Ideas for outdoor kitchens

Cater to a crowd

Chefs love U-shaped kitchens for good reason: Everything is within easy reach, and the open work space allows busy hosts to mingle with guests.

• Keep the mini-refrigerator and other appliances under the counter so they don’t block the view, in this case of the ocean.
• Design a countertop that serves double duty as a prep area and dining surface. This broad concrete counter accommodates both the chef and an appreciative audience.
• Umbrellas provide affordable and portable shade. Measure your seating area and size your umbrella accordingly.

• Video: Turn your yard into an outdoor oasis

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A subtle approach

You may hardly notice the kitchen components on this patio, and that's a good thing. The cooking area doesn't detract from the Mediterranean style or take up too much space.

• Use plate-glass and crank-out casement windows to protect cooks from wind and rain without obstructing the view.
• Incorporate punches of color to energize a neutral space. Here, vintage wicker furniture was painted a vibrant green to coordinate with the accent floor tiles.
• Carefully consider lighting. Size chandeliers and lanterns to fit the space. Add task lighting over kitchen prep areas, if necessary.

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Under cover

Because a ceiling protects the wood cabinets and interior-grade appliances from the weather, this fully loaded kitchen has both indoor style and outdoor ambience.

• Maximize seating with a bar-height countertop and stools. Guests who tend to congregate in the kitchen can be near the action without being in the way.
• Paint walls and ceilings bright white to make your outdoor room appear larger.
• Choose furniture that allows for flexibility. The fabric on these director's chairs can be easily replaced as it ages or modified to suit the season.
• Mix up your flooring. Here, hardworking, easy-to-clean ceramic tile defines the cooking space, while decking sets off the dining area.

• Coastal Living: Ideas for outdoor furniture

Slide show:  Outdoor kitchens on a budget

• Bing Cube: Check out other outdoor kitchens

Easy conversion

You can make a corner of your deck an outdoor kitchen just by adding a grill and prep area. Here there's also room for a stucco-covered pizza oven.

• Include appliances that aren't practical in an indoor kitchen, such as this pizza oven.
• To save space for lounging, use the perimeter of a deck for your kitchen area.
• Position your grill or fire pit to keep smoke from wafting into seating areas or back into the house.

• Video: Turn your yard into an outdoor oasis

Slide show:  Outdoor kitchens on a budget

• MSN Glo: Extreme rooftop retreats

Basic, but better

Ready to shop? Every outdoor kitchen starts with a great grill. Even if you don't have a lot of space to work with, you can fit up-to-date equipment in a compact area.

• Choose modular components for customized installation.
• Opt for materials such as stainless steel and granite that can weather an outdoor setting.
• Stack appliances in tight spaces. This five-burner grill features a rotisserie cooker, and the entire unit sits atop two warming drawers.

• Video: DIY patio redesign

• MSN Glo: Unbelievable outdoor living rooms

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Bright ideas

• Plan your kitchen to suit your cooking style. Casual cooks may need only a grill island, while experienced chefs may want a rotisserie, smoker, warming drawers or even a lobster-boil cooktop unit. Consider a large sink for cleaning the day's catch.
• Pellet grills use small wood pellets to cook foods and infuse them with flavor. While these grills may cost more than traditional choices, they are clean-burning and energy-efficient.

• Coastal Living: Ideas for outdoor furniture

• Bing Cube: Check out other outdoor kitchens

• On our blog, 'Listed': Survey: Outdoor living space is important

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