7 Do’s and Don’ts for Outdoor Kitchens

San Diego gets about 263 days of sun per year. What does this mean for home remodeling?

More outdoor kitchens! There’s nothing better than dining al fresco, particularly when it involves beautiful ocean views. It’s also a great place to entertain friends and family, and at the end of the night, it’s a breeze to clean up.

Read on for 6 outdoor kitchen do’s and don’ts to get you started on the dining room of your dreams. And if you’re ready to make your plans concrete, get in touch with the experts at Design Studio West!

1. Do spring for a pizza oven.

You may think that a pizza oven’s unnecessary, but the moment you bite into a crispy slice hot out of the brick oven, you’ll rethink that notion. Not only are pizza ovens unique, but they are also versatile. Bake bread, roast meat and veggies, or grill seafood—wood fired ovens will give your creations a crispy, smoked, perfectly-cooked texture you won’t get anywhere else.

2. Don’t skip the warming drawer.

This is one little luxury you’ll thank yourself for later. Fluctuating outdoor temperatures mean food might not stay warm for very long. The warming drawer is also a great place to keep plates before you serve dinner—there’s nothing like an ice-cold plate to spoil a nice meal!

3. Do buy stainless steel appliances.

Stainless steel is so durable, it’s perfect for outdoor kitchens. Not only is it attractive and sleek, it also resists stains, corrosion, rust, and bacteria. Get matching stainless steel appliances, and you’ll enjoy an easy cleaning experience. Take note: there are different grades of stainless steel, which affects the durability of the material Make sure you pick the right grade for your weather conditions. Not sure? Discuss this with one of our design and remodeling experts.

4. Don’t underestimate a good patio heater.

Even San Diegans get cold sometimes, and it’s not so pleasant to host an outside party when it’s unexpectedly chilly. You can choose from standing heaters or mounted heaters—either way, a good patio heater ensures that you’ll be able to sit outside even if temperatures dip into “sweater” territory. If you choose a high quality one now, it will last for years.

5. Don’t restrict materials.

Just because you’re remodeling outside doesn’t mean you have to be spartan with materials. If you live in milder weather, you have plenty of room to expand your creativity to the outdoors. Incorporate beautiful tile detail work, stone, and more for a unique look that will extend your home’s interior design.

6. Do hang utensils for more space.

Choose a spot that’s away from sunlight or direct elements if possible. It’s a great place for sturdy pizza oven paddles, bbq tools, and more. Utilize vertical space, and you’ll enjoy more space for those birthday candles and supplies under the counter.

7. Do make sure you have proper ventilation.

This is a huge part of making your outdoor kitchen a success. If all of your bbq and pizza oven smoke heads right into the house and lingers for days, you’ll be less likely to use your outdoor kitchen in the future. Make sure you add in the proper ventilation for whatever you cook, and make sure it’s strong enough to direct smoke up and away from your home. This is also where a good outdoor kitchen plan comes in—if your appliances are in the right spots, you should naturally have less smoke to deal with.

Ready to get started planning your outdoor kitchen? At Design Studio West, we have an integrated design and remodeling team, so we’ll never skip the details on your remodel. You’ll notice a smooth process from beginning to end. Get in touch with us today to get started.