Outdoor Kitchen Storage Solutions to Streamline Backyard Cooking
Sizzling juicy burgers on the backyard grill. A lively dinner party under the stars. Summer evenings filled with family and friends enjoying delicious meals al fresco. The outdoor cooking dreams are lovely — until you open the cabinets to grab seasonings, utensils and plates and face a jumbled mess.
Disorganized outdoor kitchen storage can quickly dampen backyard cooking fun and entertainment. But with some strategic storage solutions and design, you can maximize every inch of your outdoor cookspace for efficiency and organization. Read on for tips, ideas and inspiration to keep your outdoor kitchen clutter-free and cooking prep smooth.
Outdoor Kitchen Storage Challenges and Solutions
Lack of Cabinet Space
Outdoor kitchens often have a more compact footprint than expansive indoor cookspaces. With smaller square footage and limitedlayout options, cabinet and storage space easily gets maxed out.
Fortunately, there are smart design choices that can help you make the most of every nook and cranny:
- Optimize cabinet layout and use all vertical space available.
- Incorporate deep, full-extension drawers instead of standard cabinets.
- Make use of stackable racks, fold-down shelves and other space-saving tools.
- Install wall-mounted rail systems to hang utensils and free up drawer space.
- Build a multi-level island to double the storage real estate.
Protecting Food and Supplies from Elements
The outdoor elements - heat, rain, cold, humidity, and bugs - can wreak havoc on food, dishware, and other cooking gear stored outside. Pests invade bags of buns, rain rusts cast iron pans left uncovered, and extreme temps spoil perishable ingredients.
Solutions to safeguard your outdoor kitchen supplies:
- Invest in waterproof, insulated cabinets. Look for exterior-grade and marine-grade materials.
- Make use of indoor/outdoor storage rooms adjacent to the patio.
- Use weatherproof canvas covers for appliances when not in use.
- Store food and utensils in airtight plastic bins and containers.
Keeping Items Accessible
When outdoor cabinets and drawers are tightly packed to the brim, it can be frustrating to dig around for what you need. Disorganization also contributes to "I can't find it" moments that disrupt the cooking flow.
Solutions to keep essentials accessible:
- Install pull-out drawers and spinning "lazy susan" shelves in corner cabinets.
- Use turntables and tiered levels in cabinets.
- Store staples in clear plastic bins, canisters, and organizers.
- Label cabinets, drawers, and shelves.
Storing Large and Irregular Items
Grills, prep tables, sinks, appliances - outdoor kitchens have big, bulky elements. Plus serving platters, pitchers, and other irregular cookware can be tricky to organize. Solutions include:
- Slide-out trays and vertical holders to neatly store unwieldy items.
- Mounted pot racks, hooks, and bars to keep things visible and nearby.
- Wheeled carts and caddies for portable storage.
- Multi-use islands with storage areas built in.
Key Outdoor Kitchen Storage Design Tips
Keep these best practices in mind when planning your outdoor kitchen storage:
- Prioritize accessible drawers over standard cabinets.
- Incorporate rails, racks, pegboards and other open storage options.
- Plan for sealed, insulated storage but also ventilated areas.
- Allow for ample air circulation to prevent mildew, moisture.
- Use organizer bins and tools rated for outdoor use.
- Take advantage of all vertical space - go floor to ceiling.
- Incorporate mobile carts and islands for flexible storage.
Space-Saving Outdoor Kitchen Storage Ideas
Ready to put some of these storage strategies into practice? Here are some space-saving outdoor kitchen storage ideas to maximize your layout:
Islands
Islands are outdoor kitchen workhorses. Maximize storage with:
- Butcher block top for extra prep space.
- Base cabinets, drawers and lower shelving.
- Wheeled base for mobility.
- Hanging racks and track lighting underneath for ambiance.
Back Panels
Use the back wall or splash panels to stash essentials via:
- Pegboard panels for hanging utensils.
- Wall-mounted spice racks.
- Magnetic knife blocks.
- Wire shelving for pots and pans.
Even the sink area offers storage potential with:
- Built-in trays below for dish/utensil drying.
- Soap dispensers and set-in soapdish holders.
- Undermount installation to maximize counter space.
An organized outdoor kitchen makes cooking and entertaining more joyful and hassle-free. With clever storage solutions and design, you can optimize every inch of your outdoor cookspace for efficiency. Now get ready to fire up the grill and throw the ultimate backyard bash this summer!