The Complete Outdoor Kitchen Guide

An outdoor kitchen can be anything from a bonfire ring or a fire pit to a professionally built kitchen for true chefs. It can include a grill, sink, refrigeration, and storage set up that is indeed a complete professional kitchen - only outdoors.  There is something primal about cooking and eating outside, which melts away stress and gets us closer to nature.

Did you know that the first cooked meals were made not by Homo Sapiens but by Homo Erectus? Eating cooked meat marks our ascent into becoming modern humans, with larger brains and more survival skills. Cooking food makes it easier to digest, and nutrients contained within are easier to absorb by our systems. Outdoor kitchens are in our DNA - as proven by many archeological sites from ancient times.

Constructing an outdoor kitchen is possible even in the most rugged terrain and in the most sophisticated backyards and patios. It's possible in rural and urban settings alike. We can meet for an outside meal with a couple of friends or organize an outdoor party - just look at all the incredible weddings catered in the great outdoors.

Some of the bigger outdoor kitchens are made to handle such events. Smaller outdoor kitchens can be fitted into patios with only the most essential and carefully chosen accessories. A custom-built outdoor kitchen doesn't have to break the bank or take up all the space you have, even if you don't have a lot.

Learning from the true masters of outdoor cooking

If you look at all human history, indoor cooking is really only a blip on the radar. People have been cooking outdoors for eons - they still do. Street food - fast food prepared outside, often in the street, is popular in many places in the world and is especially going through a renaissance in many western countries.

There are large outdoor bonfires that are still tended to in some communities. And there are sleek, fully equipped outdoor kitchens - complete with gas burners, refrigeration, and storage. When it comes to cooking outdoors, it's best to learn and copy some techniques from the best of the best - usually, the best recipes come from cultures that still practice cooking outside as a part of their daily lives.

Below, we'll give you some tips and tricks that we've gotten from the best of the best.

Outdoor Kitchen Hierarchy

Let's look at the hierarchy of what an outdoor kitchen can consist of - from the least complicated to the most complicated. Of course, what's easy design-wise might turn out a bit tricky when it comes to cooking techniques! Let's look at some mouth-watering food preparation methods - from the basic bonfire to a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.

Bare Basics: Bonfires and Campfires

A bonfire has been around since the dawn of time - and people still use it for cooking. And yes - they use it for cooking a lot more than marshmallows! You have probably seen many movies with bushmen and survival professionals roasting hunted game or fish at a bonfire. People cooked at bonfires in the large court kitchens in middle age castles - this is when the fire was brought inside into large masonry fireplaces, but still in a relatively untamed form.

What if you're not exactly in a survival situation and you'd like to experience the primeval taste of bonfire-cooked food? All you need is an outside fire pit and some cooking implements. What should you cook with an open flame of a bonfire, or the hot coals created as the fire burns?

Cast iron is the all-time favorite of real bonfire chefs. Cast iron pots and pans have been used worldwide - although most of us may identify them with cowboys, bacon, and beans - they were actually invented in 5th century China.

Cast iron is relatively cheap to produce, and it was a popular material for pots and pans. Today, the best woks are made with carbon steel, but some are still available in cast iron. They are much heavier and cheaper but durable and solid. Although cast iron made it to the Western world much later, it was widely used during the time of Henry VIII, and perhaps we know it best from tales of Cowboys and the Oregon Trail in the Wild West.

• Cast iron frying pans (best when used over burning hot coals) for frying
• Cast iron Dutch ovens - these are bonfire classics. Used for stewing, baking, and roasting large pieces of meat, and even baking bonfire pizza, bread and pie! This is probably the most versatile tool you can get when you plan on doing outdoor bonfire cookery, whether it's a hearty vegan stew or a big piece of marbled beef. 
• Campfire Grate- a good campfire grill grate provides a surface you can place over the fire - now we're cooking! You can place multiple amounts of pots and pans on it and use it for roasting large pieces of food like whole eggplants, corn, drumsticks, or a percolator for some cowboy coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. There is nothing better than campfire chocolate, with frothy pieces of marshmallows and a touch of mead for the grownups. Make sure to use enamelware, carbon steel, or cast iron for any cooking done over the campfire - no plastic parts or thin sheet metals and aluminum that might burn through or get permanently damaged.
• Campfire tripod - if you want to hang your stew pot directly over the campfire, you have to have a sturdy tripod for easy handling. It's also best to have some heavy-duty gloves if you're going to be handling pots in the open flame. We have suggestions on the best grill gloves here.
• Campfire skewers -  these classic long roasting tools can toast a piece of bread, a marshmallow, or even a piece of sausage!
• Waffle irons - a campfire waffle iron comes on a long stick, so you can stand safely away from the heat while making the perfect waffle.

