1. Using the Wrong Appliances

Ensure you get outdoor-rated appliances for your outdoor kitchen. Most homeowners opt for grills, smokers, outdoor kitchens with a kegerator, outdoor refrigerators, and ice machines. 

2. Placing Your Kitchen in Direct Sunlight

Outdoor refrigeration appliances will perform best when not being exposed to direct sunlight.

When it comes to practicality, direct sunlight can also be uncomfortable. Nobody wants to squint into the sun while trying to cook. If your backyard doesn’t have natural shade, you can create a pergola or roof structure to protect your outdoor kitchen from the sun. 

3. Not Separating Hot From Cold

Make sure to keep your cooling and cooking areas apart for safety and ensure that all your appliances are performing their best. You don’t want your grill right next to your mini-fridge or ice machine, for example.

4. Not Giving Yourself Room

Your outdoor kitchen designer should be able to accommodate a cooking area, a food prep area, storage space, appliances, and a comfortable place to gather family and friends. 

5. Using Flammable Materials

Avoid building with materials that can easily catch fire. Instead, use a material like metal, brick, or stone. Pumice is a popular choice due to its weather and fire resistance. 

6. Choosing the Wrong Grill

The grill is your modular outdoor kitchen’s most important part. When planning your kitchen design, take into consideration how many people you will usually grill for.

7. Electricity

Besides choosing where to place your outdoor kitchen, make sure there is an easy way to get electricity to that area. 

8. Not Thinking of the Weather

If you’re a homeowner who lives in a cold climate, ensure to plan the space properly. Depending on how cold it gets, you might need to add a safe place to store electrical appliances.