How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Setup

There’s just something about cooking outside that makes food taste better. Whether it’s burgers sizzling on your outdoor grill or pizza from a wood-fired oven, the whole experience feels a little more special when the sky’s your ceiling.

If you’ve been dreaming of creating the perfect outdoor kitchen setup, you’re in the right place. At DeWaard & Bode, we’re all about helping you bring those dreams to life. Let’s walk through it step by step, budget-conscious options and all.

 

 

Step 1: Start With an Outdoor Kitchen Plan

Before you start pinning tile backsplash ideas or pricing out fancy pizza ovens, take a step back. Go outside and look at the space you’re working with. Is it a cozy corner on your deck? A wide-open patio? Do you get full sun, or does the area stay shady all day?

Then ask yourself:

• How often am I really going to cook outside?
  

• Will I host big weekend BBQs or keep it simple for weeknight dinners?
  

• Do I want to run plumbing and electric or keep things low-maintenance?

Answering these will help guide your setup, whether you go all-in on a built-in layout or keep it mobile with a standalone grill and outdoor refrigerator.

Step 2: Choose the Best Base for Your Outdoor Kitchen

The best base depends on your budget and your commitment level.

If you’re planning to build something permanent, you’ll want to look into concrete slabs, pavers, or even a wood deck that can support the weight of appliances. But if you’re just dipping your toes in, a flat, level patch of patio works perfectly fine for a modular setup.

💡 Trend alert for 2025: Modular outdoor kitchens are having a moment. Think mix-and-match cabinets, rolling islands, and carts that let you customize as you go. You can start small and then upgrade later without tearing everything out.

 

 

Step 3: Get the Best Grill for Your Outdoor Kitchen

If you only splurge on one thing in your outdoor kitchen setup, let it be the grill. It’s the heartbeat of the whole operation, where steaks meet their perfect char and veggies earn that smoky edge.

Not sure what type of grill suits your cooking style? Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:

• Pellet Grills: Great for low-and-slow cooking with that irresistible wood-fired flavor. Brands like Weber make it easy with digital controls and set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
  

• Charcoal Grills: If you love that hands-on feel and classic smoky taste, charcoal might be your jam. Just be ready to babysit the heat a little more closely.
  

• LP Gas Grills: Liquid propane grills are ideal for fast, consistent heat and for weeknight dinners when you don’t want to mess around. Easy to start and quick to clean.
  

• Natural Gas Grills: Similar to LP but connected directly to your home’s gas line. No tank swaps, ever; just turn the knob and go.
  

• Pro Style Grills: These grills are the serious heavyweights. Think restaurant-quality heat, built-in lighting, sear zones, and rotisseries. If you’re hosting regularly or love to cook big, this is your league.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out the best grills to buy in 2025.

At DeWaard & Bode, we carry all of the above from trusted outdoor brands like Weber, Wolf, Lynx, and DCS. 

Step 4: Stock Your Outdoor Kitchen Setup

If you're wondering what to stock your outdoor kitchen with beyond the basics, start simple. You can always add more later.

Once you get your grill and base down, here’s a solid starter setup:

• Counter space — even just one prep area makes a huge difference
  

• Mini fridge — for cold drinks, marinating meats, or that sneaky pint of ice cream
  

• Storage — weatherproof cabinets keep your tools clean and handy
  

• Accessories — You’ll want to grab some essential BBQ accessories, like tongs, grill covers, grill grates, and more.

Down the road, you can upgrade with a built-in sink, outdoor pizza oven, or even a beverage station. 

 

 

Step 5: Configure Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout

You know how indoor kitchens follow the “work triangle” (sink, stove, fridge)? Outdoor kitchens have their own flow.

The most efficient outdoor kitchen layout keeps the cooking zone, prep area, and serve/eat space close but not crowded. L-shaped layouts are super popular because they maximize surface area and help separate tasks. Island setups also work well if you want guests to hang out around the grill.

💡 Are you wondering how far your outdoor kitchen should be from the house? Keep it about 10 feet away, close enough for convenience but far enough to avoid smoke drifting inside.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches To Your Backyard Kitchen

This is the fun part. Lighting, seating, music, and décor make the space feel intentional — not just a random grill plopped on your patio.

• Add string lights or outdoor-rated pendants for evening ambiance.
  

• Use weather-resistant stools and cushy lounge seating.
  

• Bring in a Bluetooth speaker or outdoor sound system.
  

• Keep some plants around to soften the space (bonus points for herbs you can cook with).

And remember, an outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be fancy to be functional. Some of the most inviting setups we’ve seen came together with a modest budget, a little creativity, and a whole lotta love for grilling.

 

 

Top Outdoor Kitchen Appliances from DeWaard & Bode

Ready to level up your backyard? Check out these outdoor cooking favorites:

Weber Searwood® 600 Pellet Grill (Model: 1500120)

If you're all about smoky flavor and tech-forward convenience, this pellet grill is a winner.

✔️ Pellet grilling is made easy with precise digital controls
✔️ Sear-ready temps up to 600°F
✔️ Weber Connect® smart features for remote monitoring
✔️ Great for anyone who loves low-and-slow and a good sear

Wolf 54" Outdoor Gas Grill (Model: OG54LP)

This is the chef's kiss of outdoor built-in grills. It’s sleek, powerful, and built to last.

✔️ Heavy-duty stainless steel with a double-wall hood
✔️ Three-position warming rack for flexible cooking
✔️ Powerful sear zone burner for steakhouse-level crust
✔️ Designed for serious outdoor chefs who want restaurant-quality results

Lynx 20" Outdoor Refrigerator (Model: L500REF)

This compact refrigerator keeps drinks cold and ingredients fresh without running inside every 10 minutes.

✔️ Stainless steel exterior designed for outdoor use
✔️ 4.1 cu. ft. of storage with adjustable shelves
✔️ Interior light and temperature control dial
✔️ Perfect companion for your grill, prep station, or bar cart setup

Ready to Build Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen?

The best way to know what outdoor cooking setup works best for your space is to come see it in action! At DeWaard & Bode, we carry top-rated grills, outdoor-rated specialty refrigerators, and everything you need to bring your patio kitchen vision to life.

Contact us or visit one of our appliance stores in Bellingham or Burlington, Washington, to speak with our outdoor appliance experts. We’ll help you choose a patio kitchen setup that will make your backyard the hangout spot this summer.

👉 Browse outdoor kitchen appliances at DeWaard and Bode today!

Related readings from our blog:

• Best Grills To Buy In 2025

• Best Outdoor Grills & Pizza Ovens to Buy in 2024

FAQ: Outdoor Kitchen Setup Basics

1. What’s the best base for an outdoor kitchen?
Concrete or paver patios are ideal, but modular setups work great on decks or any flat surface.

2. How far should an outdoor kitchen be from the house?
At least 10 feet is a safe bet — you want easy access without worrying about smoke entering your home.

3. What do you really need in an outdoor kitchen?
You’ll need to cover the basics: a grill, prep space, storage, and a fridge. You can always build up from there.

4. How do you build outdoor kitchen cabinets?
You can DIY with weather-resistant materials like stainless steel or stone veneer or opt for modular cabinets that are ready to install. We’re happy to help you pick the right fit.

5. What’s the standard countertop height for an outdoor kitchen?
Just like your indoor kitchen — around 36 inches. That keeps things ergonomic while you prep and grill.