A backyard cookout is one of the most enjoyable warm-weather activities, even if you just have a small grill tucked into a corner of your yard. The downside, of course, is having to dash back and forth to your indoor kitchen to grab things like utensils and plates, then having to make more trips to bring everything back inside. The good news is you can put an end to the drudgery and upgrade your outdoor space with an outdoor kitchen. 

An online search for covered backyard outdoor kitchen ideas will yield more than enough inspiration to make your outdoor kitchen dream a reality, but our guide will help you determine what works for you and what you should consider as you’re creating your plan.

Types of Outdoor Kitchens

There’s no strict definition of what an outdoor kitchen should be. Any components that help you prepare a meal outside can count as an outdoor kitchen, whether you simply add some storage next to your barbecue grill or go all out with a kitchen that has everything your indoor kitchen provides. 

No matter your budget or vision, one of these types of outdoor kitchens can fit the bill:

• Portable outdoor kitchens: Most components of an outdoor kitchen are (or can be) equipped with wheels. A grill that’s not built into a cabinet or a storage unit on casters can be rolled to a new location or easily moved to a storage spot when your outdoor kitchen isn’t in use. Movable outdoor kitchens are the most affordable and flexible option for most people. If you want your portable outdoor kitchen to be sheltered, you may want to think about making space for it beneath a covered back porch or look for a canopy that can be folded up and stored if you’re short on space. 
• Prefabricated outdoor kitchens: Prefab or modular outdoor kitchens are a convenient choice for setting up an outdoor kitchen relatively quickly. Most of these types of outdoor kitchens include nearly everything you need for an all-in-one kitchen, from counter space to plumbed sinks. You’ll likely need to add a drop-in gas grill. Prefab kitchen units, which may come ready to assemble (known as RTA in the industry) are a great option in between the affordability of a portable kitchen and the extravagance of a custom kitchen. 
• Custom kitchens: Whatever you can imagine, a custom outdoor kitchen can deliver. While industrious DIYers can put a custom kitchen together themselves, most people opt to hire a contractor to do the work. Read on for luxury outdoor kitchen ideas below.

Popular Features of Custom Outdoor Kitchen Designs

Do you want a private retreat where you can prepare meals for two or a spectacular space where you can entertain dozens of guests? You can have it all with an outdoor kitchen that’s designed to your specifications. Here are just some of the features you can include:

Kitchen Island

If you love to take on the role of chef at your outdoor gatherings, give your guests a front-row seat to the show with a large island equipped with plenty of seating. An island with beautiful countertops makes a statement and gives you ample prep and serving areas.

Pizza Oven

A wood-fired pizza oven dials up the fun and the luxury of any outdoor kitchen. Your choices range from portable pizza ovens to custom-built brick pizza ovens that can even do double duty as an outdoor fireplace.

Appliances

High-end appliances built for outdoor use are part of most luxury outdoor kitchens. If you frequently entertain, consider a full-sized refrigerator that can accommodate a large amount of food and beverages and a top-of-the-line grill with side burners and accessories such as griddles.

Wet Bar and/or Sink

Having running water handy is essential to a deluxe outdoor kitchen. Add an outdoor liquor cabinet to a full-size wet bar setup, and entertaining will be a breeze. If a wet bar isn’t on your list of must-haves, a double or large single sink should be. 

Entertainment Center

Create an inviting place to gather with an area just for entertaining. Elements to include are a smart TV built to withstand the outdoors, comfortable seating all around, an outdoor fireplace for those cool nights, and a speaker system for music. Have a freestanding shelter built over the area, or expand the roof of your back porch to allow you to use the space during less-than-perfect weather.

Portable Heaters

You don’t have to let a chill in the air drive your guests indoors if you have patio heaters on hand. There are more styles and fuel types than ever before, so it’s easy to find one that not only provides adequate heat coverage but also fits right into your outdoor design style.

Built-in Grill Ideas

A built-in grill says “luxury” in any outdoor kitchen. In addition to having the grill well-integrated into your backyard’s style and functionality, a contractor can help you choose from these types of fuel to ensure your grill also matches your cooking style:

• Liquid propane
• Natural gas
• Charcoal 
• Wood pellets

No matter what type of grill you select, always ensure that safety remains a top priority. Make sure the grill has more than adequate ventilation all around it, and avoid having propane, charcoal, or wood-burning grill under a covered porch. The best approach is to grill in an open area to reduce the risks of embers catching fire or the buildup of dangerous gases or carbon monoxide. 

Live the Ultimate Outdoor Life at Amelia Island

Come live where cookout season never really ends. Amelia Island’s temperate climate lets you enjoy the outdoors throughout the year, making a covered outdoor kitchen a smart investment. 

Take a moment to browse the Amelia Island luxury properties we have available, or call us to speak with an agent who can help you find the perfect home or homesite for enjoying the best in outdoor living.