Living in the South makes outdoor living possible nearly year-round. And when the sun is shining and the weather is inviting, there’s nothing quite like hosting a gathering in your outdoor living space. One way to make your house the destination of choice is by setting up backyard kitchen that combines comfort with top-notch cooking. We’ve compiled a list of the ten must-haves to help you create the ultimate outdoor oasis to expand your entertainment options.
1. A High-Quality Backyard Kitchen Grill
You can’t have an outdoor kitchen without the ultimate cooking appliance – a great grill. It’s a necessity and the centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen. A high-quality grill provides endless cooking possibilities, from sizzling steaks to juicy burgers and veggie kabobs. When designing your outdoor kitchen, pick the grill first and build around it so you know it will fit into the plan.
2. A Great Smoker
Smokers are all the rage and for a good reason. For those who love rich, smoky flavors, a smoker is a must-have addition, especially for entertaining. You can make amazing brisket, mouthwatering ribs, incredible fish, and even some desserts in a good smoker. It takes outdoor cooking to a whole new level, adding not only great food, but that amazing aroma that you only get from a smoker.
3. An Outdoor Pizza Oven
Crank up your creativity with an outdoor pizza oven. Whether you’re serving classic pies or experimenting with gourmet toppings, a pizza oven adds fun and interaction to your gatherings, allowing your family and friends to customize their own delicious creations.
4. An Outdoor Kitchen Prep Station
Cooking in an outdoor kitchen is only convenient if you have prep space to keep you from running back and forth to the kitchen. You can streamline the cooking process by including a dedicated prep station. Including ample counter space and storage ensures you have everything you need at your fingertips, minimizing those trips to the indoor kitchen.
5. Refrigeration
Another way to avoid running in and out of the house all day is to add a refrigerator to your outdoor kitchen. Keeping fresh ingredients on hand and in your outdoor kitchen space makes outdoor prep and cooking easier. Having cold beverages nearby keeps you and your guests happy and lets you focus on having a good time instead of constantly running to fetch drinks.
6. The Right Backyard Kitchen Accessories
Entertainment isn’t just about the food; it’s also about creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. To ensure your guests have everything they need, outfit your backyard kitchen with beautiful glassware, napkins, plates, and utensils to make eating outdoors easy and convenient.
7. Ambient Lighting
Outdoor lighting can transform your outdoor kitchen and living space into a magical oasis. To create a cozy and appealing environment, incorporate ambient lighting options such as string lights, lanterns, and landscape lighting.
8. An Outdoor Entertainment System
Outdoor entertaining includes watching the big game or listening to your favorite music. Installing an outdoor entertainment system can enhance the entertainment options in your outdoor kitchen. Weather-resistant televisions, speakers, and even a projector can make movie nights, sports events, or background music an integral part of your gatherings.
9. A Fire Pit or Fireplace
Extend your backyard kitchen even more by including a fire pit or fireplace. These features provide warmth on cooler evenings, creating a cozy place for guests to gather and a great place for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.
10. An Outdoor Water Feature
Nothing adds ambiance to your outdoor living space like a water feature. From a bubbling fountain to a koi-filled pond, running water adds serenity and calm when you spend time outside and can take your entertaining space up a notch.
Adding these ten must-have essentials to your outdoor space will elevate your entertaining game, turning your backyard into a gathering space you can use year-round. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, contact W.P. Law, Inc. to get started on your outdoor kitchen design.
