Outdoor Kitchen Plans

When we started to plan our outdoor kitchen, we had a lot of discussions about how hard we wanted to go on it. We now live in a climate that begs for us to be outside almost year round, and I wanted to create a space I'd not only want to cook in, but that I'd be able to cook in, regardless of what's on the menu.

Outdoor Kitchen in Idaho

You may remember when we built our own outdoor kitchen in our first home in Idaho, pictured above. Jules and I designed it from the ground up - secured footers on the deck; planned and built the framing with noncombustible framing materials (first time working with metal studs for me). Everything about it was selected mindfully to make the most out of a small corner we had available, and I loved being out there.

Outdoor Kitchen Before

Our current home had a similar, albeit smaller and more rusty outdoor kitchen when we bought it (pictured above). The area had been neglected for quite some time, and the flammable awning a mere 5 feet above had me nervous. So when it came time to plan the new one, we decided to move it its location to the adjacent wall, giving us more space to work with.

The layout was largely influenced by the nearby walkway, and the things we wanted to include in the space. We knew we wanted to have a bar that people could walk up to and we could serve food from. Not to mention a non-combustible pergola overhead. After picking out the grill components (more on that later), we drew up a few elevations and sent them to the landscape designer, who added it to the plan.

She also created some 3D renderings (below) that show the view from the walkway into the backyard. We feel really good about the balance between expanding the kitchen area, while keeping the spacing of the backyard elements comfortable and functional.

Outdoor Kitchen Renderings

Here you get a better view what's going on within the kitchen.

When it came to picking the brand and products to be out there, I was a little nervous to broach the subject. But to my eternal glee, Julia's exact words were, "Go crazy." That's all the green light I needed to promptly respond "Twin Eagles."

Twin Eagles + Dometic is a premium grilling brand that I've been keeping an eye on for years, and I honestly think they make the best grills out there. I spoke a little about them in our Grill Guide, but this equipment is my dream. For how I cook as a griller, couldn't be a better fit and I believe that's the case for most home grillers.

Here are some of the items we'll be adding:

Eagle One Premium Grill

In my opinion, all things considered, this is the best grill on the planet right now. Features, styling, versatility, quality. The combination of direct heat from the burners and radiant heat from the ceramic briquettes ensures even cooking temperatures with a wide range of control. There’s a hidden rotisserie system, LED lighting, and a high-heat “Sear Zone.” Everything about this grill is tops.

36in Pellet Grill

The greatest pellet grill available IMO, and in a built-in option no less (also has an optional base for non-built-in applications). The Twin Eagles + Dometic pellet grill also offers a rotisserie, but includes tech and features that put it far above any other pellet grill IMO. Plus the charcoal try so I can sear off my smoked meats - I’m all in on that.

18in Power Burner

This power burner pushes 70K BTUs. As someone who loves to throw a crab boil now and then, that’s amazing. It also drops down to a simmer, so I can keep my bbq sauce warm to brush on right as my chicken finishes (or one thousand + other practical uses).

30in Teppanyaki

While I prefer most foods grilled, I gotta say that when it comes to burgers, I prefer the flat top. Nothing better than a smash burger with onions. Burgers, stir fry, bacon & eggs, tacos - having a flat-top Teppanyaki cooker in the outdoor kitchen opens my options wide up.

2 Drawer Fridge & 15in Ice Maker

On a hot day, there’s nothing better than laying by the pool with a cold drink. I can’t wait to stock these refrigerated drawers with all of our favorites for sipping. And what’s the point of a cold drink that doesn’t stay cold? We love entertaining so having drinks and ice outside is the dream.

The space will also have a sink and faucet with hot and cold running water, trash pullout, warming drawer, pellet storage, access drawers and dry storage. Everything you can think of! Once completed, I expect to be out here on the nightly, making whatever my heart desires while the family hangs in the pool or around the fire pit or on the trampoline etc etc.. And of course, these beautiful pieces will be framed within Julia's beautiful material picks. You'll just have to wait and see.

...ok fine here's a peek. ;)