Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor cooking spaces. Whether you’re an amateur or professional chef, there’s nothing quite like cooking outdoors. If you’re looking to create an exquisite outdoor cooking space, here are some tips to get you started!
Buy The Right Appliances
You will need to equip this as well as you possibly can. Having a high-quality refrigerator will ensure not just that you can keep the food you cook outside, but also keep your drinks clean during cookouts. Good kitchen tech is just as important for outdoor activities.
The appliances should suit the outdoor cooking space that you have. If you have a small space, buying a huge grill would not be ideal. Likewise, if you have a large space, buying a tiny grill would not make much sense either.
Choose wisely based on the amount of food you will typically cook and the number of people you typically cook for. Another important factor to consider is how easy the appliance is to use and clean. No one wants to spend hours trying to figure out how to operate their grill or cleaning it after every use.
Find A Good Location
Cookouts have become an integral part of society, so you need to ensure maximum enjoyment. This starts with deciding where you will set up your outdoor cooking space. The location you choose will determine the amount of sunlight or shade you get, how to level the ground, and whether there are any obstacles in the way. All of these factors will affect your cooking experience, so it’s important to take them into consideration.
Once you have found a good location, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of outdoor cooking space you want to create. Do you want a simple setup with just a grill, or do you want something more elaborate? Perhaps you want an outdoor kitchen complete with a sink, countertop space, and storage for all of your cooking supplies.
Create A Layout
Before you start cooking outdoors, you need to create a layout. This is important because you want to make sure that your outdoor cooking space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. To do this, you need to consider the following factors:
- The size of your outdoor cooking space
- The shape of your outdoor cooking space
- The location of your outdoor cooking space
- The type of outdoor cooker that you will be using
- The number of people that you will be cooking for
- Your budget
This step is important because it will help you determine what type of outdoor cooker you need and how many people you can cook for. It will also help you determine the size and shape of your outdoor cooking space.
Get The Right Tools
You’ll also need to equip your toolbox in order to build the outdoor cooking space of your dreams. A few basics include a level, measuring tape, saws, and hammers. If you don’t have these tools on hand, consider renting or borrowing them from a friend. With the right tools in tow, you’ll be ready to take on any project, no matter how big or small.
For example, you’ll need a saw, hammer, and measuring tape to put up a privacy fence. If you’re not sure how to use these tools, there are plenty of resources available online and in home improvement stores that can help you get started.
Shelter The Area
It’s also important to protect your outdoor cooking space from the elements. If you have a shelter or covered area, great! You can use this as your main cooking space. If not, consider setting up a tarp or canopy to provide some shade and shelter from the rain. This will help keep your food and utensils dry and make it more comfortable for you to cook outdoors.
Another way to shelter your cooking area is to build a simple lean-to out of lumber or recycled materials. This can be a quick and easy project that will make a big difference in how pleasant it is to cook outdoors.
Light Up The Space
To ensure you can do these activities at night as well as during the day, lighting is key. You don’t need to go overboard and spend a fortune on lighting fixtures. A few well-placed outdoor lights can do the trick. If you want to get really creative, you can even string up some fairy lights for a magical touch.
For example, lighting up the space underneath your pergola or gazebo can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. If you have trees in your outdoor cooking area, hanging lanterns from their branches is a beautiful way to add lighting.
An outdoor cooking space is a great addition to your home allowing for much more fun and flexibility. Get the right appliances and settle on the location in your garden. Create a project layout and gather the tools you’ll need. Shelter the area well and make sure that you have proper lighting for nighttime cookouts. Have fun!