Tinfoil - if you are completely unprepared for an impromptu bonfire, but we have inspired you, and you'd like to test out your backyard fire pit right now - all you need is tin foil. You can wrap potatoes for baking and place them in the ambers - don't forget that things like corn, sweet potatoes, apples with brown sugar, fish, and chicken breast also cooks very well in tin foil - you can place them in hot embers, tightly wrapped in tin foil along with the marinade, spices, and the whole shebang.

If you have a few of the items on this list, you're in good shape for outdoor adventure cuisine, even if you don't have a grill or a barbecue. It's not quite an "outdoor kitchen," but it will do in a pinch and make for a fun night with friends.  Remember to keep your cast iron well seasoned: coat it with oil and bake in high heat after using. Also, remember that stainless steel tends to burn on a super hot fire, especially on coals!

Modern Open Flame in Outdoor Kitchen Design

Where there's fire, there's smoke, and when it comes to outdoor kitchens, there's a chance that there's a great fire pit. There are several ways you can enjoy the fire in your backyard safely - after all, and we're not all cowboys on the prairie. What kind of a backyard fire pit should you get?

Types of Backyard Fire Pits

Metal wood burning (portable) - there are amazing metal fire pits out there - they have many things going on for them. First of all, they are movable. If you're renting your house or you don't want your fire spot "set in stone," then a wood-burning metal fire pit is perfect for any outdoor kitchen, even if you're not thinking about actually roasting something on it. A fire pit sets the mood for outdoor dining - you can relax around it on chilly nights with hot cocoa in hand whether you're having a quiet night in with your family or if you're entertaining.  These are the ultimate mood setters, and they come in many shapes and sizes. When you're designing an outdoor kitchen, make sure you leave some room for a welcoming open flame.

Brick, concrete, or stone wood-burning - if you're set on a permanent place for your backyard bonfires, you can make it safe by surrounding it with a campfire ring or building a brick ring with a sitting area. It's safer to have the bricks be in an actual "pit" - dug into the ground. This will keep the fire safe from the wind, and you'll have an easier time putting a grate over the fire. A popular solution at most campgrounds is a metal ring that's permanently built into the ground. This is durable and also keeps the fire from unwanted gusts of wind. This might be something we all remember if we ever went camping.

Gas Fire Pits - of course, if you don't have the room or patience (they do take some cleaning) in your kitchen design for a full-size fire pit or you're worried about wood smoke and wood-burning outside - maybe your HOA isn't fire-friendly - a gas fire pit is a perfect solution. They do not run as dirty as a wood-burning fire pit, and they can be much smaller. Some gas fire pits become centerpieces in backyard tables, and they become amazing places to gather and talk on cold evenings. Of course, gas fire pits aren't used for the kind of food preparation we've been talking about, but they are an important addition to outdoor kitchen design. They create a cozy atmosphere and set the mood - you can gather around it on warm summer nights or cooler autumn or even winter evenings.

Symbolic fire feature - When you're building an outdoor kitchen, it's worth it to plan out a space for open flame - gas or wood. Fire adds atmosphere and coziness to any outdoor dining setting - no wonder that restaurant heaters are becoming designed so that the flame welcomes guests with its friendly glow.  Black "mushroom heaters" are going out of style in favor of visible flame features. Fire becomes an important design characteristic - even if it's in the form of a smaller torch, a decorative gas firewall, or a fire bowl.

Grills and BBQs

Before we go any further, let's divide these two into two types: gas and charcoal. Now we can proceed.

There are definitely different schools of grilling and barbecuing. Some prefer the no-mess and sheer speed of a stainless steel gas grill. Others like to make a ritual of waiting for the charcoal to burn through, getting enveloped in the rich smoke, and choosing the right type of seasoned wood that will add maximum flavor to their meal. Some like to adjust to the situation.

If you have the room, you should go with the third option when designing your outdoor kitchen. It's about versatility - you don't always have the time to spend the whole day at the grill. But sometimes, you not only have the time, but you want to tackle something bigger - there are pros and aspiring backyard chefs that could spread their wings if only given the right tools. Let's take a look at what options are out there and maybe get rid of some preconceptions and fears so you can live your best outdoor chef life.

Full Outdoor Gas Kitchens

Let's start with the big guns. If you're ready to design your outdoor kitchen, you might want to do it "once and for all" - make it a permanent fixture of your garden or patio. If you love entertaining, and you know you're going to use it, it's an investment that will keep on giving back.

