“Buy once, cry once.” This old phrase reminds us that thinking carefully and opting for quality can spare us feelings of regret, as well as additional spending to rectify our mistakes. 

That said, too few people don’t remember this when building an outdoor kitchen. They tend to see the project as some particularly high-end landscaping or patio remodel. 

Today, you’re avoiding inefficient spending, missing features, and costly regrets as we share some of the biggest outdoor kitchen mistakes.

What are the biggest outdoor kitchen mistakes?

Our list includes regrets similar to indoor kitchen remodeling mistakes, like not supporting workflows and insufficient lighting. However, the biggest mistake homeowners report making is going too small. 

No one is required to include (and pay for) every single appliance and feature out there. It’s okay to go for a scaled-back kitchen on a small property. The root of this problem is not enough planning. People didn’t have the opportunity to properly visualize their new space and imagine themselves actually using the kitchen. 

Moreover, they didn’t have anyone to fully present all of their options. They weren’t even aware of everything available to them.

10 completely avoidable outdoor kitchen design mistakes

Don’t say you weren’t warned. Here are 10 of the biggest outdoor kitchen mistakes that see remodels undergoing serious revisions.

1. Not factoring in workflows.

Which direction do you want to face while grilling? How much counter space do you need between the grill and a burner, if any? Outdoor kitchen layouts and how we arrange workstations are every bit as important as they are inside.  

2. Thinking you’ll only use it during the warmest months.

Choosing an outdoor kitchen means you probably already imagined the garden in full bloom or poolside fun. What homeowners in many areas end up realizing is that their outdoor kitchen is useful every other season, too.

Consider the ability to offer grilled fare over the winter holidays or hosting fall football watch parties. Planning for these events puts you ahead of the game by adding a fireplace or patio heater. 

3. Assuming you won’t need ventilation. 

If your kitchen is covered, you already have an advantage. You can enjoy it on rainy days. The weather won’t be as much of a threat to your materials and appliances. But some layouts may mean you need an exhaust hood. 

This won’t apply to everyone. Still, always start by checking local laws and fire codes pertaining to operating grills under overhead structures.

4. Choosing a small sink or no sink at all.

One of the top regrets homeowners have after installation is assuming the bar sink was good enough. Others didn’t install a sink at all because their indoor kitchen was just on the other side of the patio door. 

Think carefully about how you work in the kitchen. It’s always easier to drop utensils and cookware into a nearby sink when you’re in the thick of making a meal. A standard-sized sink is necessary for washing off produce on the spot, and yes, running cold water over that minor burn ASAP.

5. Making counterspace an afterthought.

Allowing yourself more counter space supports a more beneficial distribution of appliances. If you approach outdoor kitchen design assuming the bare minimum is good enough, it limits what you can do in terms of sinks, refrigeration, burners, and bar seating. 

6. Not accommodating the griddle or smoker in the layout. 

You just need the built-in grill, right? You can just fit your flattop or smoker off to the side. This is a classic outdoor kitchen design mistake. The position and stability of each appliance have a huge impact on project satisfaction. 

Every apparatus doesn’t require its own built-in cabinet. Regardless, it should be considered and included in the layout for both safety and convenience. 

7. DIY utility work. 

Speaking of safety, utilities come first. Only a highly experienced individual should address these areas:

  • Underground gas line installation

  • Electrical appliance hookups

  • Water line extensions and drainage

Winterization is a must as well. Treating utilities like the important feature they are will make outdoor kitchen maintenance much easier and more effective. 

8. Skipping lighting in the design.

Isn’t your most powerful outdoor kitchen light source, uh, the sun? Yes, but covered spaces create shadows where we don’t want them. Fun days lead to relaxing evenings.

Your outdoor porch or patio light by the door may not be enough. Consider landscape lighting and overhead fixtures for covered kitchens. Ambient light sources like fire features and string lights are good for seating areas.

9. Not being choosy about cabinet materials. 

Heavy, cracking concrete, warping wood, and streaky, spotty stainless steel. Don’t settle for just any cabinet material. Weather and moisture-resistant HDPE resists scratches and mold, keeps its shape, and is overall more sustainable and maintainable.

Plus, it’s the most attractive, design-friendly option. Read more about how outdoor cabinets improve planning and using an open-air kitchen.

10. Improper budget distribution. 

You can skip the larger refrigerator if it doesn’t make sense. You may not need an oven or more than one burner. An island isn’t always necessary. But when you start cutting financial corners around the base structure, cabinets, and even the grill, you could be in trouble. 

Budgeting for an outdoor kitchen isn’t done on the fly. An approximate yet smart allocation of funds to the most important features should be in place well before we break ground.

Avoid every mistake with professional planning by The Designery. 

Bases, sinks, built-in grills, preconfigured layouts, and plenty of custom details. Providing all of that is just a glimpse of what The Designery can do. A professional designer can help plan and create visual representations of your new outdoor kitchen. 

Leave no stone unturned with us, and proceed to building your kitchen in total confidence.

“From start to finish, everything was handled quickly and professionally. They were flexible, solution-oriented, and committed to making sure we were happy with the final result. I know reviews can sometimes swing all good or all bad, so it’s hard to know what to trust…but trust me when I say what really stands out is how this team communicates, troubleshoots, and stands behind their work. That matters. We’re thrilled with how everything turned out and would absolutely recommend them.”

Raychel, Designery client

Hiring a designer is easier and more budget-conscious than ever before. Schedule your free design consultation or visit your local Designery showroom.