Everyone’s idea of the ultimate outdoor kitchen is a little different. However, there are a few key elements that you will need for memorable al fresco dining and everyday outdoor living. You can entertain your guests with flair using these ideas for an outdoor kitchen in Wescosville and Wyomissing, PA.
Related: How to Incorporate an Outdoor Fireplace Into Your Outdoor Kitchen Plans in Reading, PA
Task lighting: The right lighting can make the cooking experience better. Of course ambient lighting will set the mood, but ambient lighting (such as festive string lights) is not adequate for prepping food and making drinks. Task lighting, whether mounted on the backsplash of your outdoor kitchen or overhead, will help you focus light where it’s needed most, without over-illuminating your patio.
A dedicated beverage cooler: Whether you’re a wine aficionado and want a temperature-controlled wine refrigerator; or you’re a beer lover who needs a beer tap and kegerator that can handle a crowd, you know how important it is to have a dedicated beverage cooler that won’t get filled up with other drinks or snacks.
An ice maker: If you entertain often, an ice maker will keep you from running back and forth to the house, or from having an ice bucket taking up space during a busy party. An under-counter ice maker is tucked out of the way, but ready to deliver ice anytime.
A pizza oven: If your outdoor kitchen features an outdoor fireplace, a wood-fired pizza addition to this structure will completely transform your outdoor kitchen into the hub of outdoor living. And if you haven’t built an outdoor fireplace yet, be sure to integrate a pizza oven into the design so you can wow your guests with homemade, fresh and delicious bubbly pizza right out of the oven.
A warming drawer: Food can get cold quickly especially on chilly evenings. A warming drawer will keep your side dishes warm while you finish up grilling your main course. It’s also the ideal way to keep potluck items warm until it’s time to serve them.
A dishwasher: If you cook often, prepare a lot of dishes, and have dedicated outdoor cookware and dinnerware - then you’ll appreciate the convenience of an outdoor-rated dishwasher.
A shelter: Don’t let inclement weather spoil the outdoor fun. A pavilion that houses your outdoor kitchen and dining area will give you the outdoor experience, while protecting you and your guests from the weather. A pergola will serve to shelter the outdoor kitchen and dining space from the hot sun, but unless you add a clear polycarbonate roof to it, you’ll still be at the mercy of the rain.
A sound system: The right soundtrack can make a special evening even more memorable. But, you don’t want cheap or poorly placed speakers to disturb the neighbors. Today’s outdoor sound systems can be controlled by your smartphone, and speakers can be situated strategically to ensure exactly the right volume of music in various spots in your outdoor living area.
A ceiling fan: If your outdoor kitchen is sheltered under a pavilion, be sure to add a ceiling fan to keep the air moving on hot days.
Bar seating: Bar seating is especially welcome in outdoor kitchens that are short on space, where a full outdoor dining set would take up too much room. Since it can double as prep space, adding bar seating to your outdoor kitchen design can help your guests feel like they’re part of the action, while adding to the practicality of the space.
