An outdoor entertainment space isn’t complete unless you add a designated area for barbequing, cooking and preparing food for your guests. That sounds like a practical solution, right? But you must ensure the space is optimally functional.
Fortunately, you can create a functional outdoor kitchen by using some excess items from your indoor kitchen. Looking for online specials such as bar fridges for sale will make it easy to create a stylish space, no matter your budget.
Outdoor Kitchens—What You Need
For the most part, your space, décor choice and budget will determine the type of outdoor kitchen you can have. If you’re not sure what items you should add to make your outdoor kitchen functional, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got some ideas to get you started.
1. A BBQ Station
Every Australian will agree, a BBQ station is the most important aspect of your outdoor kitchen. No matter what budget you’re working with, we recommend investing in a quality BBQ because it not only forms the statement piece of your kitchen but thanks to the aromas it’s also the area where everyone will congregate.
Components to consider adding to your BBQ station include the following:
- Grills
- Smoker
- Warming drawers
- Side burners
- Hot plates
- Wok burners
- Pizza ovens
- Cast iron griddle
Essentially, it comes down to what you enjoy cooking and serving to your guests.
2. Adequate Storage
Most outdoor kitchens form the centre of an existing patio area, and their purpose is to make outdoor entertaining more convenient. With that in mind, the last thing you want to do is run up and down between your normal kitchen and your outdoor space every time you need something.
That means it’s essential to create adequate storage in your outdoor kitchen area. The storage space should be sufficient enough to store cookware, utensils and crockery. Create functional storage that can also serve as counters on which you can prepare food.
3. Add a Bar Fridge
Your outdoor space might not be big enough for another fridge similar to the one you already have in your regular kitchen. Fortunately, you can get away with having a simple bar fridge next to your BBQ station. After all, you’ll most likely only use it to keep everyone’s drinks cold. It eliminates someone having to continuously do drink runs to the kitchen in the house.
Another advantage of a bar fridge is that you can easily tuck it away under a countertop. You can choose between stainless steel or glass door options to manage aesthetics—or opt for a retro design to match the theme.
4. Other Kitchen Appliances
You don’t want to go too wild in the appliance department, especially if you’re not really into gadgets. Don’t buy equipment you’ll never really end up using and rather opt for the basics that you need the most during entertaining. A smoothie or cocktail maker might be a good investment. An ice maker is also a handy appliance to have.
If you’re happy to use some appliances that already exist in your indoor kitchen, rather use your budget to stock up on grilling and serving utensils. This will make preparing and serving food so much easier.
5. Comfortable Seating
Part of having a good time in your outdoor space revolves around everyone being comfortable. Here you want to opt for a table and chairs that accentuate the décor you’ve chosen for the space while still helping people relax. Viking tables are a popular choice in Australian outdoor spaces because they’re simple and durable. (They look like simple picnic tables with benches)
If your space allows, consider adding a few loose, comfy chairs or the occasional single couch. Depending on your décor choice, you can easily spruce your furniture up with boldly coloured cushions, tablecloths and placemats. Chairs that are exposed to the sun can be placed under a gazebo or large garden umbrella.
6. Other Additions
When you’re shopping for fire pits or pool tables for sale for the other end of your entertainment area, it might be a good idea to consider a few additions such as:
- Sufficient lighting—especially at the BBQ station—to ensure that you can cook as early or as late as you want to
- One or two free-standing gas heaters for cooler nights
- A free-standing sink if you have a water connection—this will make rinsing food and washing hands before dinner much easier
- Outdoor blinds or shading to keep your furniture safe from the elements
- One or two electric outlets for your appliances
Final Thought
An outdoor kitchen makes entertaining your guests considerably easier. There’s no need to run between your patio and the regular kitchen all day and in the process miss out on the fun. If you have the space and your budget allows, stock your entertainment area with all the bells and whistles that go along with a superior outdoor kitchen! The memories will be worth the investment!
