With the warm sun and fresh air beckoning us all outdoors, it hardly makes sense to cook meals indoors. Regardless of how big or how small your outdoor kitchen will or may be, below are the absolutely essentials that will help you get the very most out of your outdoor cooking experience:

Coverage

Though not a particularly thrilling consideration, changes in weather as well as temperature can make all difference to how well used and effective your outdoor kitchen is. Your outdoor kitchen should have at least some coverage, ideally having a roof over your outdoor kitchen appliances to keep them safe from the elements and preferably over the dining area.

Storage Areas

The main reason why homeowners choose to build an outdoor kitchen is because it saves them from running in and out of the house when dining al fresco. Your outdoor kitchen should be well equipped with all of the essentials, meaning you will need to consider having spaces for items to be set and stored. When designing your kitchen, think about:

• Counter space
• Cabinets
• Drawers

Ideally your countertops should be made of a combination of stone and steal. Not only is this type of countertop stylish, but it is resilient, smooth, and a cinch to clean.

Ambiance

Your outdoor kitchen is going to be the primary location for entertaining family and friends during these warmer months. Make use of specialty lighting, tables, chairs and decorative objects to set the tone of this space and to make it more welcoming.

• Select as large a table as possible (any extra space can be used to set up a buffet, desserts, etc.)
• Try to find stackable chairs (these will store more easily in the winter)
• Consider including a water feature near your outdoor kitchen to create an idyllic spot to unwind

Take a look at the Shasta Lifestyle blog for more backyard landscaping tips!

Shasta Pools is a Phoenix pool builder who provides a variety of services including swimming pool remodeling, commercial pool building, and pool service and repair. Since its establishment in 1967, Shasta has helped over 80,000 families realize their dream of pool ownership. By providing exceptional value, quality craftsmanship and superior customer service, the Shasta team continues to fulfill the corporate mission of astonishing and delighting their customers and exceeding expectations. You can learn more about Shasta Pools & Spas by visiting them online, or by connecting with them on Facebook or Twitter.