You’re an avid cook. While you’ve been successfully cooking indoors for years, you’re looking to move things outside. As such, you’re hoping to create an outdoor kitchen.
Before you get started, though, you need some ideas. That’s where this article comes into the picture. Below, we’re going to provide you with four ideas for creating an outdoor kitchen for cooking healthy food like you’ve been envisioning.
1. Create a Counter with the Help of Gabions
If you’re going to have a successful outdoor kitchen, you’re going to need countertops. There are a number of ways to establish these; however, our recommendation is to use gabions.
Gabions are wired boxes that can hold rocks and other heavy objects. They serve as excellent foundations for countertops and can look stylish while doing so. They’re great for outdoor kitchens, as they’re both affordable and weather resistant.
2. Put It Under a Pergola
Another idea is to put your kitchen under a pergola—a wood structure containing a canopy that gives you a slight amount of shade but still allows for sunlight to peek through.
However, shade isn’t the only benefit you’ll get from a pergola. This structure also helps to visually contain an outdoor kitchen. It brings a feeling of completeness, ultimately making your kitchen more pleasing to the eye and more relaxing to cook in.
You can find pergolas at home improvement stores and online retail stores. You could also make a pergola yourself if you’re up to the challenge.
3. Install a Fireplace
A kitchen is all about cooking. So, why not outfit your kitchen with as many cooking methods as possible? Grills are a classic, useful choice; however, you could also change up your cooking by installing a fireplace.
Adding a fireplace offers a comfortable and rustic way of cooking your meals. You’ll also enjoy a bit of ambiance and the option to use your outdoor kitchen space year-round.
As an alternative to a fireplace, you could instead install a wood brick pizza oven. This way, you can make top-quality healthy pizza from the comfort of your backyard.
4. Establish a Patio
Our last piece of advice is to establish a patio. Adding a patio will provide you with a comfortable, level place to sit and enjoy your meals. It will also help to section off your kitchen from the rest of your yard.
You can make an outdoor kitchen patio out of a number of different materials. You could settle for standard concrete; on the other hand, you could opt for pavers, stones or bricks.
You might even consider incorporating some artificial turf. This gives your kitchen area an outdoor feel but with indoor comfort. With the right details, your patio can become a picturesque picnic area to enjoy all your delicious creations.
In truth, there’s an endless well of ideas you can integrate into an outdoor kitchen. The ideas above are just a starting point on how to create an outdoor kitchen for cooking healthy food.
As you plan, keep your favorite meals and cooking methods in mind. Maybe you’re picturing a fireplace and a smoker to cook up delicious meats. Or perhaps you’re dreaming of a deluxe grill for veggies and burgers topped with delicious sprouts. Whatever you’re envisioning, do your research and brainstorm—your ideal outdoor kitchen is right around the corner!
About the Author
George Reynolds
Nature Jim's Sprouts Owner and CEO
Since 1996, George has been working hands on with all thing’s spouts, sprouting and sprouting seeds. He is also a natural health and well-being enthusiast who believes in the power of good health habits. George’s focus on healthy food, nutrition and exercise aligns perfectly with his many years of professional experience as the President of Nature Jim’s Sprouts and Reynolds Industries.
George firmly believes in the health benefits of sprouts and makes them a part of his daily diet. His favorite way to eat sprouts is raw and on sandwiches and salads.
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