Efficient Outdoor Kitchen Storage Ideas

According to architecturaldigest.com, outdoor kitchens are the in thing this year with over 2.18 million Google searches a year dedicated to this topic! But deciding on having cooking facilities outside is one thing, the hardest part now is choosing the design and materials you want to use.

If you are in the process of designing an outdoor kitchen, then you should not overlook the various outdoor kitchen storage options available to you. Some storage options will offer better practical use than others. Plus, if you want your outdoor kitchen aesthetics to look seamless, your storage needs to match up with all your appliances and other design features.

Let’s take a look at some efficient outdoor kitchen storage ideas. By the end of reading this, you should have a much clearer idea of what you want. 

Below-Deck Storage

Do you have raised outdoor decking? If so, why not take advantage of the unused space below your decking? 

The idea is you keep things in there that you don’t use regularly in your outdoor kitchen. For instance, you might want to keep several chairs and folding tables under there that you only use for large parties and events.

Multi-Use Shelving

One of the simplest outdoor kitchen storage ideas you can create is multi-use shelving. You can use them to store all sorts of things.

For instance, you can have baskets of firewood or charcoal on the lower levels. On the higher levels, you could store plates, cooking utensils, and condiments.

Just make sure to waterproof your shelves so they can handle the weather all year round. It’s also a good idea to build them under the existing shelter or add a canopy over them for better protection.

Sheltered Trash Niche

If you’re having parties and cooking outdoors a lot, you’re going to get a lot of trash build-up. A sheltered trash niche can be a great solution to prevent you from getting overwhelmed by all that trash.

Typically, you can build a small wooden outhouse design that you can tailor to fit in your garbage bins in. An easy way of doing this is to buy a small shed and convert it.

Weather-tight Closets and Cupboards

If you’re in the process of building an outdoor kitchen, you should definitely consider adding weather-tight closets and cupboards. You’ll find these super handy for keeping things like tablecloths and other items that you don’t want getting wet.

Water-tight storage compartments are also ideal for keeping any electrical appliances in. For example, you might keep a blender and portable grill in such a compartment.

Wall-mounted Storage Cabinets

If you a trying to save on space while creating outdoor kitchen storage solutions, wall-mounted storage cabinets are a good call. Inside your cabinet, you add hooks to hand kitchen utensils on.

For instance, you may want to hang spatulas, colanders, and even pots and pans in this outdoor kitchen storage solution. You could even hang things like extension cords in there if the cabinet is water-tight.

Shed Shelving

If you already have a shed near where you are planning on building your outdoor kitchen, why not make use of the structure for efficient storage? On one side of the shed, it shouldn’t be too difficult to mount shelving.

Or, if you want to save on space, You can cut out a side section of your she and create shelves that are inset. If you choose this option, you might want to use a sealant around all the gaps for weatherproofing.

Storage Screens

For anyone who wants a quick storage solution without the need for any heavy DIY work, then a storage screen can work nicely. A storage screen can be made of wood for a more natural look, or you could opt for a waterproofed plastic.

The idea is you are just hiding the bulk of your kitchen items to make your garden look more natural and less cluttered. Storage screens are great for parties where you want to keep your garden looking relaxed and tidy.

Backyard Barns

A backyard barn can transform an outdoor space and is an excellent focal point. No matter what the weather is like, you can still enjoy outdoor cooking with a backyard barn with proper barn doors. 

You might choose to have a built-in kitchen area within the barn. Or, you might use the barn to store your barbeque on wheels and tables, which you can just slide out when you want to cook outside with friends or family. 

Floating Islands

Floating islands are just as applicable in outdoor kitchens as much as they are in standard indoor kitchens. You can even add power outlets onto on and feed the cables below your patio or decking to keep things looking tidy. Check out Elite Patio Direct if you want help with under patio cabling and great patio solutions in general.

An outdoor floating island can feature water-tight storage solutions below. These can be in the form of draws or cupboards. You might also want to use the island as a bar. If you put a wooden or metal frame above the floating island, you can then hang wine and beer glasses to make a “fancy feature.”

Underground Cellars

Are you a bit of a wine connoisseur? If so, an underground cellar could be the perfect solution to store all of your favorite tipples for outdoor drinking.

An underground cellar may also be a great place to keep tinned and dry foods. For instance, you could keep your pasta, rice, and tinned tomatoes down there. You could even install a refrigeration unit down there if you’re feeling ambitious!

Outdoor Kitchen Storage Solutions Explained

Now you have a good few outdoor kitchen storage ideas to ponder about. In the end, it’s down to you to come up with a unique and personalized outdoor kitchen space; we hope these ideas help!

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