Woah! Why are we talking about outdoor kitchens when we're just starting the fall season? Because now is the time to start planning your outdoor kitchen project so it's ready for spring and summer next year!
Planning the perfect outdoor kitchen for your yard takes planning, but we've compiled some resources below to help make it easier.
How do you use your outdoor kitchen?
The first step in designing the perfect outdoor kitchen is understanding how you use (or want to use) the space. You may only need a small BBQ or want more outdoor appliances to make outdoor cooking easier, including fridges, freezers, and other cooking conveniences.
For inspiration, browse our selection of outdoor appliances.
Know your dimensions
The space you have available for appliances is a critical factor to know early in your inspiration and design process. Be sure that you have accounted for the following:
- Eating and outdoor seating
- Pathways to walk around
- Proximity to other structures (house sidings, sheds, fences)
- Space for decor, plants, or other foliage
- Heating options (such as an infrared heater)
Take accurate measurements of your entire space, noting any other structures and furniture you wish to stay in your design (such as an existing patio table or conversation set). As the old saying goes, always “measure twice, cut once” to ensure your measurements are accurate.
Outdoor kitchen essentials
While your dream outdoor kitchen will be unique to you, here are some standard outdoor kitchen essentials to consider:
- Cooking appliances: You'll want to choose a BBQ or portable grill. If you plan to do more cooking outside, consider adding a side burner to your BBQ to cook side dishes or sauces without returning indoors.
- Food and drink storage: Many outdoor chefs enjoy having everything they need at their fingertips without running back and forth from their indoor kitchen. Consider adding a built-in small fridge or freezer to store essentials, condiments, and beverages within reach.
- Do you need ventilation? If your outdoor kitchen is wholly or partially enclosed, it may be important to install a ventilation hood over your cooking surface to remove smoke and odour from your patio.
- Eating and sitting areas: Do you want a more “formal” eating area with a table, an outdoor couch set and coffee table, or bar-like seating? Ensure you have left space for relaxation and eating in your outdoor space.
- Other outdoor cooking accessories: Other items you may want to have in your space may include a small sink, dish storage, ice maker, built-in counters and cabinets, and a heating solution.
Why you should start planning now
Here are our top three reasons you should be thinking about your 2024 outdoor kitchen now:
- Design consultants are less busy: Starting your design in the “off-season” usually means your design consultants and appliance experts are less busy. Most people think about their outdoor kitchen only when the weather gets warm. But, it would help if you often had a couple of months lead time for design, ordering, and installation, so starting now ensures you don't miss the start of the grilling season next year.
- It takes time to order: Not all appliances are ready same-day. They could take several weeks to months to arrive. Then, you need to schedule installation for a time that works for you and your installer. Starting now is ideal to help ensure your kitchen appliances are ready before spring grilling season begins.
- You can create a 4-season outdoor kitchen: Who says an outdoor kitchen is for summer-only use? With the right planning, you can create an outdoor kitchen that you can use year-round…including on Christmas! If you plan for a 4-season kitchen in our west coast weather, we'd suggest including infrared heating and fully- or partially-enclosed outdoor spaces to protect from the elements. For heating, you can get a freestanding infrared heater or attach it to nearby beams or wall supports. A stylish fire table is also a great option if you sit outside in the colder months.
Book an outdoor kitchen design consultation
The possibilities for your unique outdoor kitchen are endless. With West Coast Appliance Gallery, we have an easy, three-step process to designing and creating the outdoor kitchen of your dreams:
Step 1: Complimentary design consultation
Have a vision and need help refining it? Have no idea where to start? Our free design consultation services help you capture your vision and answer your questions. We'll also explain our design and implementation process.
Length: 30-60 minutes
Investment: Free!
Step 2: Custom design
We use our custom Pro-Fit software to design a 3D model of your outdoor kitchen space so you can see the options available. The cost of this custom design can be applied toward your appliance purchase from WCA.
Length: ~ 1 month
Investment:: $499 (can be applied as a deposit towards appliance purchase)
Step 3: Delivery and installation
Once you pick your final kitchen design, we'll order your appliances and arrange to install your new outdoor kitchen.
Length: Depending on the appliance, some can take 1-2 months to arrive.
Investment:: Based on the purchase price of appliances (minus $499 design deposit)
Learn more about our custom design consultation and design services today, and book your consultation now.
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