Texas Backyard Kitchen Essentials: 5 Must-Have Features

You’ve seen all those general outdoor kitchen lists. Provide plenty of storage! Buy cozy seating! But this is Texas — you need expert backyard kitchen solutions that are a lot bigger and a whole lot more specific.

How do you choose an outdoor grill that delivers big, bold flavors and won’t break down in 5 years? How do you lay out your kitchen island to serve dozens of guests? And how can you make cleanup easier — so you can actually enjoy your own party for once?

Our outdoor living design experts identified 5 must-have essentials for every Texas backyard kitchen space. From grill to wine fridge to dishwasher, we’ve got your best solutions — for real Texans, by real Texans.

• An outdoor grill is the backbone of Texas backyard kitchens. Choose a professional-grade grill that matches your preferred power and heat source. Insist on premium features like infrared burners, zone cooking and rotisserie kits.
• Consider a bar island for elevated drinks and dining. Integrate outdoor seating directly into your kitchen space with bar furniture. Use heat and moisture-resistant materials.
• Built-in refrigerators and ice makers are a smart investment. Keep food, drinks and ingredients cool and fresh without constant trips inside your home.
• An outdoor-rated dishwasher makes outdoor cooking simple. Stop running in and out of the house! Save time and clean dishes and glassware in your outdoor space. 

Why Trust Our Texas Outdoor Design Experience?

Since 2009, Allied Outdoor Solutions has transformed over 20,000 Texas backyards into premium outdoor living spaces. We’ve designed and installed thousands of handcrafted outdoor kitchens for customers in Austin, San Antonio, Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

We consulted our team of outdoor designers and contractors and asked a simple question: what makes a great Texas backyard kitchen? We used their local experience and material expertise to create this guide.

Unlock Texas Flavor: A Professional-Grade Outdoor Grill

If you’re buying a grill in Texas, then buy a grill worthy of Texas outdoor living. A rusty portable tripod grill isn’t going to cut it — you want authentic barbecue flavor and advanced tech options.

Premium stainless steel outdoor grills offer a wonderful blend of durability and aesthetic value.. Brands like Big Green Egg have a distinct look and style — be aware they are ceramic ovens, not traditional grills.

Allied Outdoor Solutions maintains great relationships with the best outdoor grill manufacturers. Trust our premium product offers from Bull, Coyote, Viking and Wolf.

Texas Pro Tip: Trust Coyote grills for durability, innovation and killer technology. Their charcoal, gas, pellet grills and smokers are built in Dallas, Texas.

Gas, Charcoal or Wood? Our Expert Insights

If you’re starting from scratch with a new premium grill, your choice of fuel defines your entire cooking experience.

Grill masters know that your fuel source directly impacts the taste, temperature and flavor of your food. Here’s a simple guide to gas, charcoal and wood grilling:

Gas grills are best for homeowners who want a low-maintenance grilling experience with high temperature control and light cleanup. Charcoal and wood grills are best for experienced outdoor cooks who want a wider variety of flavor profiles and higher maximum heat.

Never Use a Gas/Electric Grill Converter Kit

Make sure your outdoor grill is compatible with your energy source! Premium grill makers like Weber specifically warn against using gas-to-electric converters (and vice versa). Plus, these converters almost always void your grill’s warranty.

Tech Features for Premium Grilling and Smoking

Look for premium, upgraded features that offer maximum control over temperature and cooking style.

Here are 6 tech features to consider in a quality outdoor grill:

• Infrared burner systems
• Onboard temperature probes
• Dedicated sear burners
• Hot surface ignition system
• Rotisserie kits and burner
• Fire box

The Social Hub: A Texas-Sized Outdoor Bar Island

Want to recreate that night on the River Walk at home? Need a place for friends to gather before a night out in Lower Greenville?

Bring your outdoor BBQ party together around a statement bar island. You’ll serve food and drinks with ease and provide a central seating area for your guests to interact.

Make your outdoor bar as fun and interactive as possible. Build in a television or sound system to amplify the party, and use smart lighting features with app integration on your phone. 

Be sure to integrate refrigeration and ice solutions into your bar space for cool drinks and easy access (more on these later).

Texas Pro Tip: Carvestone is a do-it-all bar island material made from modified concrete. It’s available in limitless colors, styles and textures — and it withstands 5,000+ PSI of pressure.

Heat and Moisture-Resistant Bar Island Countertops

A beautiful countertop loses its appeal when sear marks and mildew join the party. Be sure your outdoor island countertop offers strong resistance to heat and moisture — especially when serving food and drinks to multiple guests.

Here’s a look at 4 popular materials used for outdoor bar island countertops.

Modified concrete and granite are the best materials for your outdoor bar countertop. They’re durable, beautiful, and offer excellent heat resistance. Be sure to seal your counters regularly to prevent moisture damage.

Quartz is a beautiful selection for wet bars that don’t encounter much heat. Tile is budget-friendly, but it chips easily and grout is quite difficult to maintain.

