Designing Your Grill Station for an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens have been all the rage in the past few years. It’s not just that the pandemic initially drove people to socialize outside. Once they were out there, many Americans found that grilling, cooking, and entertaining outdoors is easy, fun, and relaxing.

Fall is approaching, but that doesn’t mean homeowners need to wait until next year to start working on their outdoor kitchen designs. If anything, early fall is the perfect time to install an outdoor kitchen. It’s usually more affordable to find hardscaping contractors in the off-season, and less oppressively hot for homeowners who want to take a DIY approach.

 

Every Outdoor Kitchen Needs a Grill Station

There are few things more American than grilling burgers and hot dogs at a family barbecue, but needless to say, that requires a grill. Homeowners will have plenty of options when it comes to choosing accessories, seating, and other fun features, but the grill station will form the heart of the outdoor kitchen.

What Is a Grill Station?

Before discussing specific grill station ideas for your outdoor kitchen, it’s worth taking a moment to nail down terms. Everyone knows what a barbecue grill is, but for most people, the word “grill” calls to mind cart models designed theoretically to be moveable. These freestanding grills provide little to no workspace, which means outdoor chefs have to do prep work and even wash hands inside instead of outdoors where all the fun is happening. Outdoor grill stations include everything required to throw an amazing barbecue right in the same place.

Know the Types of Grill Stations

Some types of grill stations can be installed easily by any homeowner with basic tools, while others require hiring a contractor. In order of skill level required for assembly, types of grill stations include:

Modular

Prefabricated

Ready-to-finish

Built-from-scratch

There’s also a better option. A ready-to-assemble grill station kit will come with everything required for easy installation, but will still offer homeowners the chance to customize their outdoor kitchens.

Learn About Fuel Sources

Traditional barbecue grills are made to burn charcoal, but that doesn’t mean homeowners have to settle for this messy and imprecise grilling method. These days, there are plenty of better options.

Electric Grills

Electric grills are great for homeowners who live in areas with fire restrictions in place. They look and function like normal grills but do not have a flame.

Pellet Grills

Compared to charcoal briquets, wood pellets are less messy and more versatile. They can be used not just to grill food but also to sear, smoke, or even bake it. 

Gas Grills

Freestanding grills are often fueled by portable propane tanks, while permanently installed grill islands can be hooked into a home’s natural gas lines for maximum convenience. Either way, gas grills are easy to light and require next to no maintenance.

Check Out Existing Designs

When it comes to designing grill stations, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Homeowners should have no trouble finding inspiration online or even in their neighbors’ backyards. Start paying attention to outdoor kitchen designs and what they include. Common grill station accessories include:

 Sinks

Smokers

Pizza ovens

Extra counter space

Bars

And more

Designing an Outdoor Kitchen Should Be Fun

Homeowners should remember that designing and using outdoor kitchens is supposed to be fun, not a hassle. Take the time to brainstorm first before checking out specific kits and products. That way, it will be easier to find a grill station that fits the space perfectly.

Sharing is caring!