As you do your research into building the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, you'll find that there are so many options out there that it's easy to get lost.
Max Lavoie, co-founder of BBQ Québec and seasoned BBQ Guru, has been helping clients build their outdoor kitchen for several years now and it is with his experience that he presents the TOP 5 elements that should be in your outdoor kitchen.
Typically, when a client is planning their outdoor kitchen project, the choice of whether or not to have a refrigerator included in their outdoor kitchen almost always depends on its proximity to the indoor kitchen.
In fact, customers who build their outdoor kitchen right next to their house often see very little use in having another one outside, unlike those who build far from their property. In our experience, adding an outdoor refrigerator completely changes the way you use your kitchen.
You can obviously put the drinks you need during the day there, but also everything you need for your cooking. This will create two completely separate spaces, which will prevent you from spending your time between the inside and the outside and therefore enjoy maximum time around your barbecue and/or with your friends.
Finally, interestingly, it is wrong to think that you have to bring your refrigerator inside for the winter. If you choose a quality refrigerator designed for the outdoors, you will never have to take it out of its original location.
Of all the suggestions, this one is the most essential!
Of course, this accessory is no sexier to sell than it is to buy, but anyone who has tried to take out a trash bag for a day outside can understand the importance of this detail. Don't neglect it, especially since there is a way to integrate it behind the door of a cabinet provided for this purpose.
The design of your outdoor kitchen will therefore not be affected.
Still with the aim of avoiding creating an incomplete outdoor kitchen, adding integrated storage to your outdoor kitchen will allow you to always have everything you need to cook, without ever having to go inside.
It can be a single drawer, but also a set of three drawers hidden behind a door.
In order to understand which option is best for you, we suggest you list the barbecue tools you want to store in this space and, if necessary, measure them.
This last step may seem like overkill, but keep in mind that you have or may have tools that are very long or very wide.
As an example, we think of the rotisserie . which allows you to make rotisseries worthy of the greatest restaurants. The main rod is very long and you have to think about it when creating the storage space.
When you host outside, you often have to host a lot of people at once. Whether you're making hamburgers or tomahawks, it's always difficult to serve all of your guests at the same time, or have everything hot at the same time.
In other words, this addition to your outdoor kitchen will have the effect of considerably improving your qualities as a host. That's not insignificant!
photo credit: Firemagic electric heater
Soon after you integrate the refrigerator into your outdoor kitchen, you will realize that its use goes to the foods that will be used to prepare the meal. You may also notice that your guests tend not to want to open the refrigerator door out of politeness.
If you are one of those who will take advantage of their outdoor kitchen to entertain family and friends, you must integrate a cocktail station. It is in fact a waterproof, easy-to-maintain and user-friendly ice tray that will present the drink choices to your guests.
In addition, depending on some models, you can have a built-in cutting board, bins for your favorite citrus fruits, a napkin holder and much more. Don't hesitate to get inspired, your seller will be happy to find the ideal cocktail space for you.
photo credit: google (outdoor bar blaze)
With these “must haves” carefully chosen by BBQ Guru Max Lavoie, you will have a complete, useful and unique outdoor kitchen.
Do you have any questions after reading this article? We will be happy to answer them as soon as possible. We have been contributing to the realization of our clients' projects for several years now and it is with our expertise that we will be able to discuss your project with you.
By email: sebastien@bbqquebec.com