Create the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen

There are few things in life more enjoyable than an outdoor cookout, especially when it takes place in the comfort of your very own backyard. Most open air chefs simply get used to running back and forth between the outdoor barbecue and the indoor fridge, arms laden with condiments, utensils and essentials such as refreshing libations. However, outdoor kitchens, which are fast becoming a popular modern day home splurge, can change lives. These sophisticated al fresco dens of culinary mastery can transform your yard into the envy of the neighbourhood and add a new dimension of living space to your home.

Outdoor Essentials: Outdoor space is becoming more and more popular as people give up their dream of exorbitantly-priced waterfront property. Some opt for an outdoor cooking product like the GE Monogram Gas grill with stainless steel storage doors, and build that into an island, with a dual burner cook top, and an outdoor refrigerator. Stainless steel gas grills provide added convenience because they allow for big batch cooking – perfect when you're attempting to cook steaks for a group – and they're all-season weather resistant to boot. It's also possible to upgrade to natural gas models, which can be hooked directly into your home's natural gas supply and mean no more empty propane tank blues!

Hot Stuff: True heat seekers can pony up for infrared barbecues (Solaire, TEC and Napoleon make quality models) which heat up at warp speed and can produce the perfect steak in six minutes flat. Large, multi-burner infrared units generally cost at least two to three thousand dollars, but smaller, portable versions of these cutting edge cookers are available for a fraction of that price. Outdoor aficionados can also purchase smokers and wood burning ovens (perfect for pizza!) to augment their outdoor digs.

Cooling it Down: Drinks, marinated meats, salads and condiments can be conveniently kept on hand with outdoor refrigerators that are designed to stand up to the elements. Kitchen Aid and GE both make these.

Room to Work: Cabinetry, storage and work space are also essential to a complete outdoor kitchen, but not just any old materials will do. We obviously have a punishing climate for outdoor materials, so be sure that you're using something that will stand the test of time. Standard kitchen cabinetry will simply not be enough to withstand the elements if used out-of -doors. You need something that won't crack, split, warp or rot when exposed to wind, rain, cold and heat. Polymer is a wise choice of medium for cupboards, and stone or brick make good island bases.

Getting the Job Done: Before leaping into your outdoor kitchen project headfirst, take the time to consider materials and execution. In terms of eating areas and patios, cedar makes a great addition to any backyard space - its moth-repelling properties are well known, and it smells great.

Backyard Furnishings: Choose outdoor furniture with as much care as you choose your outdoor kitchen appliances. Make sure table tops can stand up to hot plates being placed on them – you don't want to have to be as fussy outdoors as you are inside. Invest in a few extra chairs, too, since your backyard haven is sure to have guests flocking to your place for dinner parties under the sun and stars. Also, consider an extra sets of affordable cutlery, plates and culinary utensils so that cooking outdoors doesn't mean emptying out your indoor kitchen.

Divine Details: Little extras can't hurt when designing what will undoubtedly become the icing on your cake. Consider retractable canopies to provide shade from the sun and umbrella shaped outdoor propane heaters, portable backyard fire pits or chimneys to heat things up when the sun goes down. If your pocketbook can handle it, go big with a custom built outdoor fireplace, and make sure your are wired for sound and your luxurious little getaway spot will be complete.