Outdoor Kitchens and Small Spaces

Even if your yard is small, you still can enjoy an outdoor kitchen for grilling, family meals and entertaining guests. Your yard doesn’t need to sprawl across an acre to accommodate a functional, beautiful outdoor kitchen area. When adding a kitchen to your outdoor space it’s all about planning and making the most of the space available.

First, decide how the space is to be used. Your indoor kitchen must have ample storage for everything from pots, mixing bowls, plates, cups and small appliances, as well as all your pantry items. Think about how you’ll use the outdoor kitchen. When space is limited, opt for less countertop space and plan to do most of the cutting, mixing, and food preparation indoors.

Even in a small yard, an outdoor kitchen with cabinets for storage space can fit well. Cabinets in an outdoor kitchen allow storage for your grilling utensils, skewers, vegetable baskets and hot mitts, keeping everything out of sight and safe from the elements. If your grilling accessories are stored in outdoor cabinets you don’t have to bring them in and out every time you cook outside. Outdoor kitchen cabinets also are a great place to store outdoor table linens, placemats and even chair cushions.

Think vertical when working in smaller spaces. If your yard lacks the room for an expansive outdoor kitchen, maximize the space you do have by adding shelves for storage space. Shelves can be an attractive way to display crockery or small pots of cooking herbs such as oregano, basil and other spices.

When designing a seating around your outdoor kitchen, a smaller yard will feel cramped if you try to stuff a too-long bar area into it. Instead of bar seating for four or five, reduce it to a two-seater bar. This can be very attractive in smaller yards. A round table that seats four will fit a small yard better than a rectangular table that seats six to eight. The smaller bar and table settings will allow for better flow and movement through the kitchen and yard.

Finally, don’t forget space-friendly grills. A too-large grill can dominate a small yard and outdoor kitchen. Work with a qualified outdoor kitchen designer when designing the space. He or she can help you select the right size grill to fit your space and the way you like to cook and entertain.

Choosing Eco-friendly Items & Materials in Your Outdoor Kitchen

Designing an outdoor kitchen can be an exciting project. When choosing design materials, furniture and other elements consider environmentally friendly products and solutions. Creating an eco-friendly outdoor kitchen can be simple, elegant and affordable.

Fuel-efficient grills. The grilling unit is the main component of an outdoor kitchen. Keep it eco-friendly with a fuel-efficient model. For gas grills, consider infrared grills, which use about 25 percent less gas, saving money and natural resources. Infrared heat will sear your steaks to perfection and still leave your veggie kabobs deliciously crisp and tender. If charcoal grilling is your preference, opt for the Big Green Egg, a kamado-style cooker. It’s very fuel-efficient, using 100% natural lump charcoal made from unused log sections and recycled wood.

Green countertops. Green countertops are made from environmentally friendly or recycled materials. Consider a beautiful recycled glass countertop: these green options mix colorful pieces of recycled glass into a resin base, cement or concrete. A countertop also can be stained to match your outdoor kitchen’s décor. Another option is choosing end-grain bamboo as a countertop material. Bamboo is a sustainable material that brings a stunning, natural look to the outdoor kitchen space.

Furniture from recycled materials. Opting for outdoor kitchen chairs, tables and other furniture made from recycled materials, helps bring your space into a “greener” zone. Companies such as Loll Designs create modern outdoor furniture, made in the United States from 100% recycled plastic.

Eco-friendly area rugs/mats. A decorative throw rug sometimes can be the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen’s décor as a focal piece or anchor to a seating area. Tread on rugs like the ones from Home Infatuation that are made from recycled polypropylene drinking straws. They are manufactured without waste—all leftover materials are recycled into more rugs. Other options include bamboo mats that can be found in an array of sizes, designs and colors.

Earth-friendly/energy efficient lighting. Opting for CFL light bulbs or LED light bulbs can save you 75% in energy efficiency over traditional incandescent light bulbs. CFLs are compact fluorescent lights (the ones that are curly-looking) and last about ten times longer than an incandescent light bulb. LED lights can last up to 25 times longer, saving you more money and energy. Use CFL or LED lighting in over-the-counter lights or wall sconces.

Storage Space Planning for Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen is an extension of your home. It’s more than a place to grill a simple burger: your outdoor kitchen can be a space for gathering, entertaining and creating memorable experiences for your family and guests. Like any other room in your home, it needs certain functionality to complement its aesthetic qualities.

