Craving Outdoor Cooking? Brilliant Solutions for a Mini Backyard Kitchen

Outdoor cooking brings people together. There's nothing quite like gathering with friends and family around a sizzling grill on a warm evening. But not everyone has room for a spacious patio with a full outdoor kitchen.

Just because your outdoor space is pint-sized doesn't mean you have to give up your grilling dreams. With some creative planning, even the smallest backyard, balcony or deck can be turned into a compact outdoor kitchen.

Choose the Right Grill for Small Spaces

The centerpiece of any outdoor cooking space is the grill. Opt for more compact grills designed to maximize functionality in limited footprints.

Portable propane grills offer the ultimate in versatility. Most models have foldable legs, so they're easy to set up and store. They come in a range of compact sizes perfect for squeezed spaces. The downside is you'll need to keep propane tanks on hand for fueling.

For classic barbecue flavor, tabletop charcoal grills are ideal. Not only do they take up minimal space, but some are safe to use indoors as well. You will need a supply of charcoal and fire starter.

Built-in gas grills allow for a sleek, customized look. They can be pricey and require permanent installation, but are very convenient. Look for more narrow sizes to conserve room.

Compact pellet grills mimic the smoking capabilities of larger models without dominating your patio. However, you'll need access to electricity to power the pellet feed system.

Portable Propane Grills

• Small footprint, easy to store away
• Less powerful than full-sized, need propane

Tabletop Charcoal Grills

• Classic BBQ flavor in a petite package
• Can use indoors or out

Built-In Gas Grills

• Streamlined and tailored for your space
• More expensive, permanent install

Compact Pellet Grills

• Mimic smoker flavor without the size
• Require electricity

Designate Prepping and Serving Space

In addition to grill space, include room for prepping ingredients and serving up finished dishes. Look for multipurpose furnishings that save precious square footage.

Stainless steel islands pull double duty as prep counters and dining areas. Look for narrower sizing or islands with fold-down sides. Add a sink, storage cabinets and barstool seating.

Retractable or fold-down countertops tucked under existing shelving disappear when not needed. But they're less sturdy than permanent options.

Get vertical with wall-mounted shelving for prep work and serving meals. Leaving the floor clear is ideal for tight cooking quarters.

Multipurpose Islands

• Stainless steel tops for durability
• Can hold sink, storage and serve as eating space

Fold-Down Countertops

• Disappear when not in use
• Less secure than permanent options

Wall-Mounted Shelving

• Install shelves for prep work and serving
• Leave floor clear for standing and grilling

Add Storage That Fits Your Space

Every chef needs supplies handy, so include storage suited for compact cooking. Vertical options help clear precious floor space.

Wall cabinets mounted high open upward to conserve room below. For a built-in look, custom sizes can be made. Off-the-shelf options offer versatility.

Shelving mounted on walls or posts keep essentials within arm's reach. Pot racks free up space otherwise taken up by bulky pots and pans.

Slide-out drawers and doors tucked discretely under counters stay hidden when cooking, then provide easy access to tools and ingredients.

Vertical Wall Cabinets

• Hang cabinets to avoid taking up ground space
• Can be custom built or off-the-shelf

Mounted Shelving and Pot Racks

• Open shelves show off accessories
• Pot racks free up drawer space

Slide-Out Drawers and Doors

• Hide items when grill is in use
• Easy access storage when cooking

Include Needed Appliances and Amenities

While room is tight, be sure to incorporate appliances and extras that make an outdoor kitchen functional.

For cleanup, look for compact sinks designed for RVs and outdoor use. Undercounter refrigerators and beverage centers provide chilling near the grill.

Proper ventilation keeps smoky air away from guests. Discreetly mount fans to draw smoke and odors out. Strands of lights add ambiance for evening barbecuing and entertaining.

Shield your small space from weather with retractable awnings, standalone gazebos or pergolas. These provide shade and overhead coverage.

Compact Sinks and Refrigeration

• RV-style sinks take up little room
• Undercounter fridge or beverage center

Ventilation and Lighting

• Mounted fans remove smoke
• String lights for ambiance

Protection from Weather

• Retractable awnings for shade and rain protection
• Standalone gazebos or pergolas

Decor Touches to Make it Your Own

Even though space is limited, make your petite cooking oasis uniquely you with fun touches.

Add pops of color and texture by tiling walls and backsplashes. Use vibrant patterns and materials like concrete, stone or ceramic.

Include cozy seating like colorful weatherproof stools and pillows. Stock up on festive yet durable dinnerware for outdoor dining.

Plants, greenery and blooms liven up small areas. Designate spaces with coordinating doormats. Fill in empty corners with storage benches or shelves.

Fun Backsplashes and Accent Tiles

• Tile behind sinks or prep areas
• Reflect your personal style

Cozy Seating and Tableware

• Barstools for seating at islands
• Weatherproof pillows and dishes

Plants, Mats and Pops of Color

• Plants, succulents and greenery
• Colored mats to designate spaces

Don't let a pint-sized outdoor area stop you from savoring summer barbecues and meals al fresco. With smart space planning, the right scale appliances and a dash of creativity, even the smallest patio, balcony or yard can become an outdoor cooking oasis.

Applying compact grilling hacks, multifunctional furnishings, vertical storage and decor touches transforms limited square footage into a welcoming backyard kitchen. Get ready to grill, chill and savor the outdoor cooking life - no matter the size of your space.