In this informative video, titled “How to design an outdoor Kitchen (what have I learned over the years?),” Embers Fireplaces & Outdoor Living provides valuable insight into the key elements to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen. They emphasize starting with the main grill and building the rest of the kitchen around it. Storage is highlighted as an important factor for easy access to grilling supplies without cluttering indoor spaces. The video also discusses the practicality of various appliances, such as a kegerator station, eco grill, griddle grill, and Kamado grill, offering valuable opinions and suggestions. Embers Living extends an invitation to visit their showroom in Denver, Colorado and shares details of the speaker’s personal outdoor kitchen setup. Don’t miss this engaging and informative video for expert advice on designing the perfect outdoor kitchen!

Get ready for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Trevor’s personal outdoor kitchen in this video by Embers Living. Trevor shares his experiences, preferences, and honest feedback on various components of his outdoor kitchen setup. From his main cooking device, the Memphis Elite pellet smoker, to the desire for a gas grill for its convenience and high heat, Trevor offers helpful insights and recommendations. He emphasizes the importance of storage, a pull-out trash station, and outdoor refrigeration, such as a beverage center, in keeping the outdoor space organized and functional. Trevor also talks about his plans for a new and improved outdoor kitchen setup, leaving viewers eager to learn more about his upcoming design. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and stay tuned for more exciting updates from Embers Living!

How to Design an Outdoor Kitchen: Lessons Learned Over the Years

Main Grill

When designing your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to start with the main grill. This is the centerpiece of your setup and will dictate the rest of your design choices. Consider different types of grills, such as gas, pellet, or charcoal, and choose the one that best suits your cooking style and preferences. Think about the size and features you need, such as the cooking area size, temperature control options, and additional features like side burners or warming racks.

Storage

storage is an essential element of any outdoor kitchen. It allows you to keep all your grilling supplies and utensils organized and easily accessible. Instead of cluttering your indoor spaces with BBQ items, choose storage options specifically designed for outdoor use. This way, you can have your tools and supplies right where you need them while keeping your indoor spaces tidy. Consider storage drawers and cabinets that provide ample space for items of various sizes and shapes.

An additional recommendation for storage is to include a pull-out trash station in your outdoor kitchen. This will help keep your patio clean and tidy by providing a convenient place to dispose of waste without the need to constantly go back inside.

Outdoor Refrigeration

outdoor refrigeration is an essential component of any outdoor kitchen, especially if you enjoy hosting gatherings and parties. It is crucial for keeping drinks cool and easily accessible for you and your guests. Consider investing in a beverage center, specifically designed to hold and chill drinks. This will prevent overcrowding your indoor fridge and ensure you always have cold beverages ready for your outdoor events.

Another option to consider is a drawer-style refrigerator, which provides additional storage space for food items that need to be kept chilled. This can be particularly useful if you plan on preparing and storing food outdoors for extended periods.

Kegerator Station

While a kegerator station may seem like a fun and exciting addition to your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to question its practicality. Will you truly make use of it on a regular basis? If not, it may be more of a luxury item than a necessity. If you find that you won’t be utilizing a kegerator station frequently, it might be best to skip this addition and allocate your space and budget towards other components of your outdoor kitchen.

Eco Grill

The eco grill is an individual piece that deserves praise for its unique design and functionality. However, it’s important to consider its limitations when it comes to built-in options. The circular shape of the eco grill can make it difficult to fully utilize in an outdoor kitchen setup. If you’re considering this type of grill, be mindful of your design plans and ensure that you have enough space to properly accommodate it.

Additional Grills

In addition to the main grill, there are other types of grills that you may want to consider incorporating into your outdoor kitchen. One popular option is the griddle grill, which provides a large cooking surface for preparing foods like pancakes, eggs, and stir-fries. This can add versatility to your outdoor cooking experience.

Another important grill to consider is the Kamado grill. Known for its excellent heat retention and versatility, the Kamado grill is great for grilling, smoking, and even baking. Its ceramic construction allows for consistent heat distribution and retention, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor kitchen.

Showroom Information

If you’re interested in seeing outdoor kitchen setups and products in person, visit the Embers Living showroom in Denver, Colorado. It’s located at 7705 W 108th Ave Westminster, CO 80021. This will give you the opportunity to explore different options, ask questions, and gather inspiration for your own outdoor kitchen design.

Personal Outdoor Kitchen Setup

Now let’s take a look at my personal outdoor kitchen setup and the components I’ve chosen based on my own preferences and needs. My main cooking device is the Memphis Elite pellet smoker. While I initially loved this smoker, I have come to prefer the convenience and high heat of a gas grill. Therefore, in my new outdoor kitchen, I plan to incorporate a gas grill instead.

Storage is crucial for me to keep my grilling supplies organized, so I have opted for storage drawers and cabinets in my outdoor kitchen. This allows me to have easy access to all the tools and utensils I need without cluttering my indoor spaces.

Maintaining cleanliness in my outdoor kitchen is important to me, so I have included a trash can and recycling bin in my setup. This ensures that waste can be disposed of properly, keeping the patio clean and tidy.

Refrigeration is a necessity for me to keep drinks chilled and ready for any outdoor gathering. I currently have a beverage center that holds drinks and keeps them cool, but in my new outdoor kitchen, I plan to include a drawer-style refrigerator for additional storage options.

While I enjoy cooking on a skillet top, I find the circular shape of the eco grill to be difficult to clean. Therefore, I am considering a different shape for the griddle grill in my new outdoor kitchen to ensure better functionality and ease of cleaning.

Lastly, I am contemplating the addition of an ice maker. While it can be considered a luxury item, it can be useful for keeping drinks cold, especially in warmer climates or during frequent outdoor entertaining.

Choosing an Outdoor Ice Maker

When deciding on an outdoor ice maker, consider factors such as your climate and frequency of use. If you live in a hot climate or frequently host outdoor events, an ice maker can be a useful addition to your outdoor kitchen. However, if you rarely use ice or live in a cooler climate, it may not be a necessary investment.

While an outdoor ice maker is considered a luxury item, it can greatly enhance your outdoor entertaining experience and provide convenience. Take into account your specific needs and usage patterns before making a final decision.

Conclusion

designing an outdoor kitchen is an exciting project that requires careful consideration of your needs and preferences. By starting with the main grill and building your design around it, you can create a functional and enjoyable outdoor cooking space.

Storage is essential to keep your grilling supplies organized and easily accessible, while outdoor refrigeration ensures that drinks are kept cool during gatherings. Consider the practicality of additional components such as kegerator stations and choose grills that align with your desired cooking styles, such as griddle and Kamado grills.

To gather more inspiration and see outdoor kitchen setups in person, visit the Embers Living showroom in Denver, Colorado. And with my own personal outdoor kitchen setup, I continue to learn and adapt my design to create the perfect space for cooking and entertaining outdoors. I’m excited for the new outdoor kitchen and the enjoyment it will bring to my cooking experiences. Now go out and design your own dream outdoor kitchen!