As the warm weather rolls in, there's no better way to enjoy your outdoor living space than by having a delicious BBQ in your own outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re having a summer barbecue, family dinner, or just enjoying some time in the fresh air, having a well-equipped and efficient garden kitchen can make all the difference. Here’s how you can elevate your outdoor cooking experience with a few simple hacks. 🤩
1. Use Multifunctional Furniture
Outdoor living areas may have limited space, so choosing furniture that serves multiple purposes can make sure you make the most of it. For instance, items like an outdoor kitchen island or a pool table which doubles as a dining table, or outdoor seating that opens up to provide storage for your outdoor kitchenware are perfect for ensuring your outdoor living space is kept organised but used efficiently. 🌞
2. Keep Your Stainless Steel Shining with WD-40
Stainless steel outdoor kitchen appliances, like a stainless steel bbq or outdoor sink, may show smudges and fingerprints. However, using WD-40 will clean these surfaces and provide a protective layer that fights off dirt and moisture. Regularly applying WD-40 makes sure your outdoor bbq and outdoor cooking appliances stay looking brand new! 🧽
3. Mats for Protection
Using rubber mats in your outdoor kitchen cupboards is a smart way to keep items like BBQ rubs, spices, and condiments elevated, ensuring they stay dry and free from moisture. These mats create barriers between your items and the ground. Additionally, consider using bar mats on your countertops - they are designed to catch spills and provide a non-slip surface, making them the perfect outdoor decor for your outdoor bbq area and garden bar. 🍻
4. Magnetic Knife Strips for Easy Access
Place magnetic knife strips on a nearby wall to keep your outdoor cooking utensils within arm’s reach. This not only saves space on your outdoor worktops and outdoor kitchen cabinets but also keeps your knives and other metal utensils organised and easily accessible. You could also use magnetic strips to hold metal lids, bottle openers or spice jars, which would also make sure you maintain a clutter-free outdoor kitchenette. 😁
5. Reusable Silicone Bags for Storage
Replace those single-use plastic bags with reusable silicone bags for marinating meats, storing BBQ leftovers, or keeping veggies fresh. They are easy to clean, come in a variety of sizes that will suit your storage needs, and are environmentally friendly. We suggest using washable marker pens to label your silicone bags, as it allows you to track expiration dates and contents, making it easier to manage your ingredients and limit food waste. 🔥
6. Magnetic Bottle Openers
Set up a magnetic bottle opener near your outdoor cooking station. It will easily open your bottles, whilst also catching any stray caps, preventing them from ending up on the floor, and keeping your outdoor living space clean and tidy. You may also choose to look for magnetic bottle openers that double as can openers or corkscrews - these multifunctional tools will save space in your outdoor BBQ kitchen and make sure you’re able and prepared to open any bottle. 🍾
7. Integrate Smart Home Technology
Incorporate smart home devices, like smart bulbs and speakers, which connect to your Wi-Fi and are controlled through apps or speech, to control outdoor lighting and music. This allows you to adjust the mood with a touch of a button, ensuring the perfect setting for any occasion. Smart bulbs can be set to turn on and off at certain times, which can ensure your outdoor kitchen area is lit and ready to use without you needing to flip a switch. ✨
8. Worktop Herb Gardens for Fresh Flavours
Use pots or planters to create your own herb garden on your countertop and grow herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil. Herb gardens will add a beautiful green and environmentally friendly element to your outdoor bbq area, and also provide you with fresh ingredients for your outdoor grilling and bbq dishes, which will save you money! It’s useful to create self-watering herb gardens using recycled bottles, as they are simple to create and make sure your herb garden will get the water it needs, even if you forget to water them. 🧑🍳
9. Add charging ports
Ensure your outdoor living area is tech-friendly by adding outdoor USB charging ports. These can be installed in your kitchen island or bar area, allowing you to keep your devices, like your speaker and phones, charged while you cook and entertain. For those looking for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option, use solar-powered USB chargers, which use the sun’s energy rather than electricity to keep all your devices powered and ready for use. 🤳
With these hacks, tips, and tricks, you can turn your outdoor kitchen into a sustainable, enjoyable and efficient outdoor living space. From smart storage to smart technology, every detail can enhance your outdoor cooking experience. So, start up your grill and enjoy the ultimate outdoor kitchen experience. 🍸
If you have any other outdoor kitchen hacks or tips, let us know in the comments! Alternatively, if you're looking to design and create your own outdoor kitchen, contact us today. 📲
Sizzle on,
Team AOS