Summertime is the perfect time to redecorate your backyard in preparation for all the outdoor activities you’ll be enjoying. If you’re looking for some New England-inspired outdoor kitchen ideas, look no further! In this post, we’ll share some tips and ideas for creating a beautiful and functional outdoor cooking space. So, get ready to fire up the grill and start planning your new backyard oasis!

New England homeowners love spending time outdoors, and an outdoor kitchen can make summertime entertaining a breeze. If you’re considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, there are endless possibilities to choose from. Here are some great ideas for creating an outdoor kitchen that will make your friends and family green with envy.

The Benefits of Cooking Outdoors

There are many benefits to cooking outdoors, including the ability to enjoy the fresh air and the ambiance of being surrounded by nature. Cooking outdoors also eliminates the need to heat up your kitchen, which can be a major plus in the summertime. Plus, you can accommodate more guests outside generally than indoors. As evening sets, you may get to enjoy a nice meteor shower or fireworks display. Most New Englanders really cherish the summer weather and love to entertain outside.

Cooking Options

One of the most important aspects of any outdoor kitchen is the cooking area. If you love to barbecue, consider installing a built-in grill or smoker. For those who prefer to cook on gas with a side burner for cooking pasta or boiling corn or charcoal with all the many wood and mesquite smoke options, there are many outdoor kitchen choices in all shapes and sizes – it all depends on your needs and desires. Outdoor kitchens can also include features such as a pizza oven which can cook several better-than-delivery pizzas very quickly!

Outdoor Amenities

An under-counter fridge or portable fridge is a nice touch, especially if it’s equipped with an ice maker. Or simply have large buckets or coolers for packing food and drinks with ice – no more running back and forth to the house for all the salads and condiments and making drinks!

If you entertain often, you may want to include a sink and prep area for food preparation. If you’re not ready to commit to a full-fledged outdoor kitchen, you can still enjoy many of the same benefits by creating a makeshift sink area. This can save your guests from having to go inside to wash sticky BBQ and melted ice cream off their hands. Simply install a durable outdoor faucet and connect it to a hose that runs into a sink mounted within a basic portable table with PVC and a bucket to catch water or run the PVC downhill toward a drainage ditch.  You can also purchase a portable sink washing stations that can be stored in the shed or garage. Now you have a sink for washing hands!

Overhead Protection

If you’re outdoor space is not covered with a porch roof, a gazebo, pavilion, or pergola to protect your guests in case of that late day thunder or sudden rainstorm would be a great addition to your outdoor entertaining areas.  In addition to overhead protection for rain, it will also provide shade if your backyard is particularly sunny, especially during peak sunny hours between 10am and 4pm.  If you’re having a large gathering, you may consider a big top rental tent including tables and chairs. Hey, the rental company will set it up and take it down. Bonus!

Outdoor Lighting

Lighting is another important consideration for your outdoor kitchen. String lights are a popular option, if you have a roof shelter or pergola, you may also want to install recessed lighting or pendant lights over the dining area. And don’t forget about ambiance – candles are always a nice touch.

Outdoor heaters or a fire pit are also a nice addition for cooler evenings as well as lighting the space. And don’t forget about making S’mores when the fire gets low!

Outdoor Seating

Comfort for your guests is key when entertaining outdoors. Be sure to include plenty of seating and perhaps a few umbrellas or a pavilion or gazebo for a more permanent structure for shade and shelter. One of the great things about outdoor furniture is that it comes in all shapes and sizes – perfect for any space, no matter how large or small.

If you’re tight on space, like a deck consider using built-in furniture or opting for a modular set that can be rearranged to suit your needs. For larger outdoor areas, built-in benches and chairs are a great way to maximize seating without sacrificing style. And don’t forget about cushions and pillows! They’ll add comfort and color to your outdoor space.

NE Themed Outdoor Kitchens

For those who want to channel their inner Yankee, a classic clambake or fish boil is the perfect way to enjoy the bounty of the sea. And what could be more quintessential New England than a lobster bake? If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at smoking your own fish or meats. Or, if you prefer to keep it simple, a gas grill or fire pit for your NE fish boil. Picture your guests sitting at a red and white checkered tablecloth over lined up picnic tables sipping iced tea while your favorite fish dish is brewing, don’t forget the lobster crackers and bibs! And of course, a game of horseshoes or croquet is a must!

Don’t Forget the Mosquitoes!

If your kitchen space is on a covered porch, or gazebo consider having it screened in for bug protection for your guest and dining enjoyment. If your outdoor kitchen is on a patio or open deck then consider using citronella torches or candles, best when placed on the outer skirts of the space. And bonus! As they produce extra lighting for guests to walk around.

Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason!

They offer a variety of benefits that you can’t get from cooking indoors. From the bonus of fresh air and Vitamin D to the fun social atmosphere, an outdoor kitchen is a great way to upgrade your backyard. We’ve given you some ideas on different ways to cook outdoors as well as some must-haves like seating and lighting. If you’re looking for a custom backyard pavilion, pergola, or gazebo, browse our product selection today to find the perfect structure for your backyard entertaining!

No matter what style of outdoor kitchen you choose, remember to have fun and enjoy the process! After all, that’s what entertaining is all about. With a little planning and effort, you can create an Outdoor kitchen that will make all your neighbors jealous. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and enjoy many summers of al fresco dining and entertaining.