Storage is one of the most overlooked parts of outdoor kitchen planning. It’s easy to focus on grills and countertops, but without the right storage, even the best kitchen becomes cluttered fast.
Start With What You Own
Before adding cabinets and drawers, think about what you’ll store outdoors:
- Grill tools and utensils
- Cutting boards and trays
- Seasonings and rubs
- Fuel, gloves, and cleaning supplies
Designing storage around real items keeps everything organized and easy to reach.
Drawers vs. Doors
Both have their place:
- Drawers are great for tools and smaller items you use often
- Cabinets with doors work better for larger items like pots, bins, or fuel
A good mix of both usually works better than choosing just one.
Weather Matters
Outdoor storage needs to handle heat, moisture, and temperature swings. That means:
- Proper ventilation
- Durable materials
- Hardware that won’t rust or seize up
Poor storage design is one of the fastest ways an outdoor kitchen starts to fail.
My Design Approach
I plan storage based on how the kitchen will be used, not just how it looks. The goal is to keep tools close to where you cook, protect what’s stored, and make the kitchen feel clean and functional for years.
Good storage doesn’t call attention to itself—it just works.