You wouldn’t build a kitchen inside your home with just a countertop and a cooking surface. Creating an outdoor kitchen with only a grill and countertop work area is just as inefficient—your outdoor kitchen needs storage.

So, which kind of storage space do you need? First, consider the basics. Every outdoor kitchen needs space to store basic grilling equipment such as tongs, spatulas, meat forks and skewers. While you may choose to incorporate hooks to hang these regularly used tools, also consider adding a designated drawer under the outdoor kitchen countertop to hold these large utensils.

Drawers can be great use of space in the outdoor kitchen. They can hold cooking utensils, silverware, linens such as placements and napkins, hot mitts and grilling aprons. Keeping these items neatly stored in drawers in the outdoor kitchen saves you time and energy from having to bring things out from the indoor kitchen day after day.

Storage cabinets are another simple yet effective way to keep your outdoor kitchen neat and tidy. Store cups, grilling pans, pots and other cooking equipment in your cabinets. Keep extra mixing bowls and containers in under-the-counter cabinets as well. Protect seat cushions from the elements by storing in cabinets when not in use. Designate one cabinet to store table décor such as candles, vases and dishes used when entertaining.

Work with a qualified outdoor kitchen designer to create the type of storage space that will best fit your needs. Don’t forget to consider above the counter storage as well, including shelving to display and hold dishes, glassware and more.

It’s important for your outdoor kitchen cabinetry to add functional storage space. It should create another level of aesthetics to the space as well. When creating an outdoor kitchen, carefully consider cabinet colors and door panel styles, incorporating both to compliment the space’s overall design theme.

Cooking Healthy Meals in Your Outdoor Kitchen

Eating healthier by choosing whole fruits and vegetables over processed foods is a great way to get back to basics. Home cooked meals are another important step on the road to overall health. Your outdoor kitchen is the perfect place to create mouth-watering meals that are packed with nutrition. Grilling can be one of the healthiest ways to prepare meals for your family.

When meat is grilled, the excess fat drips off and burns away. Less fat on the meat means a healthier portion for your waistline. However, many people worry about carcinogens. When a piece of meat or fish is grilled to char, the charring does contain carcinogens. Limit the amount of charring on grilled meats and if a portion becomes exceedingly charred, remove that small portion. Marinating meats may help prevent carcinogens from forming as well.

Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet benefits your overall health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers and other diseases. Cooking in the outdoor kitchen is a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into meals.

Grilled vegetables are easy, nutritious and flavorful. Begin with basic kabobs of skewered onions, green peppers, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes—then get adventurous. If you like green peppers, try red or orange peppers. Red peppers are packed with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and lycopene. Try grilling eggplant, asparagus, zucchini and green beans for flavor-packed meals.

You don’t have to do anything fancy with these nutrient dense foods, simply skewer, place in a grill basket or directly on the grill and cook until desired tenderness. However, vegetables can be coated with a light marinade or sprinkled with fresh herbs and spices. Eat the grilled veggies on their own or served over a bed of rice or plate of pasta. Grilled vegetables can give a whole new delicious taste to Meatless Mondays.

Fruit can be grilled as well in the outdoor kitchen. Kids and adults alike may enjoy grilled pineapple slices, peaches and even grilled bananas. Grilled peaches and bananas pair well with vanilla ice cream for a savory-sweet summer dessert. Grilled peaches also go well with marinated pork tenderloin or atop an arugula salad.

Take advantage of the outdoor kitchen to establish healthier eating habits, adding more fruits and vegetables into your meals. The food will taste great and you’ll feel better eating it.

Color in Your Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen adds another visual element to your backyard living space. Just as color can tie together a room indoors, color can bring out the personality in your outdoor kitchen as well. Stainless steel or masonry in warm, earth tones can provide the canvas for an outdoor kitchen’s colorful accents.
When choosing color accents for an outdoor kitchen don’t shy away from bold, make-a-statement choices. When ordinary red isn’t enough, go crimson. Consider colors such as tangerine and chartreuse, which can work with several countertop styles and cabinet finishes. If fire or earth tones aren’t your style, look at cerulean or viridian for cool, relaxing tones.

If you know your bold color choice is one you’re going to want to live with for a long time, consider adding your color with tiles. Whether you opt for a tile floor that includes your accent color or decide to create a mosaic masterpiece on one wall, tiles are a great way to bring color into the outdoor kitchen décor.

