11 Ways to elevate your covered outdoor kitchen

When it’s nice out, you ought to take advantage of it! Invite some friends over for drinks and dine outdoors to enjoy some food, fun and fresh air. Events like these are guaranteed to be amazing when you have a covered outdoor kitchen you can cook in while still socialising with the crowd in your backyard.

If you want to be the best host for these parties, renovating your outdoor kitchen might be a good idea. From getting more appliances and kitchen equipment to redesigning your patio, here are some covered outdoor kitchen ideas to take your space to the next level.

Covered outdoor kitchen ideas for alfresco dining and cooking

1. Go big with your grill station

The real star of the show in your covered outdoor kitchen is the grill, where you can show off your cooking and hosting skills. Upgrade to a stainless steel grill with wheels that you can move in and out of the shade. You can also get a complete countertop with a stove and a built-in grill for the ultimate covered outdoor cooking experience.

2. Complete your cooking set-up

Get stainless steel appliances and you will be set for success for every dinner party. Modern covered outdoor kitchens are fitted with all the equipment needed for prepping food, like appliances or even an outdoor refrigerator. Try adding an outdoor pizza oven or a tandoori oven to expand your home menu and make mouthwatering dishes.

3. Expand your counter space

One of the most overlooked backyard outdoor kitchen ideas is simply expanding the space. With a bigger prep space in your outdoor kitchen, you can seamlessly multitask between prepping, cooking and plating up your dishes. Concrete and granite worktops are popular because they fit the outdoor vibe and are durable enough to utilise outside.

4. Put up a hood

Space is always an issue for outdoor areas, and you might struggle to find small covered outdoor kitchen ideas. One of the best ways to make a small kitchen more comfortable is with a range hood. 

It's a piece of equipment that takes hosting to another level, as you can divert the smoke from your cooking away from your guests. You’d also want to install it if you have a covered patio and need better ventilation to keep the space free from smoke. 

5. Ensure ample storage space

An outdoor kitchen becomes so much more comfortable to cook in when you have enough storage space. It’s handy having all your outdoor cooking essentials stored near your grill and having a place to store your outdoor appliances whenever bad weather comes. Put up enough storage cabinets and make sure there’s room for all your cooking equipment.

6. Provide enough shade

If you’re in the process of expanding your outdoor area, ensure that the cooking and dining area all have enough shade from heat or rain. There should be enough covered space to cook in, host guests and protect your precious equipment like your stainless steel grill or your pizza oven.

7. Set up a poolside bar

There’s nothing like having a poolside bar for outdoor entertaining! Besides serving food in your patio kitchen, you can also have a blast with cocktails after dark while taking a dip. Set up an outdoor kitchen bar and stock your favourite liquors and more mixology essentials for the ultimate pool party!

8. Add an island

Get a double-duty fixture in your outdoor kitchen by putting in an island. Not only will it divide your outdoor space for cooking and entertaining, but it can also provide more counter space for your prep. It also serves as a focal point in your outdoor area, and with a few stools, it can be a great place to chill out.

9. Upgrade your outdoor furniture

Your outdoor space doesn’t have to be limited to the typical outdoor pieces. While there’s nothing wrong with a picnic table, you can elevate your patio or outdoor furniture with some key pieces. 

Get a statement outdoor dining table that becomes the centre of your dinner parties. Add in some natural elements like wooden chairs or wicker baskets. You’d be surprised just how luxurious your outdoor kitchen can feel with comfortable seating and stylish tables.

10. Design for your house’s aesthetic

A good tip for creating complementary outdoor kitchens is to match the design with your indoor space. Rustic string lights might look out of place when your house has clean lines and a minimalist design. For instance, you can match your minimalist interior with modern and simple outdoor lighting fixtures. 

11. Add a fireplace

Create a cosy space and put up an outdoor fireplace! For those living in colder climates, enjoying your outdoor kitchen in the winter might be hard, but a fire pit can help you fend off the chilly nights and make you make happy memories around a campfire.

Besides being a great place to cuddle up, it can be another way to cook outside! You can make s’mores and cook over an open fire. Just make sure to play it safe when using a fire pit.

Spruce up your covered outdoor cooking area

A good outdoor area can make every celebration extra joyful. Creating a space that complements your home and lifestyle is always a good idea. And you can build your outdoor kitchen to your style, from modern and minimalist to rustic and charming! 

Renovating is a daunting task, so you will need all the help you can get. Luckily, plenty of professionals on our platform can help build your dream outdoor kitchen. Have fun upgrading your covered outdoor kitchen!