11 Ways to make your covered outdoor kitchen more enjoyable

There’s nothing like going out and grilling. The fresh air, the sun and the promise of a good meal with the people you love sound like a great way to use your outdoor space. You’ll need to know how to maintain and improve the area to keep your outdoor kitchen and dining area prepared to host parties and family get-togethers. 

From upgrading outdoor kitchen appliances to renovating the patio or deck itself, read up on some covered outdoor kitchen ideas that you can try to elevate your space.

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 to 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. Add 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 benchtops are popular because they fit the outdoor vibe and are sturdy and durable enough to withstand being outside.

4. Put up a hood

A range hood is a great addition to your grill and stove set-up in your covered outdoor kitchen. 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 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 ensure 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.

Add spice to your covered outdoor cooking area

There are plenty of covered outdoor kitchen ideas you can explore to make outdoor celebrations and events more memorable. Remember that your outdoor kitchen features should match your lifestyle and house. You can go big with the upgrades if you want and rebuild your outdoor kitchen, or keep it simple with string lights and a reliable grill to add value to your outdoor kitchen.

If you need help making your outdoor kitchen ideas come to life, call on an expert at Airtasker! Plenty of contractors are ready to redesign your outdoor kitchen to ensure it’s stylish and functional for your lifestyle. You’ll find yourself a reliable contractor to help you build the covered outdoor kitchen you want.