Many homeowners prefer a level of flexibility when it comes to room décor. Let’s face it—we may tire of a style or color after a time and want to be able update or redesign to fit our mood. To add color and pizzazz to your outdoor kitchen décor, look to accent pieces and accessories.

Never underestimate the power of a well-placed floral arrangement or colorfully potted plant. Fresh floral arrangements are fragrant and eye-catching, a great décor addition when entertaining or even enjoying a romantic evening for two. Another option is to display a collection of cooking herbs in small colorful pots on the counter. It will add visual interest and keep your favorite herbs within reach when you’re preparing meals in the outdoor kitchen.

Lighting can bring color to your space as well. Paper lanterns are elegant, yet whimsical décor additions. You can find battery-operated lanterns, usually in a set of four at many home décor retailers. Install color changing LED lighting around the base of the kitchen bar area or add twinkling garland lights to the ceiling of a pergola.
Don’t forget about fabrics! Seat cushions, placemats and area rugs or mats are easy ways to add color. Whatever you choose for your perfect accent color, have fun with it and you can make your outdoor living space as special as your indoor space.

Creating a Safe and Kid-Friendly Outdoor Kitchen

The outdoor kitchen often becomes the family gathering place when the weather is mild. Whether you’re grilling hamburgers and hot dogs or shrimp and veggie kabobs, the outdoor kitchen shifts the family epicenter from indoors to outdoors. With everyone gathered around for a delicious outdoor meal, it’s important this alternate kitchen space is safe and kid-friendly.

With little ones underfoot, cooking any meal can be a challenge. Cooking in the outdoor kitchen requires following the same safety protocols as you would inside. Supervise toddlers and young children at all times when cooking and grilling. Keep kids (even school age children) away from hot cooking surfaces or devices. A good rule to have is “no kids in the cooking area when food is being prepared.”

A fire extinguisher is a safety must-have in any kitchen, inside or outdoors. Make sure it is readily available in any emergency and that you know how to use it. Know how to turn off the power and/or gas supplies in an emergency as well. In addition, keeping your grill and smoker clean reduces the risk of a dangerous grease fire significantly. Taking fire precautions is one of the most important steps in making the outdoor kitchen safe and kid-friendly.

Depending on the age of your children, you may consider installing childproof locks on any of the outdoor kitchen cabinets and drawers. Never allow grill tools, especially pointy meat forks to dangle within reach of grabby little hands.

It’s very easy to become relaxed when cooking and dining outside—and you should be relaxed! That’s one of the joys of an outdoor kitchen. However, when relaxed, basic safety protocols can become overlooked. For example, never leave knives, meat forks, skewers or other potentially dangerous tools/cutlery where younger children can grab them. Accidents can happen and when they do, it usually happens very quickly.

Get the kids involved when cooking outdoors. Give them a kid-friendly tutorial, showing them the basics of cooking on the outdoor grill. This is a great way to emphasize safety and proper cooking technique. Include the kids in the food preparation, from washing the vegetables to wrapping potatoes in foil and observing the adults skewering meat for kabobs. Preparing meals in your outdoor kitchen can be a family affair as long as the space is kept kid-friendly and safe for all ages.

If you are a Werever customer, we know that you are enjoying time with your family and friends around your new outdoor living space. After all, how could you NOT be having fun relaxing by a wonderful outdoor kitchen, perhaps listening to music, having great conversation, and hopefully enjoying some great gourmet food!  (And if you’re not a werever customer, by all means contact us.  We can help you!)We wanted to let all of our happy customers know how much we appreciate the great outdoor kitchen pictures you send us.  And some of you know if you send us really good high resolution images, you usually will find a ‘thank you’ gift in your mail soon after!  Yes, this is a hint… send us your pictures!

If you have not seen our updated outdoor kitchen photo gallery lately, be sure to see some of our latest projects, including our work on the DIY Network, including Yard Crashers & Kitchen Crashers.  Soon, we’ll be able to post pictures from Extra Yardage. That is, check back often if you are planning an outdoor kitchen for your own home.  We update our gallery often, so this is a great place to get outdoor kitchen ideas. If you see something you like, tell us.  We can help you plan your own home’s outdoor area to look like one of the outdoor kitchens in our gallery.

