Botanica Atlanta - Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance

Imagine that you are sitting by the pool and it is lunchtime. The grill is on the main level, outside the kitchen, the pool is on the lower level.  What you need is at least a second grill, or maybe even a full outdoor kitchen. 

Outdoor kitchens are the next level to a grill, and if you entertain during the summer then you need one too. 

To create an outdoor kitchen, you need three things: something to cook food on; something to keep food hot; and something to keep things cold. This can be as simple as a grill, with a cooler on the side, or as elaborate as a full kitchen in the garden. Most homes will have an outdoor kitchens falls somewhere between these two extremes.

Heat Source:  This is the main part of the kitchen, just as your stove and oven are critical to your indoor kitchen.  Cooking requires either direct heat such as over coals or propane vents, or indirect heat.  Being able to accommodate both these functions will allow maximum cooking opportunities. 

A direct gas line can be installed or you can use propane, or even coals, so consider how far you have to carry a full propane tank when you make this decision.

Cool Storage: At 75° raw meat, as well as egg based dressings, can be contaminated with bacteria if left out on the counter. It is important that these are kept cool until you plan to use them. A cooler or other container with ice will do a great job, but for added convenience run an electrical line to the area so that you can use a refrigerator.  Added cooling space will be needed for cold refreshments as well. If you plant to entertain extensively, you can even add an in-ground wine cellar close to the area.

Preparation Space: Every good cook needs somewhere to prepare the food and create tasty dishes.  How much space you need will depend on the chef in the family.  Minimal space is required for burgers and hot dogs. More extensive space will be needed to cook Steak Diane using diced mushrooms, shallots, fresh herbs and the juice of a lemon. The space should be washable, not only to avoid dust and leaves from the environment, but also to avoid contamination from meat products. Running water is also necessary so that you can wash your hands and the utensils.

Seating: If you have the basics of a kitchen organized, the rest can be added on to customize the area.  Outdoor cooking is a social event so some sort of seating for the guests is needed.  Some people want casual seating in the area, others prefer bar type seats. Some want sofas so that they can watch the game outdoors too. A large outdoor area can accommodate a mix of seating.

Lighting: If you plan on using the kitchen at night, or even dusk, then some form of additional light source will be needed.  Safely illuminate both the cooking area and the walkways particularly if you are near a pool.

Permits and other logistics: Putting a simple grill in the back yard will not invoke any wrath from neighbors but building a full outdoor cooking and dining area may.  Permanent fixtures that involve brick and mortar will need permits, and doubtless you will need permission from the subdivision authority too.  The fixture may look great from your side of the fence, but your neighbor may not be pleased if they have a brick wall constructed outside their picture window.

Grilling and other outdoor cooking keeps the heat out of the kitchen and tends to be more relaxed and social than formal indoor meals. Having a convenient place outdoors to entertain and cook will enhance the experience, and if done well will also add value to your home.

For suggestions for great meals to cook on the grill try: http://www.sizzleonthegrill.com/blog/