Canadians really know how to make the most out of summer. Even before summer officially starts, once those days start getting longer and the sun starts shining brighter and we’re finally able to walk outside without a thousand layers, we flock to the outdoors. We soak up the sun every opportunity we get and one of the ways that people have been upping their enjoyment of the warmer months has been through outdoor kitchens.

No one wants to be cooped up in the kitchen when the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the rest of the family is running around in the backyard or hanging out on the back deck. For many Canadians, building an outdoor kitchen has changed the way that they enjoy summer.

Not only does an outdoor kitchen help you enjoy the warmer weather more, but it also expands the livable square footage of your home.

If you decide that an outdoor kitchen is a project for you, check out these must-haves that your dream outdoor kitchen needs.

A Covered Area

A covered area is an absolute must for your outdoor kitchen. On scorching hot days when there isn’t a cloud in the sky and the sun is beating down mercilessly, you’ll be so happy to have a shelter protecting you from the rays.

Plus, having a covered area will increase the days that you can enjoy your outdoor kitchen by keeping the rain off. Have you ever enjoyed a long lunch on a lazy Sunday cozy on your covered deck surrounded by the scent of summer rain? Well, if you build an outdoor kitchen and have a covered area you’ll know what a delight that scene is.

A Mini-Fridge

You don’t want to be going in and out of the house for everything you need from the fridge when you’re hosting an outdoor dinner party. Going in and out is bad for your cooling bills, is annoying, and ups the chances of getting mud or dirt on your floors. Do yourself a favour and invest in getting a mini-fridge outside where you can keep condiments and other refrigerated ingredients that will make your cooking and eating experience that much better.

Flat-top

Want to up your bbq game? Get a flat-top. Grills are great for a ton of summertime foods but some things require a flat-top, such as smash burgers, eggs, marinated meats, bacon and pancakes. You can get BBQs that are made with a flat-top or you can get a flat-top stove top built into your outdoor countertop.

Once you get a flat-top, you’ll be wanting to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner outside!

Furniture That Encourages Conversation

One of the best things about outdoor kitchens is that they often lead to longer and more casual meals where people linger and talk and make memories. But if your chairs are uncomfortable, then it doesn’t matter how beautiful of a summer night it is or how beautiful the glow from your string lights is, no one will want to sit for long hours talking if their bottom is tired.

Prep Stations

For your outdoor kitchen to feel like a real kitchen, you’re going to need a prep station for mixing marinates, chopping, or assembling. You can have beautiful countertops installed. Contact a local professional to understand what countertop options are best for outdoor spaces and are easy to clean.

Make sure to keep plenty of cutting boards on hand to keep your prep areas looking beautiful and lasting for years.

Storage

Forget running inside to grab a plate for the burgers, a thermometer to check the meat, or for a cutting board to chop those veggies. Make cooking outside simple and uncomplicated by getting plenty of storage options installed inside.

Outdoor Sink

While not necessary, having a sink in your outdoor kitchen is an absolute game-changer. It’s super convenient to have water handy for cleaning your hands, washing veggies, or filling up a pot for boiling corn. Plus, after just one dinner of sticky ribs, you’ll be so happy to have access to water outside without needing to get saucy hands all over handles to get inside and wash up.

Lighting

Sitting under the golden glow of string lights on a warm summer night while enjoying a late-night dinner that you just cooked in your outdoor kitchen is a feeling unlike any other. Soak in your summer nights late into the season with beautiful lighting in your outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor Sound System

To take a beautiful outdoor kitchen and turn it into a dream kitchen, just add a sound system. You’ll want to throw outdoor dinner parties all summer long!

Final Thoughts

Hiring local service providers to help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams can be easy and rewarding if you do it through Locorum. Not only will you be supporting a verified small, local business, but you’ll be able to see the rewards that you’ll earn by connecting with them through our platform. Don’t worry, our rewards aren’t points. The dollar amount you see is the dollar amount you get. Your rewards get loaded onto a Locorum Mastercard, which can be used in-store or online anywhere that accepts Mastercard.

Check out Locorum today to find local experts who can help you create your dream outdoor kitchen.