When we first talked about setting up an outdoor cooking space, it honestly felt like a big-deal, magazine-cover kind of project. Something reserved for Pinterest-perfect homes with endless lawns and glowing string lights. But once we started small — like, just a basic grill and a few stepping stones — it turned out to be way more doable (and fun) than we thought.
And here’s the thing: you don’t need to build a second kitchen or pour concrete to make a backyard setup your family will actually use. You just need a bit of planning, some good weather, and ideally, a nearby outlet for the blender (frozen margarita season is real).
Whether you’re a weekend burger flipper or just want a spot to cook while the kids run around barefoot — here’s how to put together a simple outdoor cooking area your whole family will genuinely love using.
Choose the Best Spot for Everyday Use
Start with location. It sounds obvious, but where you put your cooking zone changes everything. Too far from the back door, and you’ll spend your life running inside for the tongs you forgot. Too close, and you might fill the whole kitchen with barbecue smoke every Saturday night.
Ideally, you want a spot that’s sheltered but open — think: side of the patio, under an awning, or even just tucked against the house. Bonus points if it’s near a table or shady spot where people naturally gather.
If your backyard is long and narrow (like ours), try positioning the cooking area along the fence line or close to the garden bed so it blends into the layout rather than standing out like an awkward extra. And if you’ve only got a balcony or small courtyard? Even a fold-down table and a compact grill can totally work. The trick is choosing somewhere you’ll actuallywant to stand and flip pancakes on a lazy Sunday.
Decide on Cooking Style: Grill, Stove, or Pizza Dreams?
Now comes the fun part. Are you dreaming of pizza nights with gooey mozzarella? Or do you just want a basic BBQ for sausages and corn? Choose your core appliance first, and build the rest around that.
Here are a few options:
- Charcoal Grill: Rustic, low-cost, and smells amazing.
- Gas BBQ: More control, cleaner, quicker to light.
- Tabletop Butane Burner: Great for hotpots, soups, or simple stir-frys outdoors.
- Outdoor Pizza Oven: Slightly bougie, but if you’re into it… worth every crunchy crust.
Keep in mind your space and how often you’ll use it. No shame in starting with a second-hand grill or one of those stackable smoker boxes. You can always add that dream pizza oven later when your tomato plants are in full swing.
Add a Prep Area (Even Just a Simple One)
You don’t need a granite-topped prep bench, but you do need somewhere to chop onions or rest a hot tray of veggie skewers. This can be as simple as a wooden potting bench, a DIY pallet counter, or even an old console table moved outside.
If your space is exposed, consider using treated timber, stainless steel, or concrete slabs that can hold up against rain. Bonus if it has shelves or hooks — because once you start using the area regularly, you’ll want somewhere to stash your tongs, skewers, and cheeky bottle of wine.
You can also set up a removable butcher block on top of a small cabinet. Wheels? Even better. Instant outdoor island.
Make It Comfortable: Seating, Shade, and Vibes
This is the part that transforms a “cooking area” into a place people want to hang out. Start with seating — maybe a bench against the wall, foldable chairs around a table, or just some mix-and-match stools around your planter box.
Then think about shade. Is the area usable at 2 p.m. on a sunny day? If not, try stringing up a sail, attaching a small awning, or even leaning a patio umbrella nearby.
And for the vibes? Honestly, nothing beats soft lighting and a few plants. Try fairy lights, hanging jars with candles, or a solar lantern or two. Pot up some herbs — basil, rosemary, mint — and keep them within arm’s reach for cooking. Not only do they smell great, but they’ll make your space feel alive and well-loved.
Keep the Clean-Up Easy (Or You Won’t Want to Use It)
Here’s a not-so-glamorous truth: if it’s annoying to clean, you won’t use it. So make the whole setup as low-maintenance as possible. Choose surfaces that wipe down easily (no fluffy outdoor rugs right under the grease splatter zone). Keep a bucket or small bin nearby for food scraps. Use washable tablecloths or none at all.
If you have space and plumbing, an outdoor sink is chef’s kiss perfect. But for most of us, a big bowl of soapy water and a hose will do just fine. Or set up a small washing station with a folding table and basin when needed.
And finally, store your essentials somewhere weather-safe. A plastic bin, a storage bench, or even a waterproof cabinet will save you many sad trips outside to find your cutting board soaked or your lighter missing again.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a designer patio kitchen to enjoy cooking outside with your family. Honestly, even a tiny corner with a grill and a table can turn into the heart of your backyard — especially once it’s filled with the smell of dinner and a bit of laughter.
The best part? You can grow this setup slowly. Start with the basics. Add lighting later. Build a prep station when you’ve got time. The key is to make it feel easy, cozy, and totally yours. And if you’re lucky, you might even get someone else to do the washing up once in a while.