With everyone getting vaccinated and the pandemic hopefully coming to an end we are starting to see a spark in small outdoor gatherings! The timing could not be better as summer is right around the corner. If you have the luxury of having an outdoor kitchen then you know that these gatherings are so much fun. The freedom an outdoor kitchen offers you is second to none and truly an amazing experience.

This list is going to help you take your outdoor kitchen to the next level. We are going in with the assumption that you already have an amazing outdoor grill. Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, a grill is surely the centerpiece to your kitchen being elite.

1. Trash Drawer/Bin
2. I’m sure when you opened this posting you didn’t expect a trash drawer to be the first option listed, right? Well, let us help you understand the importance of having a proper outdoor kitchen trash bin. Firstly we would suggest thinking about the size and what you will be throwing away outdoors. If you plan on leaving these items overnight having a bin or drawer that is secured is ideal so pests and other critters won’t be able to get into it. If you have a trash drawer added into your countertop then being able to pull out and cleanse the bin so it doesn’t begin to stink and rot is super important. Not having to run inside with the mess you made and having the bins near you will save you a lot of time in the end. 
3. Compact Refrigerator
4. Compact or outdoor refrigerators are definitely a must-have on hot summer days. They will help keep your beverages cool and any prep items you might have safe and fresh for the grill. If you opt to prep inside a compact refrigerator will allow you to keep the steaks or vegetables you desire away from the heat. One item we were going to list but opted to leave off the list due to compact refrigerators serving the same purpose are wine coolers. You will have the ability to throw whatever wine, or adult beverage you’d like into this item as well. It is multi-purpose and truly a must-have. 
5. Pizza Ovens
6. Who doesn’t love pizza? If you’ve got the space and time to install one of these things, you will surely reap the benefits. These are great for family gatherings, easy to use, and fun for everyone involved. Homemade pizza is a meal that everyone loves and these are growing in popularity. Even if you want to use them for other meals outside of pizza you can. The options are endless so buckle up and enjoy this beautiful oven. 
7. Patio Heaters
8. Last summer this item was hard to find due to the number of restaurants taking advantage of outdoor dining. For small outdoor kitchens, all you will need is one patio heater to keep the entire family warm. Patio heaters offer a diversity that most regular fire pits don’t. They have the ability to stand, be mounted, include fire pits or chimeneas! Whether you get natural gas, propane, or wood-burning all of these options will be proficient in heating an outdoor space or covered porch. Some outdoor patio heaters will run you around $100 and some of the larger commercial-style will be around $500 depending on the size and demand at that time. 
9. Side Burner
10. Side burners are an item that has been around for a long time but still for some reason, not every outdoor kitchen has them. When making items like fajitas or burgers the crispy vegetables, and bacon are what make the dish. Having a side griddle or burner will allow you to have those on the go whenever you’re ready to do so. Having the ability to not leave the grill and cook simultaneously is the difference between you cooking a broad range of meals outside. 
11. BBQ & Outdoor Grill Hood
12. This item will make cooking and cleaning your outdoor kitchen so much easier than you ever thought it would be. It will help you keep the air fresh and your guest cozy and comfortable. The intense heat and smoke that would be going into the air are now going into the ventilation and keeping unwanted toxins, and grease from damaging the side of your home or ceiling. If you are hosting any gatherings then you will get a return on your investment, especially if it is a small or semi-enclosed area. Another hidden benefit is not having to clean appliances and surfaces as much as you previously did. All of the grease and oil that used to accumulate in the air are not being filtered out. They come in different sizes and are not that hard to install, if you haven’t already make sure you look into it! 
13. Warming Drawers
14. Never worry about serving a cold meal again with the help of warming drawers for your outdoor kitchen. Different models all come with separate features that allow you to control the temperature, humidity, and other factors that might affect the efficiency of your cooking. They are not just designed to keep the meat warm, it can help with vegetables or food that was prepped indoors as well. Once again this is another item that will help you maximize your efficiency in the outdoor kitchen. Having the ability to take out food and have it warmed and prepped no matter how long it has been off the grill is important!

All of these items are important to help you function at your best while utilizing the outdoor kitchen. Taking advantage of the valuable counter space available to you is important. Summer is coming and everyone will be looking forward to getting back together with family and friends to celebrate as much as we can.

Planet Stone has been serving Los Angeles area homes and businesses since 2005 and offers a variety of granite countertop, quartz countertop, and other countertop surfaces to fit any budget and style. With pricing starting at $29.99 per square foot for prefabricated granite, you can have the room of your dreams without breaking your budget!