Outdoor Kitchen Design: 8 Critical Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Outdoor Kitchen Design: 6 Critical Mistakes
Do you aspire to cook outdoors while spending quality time with family and friends in pleasant weather? We understand the appeal of this experience. However, before you begin, we advise you to carefully review this guide.
This blog was written by the Fesfoc principal engineering manager. He is an engineer with over 20 years of experience in designing and manufacturing high-end outdoor kitchens with luxurious finishes and professional features. We hope you will find this guide is of use to you.
When purchasing a summer kitchen, it is important to consider various factors to ensure that the investment is both prudent and aligns with your desired design and functionality.
It is important to consider not only the appliance itself, but also the installation process. In this blog, we will reveal the secrets to ensuring that your outdoor kitchen meets and exceeds all of your expectations and is truly a spectacular addition to your home.
What are the key missteps to avoid when purchasing an outdoor kitchen?
Key missteps to avoid when purchasing an outdoor kitchen
How to Design a Premium Outdoor Kitchen?
Once the location for your outdoor kitchen has been selected and the dimensions have been defined, the next step is to design and place the various components and the geometry of your outdoor kitchen. Please contact us if you require assistance with this process.
If you require further information on how to select an appropriate location for your summer kitchen in your garden or terrace, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please refer to this link for further details.
outdoor kitchen with charcoal grill
What is the Best Layout for your Outdoor Kitchen?
The majority of clients opt for linear designs, which typically span between 8 and 12 feet in length. These outdoor kitchen configurations are highly functional and offer a variety of practical features. You may choose to situate your outdoor kitchen either against a wall or in the center of your garden or terrace. In this instance, you have the option of equipping your outdoor island with a bar counter, thereby creating the optimal space for convivial and welcoming gatherings.
outdoor kitchen with charcoal grill
Where should appliances be placed in an Outdoor Kitchen?
To optimize your linear outdoor kitchen, it is recommended that the cooking area be placed at one end and the sink area at the other. This configuration allows for more work surface for cutting and preparing food in a comfortable setting.
Where to place the dishwasher in your outdoor kitchen?
When installing a dishwasher, it is advisable to position it adjacent to the sink, as it utilises the same water and drain connections. This eliminates the need to duplicate them. It should be noted that there is a limited selection of outdoor dishwashers on the market. Please note that if you place an indoor dishwasher in your garden or on your terrace, it will immediately lose its warranty.
modern contemporary outdoor kitchen
Planning your Outdoor Kitchen Plumbing & Utilities: Location is Everything
In the event that your outdoor summer kitchen is situated adjacent to a wall, it is advisable to position your electrical and water installations in close proximity to this structure. In the event that you have selected an outdoor kitchen island, your installations must come from the floor.
It is essential to plan the installation of all necessary electrical and water points before installing your outdoor kitchen. Careful positioning is crucial to avoid the need for later modifications, such as unsightly and unnecessary holes in your summer kitchen furniture or relocating water or electricity in an unfeasible manner.
When installing a refrigerator, freezer, or an ice-maker machine in an outdoor kitchen, it is recommended to place them close to each other. This allows for a unified electrical connection and centralizes all appliances in one location.
Why should you choose Fesfoc Outdoor Kitchens?
To prevent these common errors, it is crucial to create a draft design for your summer kitchen and a step-by-step installation plan. At Fesfoc, our engineers and designers will assume responsibility for drawing up these plans when you purchase your outdoor kitchen. Our team will successfully plan your dream outdoor kitchen, ensuring a seamless and successful installation from start to finish.
Why should you choose Fesfoc?
outdoor kitchen design
How much does an Outdoor Kitchen cost in 2026?
Once the configuration of your luxury outdoor kitchen, its size, materials and finishes, as well as all the equipment and storage type have been established, you can proceed to the quote phase.
The cost of your summer kitchen will vary significantly depending on the materials, finishes, dimensions, layout, and quality of appliances you select. It is important to consider that, in addition to aesthetic considerations, an outdoor kitchen must also be functional, offering durability and resistance to the outdoor elements.
The selection of materials for your outdoor kitchen is a crucial aspect to consider. Please refer to the following guide on how to choose materials for your outdoor kitchen:
Design your Outdoor Kitchen in 6 easy steps
It is not uncommon for homeowners to delay planning their outdoor kitchen space until the last minute. If you are waiting until the work on your deck is complete before contacting an outdoor kitchen designer, you may be disappointed. You may believe you have sufficient time, but this is not always the case.
There is a risk of encountering complications if the project does not proceed as planned. To illustrate, consider the case of a terrace. If you have not yet designed your ideal summer kitchen, how will you be able to ascertain whether it will fit your outdoor zone?
Perhaps you are interested in a larger outdoor kitchen. However, it is not a suitable fit for the terrace that has been constructed. You will then have to decide whether to modify your design or extend your deck which might be a problem.
Why plan your luxury outdoor kitchen with time in advance?
Consider an alternative scenario. Let’s assume you’ve designed your outdoor kitchen before constructing your garden or terrace. This approach ensures that your custom outdoor kitchen will fit perfectly. You can even run utility lines ahead of time, reducing the need for additional work later.
Planning ahead will also allow you to research your ideal outdoor kitchen. This will help you identify the products and companies you want to use. Don’t delay—make your dreams an extraordinary reality with Fesfoc!
How long does it take to build an outdoor kitchen?
Once the desired aesthetic of the outdoor kitchen and the elements to be incorporated have been clearly defined, the design phase can begin
It is often possible to keep certain elements in stock, such as cabinets with doors or drawers. However, worktops, door or drawer fronts, and certain appliances and accessories can be produced to order, as there is a wide range of options available.
Please be advised that production of these elements will take approximately 8 to 12 weeks. Please note that if your project is particularly complex, the production time may be extended by a few weeks. It is advisable to plan ahead if you require your summer kitchen to be ready by the time you need.
If you select an outdoor kitchen model that is already in stock, the situation is different. In this case, you will need to adapt to the standard finishes and accessories supplied with the product. In this case, production times can be considerably reduced to between a few weeks.