What's a full outdoor kitchen? An outside kitchen that has all the features of an in-house kitchen. This means having a whole second kitchen available to you in the warmer months, and if you love the outdoors, maybe you can move all your meals outside. After all, most full outdoor kitchens are equipped with gas burners and are quite convenient.

If you're working remotely from home, switching to eating outdoor meals can give you a mental break, you need to be creative and productive. Not to mention that instant "vacation" feeling you get when you sit to an outdoor meal after you get back from a brick-and-mortar workplace.

• Gas Grill - sometimes, people opt for a gas line being connected to your outdoor kitchen. This takes some professional help and some digging, but once it's in, it's an incredible time and money saver. No more lugging around propane tanks and discovering that they're empty at the most inopportune times (if this sounds like we have some experience here, it's because we do!).
• Storage - a storage unit will hold extra cans of soft drinks, chips, paper towels, cups, plates, forks, or knives—anything you need "just then" - without having to run inside to get it.
• Fridge - this also means that your outdoor kitchen is connected to electricity. This might be easier to accomplish than installing a gas line. We've known some people that simply use an outdoor extension cord. This is one of the most popular features during the hot summer months.
• Prep area - a prep area is a lifesaver in an indoor kitchen and an outdoor kitchen. It should be easy to clean and provide enough counter space that you don't have to use the outdoor dining table for food prep. It's one of the most important but least talked about features in outdoor kitchen design. There isn't a person in America today that hasn't experienced cups, hot dog buns, dirty plates, and side dishes strewn around surfaces like chairs (it's always the chairs!) or cluttering table space.
• Trash areas - having a set space for a large trash can is a must when it comes to keeping your outdoor kitchen tidy. It's a good idea to hide trash bins or recycling containers underneath useful counter space.
• Space for a fire extinguisher - you know... just in case.

What are the pros and cons of a full outdoor kitchen?

Pros:

• Easy to clean materials
• Everything is at arm's reach
• Convenience
• You will spend more time outdoors - automatically
• More prep space

Cons:

• You need to keep on top of maintenance
• Secure it for the winter and do start-of-the-season chores in the spring
• Outdoor wear and tear
• A full outdoor kitchen takes up space

As you can see, an outdoor kitchen can be an investment but also the beginning of a whole outdoor lifestyle and entertainment possibilities.  Full outdoor kitchens usually come in a few important "areas" - a big kitchen island, grilling area, smoking area, charcoal grill area, or an open fire zone and the dining area.

Dining and cooking areas can be mixed if you want to mingle with people while you bustle around preparing food.

If you're used to hosting bigger parties with catering staff, you'll want to keep these areas more separate.

Creative (and Useful) Outdoor Kitchen Accessories

When investing in a full outdoor kitchen, there are a few "extras" that you may want to include in your design. If you already have an outdoor kitchen, it might be worth it to think about these accessories for the next outdoor cookery season.

• Bottle opener - there are mountable bottle openers that can be screwed into the side of your work area - never to be lost or misplaced.
• Can recycling press - mountable to any outside wall
• Rotisserie kit - this is an amazing extra option that you can get with some outdoor kitchens or separately. Rotisserie meat is fancy, but it's also very much hands-off. All you have to do is season, prep, and install it and then take it off when it's done. The wow-factor is there every time, and it's one of our favorite ways to cook.
• Smoker (see our "Smoking" section below!)
• Pizza oven (see the "Pizza Oven" section below!)
• Roof - if you build a roof over your outdoor kitchen and dining area, then you will be able to use it no matter the weather and stay protected from rain, bright sunlight, and even snow. See what contractors offer the best services - some of them might specialize in installing whole kitchens with any additional construction work.
• Hibachi grill - a separate hibachi grill for the show-off chef in you.
• Patio shade sail - if you don't want to invest in a large pergola or roof for your patio but want to keep out the sun and light rain, a patio sail is a sleek option. Made from durable fabric, these pieces of outstretched sail can be customized to fit your area. They also come in many colors.
• Cast iron griddle/flat top grill - this is a wonderful multi-tasker that you can use for cooking on any hot surface - on hot coals or placed on top of a gas grill. You can use it for just about anything that you would use a flat cooking surface for in a professional kitchen: eggs, pancakes, bacon, heating tortillas, or toast - this is essentially a flat-top grill that will come in extremely handy in your outdoor space. It won't burn like stainless steel and distribute the heat evenly.
• Kegerator - what's better than an ice-cold beer straight from a keg? If you're having a get-together on a hot summer day, the answer is "not much." There are lots of appliances available for outside areas, and a kegerator is a useful one indeed. Did you know that you can put other drinks on tap, like cider or water?