Here is an example of a picture from our gallery.  Click the picture below to see the full gallery of outdoor kitchen pictures on Werever.com.

This outdoor kitchen has it all! We probably get more comments about this kitchen than any other. If you are trying to plan a successful project of your own, take notes from this one… it is a winner!

At Werever, we aren’t ever surprised when someone is really happy with their outdoor kitchen. We have a ton of happy customers, but sometimes the customers can say it better than we can.  Here is what a customer in New York sent us today:

“Here are the photos of my project. There are two JGPs. One is a collage of 3 different angles shots and the other is the best single photo.

I want to let you know that my expectations were some what low when I first received the sample pieces. I thought the material was some what cheesy. However, when my 3 cabinets and my custom panel came in they looked pretty good. My project was very different from your standard cabinet job. As my bar was build on 2 X 4′s and I had to design the cabinets around my openings. Well to make a long story short. I found that the custom panel you made me was easy to work with and I only had to make some minor changes to get it to fit my space. Also, the filler panels were easy to cut to my openings. As you can see from my pictures the cabinets look great and my wife and I are very happy with the out come.

Thank you one happy customer… Bill”

We think it is funny that someone thought our outdoor cabinetry samples looked “cheesy” to the customer.  We know full well that you really can’t demonstrate the quality and strength of the finished cabinet with a finger-sized sample made from half inch material.  Not when each finished cabinet is solid, made with a three quarter inch body, and weighs over 100 pounds a piece!

Here is Bill’s finished project, just beautiful! And we’re thrilled he likes his new outdoor kitchen so much!

Look at the finished project. Nothing cheesy here! Just a beautiful outdoor kitchen!

Many people who have decided to undergo a massive kitchen renovation, inside or outdoor, will rely on the advice of professionals or friends. Too often, weeks after completion, it becomes obvious that they’ve chosen the wrong style or worse– the wrong material. This is particularly true in outdoor kitchens. Making the right choice can be the difference between years of sturdy use or expensive repairs, replacements and maintenance costs.

Stainless steel used to be a prized material in outdoor kitchen cabinets, but now many companies are finding that other polymers have a longer-lasting, more beautiful look. Werever products provide these economical alternatives, which are available in enough styles and designs to fit any look.

So, if you’re considering stainless steel access doors, first consider the pros and cons of the metal look:

• Outdoor kitchen cabinets are constantly exposed to weather and the elements. Even if you live in a mild climate, direct sunlight, wind, and even splashes from the pool will cause most materials to show damage.
• Steel will eventually rust and corrode, although you can put it off with diligent maintenance and daily cleaning.
• Stainless steel will quickly show watermarks and scratches from everyday use. A single storm could change the look of your outside kitchen equipment forever. And unfortunately, it’s hard to match the shade exactly when replacing part of your doors or cabinets.
• There are over 150 grades of stainless steel and even a few weeks of outside time will affect the color.

No matter what material you choose, you may need to replace part of your unit at some point. Accidents can happen, damage can occur and time will eventually wear any product out. It makes sense, however, to go with the more economical choice of a polymer. You’ll save money on cleaning products, the polymer cabinets will last longer, and will not rust; furthermore you can avoid low-quality steel cabinets.

When designing your outdoor kitchen, you want to be well-informed in order to avoid costly mistakes. Consider a marine-grade polymer from Werever as a striking alternative to stainless steel. It may open your eyes to looks and designs you hadn’t even considered until now. It will certainly save you a lot of time scrubbing and oiling, and it’ll keep your cabinets brilliant year-round.

With the increase in popularity of outdoor kitchens, the typical weekend barbecue isn’t what it used to be.  There isn’t a thing in the world wrong with hot dogs and hamburgers, but why not pick something more exciting for your family and friends to enjoy?  After all, a great outdoor kitchen is even better with a great meal.  As a grilling enthusiast, it is fun to try a new recipe, or even make something up on your own.  Develop your own signature dish.  Try to replicate something you had at a restaurant but put your own spin on it.  What is the worst thing that could happen? If you don’t like your dish, punt.  Have a pizza delivered in less than half an hour.  Most likely, that won’t happen.  You’re bound to have a great time enjoying your outdoor kitchen and discovering something new.  You can always play it safe by following a recipe exactly for your first attempt, then get bold and switch a few things the next time.