How to Plan an Outdoor Kitchen

Preparing and enjoying meals alfresco--and the pleasures of the
casual entertaining it promotes--have become standard elements of
gracious living. At one time limited to the South and Southwest, outdoor
kitchens and dining rooms are now found all over the country.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide whether your outdoor kitchen will be the focal point or simply an accessory of your deck or patio. Take into consideration how much you'll use the kitchen, the quantity and type of space available and if you want a fully functional outdoor kitchen, only a grill or something in between.

2. Minimize the distance between your indoor kitchen and the planned outdoor one. Usually both are used at the same time to varying degrees, so having them in proximity will increase the usefulness of both. A shelf below a sliding window can make both kitchens more functional.

3. Keep the size of the group you'll be entertaining in mind when generating design ideas.

4. Design the kitchen to fit your climate. Wherever winter temperatures typically dip below freezing, all outdoor plumbing will need winterizing. If you live near the ocean, stainless steel will resist the corroding effects of salt-laden air. Where summers are hot, the cook and diners will all need to have shade.

5. Choose equipment to match your cooking style. Many gaspowered grills include side burners that allow for frying, boiling and saute'ing. Another popular outdoor cooking option is a wood-fired oven for breads, pizza and roasts. Choose materials wisely and plan for cleaning and tool storage.

6. Check to see if utilities such as plumbing, gas and electricity are accessible at or near the desired area of the outdoor kitchen. Each can be moved or installed, but easy availability of one or the other might determine subsequent choices.

7. Determine how much of the new kitchen you can build yourself and how much expert help you'll need. Usually it's a question of time, experience and tools balanced against dollars. With more of the first three, you can save on the latter, and vice versa.

Tips & Warnings

• As you're laying out your kitchen space, keep in mind that diners need at least 11⁄2 feet (46 cm) between the table and an obstruction-- plus room to pull a chair out.
• If strong winds or a chilling breeze is common where you live, plan for an appropriate shelter, whether it's a hedge, a fence or a screen.
• To ensure safety, hire a professional to hook up GFCI electrical outlets and to connect gas lines.

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