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Texas may have hot summers, but between spring, fall and frequently mild winters (plus climate control accessories) we’re fortunate to be able to use our patios many months out of the year. That makes outdoor living spaces a desirable and valuable feature — and adding a kitchen makes your backyard an all-inclusive entertainment space.
Outdoor kitchens soared in popularity during the pandemic, and that popularity has continued, says Teresa Williams, owner of KJ Custom Screens & Outdoor Living, which builds outdoor kitchens and bars across Dallas-Fort Worth. What has changed, over time, is what people want in their outdoor kitchens.
“What we used to see was an outdoor grill; maybe they had a free freestanding metal table or a bar cart on wheels, and that was their outdoor kitchen,” says Mary Kathryn Reese, founder and CEO of Dallas-based Kitchen Design Concepts. “People now are really thinking of it like a space where they’re going to do multiple things. They’re going to cook, they’re going to chill when they get out of the pool, they’re going to entertain.”
Popular features for a modern outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen can be as basic or elaborate as you want it to be. On the smaller end, you could have a built-in grill, a secure area for trash and a sink. But many people are including features like cabinets, roomy countertops, refrigeration, burners and pizza ovens. “A pizza oven is not really suitable as an interior appliance” because of code requirements, explains Reese. “Pizza ovens have become a ‘thing,’ and most people are getting the ones that [need an outdoor] countertop.”
If cold beer is a priority, Stan Newton of Superior Masonry has a solution: “I’ve had someone who likes to drink beer ask for a kegerator to be put in.” These combo keg and refrigerator appliances come built in or freestanding, with options for multiple taps.
Another modern feature is the smart grill. The latest technology uses Wi-Fi to keep you updated on the cooking process, so no more sitting outside and babysitting your meat. A popular option is the Big Green Egg’s Egg Genius feature, which connects to an app. “It plugs into an outlet and has probes, and it regulates how much air is coming in and out. So it manages the temperature,” Reese shares. “Then on my phone, I can look at it and say, ‘Everything’s perfect.’ I can set up alarms to sound if it gets to certain temperatures. So it’s a huge time saver. One client described it as ‘risk reduction,’” — the risk being that your $80 brisket ends up dry and inedible.
If you’re cooking a full meal outdoors, consider a warming drawer, as one of Reese’s other clients had installed. “As a dish is finished, they put it in the warmer. When everything is ready, it comes out to be served.” Storing food in a warming drawer also keeps it safe from bugs while you’re waiting for the meal to begin.
If you have enough space, you can add as many features as you like; however, Reese notes that outdoor kitchens are typically a third of the size of an indoor kitchen. “You want to keep them feature- and function-rich,” she says. “People often have to prioritize.”
Of course, the food prep features aren’t the only elements to consider. If you’re going to be too hot, too cold or bothered by bugs, you’ll rarely use your outdoor kitchen.
Reese says more people are requesting mosquito management. “Some of the mosquito solutions are organic, some of them not so organic.” If you’re looking for a DIY approach, consider the Thermacell Rechargeable Repeller or Murphy’s Naturals incense sticks. In terms of temperature control, options include fans, mister systems, motorized screens or vinyl panels (which can also help with bugs), and ceiling heaters. “When it gets cool, say around 50 degrees, those ceiling heaters are fantastic because they can make the space warm enough to cook and dine outside,” Reese explains.
Common layouts and sizes for outdoor kitchens
A linear kitchen is a common design; “sometimes we do a 90-degree, L-shape design where you have items on both ends,” says Newton. “Then the largest would be a U shape with three sides.” The more accessories and features you want to include, the larger your space will need to be.
Some kitchens have flat counters, while others have a bar-style top. In that case, you can add a backsplash to bring even more design flair to the project. Bonus: The backsplash is the perfect place for an electrical outlet, allowing you to bring small appliances like a blender outside.
In terms of the minimum space you need for an outdoor kitchen, Williams suggests a length of 8 feet, although she says 12 feet is more ideal.
Outdoor kitchen materials and maintenance
It sounds obvious, but it’s important to make sure the materials in your outdoor kitchen are appropriate for outdoor use. That’s easy to do with the base of your kitchen, which might be brick or stone. Where some people get tripped up is in their cabinetry and counters. “You really shouldn’t use an interior kitchen cabinet in the exterior. People do it, but it’s not the right thing,” says Reese.
Nature Kast makes easy-to-clean outdoor cabinetry; you just take everything out and hose it off. Other than that, the only maintenance is getting the countertops resealed every two to four years, says Newton. “The biggest thing that’s going to eat up the sealer is the UV ray from the sunlight. If it’s under a pavilion or it’s a shaded area and not getting a lot of direct sunlight, the sealer may last quite a bit longer.”
Many kitchen manufacturers have specially designed cabinets and countertops that are UV and element-resistant, allowing your countertop color to last. Caesarstone and Dekton make countertops in different colors and thicknesses that are suitable for outdoor use.
You can choose counter materials that blend with your existing aesthetic, but be aware that natural materials will require more maintenance in terms of cleaning and sealing the surface. Don’t neglect that step, warns Newton, if you want to keep stone surfaces pristine. “If you spill a glass of wine, for example, it will seep in there pretty quickly if you don’t have the sealer on it.”
A well-built kitchen structure won’t require much maintenance. “Maybe after 10 years you need a couple of touchups on the mortar joints or a repair,” Newton offers, “but that would be it. Typically, once we put it together and everything’s working, you shouldn’t really have much to do.”
Costs and construction timelines for outdoor kitchens
Outdoor kitchens have to be permitted in some locations, says Williams. “It depends on each city and what exactly we’re doing. If it’s an existing slab, or if we have to pour a slab. So it really depends on each project.” The typical outdoor kitchen takes about eight weeks to construct if you’re not doing anything custom and the contractor has everything in stock. Of course, that will increase with supply chain delays, inclement weather and the more features you add to your kitchen build. (Looking for ready-made options? Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn both offer modular kitchen cabinets and islands designed for outdoor use.)
Even for the basic necessities, be prepared to spend at least $20,000 for a custom kitchen, according to Williams, and the cost goes up from there depending on the appliances and finishes you choose. But if you enjoy relaxing and entertaining outdoors, it can be one of the best investments you make in your home. Plus, an outdoor kitchen can be a big asset should you decide to move one day. “It’s a huge selling factor,” Williams notes. “It’s crazy how much outdoor living can raise the value of your home.”
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