Where should you start when setting up an outdoor kitchen? Before choosing a pizza oven, barbecue, or griddle, begin by defining how you intend to use the space: how many guests will you be hosting, and what do you want to cook outdoors? A well-designed outdoor kitchen is planned around these answers and four key zones—cooking, preparation, storage, and serving—before you even consider the appliances. Right in the middle of entertaining season, this is the project that transforms a backyard into a true gathering spot. Here is how to get off to a good start.
What exactly is an outdoor kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is a permanent cooking area set up in the yard, combining—at a minimum—a cooking surface, a countertop, and weather-resistant storage. It can range from a compact unit (featuring a built-in barbecue and a counter) to a full setup complete with a pizza oven, griddle, sink, and refrigerator. The goal is not to replicate the indoor kitchen, but to create a genuine outdoor space for preparing and sharing meals, designed for sociable entertaining.
The 4 zones of a functional outdoor kitchen
A pleasant outdoor kitchen relies on logical flow between four zones. Consider these before choosing a single appliance.
- The cooking area. The heart of the project: barbecue, plancha, pizza oven, or a combination of elements. Its location dictates everything else, particularly smoke management and orientation relative to prevailing winds.
- The preparation area. A clear workspace next to the cooking zone. It is the surface area you always regret making too small.
- The storage area. Exterior cabinets and drawers for utensils, accessories, and fuel—kept protected yet within easy reach.
- The service area. The space where items are placed, served, and received: bar counter, stools, and sometimes a sink or water point.
A kitchen that respects these four zones remains practical, even when five people are moving around in it on a Saturday night.
What equipment should you choose for outdoor cooking?
What equipment should you choose for outdoor cooking?
- The cabinet. The structure that houses and organizes all the equipment—barbecue, refrigerator, storage—into a cohesive, durable, and weather-resistant setup. 360 Fonda Pro is a retailer of Le Marquier cabinets.
- The pizza oven. Compact and capable of reaching high temperatures in just minutes, it transforms any gathering: guests top their own pizzas, and the cooking happens right before their eyes. It is the ultimate “showpiece” appliance. 360 Fonda Pro is a retailer of Ooni pizza ovens.
- The plancha. Its large, flat surface allows you to cook vegetables, fish, and meat simultaneously, without open flames. It is ideal for large groups and for those who enjoy cooking continuously as the evening unfolds. 360 Fonda Pro is a retailer of Le Marquier planchas.
- The high-end barbecue and refrigerator. A classic centerpiece, complemented by a built-in refrigerator to keep food and drinks close at hand. This robust, counter-integrated model serves as the anchor for the entire kitchen. 360 Fonda Pro is a retailer of Delta Heat barbecues and refrigerators.
Le bon mélange dépend de vous : un amateur de grillades n’aura pas les mêmes priorités qu’une famille qui adore les soirées pizza. C’est tout l’intérêt du sur-mesure.
How do you plan the project from start to finish?
Aménager une cuisine extérieure réussie suit une progression simple.
- Define the intended use and budget. Number of guests, frequency, favorite dishes, and available budget.
- Choose the location. Proximity to the house, wind conditions, shade and sun, and access to utilities (gas, electricity, water).
- Lay out the zones. Cooking, preparation, storage, and serving—ensuring smooth flow between them.
- Select materials and equipment. frost-resistant countertops, outdoor cabinetry, and appliances suited to our climate.
- Coordinate the execution. Masonry, connections, and surrounding landscaping: using a single team avoids delays between different trades.
“The finest outdoor kitchens aren’t the most expensive ones; they’re the best-designed ones. We always start by asking the client how they entertain. The answer shapes the kitchen before we even talk about equipment,” notes Pier-Olivier Grandmaison, head of the Landscaping and Pools divisions at 360 Fonda Pro.
Is an outdoor kitchen worth the investment?
For several years, outdoor living spaces have ranked among the most sought-after features in North American residential renovation industry reports. In Quebec, where the warm season is short, an outdoor kitchen effectively extends the time spent outdoors and enhances the yard’s usability. It integrates into a broader outdoor living area alongside a fire pit—see Outdoor Fire Pit: Plan Now for the natural complement to this project. And if you are starting your landscaping from scratch, begin by reading our article: Where to Start When Transforming Your Yard?
Summer is the season for entertaining, and a well-designed outdoor kitchen becomes the heart of the gathering. Whether you dream of an Ooni pizza oven, a Le Marquier plancha for large groups, or a complete setup featuring Delta Heat cabinetry, a barbecue, and a refrigerator, the 360 Fonda Pro landscaping division guides you from design to installation—equipment included. Request your free quote, and let’s design the perfect space for hosting all summer long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Many installations run on propane or electricity. A permanent gas connection needs to be planned early on, as it affects the location.
The counters and structures are selected to withstand frost, whereas removable units are stored away or protected during the cold season.
A compact unit fits into just a few square meters. A full kitchen with a service area requires more space, but a custom design allows the project to be adapted to the available area.
Starting with the cooking area and a good work surface. You can design the entire layout from the outset and carry out the project in stages, without having to redo everything later.
