What to do before BBQ cooking in an outdoor kitchen

Given Arizona’s proclivity for great weather, BBQ cooking and outdoor kitchens are a way of life for many desert dwellers. Planning is the key to success if you want to create an outdoor hub for your family meals.

Here are several steps you need to take before you begin.

Questions to ask yourself when BBQ cooking in an outdoor kitchen

Begin by earnestly asking yourself what your goals are. Envision yourself with the outdoor kitchen in place in your yard.

• Are you entertaining your family, friends, or both? How many people do you usually cook for?
• Are you envisioning preparing an entire meal outside or just the main course?
• Will you need outside food storage for dry goods or refrigeration for cold foods?
• Will you need storage for plates, eating utensils, and cooking utensils, including pots and pans?

Based on the answers to some of the questions above, consider the proximity of your outdoor cooking space to your indoor kitchen. Locating them close together might be better if you plan on preparing meals in both places. We suggest you write down your answers to help solidify the plan.

Choose your spot your BBQ cooking

The next step in having your outdoor kitchen come together is choosing where in your yard to build. Before making that decision, here are some things to consider.

• What space in your yard is available? Do you need to work around existing patios or a pool? Are there any landscape features you want to preserve?
• Do you want shade? Natural shade through trees and other plantings is a nice touch. There are several other ways to create shade for your space. Umbrellas and fabric covers are good choices, but a solid roof is best if you want to cook while it rains (it does rain occasionally).
• How far is access to utilities? If you want a sink, you will need access to water. If artificial lighting or power for appliances is required, then electrical access is needed as well.

Layout

Deciding the actual layout of counters, equipment, and storage takes thought.

First, let’s start with the thought that you are going to have multiple guests from time to time, and you want to cook most of the meal outside while entertaining.

Ideally, your layout should be separate from the guest space to avoid conflicting movements. A great way to achieve this is to have a raised bar-like top on the opposite side of the work area. Folks can sit and visit while you work. No one likes to be in the kitchen alone!

Cooking most of the meal outside will mean you will want accessible storage areas, both cold and dry. The well-known concept of the kitchen triangle, where a line connects the cooking surface, main sink, and refrigerator to form a triangle, works for inside and outside kitchens. The triangle layout provides for more efficient movement within the kitchen.

Another BBQ cooking aspect to consider

Next, consider a simpler scenario where you share meal prep with the indoor kitchen but still want space to prep and cook outside.

A linear layout works well when the cooking area and a sink can be side by side. A space of about 18″ or 2′ on the counter between the sink and stovetop, barbeque or pizza oven.

If you choose to have a barbecue grill or smoker only, a small surface nearby will help hold the plates that transfer the cooked meal, which would be helpful.

Equipment selection when BBQ cooking

If you have ever walked into a big box store, particularly in the springtime, you may have noticed the plethora of available grills, cooking surfaces and smokers.

Once you are armed with your plan, here are some tips.

• Decide which fuel source you will use for cooking. The fuel choices are charcoal, gas (natural or propane), or electrical.
• Cooking surfaces vary. Open grills and griddle surfaces will cook different foods. If you are going to BBQ steaks with veggies, then a combination of griddle and grill may be in your future.
• If you are baking, then choosing a separate oven or a combined barbeque and oven may be the way to go. The Big Green Egg is an excellent choice for an all-in-one unit that does it all.
• Refrigerators, cabinets, drawers, and all the cooking appliances mentioned need to be rated for outdoor exposure to the elements.

Rosie stopped by for a visit at Barbeques Galore and spoke with sales associate, Ramiz Cajic. Ramiz says that most outdoor kitchen appliances are stainless steel due to the ease of care, and the tolerance for outside conditions. Some people prefer black but Ramiz cautions that the black doors and appliances are powder coated steel, that are subject to rust if scratched.

Countertops need to be able to stand the elements as well. Stone surfaces work best for outdoor kitchens and BBQ cooking.

Make sure you read the specifications for all the devices you are considering to be sure they are compatible with outdoor use.

Benefits of outdoor cooking

A carefully planned outdoor kitchen can provide many benefits to you and your family. This works when you’re BBQ cooking or making a simpler meal.

• Fresh air and an opportunity to connect in a relaxing setting with friends and family. We gotta admit, we love being outside. Make the outdoor dining season last even longer with heaters in the winter and misters or roll-around swamp coolers in the summer.
• Outdoor kitchens tend to use less energy. Ventilation is not needed, and the heat from cooking won’t cause your air conditioner to work harder.

Return on Investment when cooking outdoors

When we asked Dr. Google about this, most sources range the ROI in the 55% to as much as 200% return. Depending on where you are in Arizona, the return will be affected. The more the climate allows you to use the kitchen, the higher the return.

BBQ cooking recipe: Rotisserie Cornish Hen a al Rosie

Scroll down for one of Rosie’s favorite BBQ cooking recipes.

• 2 Cornish hens (in the frozen department at your grocery store)
• Oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Butter, more butter
• Fresh rosemary

Once all that has been assembled, follow these steps.

1. Preheat the BBQ grill to 400.
2. Rinse hens and pat dry.
3. Spray or rub with cooking oil of choice.
4. Rub thoroughly and liberally with salt and pepper, inside and out
5. Place hens on spit with the lid closed for 30 minutes.
6. After 30 minutes, baste frequently with melted butter. (Rosie like the hens to be golden brown. He has been known to spray the coals from afar to get the flame going to do the job. He once tried to use his infamous weed burner, but Jennifer put a stop to that!)
7. Add fresh, finely chopped rosemary to the outside of the bird with the last basting.
8. Use a thermometer to test for doneness (160 degrees).

Serve with wild rice, homemade sour dough bread, seasonal veggies and a fresh salad. This BBQ cooking recipe will have you say, “Yum!”

Related

Constable shares tips on how to remove squattersDave Ramsey says: Only buy a house to rent it out if you're debt-free and buying with cashGov. Katie Hobbs says Arizona mortgage assistance program helps 100 families purchase new homeDon’t let monsoon season catch your electrical system off guardBeat the Arizona heat: Smart AC tips to stay cool all summer longHow Arizonans can make smarter roofing decisions