Patio Kitchen Ideas
Creating a patio kitchen can cost as little as $300 up to $15,000 or more. It all depends on what you want to put in. The most basic patio kitchen will have a grill and storage area for cooking utensils and serving accessories. More elaborate patio kitchens will have both of these and possibly counters, a sink, refrigerator and a serving and eating area.
Layout
The layout of the patio kitchen depends on what will be in the kitchen and the people who'll be using it. Some basic layout ideas are a mini-galley kitchen or a U-shaped kitchen. In the basic mini-galley kitchen, the grill and counter/storage unit will run parallel from each other. The U-shape kitchen will either have a wall or a counter/table that closes one end of the galley. Both of these layouts help keep children and pets away from the grill by forming a barrier and keeps cooking accessories close at hand. Refrigerators, sinks and other features merely can be added to the end of the grill side or counter side.
Grills
There are numerous grills to choose from. As such, budget and need should always be kept in mind when choosing a grill. There are gas grills, charcoal grills, grills that provide a combination of the two with a side gas burner and coal cooking area. These grills can start at $200 and go up to $4,000. If choosing a gas grill, you must decide whether you will use a portable propane tank or hook the grill up to a gas line. Lastly, put the grill in a place where the smoke will blow away from the eating area.
Counters
A space-saving idea for the patio kitchen is including a counter with storage space underneath. If the area can hold it, there should be approximately 36 inches of counter space on either side of the grill. This makes it easier to prep food and hold cooked items. Sinks should have about 18 to 24 inches of counter space on either side of it. A cheap counter idea is using a party table as a counter, which can be placed opposite of the grill. This could also serve as the serving area.
Storage Cabinets
Because the patio kitchen is exposed to the elements, you must ensure that your storage cabinets are weatherproof. These cabinets can be made of plastic or concrete, among others, and can be custom-designed to match the landscape of the patio and garden.
Sinks and Refrigerators
Sinks should be made out of stainless steel so they don't corrode. Refrigerators should be just as durable. They can be further protected if placed under the counter. Patio kitchen fridges range from $500 to $1,200.
Eating Area
Another optional idea for the patio kitchen is the eating area. Adding a table that's approximately 42 inches by 42 inches can seat four people and one up to 96 inches long can accommodate six to eight people. For those who aren't planning to entertain that much in their patio kitchen, adding stools to one side of the counter is a cheap and easy way to create an eating area.
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