Given Arizona’s proclivity for great weather, BBQ cooking and outdoor kitchens are a way of life for many desert dwellers. Planning is the key to success if you want to create an outdoor hub for your family meals.
Here are several steps you need to take before you begin.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Begin by earnestly asking yourself what your goals are. Envision yourself with the outdoor kitchen in place in your yard.
• Are you entertaining your family, friends, or both? How many people do you usually cook for?
• Are you envisioning preparing an entire meal outside or just the main course?
• Will you need outside food storage for dry goods or refrigeration for cold foods?
• Will you need storage for plates, eating utensils, and cooking utensils, including pots and pans?
Based on the answers to some of the questions above, consider the proximity of your outdoor cooking space to your indoor kitchen. Locating them close together might be better if you plan on preparing meals in both places. We suggest you write down your answers to help solidify the plan.
Choose Your Spot
The next step in having your outdoor kitchen come together is choosing where in your yard to build. Before making that decision, here are some things to consider.
• What space in your yard is available? Do you need to work around existing patios or a pool? Are there any landscape features you want to preserve?
• Do you want shade? Natural shade through trees and other plantings is a nice touch. There are several other ways to create shade for your space. Umbrellas and fabric covers are good choices, but a solid roof is best if you want to cook while it rains (it does rain occasionally).
• How far is access to utilities? If you want a sink, you will need access to water. If artificial lighting or power for appliances is required, then electrical access is needed as well.
Layout
Deciding the actual layout of counters, equipment, and storage takes thought.
First, let’s start with the thought that you are going to have multiple guests from time to time, and you want to cook most of the meal outside while entertaining.
• Ideally, your layout should be separate from the guest space to avoid conflicting movements. A great way to achieve this is to have a raised bar-like top on the opposite side of the work area. Folks can sit and visit while you work. No one likes to be in the kitchen alone!
• Cooking most of the meal outside will mean you will want accessible storage areas, both cold and dry. The well-known concept of the kitchen triangle, where a line connects the cooking surface, main sink, and refrigerator to form a triangle, works for inside and outside kitchens. The triangle layout provides for more efficient movement within the kitchen.
Next, consider a simpler scenario where you share meal prep with the indoor kitchen but still want space to prep and cook outside.
• A linear layout works well when the cooking area and a sink can be side by side. A space of about 18″ or 2′ on the counter between the sink and stovetop, barbeque or pizza oven.
• If you choose to have a barbecue grill or smoker only, a small surface nearby will help hold the plates that transfer the cooked meal, which would be helpful.
Equipment Selection
If you have ever walked into a big box store, particularly in the springtime, you may have noticed the plethora of available grills, cooking surfaces, and smokers.
Once you are armed with your plan, here are some tips.
• Decide which fuel source you will use for cooking. The fuel choices are charcoal, gas (natural or propane), or electrical.
• Cooking surfaces vary. Open grills and griddle surfaces will cook different foods. If you are going to BBQ steaks with veggies, then a combination of griddle and grill may be in your future.
• If you are baking, then choosing a separate oven or a combined barbeque and oven may be the way to go. The Big Green Egg is an excellent choice for an all-in-one unit that does it all.
• Refrigerators, cabinets, drawers, and all the cooking appliances mentioned need to be rated for outdoor exposure to the elements.
Rosie stopped by for a visit at Barbeques Galore and spoke with sales associate, Ramiz Cajic. Ramiz says that most outdoor kitchen appliances are stainless steel due to the ease of care, and the tolerance for outside conditions. Some people prefer black but Ramiz cautions that the black doors and appliances are powder coated steel, that are subject to rust if scratched.
• Countertops need to be able to stand the elements as well. Stone surfaces work best.
Make sure you read the specifications for all the devices you are considering to be sure they are compatible with outdoor use.
Benefits of Outdoor Cooking
A carefully planned outdoor kitchen can provide many benefits to you and your family.
• Fresh Air and an opportunity to connect in a relaxing setting with friends and family. We gotta admit, we love being outside. Make the outdoor dining season last even longer with heaters in the winter and misters or roll-around swamp coolers in the summer.
• Outdoor kitchens tend to use less energy. Ventilation is not needed, and the heat from cooking won’t cause your air conditioner to work harder.
Return On Investment
When we asked Dr. Google about this, most sources range the ROI in the 55% to as much as 200% return. Depending on where you are in Arizona, the return will be affected. The more the climate allows you to use the kitchen, the higher the return.
Outdoor cooking and living are popular in Arizona. If you have an outdoor kitchen and can share a photo with us, we would love to see them. Send the photos to info@rosieonthehouse.com.
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Homeowner Handbook | #BackyardBBQs
PODCAST
March 8th, 2025
Our Weekly To Do on Backyard BBQ and outdoor kitchens. Homeowner questions include pool replaster, paint or power wash aluminum siding, home history and plenty of kudos from listeners who trusted and used Rosie Certified partners for their house, home, castle or cabin.
Original Broadcast Archive Page With Expanded Content
PHOTO CREDIT
- Istock
- Rosie Right Design Build Remodel
- TheBigGreenEgg.com
Middle aged man burning food on a barbecue, back view
