The Must-Have Amenities for an Easy-to-Manage Outdoor Kitchen in Grandview Heights and Upper Arlington, OH

When planning a Grandview Heights and Upper Arlington, OH, outdoor kitchen, would you prefer something simple or a space with all the amenities that make cooking there easy? Some features are must-have for carefree cooking.

Related: 4 Simple Landscape Design Features to Add to An Outdoor Kitchen in Upper Arlington, OH 

Floors

The floors in an outdoor kitchen can be a great starting point for choosing easy to manage features that make cooking outside pleasurable. When you choose pavers for the flooring, you will have a durable, non-slip surface that can be hosed off for easy cleaning.

Your landscaper can help to guide your paver selection so that you have a floor that blends seamlessly with other parts of your outdoor space. If you decide to add a space adjacent to the existing patio, a landscaper can mimic the laying pattern of the patio while incorporating a band in the perimeter of the new addition to make it distinct.

Roof

Adding a roof to your outdoor kitchen gives you more options for enjoying time there when the weather doesn’t cooperate. A full roof can also block the hottest rays of the sun to keep you and your guests cool in the summer.

The roof can also afford a place to mount ceiling fans for stirring the breeze on a hot day and lighting built into the ceiling can let you stay outdoors for as long as you wish. Finally, the roof can also add definition to the outdoor kitchen so that the function of the space is clear.

Appliances

Most cooks have definite preferences for what types of appliances should be part of an outdoor kitchen. Some want multiple grills for smoking, grilling, and charcoal cooking while others care more about having a gas cooktop. Your landscaper can help you decide what appliances are must-haves and work those into the design.

A few universal must-haves are including a sink to wash up after prepping the food and cooking, a fridge to keep food cold until you are ready to cook, and plenty of counter space so that you are not trying to work in a tiny prep spot.

Countertops

Outdoor countertops can take a beating from heavy use and from the weather so make sure to choose a durable surface. Your landscaper has granite, concrete, soapstone, and other countertop choices to provide plenty of room for preparing food to cook. When you have a stone or concrete countertop, the surface will stay pretty and function well for all types of cooking.

Storage

You will definitely want ample storage for keeping cooking utensils, plates, cups, pots and pans, and anything else you need to enjoy cooking and dining outdoors. When everything you need is stored right at your fingertips, you won’t have to run back and forth to the interior kitchen for what you forgot.

Planning for cabinets in the stone support wall can accommodate all the essentials to cook and eat al fresco.

Lighting

While lighting might not seem like an essential, you will quickly learn that it was a smart addition to an outdoor kitchen. Task lighting over the countertops can let you see after the sun goes down. Lighting in the ceiling can allow you and your guests to dine outside after dark and illuminating under the cabinets can make it easy to find what you need.

Related: Light Up an Outdoor Kitchen This Spring With These Landscape Lighting Ideas in Bexley, OH