2026 Guide: Finding the Best Landscape Architects in Chicago

Outdoor kitchens have become one of the most popular home upgrades in the Chicago area. Homeowners want more than just a grill in the backyard. They want a complete outdoor living space that feels comfortable, practical, and enjoyable in every season possible. Chicago outdoor kitchen builders often focus on features that balance durability, style, and function while handling local weather conditions.

Whether you are planning a new outdoor kitchen or upgrading an existing one, understanding the most recommended features can help you make smarter choices. This guide explores the most common elements builders suggest, why they matter, and how they fit into a well designed outdoor kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Chicago outdoor kitchen builders focus on durable materials that can handle changing weather.

• Built in grills and cooking stations are the foundation of most outdoor kitchens.

• Storage, countertops, and prep space are just as important as cooking features.

• Lighting and heating options help extend outdoor use into evenings and cooler months.

• Smart layouts improve flow, safety, and comfort for cooking and entertaining.

Understanding the Chicago Outdoor Kitchen Environment

Chicago has a wide range of weather conditions. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters bring snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds. Outdoor kitchens in this area must be built to handle all of these changes.

Builders often choose materials that resist moisture, rust, cracking, and fading. They also design layouts that allow for easy winterizing when colder months arrive. Understanding this environment is the first step in choosing the right features.

Outdoor kitchens here are not just about luxury. They are about making outdoor spaces useful for as much of the year as possible. This means combining strong construction with flexible design choices.

Built In Grills as the Centerpiece

Most Chicago outdoor kitchen builders start with the grill. It is usually the main feature around which everything else is designed.

Types of Grills Commonly Used

• Gas grills for easy start up and control
• Charcoal grills for traditional flavor
• Pellet grills for smoking and slow cooking
• Hybrid grills that combine fuel types

Built in grills are preferred over portable ones because they offer stability and a clean, finished look. They are often set into stone or concrete islands that match the rest of the outdoor kitchen.

Why Built In Grills Matter

A built in grill becomes a permanent part of your outdoor space. It is easier to integrate with countertops, storage, and seating. Builders recommend this option because it adds structure to the design and helps define the cooking area clearly.

Durable Countertops for Outdoor Use

Countertops are one of the most used parts of any kitchen. In outdoor settings, they must handle sun, rain, snow, and temperature changes.

Popular Outdoor Countertop Materials

Chicago outdoor kitchen builders often suggest materials that do not absorb much moisture and can handle freezing temperatures without damage.

Countertop Design Tips

Builders recommend enough space for food prep, serving, and setting down tools. Long, open stretches of counter space make cooking and hosting easier. Rounded edges are often suggested for safety, especially in family spaces.

Weather Resistant Cabinets and Storage

Outdoor kitchens need storage for tools, dishes, spices, and cleaning supplies. Indoor cabinets do not last long outside, so builders choose special materials.

Common Outdoor Cabinet Materials

• Stainless steel
• Marine grade polymer
• Treated wood or composite

These materials resist rust, rot, and insect damage. Builders often recommend sealed drawers and doors to keep moisture and pests out.

Storage Planning

Good storage design reduces clutter and keeps the cooking area safe. Builders often include:

• Drawers near grills for tools
• Cabinets for dishes and trays
• Hidden trash and recycling bins

The goal is to keep everything close without making the space feel crowded.

Functional Layout and Workflow

Layout is one of the most important features in any kitchen, indoors or outdoors. Chicago outdoor kitchen builders usually follow similar principles used in indoor kitchen design.

Key Layout Zones

• Cooking zone with grill, burners, or oven
• Prep zone with countertops and sink
• Storage zone with cabinets and drawers
• Serving and seating zone

Layout Tips from Builders

Builders suggest enough space between zones to move safely. Paths should be clear, especially around hot surfaces. Seating areas are often placed slightly away from cooking zones to avoid smoke and heat.

A well planned layout makes cooking easier and entertaining more enjoyable.

Sinks and Plumbing Features

Many outdoor kitchens include a sink. It makes washing hands, cleaning tools, and prepping food much easier.

Types of Outdoor Sinks

• Cold water sinks for basic cleaning
• Hot and cold water sinks for full use
• Bar sinks for drinks and light prep

In Chicago, builders often suggest systems that can be easily drained before winter. This helps prevent pipes from freezing and cracking.