Choose the Right Bar Layout for Your Outdoor Space

A natural flow in and around your outdoor kitchen guarantees uninterrupted fun for your family and friends. Choose a bar island layout that doesn’t impede your outdoor living space.

Here’s a starter guide on how and where to use popular outdoor bar layouts:

L-Shaped Island: Tuck this layout into a corner of your outdoor patio.

U-Shaped Island: Use this layout to entertain a high number of guests.

Linear Island: Choose this layout in smaller spaces. Place it against one edge of your outdoor kitchen space, or along one wall.

Freestanding Island: Have some room to work with? Want a focal point for your outdoor design? A freestanding layout offers both.

Keep It Cool: Outdoor Refrigeration Solutions

Convenience, food safety, and easy access. Who doesn’t want all three of these in their outdoor kitchen design? Build a refrigerator into your kitchen island, and get all of it at once.

No more trips in and out of the house — keep your food and drinks in an outdoor fridge. You’ll save time, and keep all your focus on cooking, serving and entertaining.

An outdoor-rated refrigerator keeps food at ideal temperatures, and separates perishable grill meats from the food inside your home. No more bacteria, no more cross-contamination.

Look for stainless steel outdoor fridges rated to withstand rain and humidity. If your unit has a glass door, make sure it offers UV protection.

Texas Pro Tip: Bull makes a great outdoor refrigerator. We like its reversible door option to maximize small spaces. They offer industry-leading door seals and front venting.

Got an Outdoor Bar? Invest in a Separate Wine Fridge

Love a glass of white or red wine with dinner — but hate going in and out of the house to get it? Elevate your outdoor kitchen and bar space with a dedicated wine refrigerator.

An outdoor-rated dual zone wine fridge offers dual temperature control for red and white wine storage. Look for sturdy, adjustable shelves to easily store bottles of various sizes. Gliding shelves make bottle retrieval simple.

Proper ventilation is important when building a wine fridge into your outdoor kitchen setup. Front venting is usually preferable.

Cold Drinks on Demand: Install an Ice Maker

Sick of dozens of hands reaching into your cooler for ice? Hate seeing half-melted ice cubs covered in dirt and grass halfway through your barbecue?

Install an ice maker into your outdoor kitchen island and solve all those problems.

Your ice maker must be outdoor-rated! Look for stainless steel products with weather-resistant components (especially joints, hinges, handles and lining). Insulate the unit to improve overall efficiency.

Install a dedicated water line, drainage line and electrical outlet for optimal performance. Like your outdoor fridge, front venting is ideal.

Texas Pro Tip: Live in North Texas? Add a water filter to your ice maker to combat hard mineral scaling and calcium buildup in your ice maker.

Where to Install Your Outdoor Ice Maker

Here are the 4 most convenient places to install an outdoor ice maker:

• Under the Bar Island: Easy access for drinks that need ice, or for that frozen margarita blender you love.
• Within a Dedicated Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet: Protect your ice maker behind a stainless steel cabinet door within your kitchen design.
• Near the Outdoor Refrigerator: Create a central cooling hub that streamlines food and beverage preparation.
• In a Shaded Area: Improve your ice maker’s efficiency by keeping it out of direct sunlight.

Effortless Cleanup: Buy an Outdoor-Rated Dishwasher

The only irritating part of a backyard barbecue is all those trips into the house with dirty dishes and glasses. But why do all that work when you don’t have to?

Build an outdoor-rated dishwasher into your outdoor kitchen island. Keep all your outdoor plate and glassware cleaning outdoors. Run the dishwasher as you serve, and you’ll never miss a moment of your own parties.

As with all outdoor appliances, premium stainless steel is a must. Be sure to install a GFCI outlet for your dishwasher, and seal all mechanical and electrical components against moisture and humidity.

Texas Pro Tip: Maintain a strong, secure drainage connection. Texas’ shifting clay soil can create debris around your outdoor kitchen — a strong drainage system prevents clogs.

Key Features in an Outdoor Dishwasher

Be sure to purchase an outdoor dishwasher with these 5 important features:

1. Powerful Wash Cycles: Heavy-duty and sanitizing cycles are key.
2. High-Temperature Wash: Essential for killing bacteria and ensuring thorough cleaning.
3. Water-Saving Features: Minimize water consumption and reduce utility bills.
4. Quiet Operation: Enjoy your party and guests without the whirr of a dishwasher.
5. Adjustable Racks: Allow for flexible loading options.

Create The Texas Outdoor Kitchen of Your Dreams

Your backyard kitchen should be the hub of your outdoor living space. It’s your chance to elevate your patio, pergola or empty yard space into a dining and entertainment destination for the whole neighborhood.

Make smart decisions about your appliances, layout and cooking surfaces. A premium grill is the focal point of a great Texas outdoor kitchen. Pick a bar island with materials and layout that increase functionality. Add a fridge, ice maker and dishwasher for easy entertaining and better quality of life.

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners like you achieve the outdoor kitchen of their dreams. Isn’t it your turn? Talk to us — and start living the outdoor lifestyle you crave.