Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

A built-in dining area to the left of the grill provides the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a place to entertain guests while you cook. The stacked-stone design of this outdoor kitchen blends well with the natural setting.

Adding a sink outside near the grill will make outdoor dinner preparation easier and more efficient. You'll save time and energy by not running back and forth between the house, and if you're hosting a party, the sink will come in handy when mixing drinks.

Add a few chairs next to an outdoor fireplace, and you'll find it will quickly become a popular gathering spot. What a great place to unwind after a delicious dinner with friends!

Incorporate a built-in kitchen area with a style similar to the existing elements. The base of this grill and countertop has the same stucco look as the surrounding wall.

Tuck a little cooking area next to the pool, and transform this sunny retreat into a functional summer activity center.

Patio dining furniture is often designed to withstand the elements. Here, a large wooden table with slots allows rain to drain through when not in use. The removable bench cushions are strapped down to prevent them from blowing away.

If space is tight, you can create a beautiful and functional cook center in a small space. This grill is placed next to a separate burner and has storage space in the base. It also has a small countertop for filling platters.

A large pergola allows you to enjoy the outdoors while protecting you from the sun. This exterior living space is complete with a cook center, dining counter, sitting area, and fireplace.

This stunning outdoor kitchen is punctuated by breathtaking views. An authentic wood-burning pizza oven provides warmth on chilly evenings and makes delicious homemade pizzas.

The addition of a privacy fence may make your open-air kitchen even more enjoyable. Block out unwanted sights and sounds, and revel in the natural beauty of your own space.

Surround your outdoor kitchen with trees and shrubs. You'll feel like you're dining in an exotic locale without ever having to leave the comfort of your home.

Be sure to include proper ventilation in your outdoor kitchen. If you have an enclosed roof over the space, you'll want a hood to exhaust fumes and vapors.

You need only a little space, planned well, to have a great outdoor kitchen. Along one side of this deck, the homeowner found enough space for a grill, prep area, and storage.

A tall counter wrapped around the cooking area allows plenty of guests to gather while dinner is prepared. A flat-panel TV next to the house makes this entertaining space a fan favorite.

Beautiful style isn't sacrificed when you dine alfresco. This formal outdoor kitchen boasts wrought-iron details, stone floors and cabinetry bases, custom cabinetry doors, and a professional-style grill.

Not everything needed for an outdoor kitchen, such as charcoal and lighter fluid, is attractive. Store these items out of sight in the base of your grilling center.

During the planning stage of an outdoor kitchen, consider your electrical needs. What will you need to plug in? Where are you likely to use those items? And for safety's sake, make sure to install weatherproof covers on exterior outlets.