Maximizing Your Outdoor Kitchen Efficiency

Outdoor kitchens are wonderful features at any property, no matter where you live. The best outdoor kitchens are ones designed with function, purpose and efficiency in mind. Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to share some tips for maximizing efficiency in your outdoor kitchen.

Smart outfitting for your outdoor kitchen

When planning an outdoor kitchen or considering modifications to an existing one, ask yourself, “What do I really need out here to make things easier and better?” Depending on the extent of your culinary exploits, you might consider some efficient and handy amenities, such as:

• Storage cabinets and drawers
• Prep station with plenty of counters
• Cold storage bins
• Standard oven or pizza oven
• Full refrigerator with ice maker
• Sink system
• Trash container

Lighting the space

There are so many elegant and useful lighting options available today, it would be a shame to design a fancy outdoor kitchen and overlook lighting. String lights, crossbar lights, in-ground lights, standing lights and banks of lights on the home can all make your kitchen area sparkle and create the perfect evening mood. Keep in mind that many outdoor lighting options work on solar power.

Have a seat

In planning or modifying your outdoor kitchen, think seating. People who are eating and socializing should have places to sit. Consider a tasteful arrangement of weatherproof armchairs or sofas. Stools also make a nice decorative touch. The trick to adding seating is to anticipate how many people will be using the area. You don’t want some people to have to stand while others are comfortably seated. You also don’t want a bunch of unused seats going to waste.

Be shady

No, we don’t mean to do something underhanded; rather, do something over-headed with shade. In Florida, our intense sun and heat can put a damper on outdoor entertaining. Fix this with some overhangs, canopies, awnings, deck covers or even permanent roofing. Your family and guests will appreciate the shade as they enjoy your outdoor kitchen. Your kitchen appliances and components will appreciate it, too.

Between the house and the outdoor kitchen

Some homeowners have installed their outdoor kitchens right next to their indoor kitchens, with a sliding glass partition separating the two. Depending on how you cook, eat, entertain, store and clean, this might be a good option. A partition makes it easy to pass dishes, cookware and utensils between the two kitchens. Close proximity to the house makes it convenient for bathroom trips or other reasons to go in and out of the house.

What about the grill?

The famous American grill is at the center of outdoor kitchens from coast to coast. But is a grill really what you want?

Perhaps you’d be better served with a full-feature cooktop that lets you grill, boil, sear, sauté, fry and do everything else your inner chef dreams of. Efficient gas cooktops, complete with ovens, can make a magnificent addition to your backyard dining setup.

Let us help with your outdoor kitchen design

Doodlebuggers can turn your backyard into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. We’re your local outdoor kitchen and entertaining experts, with workmanship and ideas that will amaze and delight you!

Reach an outdoor kitchen consultant today at (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at (850) 243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.