Spotix, known for its premium outdoor living products, recently teamed up with Alliant Energy PowerHouse TV to provide valuable insights on building the perfect outdoor kitchen. No matter what you’re building, planning ahead is essential to making the most of your space. Spotix’s Product Manager, Alex Wisnousky, emphasized several key considerations to help homeowners create functional and enjoyable outdoor kitchens.

Alex had an outstanding experience partnering with PowerHouse TV for the first time. "Teaming up with PowerHouse and working closely with Pete Seyfer was fantastic," Alex shared. "Their professionalism and attention to detail were evident every step of the way, making the entire project smooth and enjoyable!"

Additionally, you can view the video of Alex and Pete’s conversation here:

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

There are many details that go into building an outdoor kitchen, but the first step is crucial.

“One of the most important aspects of designing outdoor kitchens is proper planning. This includes considering the layout and how people will move and interact in the space” Alex states. “It's crucial because outdoor kitchens often need to accommodate cooking, dining, and entertaining, so maximizing functionality while maintaining comfort is key. A well-planned layout helps ensure everything flows seamlessly, from preparing food to serving guests.”

Planning ahead helps build the foundation for your outdoor kitchen. It can prevent costly mistakes in the future and save time during the construction process.

Location & Layout of Your Outdoor Kitchen

Choosing the right location is key. A shaded area or added shade will keep the space cooler and more comfortable, reducing the workload on appliances like outdoor refrigerators. It’s also important to consider proximity to your indoor kitchen. Having the outdoor kitchen too far away can lead to unnecessary trips indoors. Furthermore, planning for convenient amenities like sinks, storage, trash solutions, and prep space will minimize that hassle.

“One thing people frequently forget when designing their outdoor kitchen is having enough prep space. Similar to an indoor kitchen, you can never have enough room for preparing food, resting utensils and tools, and placing dishes” Alex explains. “Many overlook how much counter space is actually needed to keep the space functional and organized, which can lead to challenges later on.”

Furthermore, the grill is the heart of your outdoor kitchen. Spotix recommends investing in a high-quality grill, as countertops and kitchen layouts are often customized to fit specific models. You can also expand your cooking capabilities with flat-top griddles, pizza ovens, or smoker grills. Additionally, think beyond the grill. Gas heaters can extend the usability of your outdoor kitchen into cooler months. Moreover, organizing the kitchen into hot (grill) and cold (sink/fridge) zones ensures optimal performance.

Focus on Your Outdoor Kitchen’s Energy Efficiency

Cooking outdoors can reduce indoor heat, improving your home’s overall energy efficiency. Adding features like ceiling fans and using Energy Star-rated appliances ensures your outdoor kitchen runs efficiently. Spotix and Alliant Energy both emphasize that investing in energy-efficient products is crucial for long-term savings and functionality.

More About Alliant Energy’s PowerHouse TV Show

PowerHouse TV, presented by Alliant Energy, is a home improvement show offering practical advice on energy efficiency, home maintenance, and sustainability. It features expert tips on DIY projects, efficient heating and cooling, smart home technology, and renewable energy, helping homeowners save on utility costs while improving comfort and safety. Available on local TV and online, the show supports Alliant Energy’s mission to promote sustainable energy use and empower customers to take control of their energy consumption.