Have you ever watched those cooking reality shows and wondered why everyone seems to be having such a good time cooking out on the grill? Maybe you’ve even seen a few barbecue cook-offs on TV and thought, “I’d love to do that!”. Grandma is the only one who likes to grill when you have company over, so you might as well be the one who gets to do it for once!

If you think about it, grilling outdoors isn’t that much harder than cooking indoors; as a matter of fact, the breeze on your face and the sun shining down on you while you cook can be incredibly relaxing. Not to mention, the food just tastes better when it’s cooked outdoors!

If you’re ready to start cooking outside, here are six steps to help you get started on your dream of an outdoor kitchen.

1. Pick The Right Spot

The best place for your outdoor kitchen is the one that you use the most. The backyard might be full of memories for your family, but if it’s mostly just grass and not much else, it’s not the best spot for your new kitchen. Consider your yard and what would be the most functional area for you. First, think about what type of cooking you’ll be doing. If you’re mostly grilling, then you’ll want to put your kitchen close to the grill. If you’ll be using a smoker or an oven, then you’ll want to put it in a spot where it will get plenty of sun, but it won’t get in the way of your guests.

2. Get The Right Supplies

Just like your indoor kitchen, you’ll need some basic supplies for your outdoor kitchen. You’ll need pots and pans, utensils, plates, glasses, and of course, a stovetop and oven. If you’re going to be using a smoker or grill, you’ll also need charcoal, wood, or propane. Gas grills are the easiest to use and are perfect for beginners, while smokers can take a little more practice to get the hang of. Make sure to stock up on all of your supplies before you start cooking outdoors!

3. Draw Up The Blueprints

Now that you’ve chosen a spot for your new outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to plan what it will look like. Are you going to have a grill or a smoker? Where are you going to put the oven? How many burners will you need on your stovetop? Once you know what you want, it’s time to get out your pencil and paper and get to work. Ideally, what you need is someone with experience to help you fabricate the perfect custom outdoor kitchen design to suit your space and also the vision you have in mind. Unlike any other kind of design, outdoor kitchens take a lot of thought and work because you want something functional that will allow you to cook efficiently. This means the materials have to be suitable for the climate that you’re in and the design needs to be done in a way that not only looks great, but works perfectly as well.  

4. Choose The Right Appliances

Not all appliances are made for outdoor use. If you want to start grilling or smoking right away, you’ll need to think about what type of grill or smoker you want. Consider getting appliances that are made to withstand outdoor weather changes and won’t easily rust or get damaged. You want everything to run smoothly when you are preparing meals and entertaining guests. For this reason, it is important to choose appliances that are durable and weatherproof.

5. Hang Outdoor Decor

No outdoor kitchen is complete without the right decor! Potted plants, a nice patio set, and some string lights can all help to make your outdoor kitchen feel like a true extension of your home. Don’t forget a nice exterior light over your cooking area and some lanterns that you can use when it gets dark. After you’ve hung up some outdoor art, your outdoor kitchen will be almost ready for cooking!

6. Plan Your Meals

Now that you have everything set up, it’s time to start cooking! The best way to get started is by planning out a few meals that you’d like to cook. If you’re just starting, keep it simple, with a little bit of everything. Cook up some burgers and hot dogs for the first day, and then as you progress, move on to some chicken or steak dishes. You can try out some new recipes or go with old classics. If you don’t know what to make, there’s no shame in looking up some ideas online. With a little bit of planning, you’ll be grilling and smoking in no time!

We hope that these steps can help with your dream of an outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re a novice griller, a pitmaster, or somewhere in between, an outdoor kitchen can add a new level of fun and excitement to your cooking. Start small and work your way up until you have a kitchen outside that can rival even the best chefs. With just a little bit of planning and preparation, you’ll be grilling up some delicious steaks in no time!