function as a great spot for hanging out and visiting with the chef. Depending on the design of the patio bar or island, it may also be able to accommodate storage for outdoor cooking utensils and provide space for tucking in a compact refrigerator.

Step 4 - Placement of Features

Give special consideration to the placement of certain features.

To avoid the cost of running additional power / electrical lines away from the house, design your outdoor kitchen so that appliances requiring power, such as a compact refrigerator, are placed close to existing outdoor electrical outlets.

Step 5 - Buy the Right Products

Use products that will stand the test of time.

There’s nothing worse than investing good money in something that only lasts for one season. When buying items to use in your outdoor kitchen, choose products made from materials that will survive the elements and their intended use. Stainless steel tables, melamine dishes, resin wicker furniture, teak decking, outdoor fabrics for table cloths, outdoor throw pillows or sun shades.

Source

The outdoor kitchen shown above is by Viteo Outdoors.  It is made up of three modular components:  sink, table and bbq.