The outside has become an extension of the family’s living space. Gone are the days when a swing set was the only thing adorning the backyard. Today’s abode is equipped with swimming pools, hot tubs, fire pits, and barbecues. While having a stunning outside is an excellent place for friends and family to hang, no area would be perfect without an outdoor cooking space. Throw caution to the wind and do your meals alfresco. Here are four things you must have in your new outdoor space.

1. Refrigeration

It may seem like the refrigerator inside your home should be adequate to handle your outside needs. However, meats and other foods can go rancid when sitting out in the sun. You don’t want to leave them out for any period. Having a refrigerator at your fingertips allows you to store cold beverages as well as your foods. Plus, who wants to make numerous trips back and forth to the house. You don’t even need to invest in a large refrigerator like the one inside your home. A mini-fridge would be adequate for your outdoor cooking needs.

2. Cooking Equipment

What outside kitchen is complete without a fantastic cooking area? You need something that can really wow your guests with your cooking abilities. Now, you can go traditional and have a grill area set up, or you can kick it up another notch with a smoker and flat board grill. They will think they are in one of those fancy restaurants, which do the cooking in front of you. For outdoor kitchens, including the equipment you don’t typically have inside your home as well. This will keep the experience unique and specific to outdoor cooking. You can build a brick oven for your space to fire cook bread or pizza for an extra special experience.

3. Custom Seating

You can have all the bells and whistles to make great food, but if you don’t have comfortable seating, then people aren’t going to linger. A custom outdoor bar set will give your area style and appeal. You want something durable that can withstand the winter weather, but you also need something cozy for your guests. Having a custom piece designed means that you don’t need to use “cookie-cutter” furniture that wasn’t meant for your yard. When you customize, everything will fit seamlessly and it will allow you to provide seating for the right amount of family and friends you plan on having over.

4. Raise the Roof

Having a roof over your outdoor kitchen is not mandatory. However, if you have invested in a great seating area as well as appliances, then you want to protect them with roofing. There are many options that you can choose from to add some protection to your investment. Remember, the weather in your area plays a significant part in how you should design your covering.

Having an outdoor kitchen is all the rage. If you want to impress friends, test your culinary skills, and have a place to relax and unwind, then make sure you add these four things to your stylish addition.