Charcoal Barbecues

This is an intimidating topic for any writer, even one that has barbecued all their life. There is no hiding it - there is a family feud going on in America over what BBQ should be and how to make it perfect. It's enough to make any person self-conscious about their skills, equipment, and morals. For us, it's a short story - if it's delicious, we'll eat it!

Backyard barbecue doesn't need to be stressful and put you on the spot. Look at regional differences in American barbecue later on in this guide - first, let's talk about the right equipment! If you have the right tools and techniques, getting your barbecue skills up to speed and perfection will only be a matter of practice.

Of course, if you're a skilled pitmaster, having a backyard workspace will help you go to the next level.

What's the difference between a barbecue and a grill?

These two words have become synonymous in some states, while the difference could not be clearer in others. The contrast in techniques used for these two types of food preparation has a huge effect on what kind of equipment you're going to need and the layout of your outdoor kitchen.

Let's take a closer look.

Barbecue

Barbecue, as we know it, according to the Smithsonian Magazine, takes its roots from the Caribbean. Over the years, it has evolved into a few separate Barbecue traditions. Now, these are known as the "Barbecue Belt":

• Texas
• Kansas City
• Carolina
• Memphis

They use different cuts of meats, beef, pork, or mutton - but the one thing that unites them all is how the meat is prepared - slowly, over a carefully controlled flame, or far enough from the flame to receive steady indirect heat. Of course, there are "purists" that argue that the only real BBQ is pork because that's how it all began; however, it's probably safe to say that food is an evolving art and BBQ simply developed to fit locally available meats. In Texas, for example, beef is the meat of choice because of the gigantic cattle industry that has been around for what's now centuries. Cattle drives in Texas can be dated back to the Spanish times three hundred years ago.

Although we could write a whole book about the different recipes, let's concentrate on the BBQ equipment, you will need to complete your outdoor kitchen design.

BBQ Pit

This is a method of barbecue that is done in a pit that's dug below the ground. It's not only done in the South - this type of BBQ was also done in California and Mexico. You can prepare any type of meat in a pit - beef, pork, goat, or mutton. Pits can be dug in the ground or built out of bricks above the ground, a popular solution in the South.

In a backyard setting, it's best to build an above-ground pit that's away from any other kitchen island or sitting area - we don't mean on the other side of the yard, but be careful and consider hot embers and smoke getting in the way of guests and any wooden or heat-sensitive surfaces.

This can be easily built by a contractor or even on your own if you want a DIY project that you can be proud of. You can get free BBQ pit plans here, thanks to Louisiana State University Agriculture Center.

Remember constructing a BBQ pit may fall in the jurisdiction of some local fire codes and laws. Check with your fire department if you're not sure.

A BBQ pit uses wood charcoal and requires a lot of preparation. It's best to include wood storage in your design.  The grill should be movable to at least two levels - closer and further away from the heat.

TIP: Don't use conifer wood for BBQ! Pines and firs contain too much sap and will ruin your meat. Try these instead:

• Apple - applewood produced slightly acidic and aromatic smoke that's perfect for pork.
• Oak - oak is expensive but great for smoking lighter meats like fish.
• Alder - alder gives the meat a sweet and caramelized taste.
• Hickory - an American classic, best for pork. Hickory smoke can add a lot of scrumptious, balcony umami flavors to any meat you smoke
• Mesquite - this wood burns very hot. It's great for long-haul roasts and meats like beef or mutton.

Other woods that you should use if you can get your hands on them are Pecan, Olive, Peach, or Pear.

Classic wood-fired pizza ovens - if you're looking for a permanent solution for your outdoor kitchen, and you know you are committed, classic wood-fired ovens are definitely for you. While it's expensive to hire a contractor that will build a working pizza or bread oven from scratch brick by brick, it's much easier to get a DIY kit. With a kit, you get the "heart" of the oven - the actual part where the wood-burning and pizza baking takes place. The rest is up to you, your designer, and your contractor. You can choose how to build around your oven and make it fit the rest of your kitchen layout and design, making the materials match the rest of your kitchen, whether it's stone, brick, organic straw bale, or stainless steel. These bare-bones "inserts" will run you less than $3,000 and leave the design open to your imagination - you can make it fit whatever outdoor living style you prefer, from rustic to sophisticated.

Conclusion

In this guide, we tried to touch on most of your outdoor living needs, from open flame to portable gas solutions. An outdoor kitchen is a space to relax, have fun, and entertain friends and family.  It's a space for staycations, warm afternoons, and chilly fall evenings by the fire.

If you're planning on upgrading your grill area into something more functional, you have come to the right place to start. We hope we inspired you.