Benefits of Having a Sink

• Reduces trips inside the house
• Keeps food prep clean
• Makes clean up faster

A sink turns an outdoor kitchen from a simple grill station into a more complete cooking space.

Outdoor Refrigeration Options

Refrigerators designed for outdoor use are built to handle temperature swings and moisture. Builders often recommend them for convenience.

Common Refrigeration Features

• Compact outdoor fridges
• Beverage coolers
• Ice makers
• Wine coolers

Outdoor refrigerators keep food and drinks close to the action. This is helpful during parties or family gatherings.

Placement Tips

Builders usually place refrigerators near prep or serving areas. They avoid placing them too close to heat sources like grills to protect performance.

Heating Features for Cooler Months

Chicago weather can be unpredictable. Heating features help extend outdoor kitchen use into spring and fall, and sometimes even winter.

Popular Outdoor Heating Options

• Built in gas heaters
• Portable patio heaters
• Fire pits or fireplaces
• Heated flooring in some designs

Builders often suggest heaters that can be turned on only when needed. Fire features add warmth and also create a welcoming atmosphere.

Lighting for Safety and Style

Lighting is both a safety feature and a design element. Builders often recommend layered lighting.

Types of Outdoor Kitchen Lighting

• Task lighting for cooking areas
• Ambient lighting for general space
• Accent lighting for design features

LED lights are commonly used because they last long and use less energy. Builders often suggest lighting under counters, inside cabinets, and around seating areas.

Lighting Design Tips

Good lighting reduces accidents and makes the space more usable at night. Builders recommend warm tones for social areas and brighter lights for cooking zones.

Seating and Dining Areas

Outdoor kitchens are often part of a larger outdoor living space. Seating and dining areas are key to making the space social.

Seating Options

• Built in bar seating
• Outdoor dining tables
• Lounge chairs and sofas
• Bench seating

Builders usually suggest weather-resistant materials like metal, treated wood, or synthetic wicker.

Placement Ideas

Seating is often placed close enough to interact with the cook but far enough to avoid heat and smoke. This helps everyone feel

comfortable.

Shade and Shelter Features

Sun, rain, and wind can affect how often an outdoor kitchen is used. Builders often suggest adding shade or shelter.

Common Shade Solutions

• Pergolas
• Pavilions
• Retractable awnings
• Umbrellas

Benefits of Shelter

• Protects from sun and light rain
• Helps preserve furniture and appliances
• Makes the space usable in more weather conditions

Some designs include partial walls or screens for added wind protection.

Smart Technology Features

Some homeowners choose to add smart features to their outdoor kitchens.

Examples of Smart Features

• App controlled grills
• Smart lighting systems
• Outdoor speakers with wireless control
• Security cameras

Builders recommend keeping smart features simple and reliable. Outdoor conditions can affect electronics, so quality equipment matters.

Maintenance Friendly Design

Chicago outdoor kitchen builders often think about long term care. Easy maintenance helps keep the space looking good.

Maintenance Tips from Builders

• Choose sealed or treated materials
• Avoid materials that absorb water
• Plan for easy access to plumbing and gas lines
• Store cushions and soft items indoors during winter

Designing with maintenance in mind saves time and money over the years.

Safety Features to Consider

Safety is always important, especially with fire and heat involved.

Common Safety Features

• Fire resistant materials near grills
• Clear space around heat sources
• Proper ventilation
• Non slip flooring
• Secure gas and electric connections

Builders follow local codes and guidelines to help keep outdoor kitchens safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Outdoor kitchens continue to grow in popularity across Chicago. Homeowners want spaces that allow them to cook, relax, and entertain outside. Chicago outdoor kitchen builders focus on features that balance beauty, function, and durability.

From built-in grills and strong countertops to lighting, heating, and smart layouts, each feature plays a role in creating a useful outdoor space. By understanding what builders often recommend, you can plan an outdoor kitchen that fits your needs and works well in local conditions.

The best outdoor kitchens are not just about trends. They are about creating a space that feels comfortable, practical, and enjoyable for years to come.

Ready to start planning your outdoor cooking space? Talk with our team to explore design options that fit your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Reference:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/outdoor-kitchen-design-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_724~a_34-239