How to Choose a Modular Outdoor Kitchen
If you’re looking to create an outdoor space perfect for cooking and entertaining, you’ll want to consider adding an outdoor kitchen. One of the easiest ways to do that is with a modular outdoor kitchen kit. Choosing outdoor kitchen modules allows for easier outdoor kitchen planning because you can choose the pieces that work in your space whether you have an expansive yard or a smaller patio. You can choose pieces that work with the type of entertaining you want to do. Add anything from a wine fridge to a sink, plus plenty of storage. Consider this your modular outdoor kitchen planning guide.
How to choose the right modular outdoor kitchen?
Choosing the right modular outdoor kitchen means choosing the best modular outdoor kitchen for your needs. One of our biggest outdoor kitchen planning tips is really taking the time to figure out how your outdoor kitchen will work the best for you. You’ll want to go step-by-step to figure out exactly what you need before choosing an outdoor kitchen kit.
Step 1: Assess Your Outdoor Cooking and Entertaining Needs:
You’ll first want to figure out your cooking and entertaining needs before you purchase an outdoor kitchen.
To get a good idea of how you cook and entertain, ask yourself the following questions:
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Do you cook and entertain often? Every once in a while?
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What’s your preferred cooking style?
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Do you need space for a grill? A pizza oven? Do you often find yourself roasting vegetables or baking outdoors?
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How do you like to entertain?
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Do you prefer small gatherings or big outdoor parties?
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Do you typically like hands-on events or sit down meals?
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Will you be serving food outdoors? Making drinks?
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Need somewhere to prep the food?
Step 2: Measure Your Space and Narrow Down Layout Options
One of the biggest outdoor kitchen planning mistakes is not knowing exactly how much space you have to work with. To negate this issue, measure your total available space. Make sure you leave space for seating, foot traffic and safe distances for your guests from your various cooking appliances. Once you have exact measurements, you’ll then narrow down the available layouts of prefab outdoor kitchens that will fit into your space.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Modules and Appliances:
Now that you’ve figured out your cooking needs and space, you’ll want to think about appliances. Many of our pieces are flexible to fit appliances you already have with plenty of room to add new ones as well.
What appliances can I add to my modular kitchen?
You can add a variety of appliances to your modular kitchen.
Appliances:
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Gas, hybrid, or wood-fired Fontana Forni pizza ovens
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Small refrigerator
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Lynx grill
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Kamado Joe, Green Egg or similar sized smoker
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Sink
You can also add pieces with shelving, storage drawers, corner pieces and countertops great for food prep or serving food. Choose your own modules to create your kitchen or pick from one of our more popular prefab outdoor kitchen kits.
Step 4: Set Your Budget and Explore Options:
After you figure out all of your needs in terms of space, appliances and cooking needs, you’ll want to set your budget. Our outdoor modular kitchens cost around $1,200 per linear foot. Some of our more common configurations run between $10,000-$14,000. Shipping is a flat $200 fee. If you are purchasing a gas pizza oven and you want to put in a natural gas line for that or your grill, take that cost into consideration. It is an extra cost to add in a sink (or feel free to purchase your own) or add a countertop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Modular Kitchen
It’s important to know what to think about and also what to avoid in any guide to outdoor kitchen kits. Some of the most common mistakes we see are:
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Overcrowding small spaces – our modules are flexible and designed to fit your space, so there should be no need to overcrowd.
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Ignoring ventilation and clearance requirements–make sure you have a good understanding of the needs for your appliances so you aren’t put into a dangerous position.
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Buying before planning utility access– You’ll want to make sure that you have ways to access the utilities you need for your appliances whether it be gas for your pizza oven or grill, water for your sink, or electricity for the fridge.
FAQs
What is the best layout for a small space?
The beauty of modular kitchens is that you can choose the best layout for your space. If you are looking for one of our pre-configured models, the Elysia Core is our smallest at 7.5 feet.
Can I expand my outdoor kitchen over time?
You can absolutely expand your outdoor kitchen over time, that’s the beauty of modular outdoor kitchens. Add in pieces to make the footprint bigger or add new appliances.
What appliances should I prioritize in my modular outdoor kitchen?
The appliances you prioritize are completely up to you - modular outdoor ktichens are designed for ultimate customization. Consider adding a Fontana Forni pizza oven if you love to host. If you serve a lot of drinks, a fridge may be the way to go. A sink is great for prep. You really can’t go wrong with any of it.
How to install a modular outdoor kitchen?
A modular kitchen is easy to install and each module should take about 30-45 minutes. Unlike built-in traditional kitchens, they do not require professional installation. Because they are freestanding modular objects they also don’t require permitting. They’re also easy to reconfigure if you want to move things around or add additional pieces.
About Fontana Modular Outdoor Kitchens
For over 70 years, Fontana Forni has been synonymous with exceptional Italian craftsmanship. Our outdoor steel pizza ovens are a representation of Italian culture, embodying a passion for delicious food and good conversation at the heart of everything we do.
Elysia extends that philosophy with modular outdoor kitchens that are as beautiful as they are functional, offering a true gathering space for family and friends.
With a fully customizable modular design, the kitchens offer versatility, seamlessly fitting into any outdoor space and budget. Their adaptable nature ensures they can evolve with your changing needs.
Each steel module is designed with the Italian craftsmanship you expect from Fontana Forni. Just like our ovens, the assembly is quick and easy.
Elysia is more than just an outdoor kitchen; it’s an extension of your home.
Ready to explore our outdoor kitchens? Check out our Outdoor Kitchen Configurator that allows you to see how an outdoor kitchen would look in your backyard. Book a call with one of our Fontana Design Experts who are equipped to help you pick the best modules for your space.
