Ideas On How To Set Up An Outdoor Cooking Station This Summer

Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes thoughts of getting back outside. The weather is warming up, and you’re probably already thinking about ways to extend your grilling and entertaining adventures to the outdoors.

If you’re interested in using your backyard or patio space for grilling or cooking this summer, you’ll want to have a cooking station that’s both practical and that you’re excited about. Here are a few tips and ideas for creating the ideal space for your summertime cookouts:

1 - Install An Outdoor Kitchen

One of the best and most functional ways to enjoy outdoor cooking not only in the summer but year-round is with an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens make great cooking stations because they have everything you need in one structure. Most come with a propane grill, which gives you great flexibility when it comes to whipping up elegant meals for yourself, your family, or your guests.

Other features you’ll want to look for in an outdoor kitchen include an outdoor-rated refrigerator, plenty of shelving and storage space, a weatherproof roof, and stainless steel countertops. These features help ensure that the cooking process is seamless and that you don’t have to go back and forth between your indoor kitchen and the outdoors.

Make sure your structure is built to last and can withstand the elements since it will be outside.

2 - Create a Shaded Oasis With A Gazebo

While a kitchen may be the ideal way to create your cooking or grilling station, you can level up your outdoor entertaining space with a gazebo. Gazebos are four or six-column structures with a roof, allowing you an escape from the sun on a hot day as well as protection from rain or snow.

While many use a gazebo for entertaining, it’s also a perfect place for a grill. Putting your grill under a gazebo is safe as long as you follow safety guidelines and recommendations, and by doing so you protect it from the weather.

When you’re done cooking, you can serve your meal at a dining area also positioned under the gazebo for some convenient al fresco dining.

3 - Invest In A Grill Gazebo

If your outdoor space isn’t big enough for a gazebo, or you’re satisfied with your setup but need to enhance your cooking station specifically, then perhaps a grill gazebo is the better solution.

Grill gazebos function similar to traditional gazebos in that they’re open-air structures with a weatherproof roof. The big difference is that while gazebos are large enough to have furniture underneath, grill gazebos are much smaller and are designed specifically for your grill.

In addition to protecting your grill, some grill gazebos come with features that upgrade your outdoor cooking station. Some include countertops on both sides, which help with meal prep and can be used as a bar for guests. Others have designated accessory hooks for utensils and grilling tools. There are even some that come with power options for blenders, devices, music, and more.

4 - Style Your Space With A Pergola

A pergola is similar to a gazebo, but instead of a roof, it has horizontal beams that form an open-air lattice. These structures add style and elegance to any outdoor space. If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor cooking station, a pergola is a nice option.

Because pergolas don’t have roofs, they don’t protect against rain or snow. If you decide to place outdoor cooking elements such as a grill under a pergola, make sure you have a durable grill cover.

With a pergola, your setup can also be similar to a gazebo, with dining options underneath.

BONUS: Consider An Argentine Grill

No outdoor cooking station is complete without a high-quality grill. While it may be unconventional, why not consider an Argentine grill?

An Argentine grill is an open-flame grill that uses charcoal and wood for authentic Gaucho-style cooking. With this grill, you can adjust the height of the grate by a few feet for optimal cooking precision. Look for ones that come with S-hooks for hanging meat, perfect for slow-roasted precision.

Depending on the grill, a brasero box, used for burning wood and coals to create the perfect embers for your cook, may also be included. 

Shop Backyard Discovery To Transform Your Outdoor Cooking Station

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your outdoor cooking space, Backyard Discovery is a one-stop shop for all your cooking needs.

The Fusion Flame Outdoor Kitchen has a built-in propane grill with a rotisserie, an outdoor-rated refrigerator, a weatherproof steel roof, stainless steel countertops, a built-in trash can, and plenty of storage and shelving space.

If an outdoor kitchen isn’t for you, take a look at the many gazebo or pergola options. There are a number of strong steel and durable cedar options that make stylish additions to your outdoor area. Backyard Discovery’s gazebos and pergolas are also PRO-TECT™ Tested & Proven to withstand up to 100 mph winds, and the gazebo roofs are PRO-TECT™ Tested & Proven to hold up to 50 pounds of snow load per square foot.

Backyard Discovery also has grill gazebos in both steel and cedar. Its grill gazebos include customizable countertop options on the sides and, like its traditional gazebos, a durable steel roof designed to withstand rain and snow.

If you’re ready to grill and entertain at the ideal outdoor cooking station, check out Backyard Discovery’s range of product offerings today!