Wondering what every outdoor kitchen needs? When planning your dream backyard, there are a few must-haves for outdoor kitchens that you shouldn’t forget! These will make your outdoor cooking experience much more enjoyable and convenient.

This blog will uncover five outdoor kitchen essentials to help you avoid surprises or regretting your choices later on.

 

1 – Stone Countertops

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor kitchen, you know it’s the best! There are so many things that you can do with it, from cooking on the gas grill to hosting parties.

But to make your outdoor kitchen truly great, one of the most important things is to have countertops with a solid surface that makes food preparation easy.

Quartz and natural stone like granite are excellent choices because they’re easy to clean, and you can prep your food without worrying about damaging your countertops. Plus, they look beautiful!

Not only that, but they’ll add value to your home. Stone surfaces are durable and withstand the elements well, especially if you keep them sealed.

 

2 – Comfortable Outdoor Furniture

If you’re going to spend any amount of time in your outdoor kitchen, you need to have comfortable seating and enough counter space! Many great options are available, from outdoor sofas to full dining sets.

Remember that the kitchen is just one element of your outdoor living space, and it’s important to have furniture that makes the whole experience enjoyable. Your food will taste better when you’re relaxed and comfortable, so don’t cut corners when it comes to your seating.

And don’t forget about the little things, like umbrellas to provide shade on hot days. Or cushions – which add extra comfort and pops of colors to your space.

You’ll also want to choose durable furniture that can withstand the elements. Wicker, aluminum, stainless steel, and wrought iron are all good, sturdy materials.

 

3 – An Outlet

There are many essentials for outdoor kitchens, but this one is super easy to miss! You need an outlet to eliminate trips back inside!

Of course, some of us like to go outdoors to plug out, but in this digital age, our phones need to stay plugged in!

Leaving your phone inside is the best way to miss important calls.

Plus, you don’t want your guests tripping over extension cords, so make sure you have an outlet installed in your outdoor kitchen. An outlet will also allow you to use small appliances like a blender or coffee maker.

An outlet will also come in handy if you want to listen to music while cooking. You can plug in a portable speaker and have some tunes to cook along to. 🎵

 

4 – Fancy Lighting

Keep people hanging out outside after the sun goes down with some beautiful, fancy lighting. There are many ways to light up your outdoor kitchen – string lights, wall sconces, overhead LED lights, the list goes on and on…

Keeping things well-lit is not a bad idea, so you can see what you’re cooking. No one wants to eat burnt food! 😉

If you have a multi-level deck or stairs in your outdoor space, carrying drinks or food up and down can be tricky in the dark. Adding good lighting to your space is key to preventing any spills or accidents.

 

5 – A Cover For Your Kitchen

You’ll want to add a cover if your kitchen is exposed to the elements. This is one of the most critical outdoor kitchen necessities because it will protect your grills from rain, snow, and sun damage.

It’s a small investment that will go a long way in keeping your grills and other appliances in tip-top shape.

Considering the investment you’ve made in your outdoor kitchen, you want to be sure to protect it! Adding a cover is a small price to keep your backyard cookouts going year-round for years and years.

 

Conclusion

These are just a few of the essential must-haves for your outdoor kitchen. By including these items in your design, you’ll be sure to create a comfortable, convenient, and stylish space! Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below. Happy cooking!

If you liked this blog post, be sure to check out our other posts on outdoor living. We have lots of great ideas and tips to help you make the most of your backyard!

Ready to move a step ahead? If you want Legacy Decks to upgrade your outdoor kitchen, get your free in-home estimate to get started!