An outdoor kitchen is often referred to as a summer kitchen because they are built outside of the home. Having one is a great place to entertain, especially since you do not have to spend time running from the main kitchen in the house to the entertainment area outside. The layout of your summer outdoor kitchen needs to be done correctly so you can stay with your guests while cooking. One thing that works well is to have a U-shaped or L-shaped countertop. Either works well in an outdoor kitchen. The area should also be divided into two parts with one used for prep and cooking and the other part for entertaining and enjoying the meal. In your plans make sure the smoke from the grill does not blow in the direction of your guests in the dining area. To mix drinks, prepare food, and cook easier the refrigerator, grill, and sink should be placed close together.

The sink for washing, countertop, and gas grill should be made from natural material like travertine, slate, or stone cladding. The grill can be an electric grill or one that uses charcoal. To have more storage spaces install cupboards or drawers under the countertop. You can use this area to store essential kitchen supplies like extra cups and paper plates, dish soap, spices, silverware, and more. If you are not building your outdoor kitchen on an existing patio make sure that the flooring you use is made of tiles, natural stone, or concrete.

In your dining and entertaining area you should have a sturdy kitchen table and comfortable chairs to sit in. The furniture can be made of unpolished and unfinished wooden benches and tables to give the area a rustic look. You can also choose wrought iron tables and chairs with a big umbrella to protect the guests if you do not have a roof over your outdoor kitchen. On the corners of the entertaining area you could put a couple of potted plants. The outdoor kitchen can be built by the house or it can be further into the yard. Just remember that if you need to use electricity that you have a professional connect the electricity from the home to the outdoor kitchen so it is done correctly and up to code.

Most entertain at night also so you want to make sure that you have some kind of lighting such as Tiki torches in the different corners of the area. You could also install poles at the end of each corner of the outdoor kitchen and affix lights that can be turned on when it starts to get dark. You should also put up some bug lights to keep the bugs away.